By using the first-principles approach, we derive a system of three quantum kinetic equations governing the production and evolution of charged scalar particles by an electric field in an expanding universe. Analyzing the ultraviolet asymptotic behavior of the kinetic functions, we found the divergent parts of the electric current and the energy-momentum tensor of the produced particles and determined the corresponding counterterms. The renormalized system of equations is used to study the generation of electromagnetic fields during and after inflation in the kinetic coupling model L-EM = -(1/4)f(2)(phi)F-mu nu F-mu nu with the Ratra coupling function f = exp(beta phi/M-p). It is found that the electric current of created particles is retarded with respect to the electric field. This leads to an oscillatory behavior of both quantities in agreement with the results obtained previously in phenomenological kinetic and hydrodynamical approaches.