My Perfect Automobile » Coda

Coda Electric Car: To the Racetrack!

Larry Bell — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 21:15:44 +0000

A Coda electric car

This past week, a group of Coda employees, also known collectively as Coda Refuel Team, took a donated Coda electric car and prepped it for the racetrack. On a meager budget, the part-time team put plenty of sweat equity into their one-and-only Coda racer, hoping to do great things at Laguna Seca track.

Coda Electric Car: Video

Coda was at the Detroit Auto Show back in January showing off a couple of their prototype models. As the narrator points out, many people call the Coda EV “the working person’s electric car.” Based solely upon the price, that is a 100 percent true statement. The video features the pair of models Coda had at the auto show, one with a bit more range than the other. Essentially, the slightly more expensive model offered a 150-mile range, while the other, less expensive one, had a 125-mile range.

Coda Electric Car: Price

Mazda’s Raceway at Laguna Seca is now open to electric cars and motorcycles. In fact, it has been for about three years now, and has become something of a magnet for the alternative fuel racing community.

In March, when the company began selling its electric sedans through mall stores, the price was about $2,500 less than had been anticipated. The official price is now $37,250, which can be greatly reduced after financial rebates and incentives. This newer, less expensive Coda is slightly different from the models that were shown in Detroit. The sedans now on sale feature a 31-kWh battery that sits underneath the floor, and the car’s range is 125 miles.

For drivers who want an all-electric sedan that looks great, has a range well over 100 miles, and a price that makes is among the most affordable alternative fuel vehicles around, the Coda EV fills the bill.

For more information about all the latest happenings at Coda, see the company’s official website:
http://www.codaautomotive.com/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

A Different Direction for Coda Automotive

Catherine Siverts — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:03:56 +0000

Coda Automotive was founded just a few years ago in 2009. Since then, they have produced and released an all-electric model, the Coda all-electric sedan. This vehicle was originally unveiled in 2004 and was designed by Pininfarina. These vehicles only recently found their way into buyers’ hands, however, with the first deliveries taking place earlier this year in March. As of that time, Coda was attempting to get a loan from the Department of Energy. Part of the terms of that loan would include that the Los Angeles, California-based company would manufacture its vehicles within the United States.

It was just recently released that Coda Automotive withdrew its application to the DoE, subsequent to difficulties getting the loan approved. Now the plans to build and run a lithium-ion battery fabrication plant in Ohio have been scrapped. I would proffer that this is due in no small part to the fact that with the DoE loan off the table, Coda is no longer required to manufacture its vehicles within the United States.

While Coda Automotive has yet to officially announce its plans, it is likely that the second electric vehicle expected from the company will be built much like the previous model. It seems likely (though speculative) that the vehicles will be manufactured in China at the Great Wall Motors factory and completed in the US.

The current Coda model sells for about $37,000, which makes the news on the new model all the more intriguing. Per the CEO of Coda Automotive, Phil Murtaugh, the new model should be available around mid-2014 and would be built without the help of the aforementioned DoE loan. He also said that it would be the “most affordable EV on the market, comparable to entry-level internal combustion engines.”

That being said, we should look forward to seeing what the combined forces of Great Wall Motors from China and Coda Automotive from Los Angeles, California can come up with.

Catherine Siverts

Catherine Siverts is My Perfect Automobile’s Expert Author, but people call her Cat. Here is her bio: My Perfect Automobile. Catherine lives in San Jose, CA and is also a Dedicated Member of the My Perfect Automobile Team. Catherine is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Nerdy Stuff (power), Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars!

Coda Rolls Out Car Number One

Larry Bell — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:17:03 +0000

CODA numero uno rolls off the line

Coda Automotive rolled out its first electric car this week, a significant milestone for the Southern California-based firm. Number one has been a long time coming, five years in fact, from a company that has put together a high-quality EV with a realistic price level. The sedan is available in two versions, one with a 125-mile range and a 31-kw battery, the other with a 150-mile range and a 36-kw pack. Official EPA estimates put the range lower, at 88 miles, though Coda spokespersons say the smaller battery pack model tested at 133 miles per charge in city conditions.

The assembly line, which is located in Benicia, Calif., was the focal point this week as years of testing, certification, joint ventures, and supply contracts finally produced an electric vehicle. Prices range from $37,500 for the smaller range car to $39,500 for the large battery pack model. Now the creators of this unlikely company will face their second major test, namely of finding out whether they can meet their first-year sales goals.

The Coda EV Sedan

The Coda Sedan can honestly be called a “world car,” because so many of its components and processes have been developed or sourced overseas, primarily in China. Just over 10 percent of the vehicle is of U.S. origin, while 70 percent is from China. The rest is from Germany, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan. For now, the Coda lineup will only be sold in California, but company representatives indicated that as sales increase, more dealerships would be added wherever the market dictates. Mac Heller, executive chairman of CODA Holdings, envisions an electric car economy that is based on quality products offered at reasonable prices. Indeed, one of the company’s missions is to speed up the cultural acceptance of electric cars.

For more information about all the latest happenings at Coda Automotive, see the company’s website, at www.codaautomotive.com/

Larry Bell

Detroit Auto Show Newswire: Coda Gets Affordable

Larry Bell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:27:28 +0000

Coda Automotive keeps it simple

Range Choices for Buyers, Realistic Prices

Without flashy, high-tech presentations that seem to be par for the course at large auto shows like Detroit’s NAIAS, going on all this week through Jan. 22, Coda Automotive quietly announced that its new, realistically priced cars will deliver range of 125 and 150 miles. Best of all, and in line with Coda’s stated mission of making EVs affordable for the average consumer, the 150-mile range Coda sedan will sell for $39,900 before tax credits, while the 125-mile range vehicle will go for $37,700 before the typical $7,500 credit.

That means a final sticker of sub-$30,000 for an EV that racks up an impressive range of 125-miles, which is within reach of most buyers. Granted, that is still on the high end of what the buying public is willing to spend for a car, but compared to the luxury sedans and SUVs on the market, Coda’s price tag is quite reasonable.

Coda is a company that does things a bit differently, as its display area at the Detroit Auto Show attested. Without lots of marketing fluff, Coda merely manufactures high-quality electric cars and offers them to the public at a fair price. In fact, Coda’s own research showed them that the number one barrier for consumers, when it comes to buying an EV, is not range or unfamiliarity, but price. Hence a key part of Coda’s mission, again setting it apart from most of the car giants, is affordability.

One aspect of the cars that makes their range so high is the battery system, whereby the Coda battery pack is maintained at a constant temperature, shielded from outside thermal fluctuations. This arcane but vital capability of the Coda electronic system allows for range much higher than typical EVs currently on the U.S. market.

To read more about Coda, see the company’s site at: http://www.codaautomotive.com

Range from 125 to 150 miles

Larry Bell

San Jose Car Show.

Bob T — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:36:28 +0000

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at San Jose Car show

This year’s San Jose Autoshow is from January 5 to January 8. The last day of the show will be tomorrow. Although it is several times smaller than the LA Auto show 2 months ago, I was still able to find more than 20 electric models, Hybrids and Alt Fuel Vehicles. Keep in mind that the Detroit show starts this week and that protoype vehicles probably were not available to be in both places at the same time. So, absent was the new BMW i8 from Mission Impossible fame as well as most other future notable prototypes.

You can test drive quite a number of vehicles outdoors including the new Scion IQ, the Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and a number of regular gasoline cars.

Coda introduces their 100% electric car

At the show I found the following cars that are of interest to us:

Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Transit Electric by Azure Dynamics

Chevy Volt (4 of them), Chevy Malibu eco

Coda (see picture to the left).

Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius V

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive

Subaru Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle

Honda Insight, Honda CR-Z, Honda Civic Hybrid

VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel

Lexus CT 200h, GS 450h, RX 450h

Nissan Leaf.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid compares itself to the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid in terms of mpg both City and Highway as well as in price and features. It has a 10 year/100,000 miles waranty on Hybrid components and 10 year/100,000 miles Powertrain protection.

The show is from Jan 5-8 at the McEnery Convention Center, intersection of W San Carlos St and S Market St.

Bob Twaalfhoven

Bob Twaalfhoven + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Owner and Visionary Creator, but people just call him “Bob T”.. Here is his full Bio: Bob Twaalfhoven. Bob lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Founder of BobCAD-CAM software. BobCAD-CAM was created by Bob, who was an engineer graduate of MIT in 1978. He created the software as a means to bring the technology of CAD/CAM to the personal computer. But overall – Bob is a lover of cars, engines and anything that is fast…

Coda Press Release

Bob T — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:58:50 +0000

FIRST CODA EXPERIENCE CENTER OPENS IN LOS ANGELES

CODA Automotive to be the First Electric Vehicle Manufacturer to

Offer Consumers an Innovative Sales Experience

LOS ANGELES, CA-September 8, 2011: CODA Holdings, a California based leading developer of advanced Lithium-ion power battery systems for its all-electric CODA sedan, EV propulsion system and stationary energy storage applications announced the opening of its first consumer store, located in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center in Los Angeles County.

“We’re thrilled to be opening our first CODA Experience Center in such a consumer rich environment,” said Phil Murtaugh, CEO of CODA Holdings.”We want to open dialogue between consumers, provide a stress-free purchase experience and ultimately accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).”

Staying consistent with a green message, the CODA store features eco-tech building materials, such as salvaged wood from Utah’s Lucin Cutoff Railroad Trestle, energy efficient lighting, neutral concrete flooring, formaldehyde free plywood and recycled stainless steel. Both convenient and functional, the bright 900 square foot space is located adjacent to a multiplex theatre, dining terrace, and valet parking, and features an engaging and interactive in-store environment:

Electric Vehicle Bar – An interactive educational area focused on communicating the benefits of electric cars.
Technology Display – A full-scale replica and explanation of CODA’s industry-leading battery and propulsion system.
Test Drive Check-in Counter – A one-stop shop for interested consumers who can sign-up for a test-drive at the time of their visit, make an appointment for a future date, or check-in from an online inquiry (www.codaautomotive.com).

Located in the parking garage directly below the store, CODA’s Test Drive Center will offer customers the chance to take a CODA for a test drive. Drivers can also become comfortable using an EV charger and the installation process, at the six reserved CODA parking spaces with dedicated EV chargers.

Staffed with Guru’s who are passionate about the EV industry, the CODA, and getting your home EV ready, the interactive in-store environment aims to bridge the gap of EV curious consumers and those who are considering purchase. As part of CODA’s goal to become a resource for the EV industry, the company also plans to host a series of free educational events for Century City Shopping Center customers, retailers, and the surrounding community.

About the CODA EV: The four door, five passenger, all-electric CODA delivers the utility of a modern sedan, with the largest trunk in its class and the flexibility of 60/40 fold down rear seats. Every CODA comes with Alpine all-in-one audio, video and navigation system. Also standard, are Bluetooth, a touch screen, connections for iPhone, iPod and MP3 players, a GreenScreen system that monitors driving efficiency and energy consumption. With a powertrain that features 134 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, a regenerative braking system, and an air-cooled active thermal management system, the CODA easily accelerates to a top speed of 85 mph. The class leading 36kWh battery pack that sits between the front and rear axle provides the CODA sedan optimal performance through balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity, and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that charges twice the speed of competitors, providing consumers a full charge from empty in 6 hours, which will provide a range of up to 150 miles, and an average commute distance of up to 50 miles in just two hours.

About CODA Holdings: Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, CODA Holdings is a leading developer of advanced Lithium-ion power battery systems comprised of three key business lines: CODA Automotive, CODA EV Propulsion Systems and CODA Energy. Together with its JV partners, CODA is working to reduce dependence on oil and leading the way to a cleaner future through its electric vehicles and stationary energy storage products. The first consumer product available will be a zero emission four-door, five-passenger EV sedan with a full-size trunk that is designed to meet American drivers’ daily transportation needs. For more information on the CODA sedan, visit www.codaautomotive.com.

Bob Twaalfhoven

Coda at LA Car Show

Bob T — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:45:29 +0000

Coda has a big presence at the LA Auto Show this year with 3 cars! The show runs from Nov 18 to 27.

Coda is manufactured in California and after government and state rebates will cost less than $30,000. Production on the Coda has started and the first ones are expected in a few months. This all-electric car has a range of 150 miles.

It’s exciting to see another startup company in addition to Tesla, Fisker and Wheego enter the car market. This bodes well for the future of electric cars!

Coda is a leading developer of advanced Lithium Ion battery systems. Coda offers an industry leading battery warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The Coda fits 5 adults and features 134 Hp. To learn more visit:
www.codaautomotive.com

Bob Twaalfhoven