That boxy thing up there? That’s Kia’s Ray EV, and apparently Korea’s first mass produced electric vehicle. Looks-wise it’s not likely the Hyundai i10 re-badge you were expecting, but that does not mean you could count the oblong Soul-inspired city dweller out. With more than a few 86 miles from its 16.4 kWh lithium-ion pack, it’ll take six hours to charge over 220 volts or alternatively 25 minutes with an undisclosed fast-charger. Kia also says its electric motor has a “best in segment” efficiency rating, which at 93 percent sounds plausible. What isn’t however, is the claim it also includes “brisk,” that is at odds with the lethargic 15.9 seconds it’ll take to move from 0-62MPH. Undeterred by its languid persona and unconventional looks? Better start packing those bags, because the first 2,500 are going to the South Korean government. More shots await on the source.
- Kia Ray EV marks beginning of recent era in Korean motoring
- EV assembled on same production lines as regular models
- Range as much as 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes
(SEOUL–Korea Newswire) December 22, 2011 — Kia Motors introduced Korea’s first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the brand new Kia Ray EV – a nil-emissions city car with lively performance and more than a few as much as 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.
For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is an in depth relative of Kia’s 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model’s major dimensions and, in a worldwide first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.
Front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack it truly is engineered for a ten-year life cycle and assuredly packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.
Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg greater than the gasoline model, the electrical motor’s generous torque – 167 Nm (a rise of 77%) – ensures responsive performance. The EV’s acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.
The Ray EV’s automatic transmission offers the motive force a call of 2 modes while in ‘D’ drive. ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode optimizes the delivery of the motor’s torque to realize minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode may be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximise braking power.
Bearing a similar striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap within the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the quick recharge mode) is fitted inside the same location because the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV’ message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag.
Inside, the Ray EV incorporates a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It’s also equipped with the 1st-ever EV-specific navigation system that includes a 7-inch screen and offers crucial information for EV drivers corresponding to the closest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The display shows a circular shaped area wherein the model can travel with its current level of battery power, in order that drivers can see which destinations are reachable and not using a recharge.
Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the federal government plans to extend that figure to a few,100 stations by the tip of 2012.
The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electrical motor achieves 93% efficiency, that is the most effective in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery’s cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% in comparison with competitors’ systems.
The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.
Ray EV could also be equipped with a brand new sort of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electrical motor, in place of the gasoline engine within the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result’s consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide selection of driving conditions and the facility to reap excess energy and use it to recharge the car’s battery.
Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which are a possible problem with pedestrians being blind to the upcoming car. To avoid accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this methodology delivers a mix of recorded gasoline engine noises, which might be also emitted whenever the auto is backing up.
Japan and america are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken step one to commercialize this methodology that allows you to anticipate the worldwide industry’s trend.
With the intention that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it’s equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to stop roll-back) – as standard.
During 2012, Kia is planning to fabricate 2,500 units of the Ray EV, so as to be provided to government departments and public offices as component to Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to offer environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the globe in the course of the next decade.
Additional Kia Ray EV images in addition other Kia related video, stills and other press material are available in at Kia Motors’ Multimedia Library (http://kia.synapticdigital.com), powered by Synaptic Digital. Content comes in HD, broadcast, and streaming-quality formats, including PAL and NTSC, and may be downloaded utilizing the industry’s fastest download technology.
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