Kia designers have thought of everything when it comes to the EV Ray

A normal person might escape the winter cold by heading south in the middle of February. Recently, I decided to do the exact opposite and I headed north for the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. While I wasn’t crazy about the colder and windier conditions, the trip was well worth it after I saw Kia’s new concept for a plug-in hybrid car, the EV Ray. I’m already filled with excitement to see if the car that exemplifies a viable blend of modern and eco-friendly features will come to the Kia dealerships in Normal!

Right from the start, I was thoroughly impressed with this four-seat concept car. The EV Ray has a sleek body which shows a much sportier side of Kia and is based on the same platform used for the new Forte. Bloomington drivers that are environmentally conscious will appreciate Kia’s many innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies starting with the fact that it’s designed with lightweight and recycled materials. Hexagonal roof-top solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel power extra lighting and the climate control systems, while custom-designed, 20-inch low-rolling resistance tires with a hexagon pattern improve the Ray’s efficiency.

As a plug-in hybrid, the EV Ray is designed to cover driving distances of more than 50 miles using just its electric motor on a single charge. Additionally, it has a fuel economy rating of more than 202 miles per gallon and a total range of 746 miles. Other special features of the EV Ray include touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering, “cool-glazing” solar glass and a lithium-polymer battery, all of which are possible indicators of future technology from Kia.

It’s important to remember that this is only a concept car so it’s hard to say if or when it might be put into production. But I have to say that if the EV Ray is an indication of the direction that the Kia brand is going, I think we have a lot to look forward to! If you want to see what’s available from Kia right now, head into the Kia dealerships in Normal. They have a great selection of vehicles and the friendly sales staff would love to get you behind the wheel of a new Forte! Bloomington driving has never been so exciting!