Kia launches the 2025 Ray EV starting under $21,000

Kia officially announced the 2025 Ray EV in Korea, with the same low starting price of less than $21,000. However, the current model year adds new features to the previous one. With subsidies, entry-level electric automobiles may be purchased for as little as $15,000, electrek reported.

Last year, the "New Kia Ray" debuted as an entry-level electric vehicle. After beginning pre-orders last August at roughly $20,500 (27.35 million won), the Kia Ray EV received over 6,000 reservations in less than a month.

A Kia representative stated that the New Ray is "the best choice for customers waiting for an entry-level minicar." Kia's low-cost EV is one of the best-selling electric vehicles in Korea.

During the first eight months of 2024, the company sold over 8,500 Ray EVs, outselling the EV6 (7,248) and Kia's new EV3 (5,977).

Moreover, The Ray has achieved the rank of Korea's third best-selling EV after the Tesla Model Y (24,240 units sold this year) and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (14,662 sold), the report by electrek stated.

Kia introduced the 2025 Ray EV on Wednesday. Although the new model has the same low starting price of $20,500 (27.35 million won), it now has more functions.

Kia stated that all 2025 Ray EV trims contain the Drive Wise II and Style packages. The Drive Wise package contains a number of new ADAS technologies, such as safe exit warning and blind-spot collision avoidance help.

Meanwhile, the Style update includes projection headlights, LED rear combo lamps, and more.

The 1-seater Light trim costs $21,500. The 4-seater Light begins at $21,000, while the 2-seater variant costs $20,700. With government subsidies, the Kia Ray EV is available for as cheap as $15,000.

The electric microvehicle has a 35.2 kWh battery and can go up to 127 miles (205 km) in Korea. However, in the city, the vehicle may reach 145 miles (233 km).

With new lower-cost versions like the Casper Electric and Kia EV3, Hyundai Motor forecasts EV sales to increase by 2025.