Post date: Mar 17, 2012 3:25:51 PM
Advertising executive Carmen Danridge-Spiva, who describes herself as "eco-concious," was filled with joy when she was able to finally buy the car, having first inquired in 2007 about its retail availability. And now, with fuel prices increasing by the day, Danridge-Spiva thinks that now is the perfect time to be driving a gas-free car.
"The fact that I can drive by the 5 dollar a gallon gas, I mean, gas is really high here in Los Angeles, I mean, you're looking at $4.50, $4.60 a gallon, so I'm excited about getting off that, and I just think it's about time.
The CODA, an all-electric vehicle made mostly in China by a U.S.-based company, is unveiled in Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (MARCH 16, 2012) (REUTERS) - Makers of the all-electric vehicle CODA gave a set of keys to its first owner Friday (March 16), in a small ceremony that marked the start of sales of five sedan versions of the car in the state of California.
"We've been talking about it since the seventies, energy independence, so I've been waiting a long time, so I'm glad to be able to take advantage of this new technology and to be able to advocate for it."
While the care is largely engineered in the U.S. and some electronic parts are U.S.-made, the battery is manufactured in China by a company co-owned by L.A. based CODA, and the body is contracted out to a Chinese-based firm.
Like Tesla, Fisker and the recently shuttered Aptera, CODA is one of a handful of young, West Coast-based companies making cars designed to save gasoline and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
But American consumers have been slow to embrace electric and rechargeable vehicles, in part because of their additional cost. In late 2011 the vehicles took another public relations hit after federal safety officials opened a probe into battery fires in General Motors Co's. plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt.
After state and federal rebates the car will retail for around $27,250.
Newest US-Based All-Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Celebrates the Start of Consumer Sales
all-electric 2012 CODA five passenger sedans across the state.
CODA's Los Angeles customers were joined by Mr. Murtaugh and owner of the CODA Los Angeles dealership, Dana Martin at the CODA Los Angeles Experience Center. Carmen of Los Angeles, an eco-conscious advertising executive, and Daniel Weiss; CODA Holdings founding investor and board member, and Angeleno Group co-founder and managing partner; are now proud owners of a black and white CODA, respectively.
All early reservation holders were selected based on the vehicle specifications they requested and will automatically receive a numbered plaque located on the center console and custom key chain. Commemorating the start of the CODA movement, the first 500 retail vehicles come with the limited edition features to signify that the EVs are among the first CODAs to hit the road.
The new 2012 CODA is the first all-electric five-passenger, mid-size sedan with full rear seating and trunk space that meets American drivers' daily transportation needs without an ounce of gasoline:
- Best-in-class(i) EPA range rating: The 31kWh 2012 CODA mileage vehicle features 88 miles per charge. Depending on driving habits, it can be driven up to 125 miles(ii) on a single charge, nearly four times the average daily commute(iii).
- Best-in-class range per dollar: The 31kWh 2012 CODA has an MSRP of $37,250, and can go up to 125 miles on a single charge. In California, federal and individual state tax saving and credits may bring the price down to $27,250(iv).
- Fast and easy recharging: An unbeatable 6.6kW onboard charging capability provides a full charge in about six hours on 240 V (Level 2 EVSE).
- Dependable range: The active thermal management system provides constant battery care by keeping the battery pack at its optimum temperature in hot and cold weather conditions.
- The best EV battery warranty: The electric vehicle sedan is powered by an efficient Lithium-iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack with an industry leading 10-year, 100,000-mile limited battery warranty.
More information and reservations for the CODA are available at www.codaautomotive.com. Test drives of the 2012 CODA are available at the following CODA locations: CODA Los Angeles, CODA Silicon Valley, the CODA Experience Center at the Century City Westfield Mall, Fladeboe CODA at Irvine Auto Center, and the Marvin K. Brown CODA San Diego.
About CODA Automotive
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CODA Automotive is a privately held company that designs, manufactures and sells all-electric vehicles. The first CODA EV is a zero emission four-door, five-passenger sedan with a full-size trunk that is designed to meet American drivers' daily transportation needs. Its parent company, CODA Holdings, and its other business lines - CODA EV Propulsion Systems and CODA Energy - develop clean technology products to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and the social, economic and environmental destruction that follows. For more information, visit
(i) Best EPA range in any non luxury compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) class.
(ii) The 31kWh MY2012 CODA has an EPA rated range of 88 miles per charge and can easily achieve 125 miles in the federally mandated laboratory test that simulates city driving (commonly called the LA4 city cycle or Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule). Actual range and vehicle performance will vary depending on personal driving style, speed, traffic, temperature, weather conditions, and cargo load.
(iii) The average driver drives 29 miles a day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website.
(iv) After state and federal tax savings, net as low as $27,250 in California. MSRP $37,250, with federal tax savings from 0-$7,500. CA State rebate of $2,500 (while available) - some states have higher rebates of up to $7,500. Excludes tax, title and license. Initially available through online reservation process.