Tesla Model 2 competitor KIA Ray on preorder at a similar purported price yet with smaller battery

KIA has started taking preorders for its first mass market electric car, the Ray, which will be priced from the equivalent of about US$20,000 for the basic trim when it launches at its home turf. The automaker calls its boxy electrified creation The New Kia Ray, and says that it can cover 5km (~3 miles) per kWh of battery capacity.

The electric KIA Ray is powered by a 35 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that gives it a 145-mile (233km) range on a charge in the city. The mass market Tesla Model 2, which is tipped to have a starting price similar to the US$22,200 tag of the 4-seater Ray version, is however expected to land with a larger 53 kWh LFP battery pack.  

As for charging, The New Ray can go up to 150kW speeds on a fast charger that can bring its pack from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes, while charging at home can bring it to full charge for 6 hours. KIA has given the Ray EV more oomph than its gas-powered version, with approximately 87HP output from the 64.3 kW motor. Electronic brake and parking brake have been applied for the first time in the compact car class, too, while special attention has been paid to the utility and multi-purpose chops of the EV.

The A/C and infotainment system can be used in low-power mode for a long time when the vehicle is not in motion, while all the seats can fold to make the boxy Ray's interior completely flat which would come in handy on camping trips, for instance. The KIA Ray EV comes with a 10 years/200,000 km battery and drivetrain warranty, and the preorders will start shipping next month. 

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