First 2012 CODA EV rolls off the production line in California
13 March 2012
The first fully assembled CODA sedan to be sold to consumers drove off the final assembly line. The occasion officially kicked-off the final assembly of CODA Automotive’s first all-electric 2012 CODA five-passenger sedans that will be sold in California—ultimately to current reservation holders.
Final assembly—including the installation of the vehicle’s central powertrain unit and other electrical components, and a robust vehicle safety and quality inspection—are at a facility located approximately 30 miles from San Francisco. With the initial assembly of the glider chassis and Lithium-ion battery pack conducted in China, all research and design, marketing and sales are conducted at the company’s global headquarters in Los Angeles.
The CODA will be soon available for purchase at dealerships throughout California: CODA of Silicon Valley, run by Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG in Northern California; Marvin K. Brown Auto Center in San Diego; and various locations in the Los Angeles region that will be announced soon. As production increases, additional dealerships in the state and beyond will be announced.
The 31kWh 2012 CODA mileage vehicle features 88 miles per charge EPA rating. Depending on driving habits, it can be driven up to 125 miles on a single charge. The 2012 CODA has an MSRP of $37,250; in California, federal and individual state savings and credits may bring the price down to $27,250.
A 6.6kW onboard charging capability provides a full charge in about six hours on 240 V (Level 2 EVSE). The EV is powered by a safe and efficient lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack with a 10-year, 100,000-mile limited battery warranty.
Two years ago they might have made a splash. Now it is an outdated sedan with non-descript styling and a very inefficient drivetrain: 73 MPGe according to the EPA, more than 25% lower than the competition.
Posted by: Arne | 13 March 2012 at 08:57 AM
CODA had lots of name brand backers to begin with, it is just an outsourced mix of various cheap components.
This may become the Yugo of EVs, nothing much to recommend it, but the backers want a return and they will demand it no matter what it takes.
Posted by: SJC | 13 March 2012 at 09:19 AM
Nobody is going to buy this for its styling.
That might be OK if the price were 10K lower.
Posted by: danm | 14 March 2012 at 06:57 AM