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Kia's first and smallest EV is significantly improved with a new electric powertrain
While we await the unveiling of several all-new electric models at Kia EV Day later this month, let's take a look at another recently updated Korean EV that is much smaller and only available in South Korea. We're talking about the Kia Ray EV facelift, which comes with a new electric powertrain a year after the updated internal combustion engine-powered version.
For those unfamiliar with Kia's Korean range, the Ray is a more practical but similarly sized alternative to the Morning (also known as the Picanto). It was introduced in 2011 and received facelifts in 2017 and 2022; the second was the most comprehensive. Now it's the Ray EV's turn to receive a series of updates, making it more attractive to buyers and allowing Kia to keep it on sale for a few more years.
Kia Ray EV Updated with More Power and Longer Range in Korea
The most significant changes are superficial, including a new electric motor producing 86 hp (64 kW / 87 PS) and a new battery pack with a capacity of 35.2 kWh. The latter is good for a range of up to 205 km (127 miles) on a combined bike and 233 km (145 miles) in the city.
These features represent a major improvement compared to the current model. Kia's first electric model previously featured a 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor and a much smaller 16.4 kWh battery pack that allowed a range of only 138 km (86 miles).
Note that the Kia Ray shares its underpinnings with several other smaller models in the group, such as the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and Hyundai Casper. Therefore, it would not surprise us if the Ray EV's technical features are reflected in other electric versions in the future. After all, Hyundai has confirmed it's working on a zero-emission Casper, with a camouflaged prototype recently spotted in Europe.
Kia Ray EV Updated with More Power and Longer Range in Korea
The second facelift of the Kia Ray EV reflects the extensive visual improvements implemented on the ICE-powered Ray last year. These include vertically stacked LED headlights, closed grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers and new interconnected LED taillights. EV-specific styling cues include a grille-mounted charging port and new wheels.
Inside, the Ray EV inherits a new digital instrument cluster, a more modern steering wheel and revised climate controls. Additionally, the absence of a gear lever frees up space for a small storage compartment on the front panel. All seats fold flat to create a comfortable living space and, together with the relevant accessories, the perfect companion for a short camping trip. A one- or two-seat LCV version is also available for those who need a small electric minivan for work. Finally, Kia designers added new options to keep the interior trim up to date.
Pricing of the Kia Ray EV in Korea starts at ₩27,350,000 ($20,253) for the entry-level light commercial vehicle and goes up to ₩30,800,000 ($22,807) for the fully equipped passenger model. Predictably, this is much more expensive than the ICE-powered Kia Ray, which starts at as low as ₩13,900,000 ($10,288).
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