Kia's 2024 Ray EV might make perfect sense in the Philippines

Kia has recently introduced the Ray EV, marking its foray into the realm of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). With an initial price tag of merely 27.35 million won (equivalent to around P 1,167,000 million), this model stands as Kia's most budget-friendly electric offering.

The foundation of the Ray EV stems from its gasoline counterpart, the Ray MPV, which itself is built upon the framework of the Picanto. However, drawing inspiration from the Ray MPV, the Ray EV incorporates distinct features tailored for electric mobility. Among these is a novel front grille, cleverly designed to integrate the charging port.

In terms of its charging capabilities, the Ray EV boasts an impressive range of 233 kilometers on a single charge, which can be attributed to its 32.2-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The vehicle is propelled by a solitary electric motor generating 86 horsepower and 147 Nm of torque. These figures mark a notable enhancement of 15 percent and 55 percent, respectively, compared to the gas-powered variant.

The standout feature, however, is the Ray EV's quick charging capacity. It can harness a 150-kW DC fast charger, achieving an 80 percent charge from 10 percent in a mere 40 minutes. Alternatively, employing a 7-kW AC wall box extends the charging time to six hours for a full 100 percent replenishment.

The interior of the Ray EV is equally noteworthy. All seating can be flattened, creating an expansive interior space perfect for accommodating travel needs or business activities. Additionally, an exclusive "utility mode" enables the utilization of electric components such as air conditioning and audio systems without the need for driving. This proves advantageous for activities like camping, relaxation, or remote work. Moreover, the vehicle showcases an industry-first electronic parking brake.

Although the base version of the Ray EV, priced at 27.35 million won, is tailored for logistical applications with a single seat, there is also a more family-oriented four-seater version available at 29.55 million won (approximately P1,258,000 million).

As of now, the Ray EV, much like its gasoline-powered counterpart, is confined to its domestic market of South Korea. Nevertheless, given the surging global demand for cost-effective electric vehicles, there is hope that Kia might reconsider and expand the availability of the Ray EV to international markets, so hopefully that includes the Philippines.