Kia unveils possible new plug-in hybrid to be called the ‘Ray’s

Kia unveils plug-in hybrid concept car

CHICAGO — Kia Motors America introduced its new Ray plug-in hybrid concept vehicle Wednesday that is designed to travel up to 50 miles on one battery charge.

The car, unveiled during the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, is a four-seat compact sedan that the automaker says will run 202 miles on a gallon of gasoline.

It uses both a gas engine and an electric motor and includes a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.

Several other automakers, such as Toyota, are working on new plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Concept vehicles are designs that automakers have developed but not yet committed to manufacturing in large numbers. Kia did not indicate if or when the Ray will be available for sale.