For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV shares the same dimensions as the 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV (crossover utility vehicle) that was launched last month.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor’s generous torque – 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) – ensures responsive performance.  The EV’s acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 km/h in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 km/h (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 driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D’ drive.  ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode optimizes the delivery of the motor’s torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range.  ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.

Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points.  A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as 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 features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a 7-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations.  The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations.  The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best 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% compared to 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 is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system.  The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car’s battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car.  To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System).  When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry’s trend.

To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

Kia Ray EV / Technical Specification

DIMENSIONS
Length              3593 mm           Width                1595 mm
Height               1700 mm           Wheelbase        2520 mm
Kerb weight       1185 kg

POWERTRAIN
Electric motor    50 kW
Max power        68 ps                Max torque        167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY
Power               330V Lithium ion polymer
Capacity           16.4 kWh
Charge time       6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE
0-to-100 km/h    15.9 sec (to 62 mph)
Max speed        130 km/h (81 mph)
Max range         139 km (86 miles)

Hyundai will focus on plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, while affiliate Kia Motors will focus on electric cars and will start selling a box-shaped pure electric car in South Korea by the end of this year.

Hyundai and Kia, which together rank fifth in global car sales, have been slow in tapping into the segment, focusing more on fuel-efficient gasoline models.  Yang, who heads research and development at Hyundai and Kia, said that it would be difficult for electric cars to replace those equipped with internal combustion engines, citing limited battery technology and infrastructure, according to reports in South Korea.

Last year Hyundai started to produce its first all-electric model, the BlueOn, for only fleet use in South Korea.

A spokesman for Kia said: “While it is true that top group management has decided that Hyundai will pursue plug-ins as its core strategic eco-friendly growth platform while Kia will focus on EVs, this does not mean that Kia will not offer hybrids, plug-ins or FCEVs.  Kia will be the first to launch a global full-electric vehicle but Hyundai could also offer full-EV cars at a later point in time.”

Hyundai has a technological advantage in producing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as it succeeded in independently developing a 115 kW-class stack, a core component for such vehicles. It also operated two ix35 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in Denmark in May on a trial basis.

Last year the German Federal Government, Daimler, EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall, the NOW GmbH National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel-Cell Technology announced ambitious plans for major expansion by 2015. In Germany now there are over 30 hydrogen stations.

Hyundai-Kia has also joined North European Hydrogen Highway Partnership. The South Korean automaker will supply its Tucson ix FCEVs for operation in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland.

Hyundai’s third-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle, the Tucson ix FCEV, is equipped with a 100-kilowatt fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage tanks (700bar).

The Tucson Fuel-Cell can travel 650 km (404 miles) on a single charge – a range equal to a gasoline-powered car. By comparison, the old ix35 FCEV only managed 370 km (230 miles). The new model gets gasoline equivalent fuel efficiency of 31 kilometers per liter, a 15-percent improvement over the previous version.

Hyundai says the Tucson ix FCEV can operate at temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius.

The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.

The Kia Ray concept is a bold new collaboration between design and engineering and inventively showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform and demonstrates a prospective plug-in hybrid vehicle configuration from Kia.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel that power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is the fifth vehicle from the Irvine Calif.-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA) to be revealed in the last year.

The stylish, aerodynamic Ray combines design and engineering for maximum efficiency, incorporating clean, flush surfaces minimizing any unneeded edges, a flowing profile and pronounced rear shoulder ending in a slightly high deck lid for reduced drag, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery – all possible indicators of future technology from Kia. As a plug-in hybrid, Ray is designed to reach driving distances of more than 50 miles using its electric motor on a single charge, and has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon, and has a total range of 746 miles.

As part of Kia Motors’ EcoDynamics sub-brand, the Ray concept demonstrates a unique vision for eye-catching vehicles with the goal of reducing environmental footprints. Kia models will carry the EcoDynamics badge as they are progressively introduced, and are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, these vehicles also will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart.

Hybrid Architecture
The Ray Concept is designed to be powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4-liter engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, power is sent to the wheels from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together. The Ray concept is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel independent suspension.

Furthering EcoDynamics innovation, the Ray concept’s advanced system is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage economical driving. Custom-designed low-rolling resistance with a hexagon pattern, narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) tires also improve Ray’s efficiency.

Striking Aircraft-Inspired Exterior Design
A lowered mono-volume shape and a strong, curvaceous silhouette give the Kia “Ray” concept better aerodynamic properties than taller profile hybrid vehicles.

Strong, lightweight materials are used to support the EcoDynamics philosophy. The LED Kia badge is covered with a single piece of glass that extends over the hood and another piece of glass extends from the cowl of the windshield to the rear header to offer occupants a spacious, airy feeling.

A tapering greenhouse cabin and a longer “tail” improve aerodynamics while reduction of drag is attained through a one-piece integrated underbody panel, narrow tyre width and flush wheel design.

The front headlamps slide back to create openings for better air intake when the petrol engine is being used and a sliding U-shaped deck-lid extends from the rear of the vehicle at higher speeds for improved coefficient of drag.

Instead of side-view mirrors and door handles, motion-detector cameras are mounted flush with the body for safe lane changing procedures and opening of doors.  The result is an airframe on wheels.  The front door opening features a forward cutout design for the feet allowing ease of entry.  The purposeful rear-hinged coach doors add a stylish touch and their height and shape improves entry and exit.

The “Ray” employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to dramatically reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool will reduce air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions.  When the vehicle is parked in the sun, the solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cooling fan to reduce interior temperatures.

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