Tesla’s Roadster costs you a gigantic $100,000 and this is where Coda Automotive aims to strike. Miles EV plans to unveil an all-electric sedan in the California market in 2010 to outclass others in the category. Hafei will assemble this four-door luxury in China under the instructions of Coda. Porsche Engineering also plays a major role in refashioning the Hafei chassis upon which Coda is based. A lithium iron phosphate battery pack from Tianjin Lishen Battery, the Chinese cell manufacturer, keeps it going between 90 and 120 miles on a single charge depending on driving conditions. A standard 110-volt U.S. electric outlet is just enough to charge the Coda’s batteries. The batteries can store 33.8 kilowatt-hours. Being extremely cheaper than the gasoline cars, the Coda sedan costs about three cents a mile.
Coda: The better choice:
Tesla Roadster with the classy Coda sedan. Though the specifications indicate Tesla Roadster to be a better choice, Coda Automotive still has a slight edge keeping price tags in view. Why spend $100,000 on an all-electric Tesla Roadster when you can benefit the environment in less than half that cost? So, I’ll definitely go for the Coda since a better economy, fewer emissions and affordable pricing make it a prudent choice.
Coda flaunts some innovative features:
Other features include a top speed of 80 miles per hour and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds. Not only this, the Coda sedan is engineered to be FMVSS compliant based on the existing crash test results. Be it comfort, convenience or safety, the Coda compromises on nothing. It is supposed to come with with turn-by-turn navigation, a “green screen” to check driving efficiency, an emergency button, a Bluetooth system with an embedded microphone, AM/FM/XM radio with Sirius satellite capability, iPod dock, MP3/USB connectivity, security system, aluminum wheels, and power windows, doors and mirrors.
On top of it, it’s the safest vehicle ever with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and advanced airbags with an occupant detection system. The vehicle is backed by a three-year/36,000 mile warranty. The four-door, five-passenger sedan will be available for $45,000 (mid-$30,000s after including a $7,500 Federal tax credit and additional state incentives).
It will definitely change the equation as far as the Roadster’s sales are concerned when it arrives in 2010.