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

Kia officially launched the 2025 Ray EV in Korea with the same low starting price of under $21,000. However, the new model year gains additional features. With incentives, the entry-level electric car can be bought for as little as $15,000 (20 million won)

The “New Kia Ray” was reborn as an entry-level EV last year. After opening pre-orders last August, starting at around $20,500 (27.35 million won), the Kia Ray EV secured over 6,000 reservations in less than a month.

A Kia official said the New Ray is “the best choice for customers waiting for an entry-level minicar.” Kia’s low-cost EV is among the top-selling electric cars in Korea.

Over 8,500 Ray EVs were sold in Korea during the first eight months of 2024, topping the EV6 at 7,248 and Kia’s new EV3 at 5,977.

The Ray is the third best-selling EV in Korea, behind the Tesla Model Y (24,240 units sold this year) and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (14,662 units sold).

On Wednesday, Kia launched the 2025 Ray EV. Although the new model has the same low $20,500 (27.35 million won) starting price tag, it now comes with additional features.

2025 Kia Ray EV prices by trim

Kia said all 2025 Ray EV trims include its Drive Wise II and Style packages. The Drive Wise package includes several new ADAS features, like safe exit warning and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.

Meanwhile, the Style upgrade features projection headlights, LED rear combination lamps, and more.

The $21,500 price is for the 1-seater Light trim. The 4-seater Light starts at $21,000 (27.75 million won), while the 2-seater model starts at $20,700 (27.45 million won).

With government incentives, the Kia Ray EV can be bought for as little as $15,000 (20 million won).

With a 35.2 kWh battery, the electric mini car can drive up to 127 miles (205 km) in Korea. In the city, it can get up to 145 miles (233 km).

With new lower-priced models, including the Casper Electric and Kia EV3, Hyundai Motor expects to see EV sales accelerate into 2025. Kia opened its first EV-only plant last week, where it will build the EV3 and upcoming EV4 models.