2023 Kia Ray EV Previews Its Second Facelift In South Korea

Kia's oldest production EV is getting refreshed once more, adopting new front and rear end designs and a subtly updated cabin.

2023 Kia Ray

Dan Mihalascu

By: Dan Mihalascu

Aug 12, 2022 at 7:37am ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

The Kia Ray EV was the brand's first production electric vehicle when it launched in 2011 on the Korean market. Remarkably, it's still on sale today, and you would think Kia is finally ready to switch to a second-generation model.

Well, you should think again because the automaker has given the Korea-only electric city car its second facelift after the one received in 2017. This time, the changes are more significant, bringing the tiny Ray EV—its 3,595-mm (141.5-in) long, 1,595-mm (62.8-in) wide and 1,700-mm (66.9-in) high—in line with the brand's newer products.

At the front, the 2023 Kia Ray EV adopts a redesigned front "grille" sporting the updated corporate badge. The closed-off grille is flanked by new LED headlights with that adopt a vertical layout instead of the predecessor model’s horizontal units. Down below, the bumper has a brand-new design as well and no longer integrates the fog lights; it also adopts a skid plate-like element at the bottom.

Seen from the side, the Kia Ray EV looks almost identical to the outgoing model bar the new alloy wheel design.

Gallery: 2023 Kia Ray

2023 Kia Ray

More changes can be seen at the rear, where the mini EV boasts new LED taillights connected to glossy black trim pieces extending across the tailgate. The rear bumper has been redesigned as well to look more SUV-like and the tailgate handle is now hidden.

Moving on to the interior, Kia hasn't made too many changes besides adding a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, enlarging the center infotainment display at the expense of physical buttons and slapping its new logo on the steering wheel. The press release also mentions the light gray fabric applied to the seats and door panels. The changes are welcome, but the dashboard design is clearly getting on a bit.

What do you think?

View

Comments

As Hyundai Motor Group's brands have accustomed us lately, the 2023 Kia Ray EV is shown in only a few images without any technical specifications. The full reveal will follow in the coming weeks, when we'll hopefully learn something about the EV powertrain. Speaking of powertrain, the Kia Ray also offers a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine in Korea.

In its current form, the Kia Ray EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 50 kilowatts (67 horsepower), which draws energy from a 16.4-kWh lithium-ion battery enabling 86 miles (138 km) of NEDC range. The Korean market launch for the 2023 Kia Ray EV will take place in September, when additional specifications and pricing will be announced.

More stories on Kia's newest electric vehicles

2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line: InsideEVs 70 MPH Range Test

2023 Kia Niro Makes US Debut, EV Model Has 253-Mile Targeted Range

Source: Kia Motors Korea via Motor1.com

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The InsideEVs team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@insideevs.com

View all comments ( )

Trending

Lucid's $50,000 Tesla Model Y Rival Is Getting Closer To Production. Here's The Latest

Mercedes' Answer To Tesla FSD Requires Hands On The Wheel. Does That Make It Better Or Worse?

This Mercedes Went 539 Miles On A Charge. Is Range Anxiety Finally Dead?

Lucid's CEO Said The EV Startup 'Underinvested In Service.' Here's How It's Fixing That