Last weekend, I visited the Kia flagship store in Incheon with a friend who was considering purchasing a Ray EV model.
This was my first visit, and I was impressed by the opportunity to see Kia's popular models all in one place.
Additionally, the store operates a service center, so I met some people who came in for car repairs.
For reference, the robot-served coffee is both affordable and delicious, so if you visit, be sure to try an Americano.
That day, I planned to have dinner with my friend, who asked me to help him decide whether to buy the Ray EV model.
The 2024 Ray EV is a pure electric vehicle that can travel 127 miles on a full charge, making it a popular choice for urban driving.
The model began sales on September 21, about a month ago, and has already secured around 6,000 contracts, exceeding its initial target by more than 50%.
The MZ generation, which values practicality, has shown overwhelming support for this economically viable electric vehicle.
Many people appreciate that with subsidies, they can purchase it for around 20 million KRW (approximately 15,000 USD).
This trend explains why smaller and subcompact models are more popular than larger electric vehicles, making the Ray EV's success somewhat expected.
Currently, there seems to be less excitement for high-performance gasoline models compared to electric vehicles.
The high price, approaching 100 million KRW (approximately 75,000 USD) even with a few options, makes it difficult for many to consider it.
I also felt that the interior materials fell slightly short for a flagship electric vehicle model.
On the other hand, the Kia Ray EV model receives high marks for its economic aspects, as well as its interior materials, space, and design, offering great value for money.
My wife and I frequently play golf, so we always keep our golf bags in the trunk. When we fold down the second row in the Ray EV model, we can utilize a significantly larger space.
The high roofline ensures that even with the second-row seats folded down, there is plenty of height, which is one of the advantages of a boxy car.
Although the pure trunk space is small, the high roofline likely contributes to its popularity.
The second row features a 60:40 split fold.
My wife and I would likely keep 40% of the space folded down to fit two golf bags vertically, while the remaining 60% would be used for passengers or other luggage.
I have also heard from Ray owners that the boxy style with its high roof is quite useful for outdoor activities like camping or car camping.
Additionally, the ample headroom and legroom make it comfortable for adult males, which has led some owners to recommend it as a great first car for young professionals.
Length: 141.7 inches
Width: 62.8 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Wheelbase: 99.2 inches
Tire size: 175/60R 14
Curb weight: 2,861 lbs
Highway efficiency: 3.3 miles/kWh
Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate battery
Battery voltage: 265V
Battery capacity: 35.2 kWh
The 35.2 kWh battery capacity is not particularly high, especially when compared to the EV6, which is considered a mid-size electric vehicle.
Unfortunately, the Ray EV lacks the V2L function, and due to the smaller battery capacity, it seems challenging to utilize it for purposes beyond driving.
The electric vehicle subsidy provides an additional 200,000 KRW (approximately 150 USD) if the V2L function is included, which is a bit disappointing.
The prices for the models are as follows: Gravity 18.15 million KRW (approximately 13,500 USD), Signature 17.20 million KRW (approximately 12,800 USD), Prestige 15.80 million KRW (approximately 11,800 USD), and the entry-level Standard model at 13.90 million KRW (approximately 10,500 USD).
Although the exterior design is the same as the gasoline 1.0 model, many people can distinguish the EV model by the way the doors open all the way to the B-pillar.
I also compared the estimated prices for the top trims of the EV model and the 1.0 gasoline model.
2024 Ray EV Air estimated price:
Vehicle price: 29.55 million KRW (approximately 22,000 USD)
Acquisition tax: 480,000 KRW (approximately 360 USD) (electric vehicle discount)
National subsidy: 5.12 million KRW (approximately 3,800 USD)
=> Estimated actual purchase price: 22.28 million KRW (approximately 16,800 USD)
If you apply the local subsidy based on Seongnam City, you can purchase it for around 22 million KRW (approximately 16,500 USD).
If you choose the light trim, it is about 2 million KRW (approximately 1,500 USD) cheaper than the Air trim, so you could potentially get it for just over 15,000 USD.
Vehicle price: 18.15 million KRW (approximately 13,500 USD)
Acquisition tax and bond discount: 0 KRW (exempt for electric vehicles)
=> Estimated actual purchase price: 18.15 million KRW (approximately 13,500 USD)
The gasoline 1.0 model incurs no additional costs beyond the vehicle price.
When compared to the EV Air trim, there is a difference of about 4 million KRW (approximately 3,000 USD), but even if the electric vehicle has a higher purchase price, the savings increase the more you drive.Considering your driving distance and charging infrastructure, it would be wise to make your choice accordingly.
Additionally, many people appreciate that they can utilize it with zero initial costs.
KS AutoPlan operates as a long-term rental and leasing agency that collaborates with all major capital companies.They compare all quotes to present the most affordable usage fees tailored to customer conditions.
In 2020, they won the Asia Economic Brand Power Award, which speaks to their reputation among customers.
If you have a specific vehicle in mind, it's worth reaching out to them for a quote comparison at the lowest price.
Electric vehicles have only recently become mainstream, so over an extended period of use, battery performance may degrade.
Therefore, using an electric vehicle for a specific duration and then returning it to switch to another vehicle might be a comfortable way to enjoy electric driving.
This option may be particularly advantageous for those seeking electric vehicles through long-term rentals.
You can easily apply for consultations through their website, and you can choose to receive the lowest price comparison quotes and delivery information via text, KakaoTalk, or phone.
Today, I introduced KS AutoPlan's long-term rental service, which allows you to meet the Ray EV quickly.
Business consultants are also available, so if you operate a business, you can resolve any inquiries while also taking advantage of economic benefits.
