CODA Clearing the Air https://codaautomotive.com Simple guide to the world of eletric cars Tue, 31 Aug 2024 00:41:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 We’re All in This Together https://codaautomotive.com/we%e2%80%99re-all-in-this-together/ https://codaautomotive.com/we%e2%80%99re-all-in-this-together/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2024 18:57:35 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=548

We are not alone. In fact, America is just one of many countries where both government and business are working diligently to put electric vehicles on the road. Around the globe, the motivations are similar: Roll back dependence on oil. Reduce the combustion of fossil fuels, which warms the planet. And, of course, try to [...] ]]>


We are not alone. In fact, America is just one of many countries where both government and business are working diligently to put electric vehicles on the road. Around the globe, the motivations are similar: Roll back dependence on oil. Reduce the combustion of fossil fuels, which warms the planet. And, of course, try to make something out of potential business opportunities.

Here’s what some of the world’s most ambitious EV movements are up to—and, in terms of carbon monoxide outputs and oil consumption, what they’re up against.

KEY:

-CO2 emissions as nation: annually, measured in million metric tons (“adjusted average,” as calculated by averaging the CO2 emissions of the top-20 CO2-emitting nations: 1,142 million metric tons)

-CO2 emissions per capita: annually, measured in metric tons (“adjusted average,” as calculated by averaging CO2 emissions per capita of the top-20 non-island, economically diverse nations: 13.05 metric tons per capita)

- Oil consumption: number of barrels, per day

CHINA

The Chinese now buy more new cars every year than Americans, and it’s showing: China is the global leader in CO2 emissions. China is also on track to become a world leader in EV technology, and in the promotion and creation of electric vehicles. The government recently announced generous subsidies for the purchase of hybrid or electric vehicles, with financial incentives ranging from $7,400 to $8,900. There should be plenty of products to choose from, as dozens of Chinese automotive companies are currently at work on battery-run vehicles. Indeed, CODA’s joint-venture partner is China-based manufacturer Lishen Power Battery.

CO2 emissions as nation: 6,113.27 (above adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 4.65 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 8.2 million

DENMARK

Denmark thinks a lot about its air—witness the many Danish cyclists always enjoying the breeze, and the country’s world dominance in generating power via wind. The Danish are determined for that sky to remain clear: Denmark’s Dong Energy utility and California-based, EV-services company Better Place together have secured over $100 million to bring the Danes a comprehensive electric-car charging network by 2011.

CO2 emissions as nation: 53.89 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 9.91 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 166,500

FRANCE

When it comes to electric vehicles, France went its own direction as early as the 1990s, installing hundreds of charging stations in anticipation of a big EV movement. That turned out to be a false start. But the country’s enthusiasm for battery-powered transportation hasn’t waned, and France again is paving its own path. Earlier this year, President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that his government will turn a distant French territory into a test bed for electric vehicles. Réunion Island, which has approximately 700,000 inhabitants and sits in the Indian Ocean, will receive a small fleet of pilot electric vehicles. They’ll frequently be charged from renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels.

CO2 emissions as nation: 380.89 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 6.24 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 1.9 million

ISRAEL

Israel is tailor-made for EVs: The country produces virtually no oil, and is small enough to be easily traversed in commuter-type electric vehicles. Earlier this year, Israeli service-station company Dor Alon Energy and California’s Better Place contracted for Better Place to install its battery-swapping stations alongside Dor Alon gas pumps. Better Place believes that EV drivers of the future may sometimes opt to change out discharged batteries for fresh ones—in a quick procedure that’s not entirely unlike a NASCAR pit stop—at dedicated “switch stations.” Better Place estimates that approximately 100 switch stations will be operating in Israel by early 2011.

CO2 emissions as nation: 65.77 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 9.98 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 231,000

JAPAN

Tiny but car-happy Japan, which is the world’s third thirstiest consumer of oil, already hosts over one thousand road-going EVs. The Japanese Ministry of Economy has pledged over $135 million to install charging stations throughout the country this year, and California’s Better Place recently tested the performance of a pilot, battery-swapping station that was dedicated exclusively to servicing electric Tokyo taxis.

CO2 emissions as nation: 1,235.97 (above adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 10 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 4.4 million

NORWAY

The kingdom of Norway has plenty of electricity, courtesy of mountainous terrain that funnels rushing water through the country’s hydroelectric plants. So it’s no surprise that the government of Oslo, the nation’s capital—and its largest city—wants to steer its people into cars that can use some of that juice. Among the 179 recharging stations around the city (with approximately 500 more to come) is a parking lot where electric vehicles park and recharge for free. Own a gas vehicle? You can park nearby for about $8 per hour. Oslo already allows EVs use of its commuter lanes, and exempts them from tolls and annual car registration fees.

CO2 emissions as nation: 49.34 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 8.62 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 204,000

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea is poised to deliver a jolt: The country’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy will soon invest nearly $350 million for R & D costs related to developing advanced EV batteries and similar technologies. The Ministry also pledged that Korean car companies would capture 10 percent of global EV sales by 2015, and that EVs would make up 10 percent of all domestic small-vehicle sales by 2020.

CO2 emissions as nation: 470.61 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 9.83 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 2.2 million

UNITED KINGDOM

The UK once prided itself on being known as an oil producer. No more. For the last ten years its production has slowed, while the country’s thirst for oil remains great. England’s hope? To quickly put no less than 100,000 EVs on its roads. Both public and private sector funds will be tapped for the $88 million required to install 25,000 charging points throughout London. Another 1,300 such charging stations are already in the works across the northeast stretches of the country.

CO2 emissions as nation: 554.02 (below adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 9.37 (below adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 1.7 million

UNITED STATES

You’d think that America, which only trails China in terms of national CO2 emissions, and is far and away the world’s number one consumer of oil, would be highly motivated to glug less at the pump. It is. In 2009, the federal government pledged $2.4 billion in grant money to boost the budgets of nearly 50 EV component manufacturers across the country. Bills currently making their way through congress propose up to $10,000 in tax credit for buyers of electric vehicles, and that billions of additional dollars be made available to further advance electric vehicle technology. Meanwhile a number of homegrown battery makers and infrastructure providers are already working away to make the term “EV” a household word.

CO2 emissions as nation: 5,759.21 (above adjusted average)

CO2 emissions per capita: 19 (above adjusted average)

Oil consumption: 18.7 million

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SOURCES (verified 8/2010)

CO2 emissions (latest available/comparable):

Per nation: http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/SeriesDetail.aspx?srid=749&crid= (2006)

Per capita: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.CO2E.PC (2006)

Oil consumption (latest available): http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/index.cfm (2009)

China

-China becomes the global leader in new car sales: www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/08/china-us-car-sales-overtakes

-China global leader in CO2 emissions: www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/each-countrys-share-of-co2.html (2006)

-China on track to become a leader in EV creation/promotion:

p. 158-159 and p. 163, “Electrification Roadmap” available from the Electrification Coalition:

www.electrificationcoalition.org/

-Government subsidies for EV purchases:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-06/01/c_13327814.htm and

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/china-to-start-pilot-program-providing-subsidies-for-electric-cars-and-hybrids/

and

-p. 159, “Electrification Roadmap” available from the Electrification Coalition:

www.electrificationcoalition.org/

Denmark

-Denmark a world leader in generating wind power:

www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1881646,00.html

-Dong Energy/Better Place collaboration:

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/in-denmark-ambitious-plan-for-electric-cars/

France

-French charging stations in the 1990s:

http://carbonnation.info/2009/02/20/deja-vu-as-france-plans-national-ev-charging-network-again/

and

http://etecmc10.vub.ac.be/etecphp/publications/EVS18infravdb.pdf

and

www.iaei.org/magazine/?p=938

-Nicolas Sarkozy announcement:

www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/01/19/462212.html

and

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/19/french-president-sarkozy-signs-letter-of-intent-for-electric-veh?icid=sphere_searchsphere_news

-Reunion Island information:

www.reunionisland.net/Reunion-Island-Highlights.aspx

Israel

-According to Israel’s Ministry of National Infrastructures, Israel produced 43 barrels of oil per day in 2008: www.mni.gov.il/mni/en-US/NaturalResources/OilandgasExploration/Oil+and+Gas+Production+in+Israel.htm

-Israel is 290 miles long by 85 miles wide at its widest point: www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/Israel+in+Brief/ISRAEL+IN+BRIEF.htm

-Dor Alon and Better Place strike deal: www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/hbc_better-place-signs-charging-station-deal-dor-alon-gas-stations-will-set-up-charging-stations-for-el-759360.html

-100 Switch stations in Israel by next year:

www.greenprophet.com/2010/02/14/17425/better-place-test-facility-israel/

Japan

-Japan’s oil consumption: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/index.cfm

-1,000 EVs on the roads: www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62E15L20100315

-Japanese Ministry of Economy pledges $135 million: http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/japanese-ministry-of-economy-wants-hybrids-and-electrics-to-acco/

-Better Place swapping station for Tokyo taxis: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/better-place-opens-battery-swap-station-in-tokyo-for-90-day-taxi-trial/

Norway

-Norway’s hydroelectric might:

www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4230770,00.html

and

http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/02278/versiunea_text/norway.html

and

www.pavilion.co.uk/dwakefield/curriculum/ks4/letts/hydro.htm

-Oslo and EVs: www.newsinenglish.no/2010/06/23/oslo-aims-to-be-electric-car-capital/

South Korea

-South Korea’s investments/aspirations for electric vehicles:

http://autos.globaltimes.cn/world/2010-03/513799.html

and

www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2250984/south-korea-revs-plan-mass

United Kingdom

-UK’s diminished oil production: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=UK

-100,000 EVs on roads: www.london.gov.uk/electricvehicles/

-25,000 charging stations: www.london.gov.uk/electricvehicles/charging/

-€69 million/$88 million cash outlay: http://urbact.eu/en/header-main/news-and-events/view-one/urbact-news/?entryId=4942

-1,300 charging stations: www.evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=22929

United States

-U.S. emissions: www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/each-countrys-share-of-co2.html

and

http://photos.mongabay.com/09/forecast_co2_line.jpg

-U.S. oil consumption:

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=US

-$2.4 billion pledged to 48 companies: www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/24-Billion-in-Grants-to-Accelerate-the-Manufacturing-and-Deployment-of-the-Next-Generation-of-US-Batteries-and-Electric-Vehicles

-Current bills in congress: www.electrificationcoalition.org/media/Bill-Summaries.pdf

-Domestic EV battery/component makers: www1.eere.energy.gov/recovery/pdfs/battery_awardee_list.pdf

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Savings at the Plug https://codaautomotive.com/savings-at-the-plug/ https://codaautomotive.com/savings-at-the-plug/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2024 18:35:01 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=526

What must America sacrifice in order to slow down its unprecedented oil consumption of nearly 19 million barrels per day? To cut back on the $3,600 or so that the average U.S. household spends annually to drive its cars from point A to point B? Less than you think. Much less. In fact, next to [...] ]]>


What must America sacrifice in order to slow down its unprecedented oil consumption of nearly 19 million barrels per day? To cut back on the $3,600 or so that the average U.S. household spends annually to drive its cars from point A to point B? Less than you think. Much less. In fact, next to nothing.

Here’s some data that will—forgive us—shock you. The battery-powered CODA travels up to 120 miles¹ between charges, but research shows that you may seldom go that far. Many of us frequently drive significantly fewer miles at a stretch, which means if you were driving an electric vehicle, you might be hard pressed to notice what you’re paying at the plug. And you’d soon forget all about spending a lot of money for oil.

Studies show that nearly half of all Americans drive 20 miles or less per weekday, and over two-thirds of us drive 20 miles or less on weekend days. A CODA driver trying to figure out those minimal demands on an electricity bill—as we have in the chart below—would come to the conclusion that driving an EV can be nearly as inexpensive as turning on the lights.

Electricity rate based on national average of 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour (2008).

———-

Destination: Work

Distance (roundtrip): 20 miles

Electricity required to recharge CODA: 7.5 kilowatt hours (kWh)

Cost: $0.85

Household equivalent:

Less than the sum of powering your kitchen appliances on a typical day: Refrigerator 5.8 kWh; microwave 1.1 kWh; dishwasher 2.4 kWh (9.3 kWh total)

———-

Destination: Work

Distance (roundtrip): 10 miles

Electricity required to recharge CODA: 3.75 kWh

Cost: $0.42

Household equivalent:

Watching your plasma TV every night for a couple weeks (.336 kWh/day x 14 days = 4.704 kWh)

———-

Destination: Shopping

Distance (roundtrip): 14 miles

Electricity required to recharge CODA: 5.25 kWh

Cost: $0.59

Household equivalent:

Drying one big load of laundry (5kWh)

———-

Destination: Taking your kids to school

Distance (roundtrip): 12 miles

Electricity required to recharge CODA: 4.5 kWh

Cost: $0.51

Household equivalent:

Working on your computer at home for nearly a week (1.18 kWh/day x 4 days = 4.72 kWh)

———-

Destination: Friend’s house

Distance (roundtrip): 22 miles

Electricity required to recharge CODA: 8.27 kWh

Cost: $0.93

Household equivalent:

Cooling your house with an air conditioner for one warm day: : 7.73 kWh

————————————————————-


¹Like any electric vehicle, CODA’s miles per charge will vary. Like all vehicles, electric vehicles operate with less efficiency in extreme temperatures. Also, personal driving style, heavy cargo loads, and battery age will affect vehicle performance.

SOURCES:

—America consuming nearly 19 million barrels daily

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=US

—Approximately $3,600 spent annually on gasoline: p. 9, “Electrification Roadmap,” available from the Electrification Coalition:

www.electrificationcoalition.org/

—Statistics indicating that nearly half of all Americans drive 20 miles or less per weekday/nearly three-quarters of us drive 20 miles or less on weekend days: p. 123, “Electrification Roadmap,” available from the Electrification Coalition:

www.electrificationcoalition.org/

—2008 national average electricity rate:

www.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_factors_affecting_prices

—Destinations and distances based loosely on National Household Travel Survey Summary of Travel Trends (2001); p. 15/table 5:

http://nhts.ornl.gov/2001/pub/STT.pdf

—“Household equivalent” figures: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040 and www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-356-2.htm (for personal computer). Air conditioner data from www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recs2001/enduse2001/enduse2001.html-although Update: The 2005 stat on average A/C usage in the U.S.: 2,822 kWh/year, or 7.73 kWh/day.

—Other supporting sources:

US Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Omnibus Household Survey (2003): www.bts.gov/publications/omnistats/volume_03_issue_04/html/figure_02.html

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ELECTRIC AGILITY https://codaautomotive.com/electric-agility/ https://codaautomotive.com/electric-agility/#comments Sat, 14 Aug 2024 00:17:25 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=512

The CODA might be the most agile car you’ve ever driven. Do you know the feeling of stomping the pedal and waiting for the car to build speed? Those days are over. The experience of driving a CODA is completely different. It’s small, energy-dense UQM PowerPhase® electric motor packs a punch, and weighs hundreds of pounds less than internal [...] ]]>


The CODA might be the most agile car you’ve ever driven. Do you know the feeling of stomping the pedal and waiting for the car to build speed? Those days are over. The experience of driving a CODA is completely different. It’s small, energy-dense UQM PowerPhase® electric motor packs a punch, and weighs hundreds of pounds less than internal combustion engines. So whether you’re standing still or moving at a good pace, you’ll get instant torque and acceleration when you need it. And because the battery is placed entirely below the car, it has a low center of gravity.

If you don’t believe us, that’s okay. You can experience it for yourself. Just give us your contact info and we’ll get in touch with you when a CODA becomes available for test drives in your area.

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VIDEO: Secretary Locke’s All-Electric Spin in the CODA https://codaautomotive.com/video-secretary-locke%e2%80%99s-all-electric-spin-in-the-coda/ https://codaautomotive.com/video-secretary-locke%e2%80%99s-all-electric-spin-in-the-coda/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2024 22:51:57 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=491

Nearly a month ago to the day we were honored to host U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke at our joint-venture battery manufacturing facility, Lio Energy Systems, in Tianjin, China. The trip was part of the Obama Administration’s first cabinet-level trade mission to the region and focused on improving the economic ties between China and [...] ]]>


Nearly a month ago to the day we were honored to host U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke at our joint-venture battery manufacturing facility, Lio Energy Systems, in Tianjin, China. The trip was part of the Obama Administration’s first cabinet-level trade mission to the region and focused on improving the economic ties between China and the U.S. The Secretary’s visit included a tour of our facility, a demonstration ride in a CODA, discussions related to jobs and collaboration, and an in-depth dive into our battery and vehicle technology. We were thoroughly impressed with the Secretary’s enthusiasm, curiosity and sophisticated understanding of the industry. We quickly learned that he is a “car guy” and proceeded to go through the vehicle’s components, one-by-one, along with Nexteer Automotive and BorgWarner, CODA supply partners.

In addition to the show-and-tell, there was a very serious reason for the visit. As we’ve written about before, there is a growing concern that the U.S. is losing the “race” for global dominance in a variety of industries, and cleantech is no exception. Our position is that innovative teams from all parts of the world can join hands to accelerate the development of clean energy solutions that solve global problems while creating long-term, sustainable jobs and industries for all parties involved – China included. The Secretary echoed this belief with the following quote: “International green-technology partnerships can produce rapid job growth back home and deliver energy solutions abroad, and CODA’s venture proves it.”

Lastly, we brought along a video camera to capture the day’s events with the Secretary. See below for a compilation of highlights. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section!

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WHEN ALL YOU MAKE ARE ELECTRIC CARS, EVERY DAY IS “EARTH DAY” https://codaautomotive.com/when-all-you-make-is-electric-cars-every-day-is-earth-day/ https://codaautomotive.com/when-all-you-make-is-electric-cars-every-day-is-earth-day/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2024 21:09:08 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=460

Have you ever wanted to tell Big Oil exactly how you feel about America’s love affair with it? Well, here’s your chance. Join CODA this Saturday in standing up for and supporting what we like to call “End Dependence Day,” a day when we are no longer dependent on foreign oil and are free from [...] ]]>


Have you ever wanted to tell Big Oil exactly how you feel about America’s love affair with it? Well, here’s your chance. Join CODA this Saturday in standing up for and supporting what we like to call “End Dependence Day,” a day when we are no longer dependent on foreign oil and are free from all of the environmental degradation that it causes. To get your own “End Dependence Day” CODA t-shirt:

1. Follow us (@CODAautomotive) on Twitter

2. Tweet your own Earth Day pledge, and be sure to include @codaauto

3. Pick up your t-shirt and sign CODA’s pledge wall at the Santa Monica Earth Day on the Promenade event between 10 am and 7 pm this Saturday.

Event Details: CODA Automotive will be on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade (booth #3, entrance off of Wilshire Blvd) from 10 am to 7 pm this Saturday showing the CODA, the all-electric car from the all-electric car company.

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CEO Kevin Czinger on CODA’s American Garage Innovation https://codaautomotive.com/ceo-kevin-czinger-on-codas-american-garage-innovation/ https://codaautomotive.com/ceo-kevin-czinger-on-codas-american-garage-innovation/#comments Sat, 03 Apr 2024 00:04:47 +0000 Kevin Czinger https://codaautomotive.com/?p=454

Growing up in Cleveland during the heroic era of hot rodding, I remember building a ’66 Chevelle with an open chamber head, big block rat motor with my brothers in our garage, tuning the suspension, setting the timing just right and then blowing the doors off a high-priced, off-the-shelf Corvette on I-71 on a Friday [...] ]]>


Growing up in Cleveland during the heroic era of hot rodding, I remember building a ’66 Chevelle with an open chamber head, big block rat motor with my brothers in our garage, tuning the suspension, setting the timing just right and then blowing the doors off a high-priced, off-the-shelf Corvette on I-71 on a Friday night.

Today is different. Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild” blasting out of a quadraphonic eight-track stereo no longer contends with the music of Thrush mufflers. The Cleveland garage has given way to the Apple garage, and we believe in time, the CODA garage. We have become globalized, technology-driven, and constantly connected. Nevertheless, American garage innovation remains, stronger than ever. By this I mean that small teams of highly-creative, can-do people who are passionate about what they design and build and are willing and able to compete, anywhere, anytime and with anyone still thrive. This is exemplified by the approaching battery electric vehicle era and by our company, CODA Automotive.

Using 21st century, American garage innovation, CODA plans to bring to market the first safe, affordable, and useful all-electric sedan. How do we do this in an industry of tremendous scale with a fixed asset business model that, for over a century, has been focused on gas combustion engines? How do we create something that is human-sized, progressive and adaptable? We do it by structuring our business model to focus on efficiency and innovation rather than bureaucracy and antiquated processes.

At CODA, we’ve focused our energy and capital on the battery system, the key enabling technology. We have a bureaucracy of one, me, making timing, cost and performance decisions. We have a relatively small, internal team of experienced, decisive automotive and battery engineers who require project transparency to enable cross-functional contribution and involvement. Our internal team works seamlessly to incorporate global technology partners during the design and manufacturing processes, while still maintaining control of the battery system intellectual property. We use a global supply chain and assembly to control costs and reduce capital expenditures, which allow CODA to be flexible, dynamic and quick to market. We then couple that with great branding, marketing and company culture. In a nutshell, that is the CODA garage model.

While our model is global, our core electric drive and battery system engineering partners and suppliers are based primarily in California and Michigan, and the CODA chassis has been fully tested and safety engineered by CODA and a supporting group of US engineering partners. Thus, the core engineering and technology of the CODA is all-American. However, without our global partners, we couldn’t do what we’re doing by 2010. For instance, CODA and our battery system partner, Lishen Power Battery, co-own a China-based joint venture manufacturing facility, enabling us to combine the most advanced battery technology with low cost volume manufacturing. By accelerating adoption of electric cars through the large-scale production of affordable, automotive-grade battery systems, this JV is good for both the US and China. We share common engineering mindsets and values with all our partners and find our collaborative model to be immensely stimulating and productive.

As technology entrepreneurs who believe small and focused is a way of life, we can’t exist and succeed without being smartly interdependent and collaborative with our US and international partners. American garage innovation is alive and well and CODA is working to reconnect that innovation with balanced development and jobs. We believe working on a global level to accelerate adoption of needed clean energy and transportation technology while building new industries and jobs in the US and other countries is truly the biggest win-win. The result will be even cooler than the music of a big block, open chamber rat motor screaming from a ’66 Chevelle.

-Kevin

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Funding a Movement Of Positive Energy by Kevin Czinger, CEO https://codaautomotive.com/funding-a-movement-of-positive-energy-by-kevin-czinger-ceo/ https://codaautomotive.com/funding-a-movement-of-positive-energy-by-kevin-czinger-ceo/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2024 16:48:43 +0000 coda_admin https://codaautomotive.com/?p=445

CODA released some important news today: We’ve now gathered $394 million dollars to expand our battery venture with Lishen. This is exciting news for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it means we can produce more than enough batteries to ramp-up CODA’s production and meet our manufacturing goals. In-turn, this allows us to preserve and [...] ]]>


CODA released some important news today: We’ve now gathered $394 million dollars to expand our battery venture with Lishen. This is exciting news for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it means we can produce more than enough batteries to ramp-up CODA’s production and meet our manufacturing goals. In-turn, this allows us to preserve and create jobs. At home, we will be able to continue to grow volume and jobs with our key suppliers like UQM Technologies, Delphi, BorgWarner, Nexteer Automotive, Celgard, Continental, Novolyte Technologies and many more (welcome news for the California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida economies)! Globally, it means our partners in Europe and Asia will have more work on our behalf. I’ll expand more on the notion of interconnectivity and interdependence in the automotive sector in an upcoming blog.

Long term, this announcement means we will be able to mass manufacture CODA’s battery system to help other companies join the electrification movement. And finally, it means we can move forward with our plans to develop battery systems for utilities looking to store renewable energy.

To wrap-up, I want to add some color on our partnership with Lishen. As one of the top Lithium-ion battery producers in the world, Lishen makes the battery cells for some of the top electronics companies, like Apple, Motorola, Samsung, Vodaphone and others. We partnered with Lishen for a few reasons, but the decision really came down to chemistry (no pun intended). What we found in Lishen was a partner ready and willing to work collaboratively with CODA engineers to quickly bring a transformational product to market. And together, we’ve done something neither could do alone: create a disruptive technology that will catalyze a movement to forever change the transportation and renewable energy sectors.

Off to work.

-Kevin

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THE WSJ’s JOE WHITE TAKES A SPIN IN THE ALL-ELECTRIC CODA AND PROVIDES THOUGHTS ON AUTO INDUSTRY INNOVATION https://codaautomotive.com/the-wsj%e2%80%99s-joe-white-takes-a-spin-in-the-all-electric-coda-and-provides-thoughts-on-auto-industry-innovation/ https://codaautomotive.com/the-wsj%e2%80%99s-joe-white-takes-a-spin-in-the-all-electric-coda-and-provides-thoughts-on-auto-industry-innovation/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2024 20:47:27 +0000 CODA Auto https://codaautomotive.com/?p=431

CODA Automotive President and CEO, Kevin Czinger, had the chance to meet up with Pulitzer Prize winning automotive journalist, Joseph White, and took him for a ride in the all-electric CODA last week at The Wall Street Journal ECO:nomics Conference in Santa Barbara, California. As Czinger stepped on the acceleration and sped out of the picturesque Bacara [...] ]]>


CODA Automotive President and CEO, Kevin Czinger, had the chance to meet up with Pulitzer Prize winning automotive journalist, Joseph White, and took him for a ride in the all-electric CODA last week at The Wall Street Journal ECO:nomics Conference in Santa Barbara, California.

As Czinger stepped on the acceleration and sped out of the picturesque Bacara Resort compound without using an ounce of oil and producing zero tailpipe emissions, White and Czinger got into the specifics of what it takes to build a new automotive company that will redefine the industry for the 21st century and how innovation is central to everything CODA Automotive does.

As an entrepreneurial company that believes being nimble and efficient is a way of life, California-based CODA operates in a global way with partners across America, in Europe and in China. The CODA will be the first safe, affordable, all-electric sedan to hit the US market when deliveries begin in late 2010, and it’s 100% independent of the oil industry.
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Instant Cash Rebate, Not Tax Credit, Needed to Spur EV Adoption https://codaautomotive.com/instant-cash-rebate-not-tax-credit-needed-to-spur-ev-adoption/ https://codaautomotive.com/instant-cash-rebate-not-tax-credit-needed-to-spur-ev-adoption/#comments Sat, 30 Jan 2024 00:33:21 +0000 Kara Saltness https://codaautomotive.com/?p=414

As history shows, the cost to bring disruptive technologies to market is usually steep; but as consumer adoption and demand grow, prices drop. From an ecological, economic, energy supply, and national security standpoint, we cannot wait 10 to 15 years for electric cars. We need affordable electric vehicles now. It’s not a question of when; all [...] ]]>


As history shows, the cost to bring disruptive technologies to market is usually steep; but as consumer adoption and demand grow, prices drop. From an ecological, economic, energy supply, and national security standpoint, we cannot wait 10 to 15 years for electric cars. We need affordable electric vehicles now.

It’s not a question of when; all electric, green cars are coming this year. It’s a question of how.

How do we, as an industry, help consumers overcome the price barrier that exists with this technology so that we can accelerate the widespread adoption of all electric cars?

CODA Automotive conducted extensive consumer insights research and analysis, which indicates that one of the highest impact ways to answer that question and move America into the electric car era is to change the $7,500 Federal tax credit program that is already in place for plug-In vehicles to an instant cash rebate program.

Similar to the 2009 Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program, which resulted in nearly 700,000 new vehicles sold during its eight-week run, a $7,500 instant cash rebate would be paid to retailers at the time of sale. This would provide immediate price relief, reducing the upfront cost to the buyer. While the concept behind the current program (making electric cars more affordable to more people) is a good one, it doesn’t work as a tax credit.

Most Americans think in short term, monthly payments. A tax credit is not something they would see immediately and doesn’t help if they’re financing the car. For instance, with the tax credit program a consumer who finances a $40,000 electric car over a 5-year term, would pay about $150 more per month and accrue nearly $1,300 more in interest payments over the course of their loan than if the program gave them an instant cash rebate. That’s $10,300 more a consumer would pay over the course of five years.

Plug-In Vehicle Finance Transaction (60 Month Term)

Without Price Subsidy

With Price Subsidy

Retail Price

$40,000

$40,000

CA Sales Tax (9.75%)*

$3,900

$3,900

Less Subsidy

$0

$7,500

Down Payment

$4,000

$4,000

Amount Financed

$39,900

$32,400

Interest Paid (6.5%)

$6,900

$5,640

Monthly Payment

$780

$634

*California will likely apply sales tax before deductions

Based on CODA Automotive’s extensive consumer research, restructuring the current Federal tax credit program to be an instant cash rebate would nearly triple demand for all electric cars in 2010-2011. This would also allow CODA Automotive to price its all electric car, with touch screen navigation, on-board telematics, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio capabilities, in the low $30,000-range or below, or simply put similar to a fully loaded Toyota Prius. We believe this lower upfront price, coupled with electric cars’ lower total cost of ownership, will attract a broader range of customers and quickly spur the adoption of all-electric vehicles.

While others (including Darryl Siry and former New York Governor George Pataki) have pointed to the benefits of changing the tax credit to an upfront rebate, we believe it is the manufacturers’ responsibility to advocate for this change. That’s why CODA Automotive is actively meeting with legislators to explain the real benefits of changing the basis of the plug-in vehicle tax credit program to one that is truly beneficial to consumers and a catalyst for initial sales of all-electric vehicles.

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What If I Don’t Charge Up? https://codaautomotive.com/electric-car-battery-state-of-charge/ https://codaautomotive.com/electric-car-battery-state-of-charge/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2023 23:54:36 +0000 Kara Saltness https://codaautomotive.com/?p=384

With so much buzz about electric cars being the future of the auto industry, there is a concern among consumers about how electric cars operate and what habits, if any, drivers will need to change when they make the switch to electric motoring. One common question we are asked is, “What if I forget to [...] ]]>


With so much buzz about electric cars being the future of the auto industry, there is a concern among consumers about how electric cars operate and what habits, if any, drivers will need to change when they make the switch to electric motoring. One common question we are asked is, “What if I forget to charge my car and run out of juice in the middle of rush hour traffic on the freeway?”

People are used to driving their cars long after the empty light turns on – most people could even tell you exactly how many miles they can go before their tank completely runs dry. The idea of charging up a car instead of filling up is foreign to most people, so it’s natural to be concerned about what happens in an electric car when the juice runs out.

These concerns are understandable, but running out of charge in a CODA is very similar to running out of gas in a gas-engine car. In both instances there are many warning signs before the car’s wheels stop rolling.

The CODA is engineered to maximize the life of the battery by not fully draining the battery every drive cycle. However, if you are in a situation where you simply forgot to recharge, the CODA has a system in place to maximize range (miles per charge) as the state of charge (SOC) nears zero.

When the CODA gets to about 15% SOC, a three-stage, orderly reduction of power begins which helps to maximize range and avoid high power draws from the nearly empty battery. In the first stage, the driver can continue driving at maximum speed (80 mph) but acceleration is limited, meaning the car may feel a bit sluggish when trying to speed up. In the second stage, acceleration and power are limited, allowing a top speed of ~60 mph. In the third and final stage, acceleration and power are limited, allowing a top speed of ~35 mph.

With each stage lasting ~5 miles, the driver has ~15 miles to get out of traffic and pull over to safety. At each stage, the CODA’s telematics and in-dash screen alerts will help to indicate to the driver that they should pull over. The moral of the story is that drivers should plug-in regularly to avoid this situation, but they do forget there is ample time to find a suitable place to pull off to the side of the road.

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