Kia Ray EV First Series Production Electric Vehicle [VIDEO]

The Kia Ray EV is an electric-powered mini MPV manufactured by Kia Motors. The initial roll out was a limited production of 2,500 units destined for the South Korean government fleets, scheduled to be deployed in 2012. Global production is expected in 2014. In May 2013 a fleet of 184 Kia Ray EVs were deployed in Seoul as part of a carsharing service called "Electric Vehicle Sharing” at a rate of US$5 per hour. The service has 15,000 registered customers.

The Ray EV is the automaker's first production battery-electric vehicles. The electric vehicles is powered by a 50 kW (67 hp) electric motor, with a 16.4 kW·h lithium ion battery that allows an all-electric range of 138 km (86 mi) depending on driving conditions.

The Kia Ray is also available in non EV types equipped with gasoline and bi-fuel with a gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) combination. Both engines are available in four trims - Deluxe, Special, Luxury and Prestige. Only available in the local Korea domestic market, both engines produce similar power and outputs. The gasoline engine generates 78ps/6,400rpm and 9.6 kg.m/3,500rpm. Both engines capacity is 998cc with fuel economies generating 17 km/l for gasoline and bi-fuel delivering 16.6 km/l on gasoline mode and 13.2 km/l on LPG mode. Gasoline engine models weigh in at 998 kg with bi-fuel models weighing in at 1,042 kg. Both are equipped to a 4 speed automatic and currently sold in the Republic of Korea.

- Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring
- EV assembled on same production lines as regular models
- Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes
- Unique EV navigation system locates closest recharging stations
- 2,500 units to be produced in 2012 for use by government agencies