|
Kia Motors introduced Korea’s first electric vehicle, with the
launch of the new Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with
lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a
single charge. |
|
|
|
For supply exclusively to the domestic
Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia’s 1.0-liter
gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It
shares that model’s major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV
manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional
combustion-engine cars. 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 skilfully 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 kph in 15.9
seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (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 optimises 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 maximise 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 minimising 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 seven-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
optimised 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 utilises 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 commercialise
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.
|
