Korea's new year begins with the launch of Kia's first electric car model

The Korean New Year shall be beset with the launch of Kia’s first eco friendly car, Ray EV. As 2012 sets in, bringing with it lots of gusto and new set of joys, the car manufacturer is all rearing to shed the sheets from its new car model. Expanding its line of production from its existing car models, Kia is proud to announce their first electric car.

Kia Ray EV

Deriving all its power from a 50 kW electric motor, Ray EV carries with it the capacity to run 86 miles on a single charge. Reeling in the top speed up by a notch, Ray’s electric motor generates 129 lb-ft torque, making the car zoom to a whopping speed of 62 mph in flat 15.9 seconds. Adding grace to the car’s motor is a 16.4kWh lithium ion battery pack, which can be charged in just 25 minutes for a quick drive around.

If you’re worried about the interiors, then there is very less to worry about. The battery pack has been neatly ensconced below the rear seat and the cabin floor, making it as good as invisible. Coming to the main frame, Kia has built Ray on pretty much the same base as its predecessor. Put forth and broadly placed on a 99 inch wheelbase and a traditional set of doors, the car’s beauty knows no bounds. Even though it may cater to the Korean markets for the time being, there is absolutely no doubt about the authenticity and splendor it carries with it. The 14 inch alloy wheels and ‘zero emissions EV’ tag add a subtle charm to the car’s exteriors.

The interiors have been done up as tastefully as the exteriors. The dashboard incorporates within a cluster of electric motor operations, battery status and how much distance can be traveled with the existing battery charge. Figuratively speaking, the car's dashboard has been equipped with a 7” EV specific navigation system, thereby, giving out the locations of all the nearby recharging stations. At least with this screen in place, one would not have to keep on worrying about losing battery power while on the go.

Limiting its production to only 2500 models, Kia has made sure it makes the best of the produced units. Ray has been launched with two basic modes; the 'E' mode, making the car travel in eco friendly mode. This simply implies the car can travel without any emissions and no overt sounds. The other mode constitutes the 'B' mode, where the brake power of the car is marginally optimized for maximum support to the car’s braking mechanism. All the other features remain intact and, of course, the car shall hopefully be covering long distances with as much agility and fluidity as its parent company is claiming it to.