AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[2012 Coda Sedan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-coda-sedan-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-coda-sedan-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-coda-sedan-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Chinese EV From California's Newest Automaker

2012 Coda Sedan

"Simple."

The word floated around the room and landed gently on our notepad during the morning press conference. Initially, it seemed like a perfect fit. But the more we learned about the new all-electric 2012 Coda sedan, the more we realized that "simple" was nothing but a misunderstood first impression.

Strictly discussing physical appearances, the Coda four-door is easily the least interesting vehicle we have set our eyes on in years - unassuming is an understatement. Yet an in-depth look reveals the plain-Jane façade is deceiving. Hidden beneath the ho-hum sheetmetal, under the hard plastic dash materials and below the thin-pile carpet is an ingenious all-electric propulsion system. Not just forward thinking, it shows promise and innovation too.

We recently spent several hours with Coda, visiting its first retail store, learning about the technology inside that uninspiring bodywork and taking an hour-long test drive in the Los Angeles Basin. Our visit answered a lot of questions. Who is behind Coda? What is the Chinese connection? How does the Coda sedan drive? Most importantly, how does newcomer Coda expect to compete against other EVs in the segment?

Continue reading 2012 Coda Sedan

2012 Coda Sedan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 coda sedancodacoda sedancoda sedan reviewfeaturedquick spinquickspinFri, 14 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20081699/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20081699/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/2012-coda-sedan-quick-spin-review/20081699/article-detail.xml 20081699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-coda-sedan-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-coda-sedan-qs.jpg <![CDATA[AltCar 2009: Coda Sedan test ride; wish we could drive the $30,000 (or so) electric vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/altcar-2009-coda-sedan-test-ride-wish-we-could-drive-the-30-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/altcar-2009-coda-sedan-test-ride-wish-we-could-drive-the-30-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/altcar-2009-coda-sedan-test-ride-wish-we-could-drive-the-30-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Coda EV Sedan - click above for high-res image gallery

Back in August, members of the Diamond Bar Electric Vehicle Association were treated to rides in t he Coda all-electric sedan with Coda Automotive CEO Kevin Czinger at the wheel. This past weekend, AutoblogGreen was given the same opportunity during the AltCar Expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Our 15 minutes in the passenger seat were a real tease - this is a standard-looking EV with more punch than a mid-size-sedan deserves (it felt more feisty than its 0-60 speed of just under 11 seconds sounds), and we can't wait for the chance to drive it for ourselves.

A quick refresher on what the Coda Sedan will offer: a top speed of 80 mph, seating for four/five, a 100- to 120- mile range and a sales price of under $30,000 in California (after state and federal rebates). We didn't sit in the back seat, but should have remembered to do so since we've heard a few reports that it's a tight fit. We did, however, make the most of our time sitting shotgun - after getting the car out of the clever "Break Glass In Emergency" stand it was in most of the weekend - feeling the zero-emission power and learning about where Coda is today with their first vehicle offering. Read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: AltCar 2009: Coda Sedan


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading AltCar 2009: Coda Sedan test ride; wish we could drive the $30,000 (or so) electric vehicle

AltCar 2009: Coda Sedan test ride; wish we could drive the $30,000 (or so) electric vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altcar 2009altcar expoAltcar2009AltcarExpocodacoda automotivecoda electric carcoda ev test drivecoda sedancoda sedan evCodaAutomotiveCodaElectricCarCodaEvTestDriveCodaSedanCodaSedanEvkevin CzingerKevinCzingerquick spinQuickSpinMon, 05 Oct 2009 19:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19185075/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19185075/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/05/altcar-2009-coda-sedan-test-ride-wish-we-could-drive-the-30-0/19185075/article-detail.xml 19185075 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/coda-sedan-altcar-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/coda-sedan-altcar-630.jpg <![CDATA[Borg Warner announces new single-speed eGearDrive transmission for Coda electric sedan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/borg-warner-announces-new-single-speed-egeardrive-transmission-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/borg-warner-announces-new-single-speed-egeardrive-transmission-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/borg-warner-announces-new-single-speed-egeardrive-transmission-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Coda Sedan - click for high-res image gallery

Somewhat LEGO-like, the details of the all-electric 2010 Coda Sedan are coming together. We learned earlier this summer that the EV will use a 100 kW / 134 hp motor from UQM. This week, BorgWarner announced that its eGearDrive single-speed transmission will find a home under the hood of the electric vehicle, which will be introduced in California next year.

The Coda sedan will use BorgWarner's 31-03 eGearDrive, which BorgWarner says is "ideally suited" for electric drive vehicles. The highway-speed Coda Sedan will likely not be the only model to use this transmission, which is adaptable to a variety of systems, says BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems president and general manager John Sanderson. Read more pieces about the Coda EV here; there's more on the eGearDrive after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Coda sedan


[Source: BorgWarner]

Continue reading Borg Warner announces new single-speed eGearDrive transmission for Coda electric sedan

Borg Warner announces new single-speed eGearDrive transmission for Coda electric sedan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borg warner egeardriveborgwarnercodacoda automotivecoda borgwarnercoda electric carcoda evcoda ev sedancoda sedancoda single-speed transmissioncoda transmissionCodaEvCodaTransmissionegearegeardrivesingle-speed transmissionSingle-speedTransmissionSun, 27 Sep 2009 15:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19175531/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19175531/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/27/borg-warner-announces-new-single-speed-egeardrive-transmission-f/19175531/article-detail.xml 19175531 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/coda-ev-side-profile-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/coda-ev-side-profile-630.jpg <![CDATA[EV club members get first rides in Coda Automotive electric sedan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/ev-club-members-get-first-rides-in-coda-automotive-electric-seda/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/ev-club-members-get-first-rides-in-coda-automotive-electric-seda/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/ev-club-members-get-first-rides-in-coda-automotive-electric-seda/#commentsFiled under: ,

Coda EV Sedan. Photo by Stefano Paris.

Oh, to live in Southern California, the emerging epicenter of electric car start-ups. This past weekend, one of those start-ups, Coda Automotive, offered a few test rides in the current prototype of the company's upcoming all-electric sedan to members of the Diamond Bar Electric Vehicle Association. No drives yet - steering wheel duty was left to Coda CEO Kevin Czinger - but now we have the first independent review of what Coda is cooking up for their first offering thanks to our friend Paul Scott of Plug In America.

Some details: the car will have a 100-mile range from a 33.7 kWh lithium ion battery pack. The sedan weighs around 3,500 pounds, including the 700-lb battery. Czinger told Scott that the next-gen Coda sedan will be several hundred pounds lighter. First deliveries are expected for August 2010. Coda hopes to sell 2,000 units in the first year and then 20,000 in the second.

Here's what Scott has to say about riding in the car:
I didn't get to drive it myself, but [Czinger] wasn't afraid to put the car through it paces for us. Even with four full sized adults, the car performed very well. Acceleration off the line was decent and at about 40 mph going up a hill, the car was still able to accelerate strongly. 0-60 is just under 10 seconds and top speed is 85 mph.
What about the look, which hasn't been universally well-received? Scott writes:
The Coda's styling isn't going to turn heads on the highway, but since I often get asked why EVs have to look "so weird", I expect the vanilla styling will suit quite a few folks just fine. It's along the lines of a Toyota Corolla in size and looks.
One bit of news: Czinger told Scott that the sedan will likely sell for around $32,000 (after rebates), which is lower than the price announced in June of $45,000 (before incentives) that would have been in the mid-$30,000s in California. Read more over at EVs and Energy.

Gallery: Coda EV live


[Source: EVs and Energy]


EV club members get first rides in Coda Automotive electric sedan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coda automotivecoda electric carcoda evcoda ev sedancoda sedanCodaAutomotiveCodaElectricCarCodaEvCodaEvSedanCodaSedankevin czingerKevinCzingerTue, 18 Aug 2009 18:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19133255/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19133255/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/18/ev-club-members-get-first-rides-in-coda-automotive-electric-seda/19133255/article-detail.xml 19133255 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/coda-ev-sedan-drive-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/coda-ev-sedan-drive-630.jpg <![CDATA[Coda Automotive adds former MINI, VW exec as marketing officer]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/coda-automotive-adds-former-mini-vw-exec-as-marketing-officer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/coda-automotive-adds-former-mini-vw-exec-as-marketing-officer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/16/coda-automotive-adds-former-mini-vw-exec-as-marketing-officer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Code EV sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Coda electric sedan just got a new advocate. Kerri Martin, who used to work for Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorcycles, MINI and Volkswagen "launching, building and reinvigorating some of the world's most iconic pop culture brands" over the past 15 years, has been hired as Coda Automotive's new chief marketing officer. Her first official statement as CMO: "I'm thrilled to be part of the electric vehicle movement, especially with Coda, a company that is intent on disrupting the category conventions and has the vision to reinvent the car buying and ownership experience."

The Coda EV is due next year. sedan has a range of between 90 and 120 miles, depending on driving conditions. Cost? $45,000 before incentives.

[Source: Coda Automotive]

Continue reading Coda Automotive adds former MINI, VW exec as marketing officer

Coda Automotive adds former MINI, VW exec as marketing officer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda automotivecoda electric carCodaAutomotiveCodaElectricCarfalsekerri martinKerriMartinmiles evMilesEvSun, 16 Aug 2009 15:39:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19127219/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19127219/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/16/coda-automotive-adds-former-mini-vw-exec-as-marketing-officer/19127219/article-detail.xml 19127219 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/coda-ev-grb-630_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/coda-ev-grb-630.png <![CDATA[Former treasury secretary to help Coda work with Chinese suppliers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/former-treasury-secretary-to-help-coda-work-with-chinese-supplie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/former-treasury-secretary-to-help-coda-work-with-chinese-supplie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/former-treasury-secretary-to-help-coda-work-with-chinese-supplie/#commentsFiled under: ,

Coda sedan - Click above for high res image gallery

Following up on Coda Automotive's announcement the other day about closing its Series B funding round, we've received an update from Marketing and Communications director Kara Saltness. One of the investors in the Series B round was former treasury secretary Henry Paulson. Apparently, Paulson will have more of a role with the company than simply an investor. Paulson will be an advisor to the company on its dealings in China.

Ms. Saltness tells ABG
Henry Paulson is now an advisor to the company and will be providing guidance on Coda's work with Chinese companies. With extensive business and political ties to China, Mr. Paulson will be a valued asset as Coda continues to build global partnerships.
The company's advisory board is also being filled out with the addition of Mack McLarty, Tom Steyer, and Dr. Thomas Cardello.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

[Source: Coda Automotive]

Former treasury secretary to help Coda work with Chinese suppliers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda automotivecoda electric carcodaautomotivecodaelectriccarhenry paulsonHenryPaulsonThu, 30 Jul 2009 14:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19113356/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19113356/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/30/former-treasury-secretary-to-help-coda-work-with-chinese-supplie/19113356/article-detail.xml 19113356 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/img_1097-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/img_1097-630.jpg <![CDATA[Coda Automotive gets new investment from Henry Paulson, Piper Jaffray]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/coda-automotive-gets-new-investment-from-henry-paulson-piper-ja/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/coda-automotive-gets-new-investment-from-henry-paulson-piper-ja/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/coda-automotive-gets-new-investment-from-henry-paulson-piper-ja/#commentsFiled under: ,

Coda sedan - Click above for high res image gallery

As Coda Automotive continues its long march toward eventual production of its new EV sedan a year from now, one of things it will need is cash. Plenty of it. The company has beefed up its cash position with the closing of a Series B funding round that adds $24 million to its coffers. Heading up the list of investors are some familiar names - but not necessarily ones that we often associate with the car business. Joining Coda executives and board members Miles Rubin, Steven Heller and Kevin Czinger are newcomers Thomas "Mack" McLarty and Henry Paulsen. Paulsen may best be remembered as the last Treasury Secretary under George W. Bush who led the drive for a nearly trillion dollar bailout of the financial services business last fall. McLarty was the White Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton. Also joining the investor group is investment bank Piper Jaffray and venture capital fund Angeleno Group. The full press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

[Source: Coda Automotive]

Continue reading Coda Automotive gets new investment from Henry Paulson, Piper Jaffray

Coda Automotive gets new investment from Henry Paulson, Piper Jaffray originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coda automotivecoda automotive fundingcoda electric carcoda evcoda ev sedancoda sedanCodaAutomotiveCodaAutomotiveFundingCodaElectricCarCodaEvCodaEvSedanCodaSedanventure capitalVentureCapitalTue, 28 Jul 2009 18:42:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19112209/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19112209/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/28/coda-automotive-gets-new-investment-from-henry-paulson-piper-ja/19112209/article-detail.xml 19112209 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/img_1097-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/img_1097-630.jpg <![CDATA[Coda EV sedan to use UQM motors for propulsion]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/coda-ev-sedan-to-use-uqm-motors-for-propulsion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/coda-ev-sedan-to-use-uqm-motors-for-propulsion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/coda-ev-sedan-to-use-uqm-motors-for-propulsion/#commentsFiled under: ,


Coda sedan - Click above for high res image gallery

Another element of Coda Automotive's electric car program has been confirmed today with the announcement from UQM that it would be supplying motors to the startup company's new EV. The two companies have reached a 10-year deal for a supply of electric propulsion systems. During the first two years of Coda's initial ramp up period, starting in mid-2010, UQM is expected to supply about 20,000 of its UQM(R)PowerPhase(R) 100 motors to Coda. This is a 100 kW / 134 hp motor that is 94 percent efficient and is only 11 inches in diameter.

UQM was the original planned supplier to Phoenix Motorcars before they redesigned their sport utility truck and more recently has supplied motors to Chrysler for its prototype electric vehicles. Chrysler has not said if UQM will continue to supply motors for production versions of its EVs.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

[Source: UQM]

Continue reading Coda EV sedan to use UQM motors for propulsion

Coda EV sedan to use UQM motors for propulsion originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda automotivecoda electric carcodaautomotiveCodaElectricCaruqmuqm codauqm technologiesUqmCodauqmtechnologiesMon, 27 Jul 2009 16:35:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19111068/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19111068/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/27/coda-ev-sedan-to-use-uqm-motors-for-propulsion/19111068/article-detail.xml 19111068 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580.jpg <![CDATA[Coda Automotive announces U.S. battery joint venture ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/coda-automotive-announces-u-s-battery-joint-venture/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/coda-automotive-announces-u-s-battery-joint-venture/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/coda-automotive-announces-u-s-battery-joint-venture/#commentsFiled under: ,


Coda sedan - Click above for high res image gallery

When we spoke with Coda Automotive's marketing director Kara Saltness a few weeks before the unveiling of the new electric sedan, she mentioned that although Lishen would be providing the batteries for the car, Coda was looking at other options as well. Saltness mentioned a possible U.S. partnership for battery production. This week, Coda announced a new joint venture with Connecticut-based Yardney Technical Products, Inc. The new company will work on designing, building and selling lithium ion battery systems for automotive applications. Although a deal hasn't been finalized yet, Lishen is also expected to participate in the new venture which will eventually supply battery packs for the Coda sedan.

The joint venture company, called Coda Battery Systems LLC, has applied for a grant under the stimulus program to build the plant in Enfield, CT. The new venture plans to employ 600 people at the factory. Yardney supplies advanced battery systems to the military and other government customers. Among the applications for Yardney's batteries are the B2 bomber and the Mars rovers. The press release is after the jump. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: Coda EV live


[Source: Coda]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

Continue reading Coda Automotive announces U.S. battery joint venture

Coda Automotive announces U.S. battery joint venture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery joint ventureBatteryJointVenturecoda automotivecoda developmentcoda electric carcoda evcoda ev sedancoda sedanCodaAutomotiveCodaDevelopmentCodaElectricCarCodaEvCodaEvSedanCodaSedanlishenlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesyardney technicalYardneyTechnicalWed, 10 Jun 2009 09:43:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19062503/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19062503/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/10/coda-automotive-announces-u-s-battery-joint-venture/19062503/article-detail.xml 19062503 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580.jpg <![CDATA[Live coverage of the Coda EV including interior photos]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/live-coverage-of-the-coda-ev-including-interior-photos/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/live-coverage-of-the-coda-ev-including-interior-photos/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/live-coverage-of-the-coda-ev-including-interior-photos/#commentsFiled under: ,


Coda sedan - click above for a high res live gallery

Unfortunately, we didn't have anyone from the ABG team available locally to attend the unveiling of the new Coda electric sedan earlier this week in Santa Monica. However, it pays to have friends in sunny places, including our pal Mike Levine. Mike took a break from his coverage of pickup trucks to go check out the new EV and came away somewhat disappointed.

Overall the styling of the car is so-so. It's certainly not going entice anyone interested in a Tesla Model S with its looks. Even with a new nose, it's a pretty average compact sedan.

Mike's primary complaints about the Coda were related to the car's interior. Admittedly this is a prototype and, as such, it can't be judged as final. However, Mike has seen plenty of prototype vehicles over the years and felt this one was pretty rough even for this stage of development. The interior appeared to be the standard production setup from the base Hafei sedan on which the Coda is based, including the logo on the steering wheel airbag. Coda officials promise the production version will be much better and it will need to be if Coda expects anyone but the hardcore EV fans to shell out nearly $40K for this car.

Another issue that may be more difficult to address is rear seat room. Mike describes the trunk as ample but tells us that the volume seems to have come by pushing the back seat forward. The back seat is apparently all but unusable as a result. According to Coda officials we've talked to, the goal is an interior competitive with other cars in the mid-$20,000 range. Hopefully, they are working on it, because from what we can see in these pics, they will struggle to compete with a $10,000 Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa, that $30,000 difference will buy an awful lot of gasoline.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

Live coverage of the Coda EV including interior photos originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coda automotivecoda electric carcoda evcoda ev sedancoda sedanCodaAutomotiveCodaElectricCarCodaEvCodaEvSedanCodaSedanfeaturedmike levineMikeLevineFri, 05 Jun 2009 17:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19059009/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19059009/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/05/live-coverage-of-the-coda-ev-including-interior-photos/19059009/article-detail.xml 19059009 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/img_1097-580.jpg <![CDATA[Miles EV launches Coda Automotive for full speed electric sedan w/VIDEO]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/miles-ev-launches-coda-automotive-for-full-speed-electric-sedan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/miles-ev-launches-coda-automotive-for-full-speed-electric-sedan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/miles-ev-launches-coda-automotive-for-full-speed-electric-sedan/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above for a high res gallery of the Code EV sedan

Today, Miles EV announced that the full speed electric car that it has been developing for the last several years will bear the new Coda Automotive brand. The Coda sedan will be assembled in China by Hafei under the direction of staff from Coda. The new car is based on an existing Hafei chassis that has been heavily re-engineered by Porsche Engineering. The car is powered by a UQM electric motor driving the front wheels with energy storage via lithium iron phosphate battery pack.

The 34 kWh pack will use cells provided by Chinese battery maker Lishen. Coda and Lishen are forming an joint venture for battery manufacturing and hope to eventually produce batteries in the U.S. Coda and an unnamed partner have applied for a DOE loan under the ATVM program to build battery packs in the U.S. Coda expects real world range to be about 90-120 miles depending on driving conditions. The Coda will go on sale in 2010 with factory direct sales at a price of $45,000 before incentives. Following a 200-fleet test in the summer of that year, Coda will be offered to the public starting in the fall. You can read more about the car itself here. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Coda EV sedan


[Source: Coda Automotive]

Continue reading Miles EV launches Coda Automotive for full speed electric sedan w/VIDEO

Miles EV launches Coda Automotive for full speed electric sedan w/VIDEO originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcoda automotivecoda electric carcoda sedanCodaAutomotiveCodaElectricCarCodaSedanmiles evMilesEvWed, 03 Jun 2009 15:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19056725/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19056725/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/03/miles-ev-launches-coda-automotive-for-full-speed-electric-sedan/19056725/article-detail.xml 19056725 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/coda-ev-580_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/coda-ev-580.png <![CDATA[New highway-speed Miles electric sedan to be unveiled next week]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/new-highway-speed-miles-electric-sedan-to-be-unveiled-next-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/new-highway-speed-miles-electric-sedan-to-be-unveiled-next-week/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/new-highway-speed-miles-electric-sedan-to-be-unveiled-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,



On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named. Miles EV CEO Kevin Czinger will make the announcement in Santa Monica, and discuss future plans for the car, which won't carry the Miles EV name, and the company's new high-speed EV brand. The rebranding of the full-speed EV has been a long time coming (see here and here). For the history majors, Miles first mentioned a highway-speed sedan back in 2007 with the name Javlon XS500 and an expected price of $30,000.

While many details of the new car are still secret, we've heard rumors that the car will cost around $45,000 when it becomes available in limited quantities in early 2010. By the end of 2010, full sales should start, and Miles hopes to sell 20,000 units annually starting in 2011.

[Source: Miles]

New highway-speed Miles electric sedan to be unveiled next week originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingjavlonjavlon xs500JavlonXs500milesmiles electric carmiles evMilesElectricCarMilesEvWed, 27 May 2009 14:24:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19049311/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19049311/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/27/new-highway-speed-miles-electric-sedan-to-be-unveiled-next-week/19049311/article-detail.xml 19049311 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450.jpg <![CDATA[Miles Automotive removes highway speed electric vehicle from homepage, rebranding coming soon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/miles-automotive-removes-highway-speed-electric-vehicle-from-hom/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/miles-automotive-removes-highway-speed-electric-vehicle-from-hom/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/miles-automotive-removes-highway-speed-electric-vehicle-from-hom/#commentsFiled under: ,



As you can see in the screen grab above, Miles Automotive's website currently lists two just vehicles: low speed cars and trucks. But, you say, wasn't there a lot of talk about a highway-speed electric vehicle not that long ago (and even quite a while ago)? Indeed there was, and we can now explain why the vehicle has moved off of the company's homepage: it won't be a Miles EV when it arrives.

The $45,000 full-speed electric sedan is coming in 2010 under a different brand name. A few hundred units of the new car, which should have a range of about 100 miles, will be available for early-adopters in early 2010, with full sales starting by the end of that year. Miles says they expect to sell 3,000 cars in 2010 and will be able to build 20,000 units a year after that. The vehicle is currently undergoing crash-testing. The new name will be announced sometime this month.

Miles has been talking about the highway-speed vehicle since at least early 2007. Back then the car was named the Javlon XS500 and the expected price was $30,000.

UPDATE: Miles' Kara Saltness just wrote in to say that, "we continue to develop the full performance, all-electric 4-door sedan for a market introduction in late 2010. We will be announce publicly development progress this summer."

Thanks to Yanquetino for the push.

Gallery: Javlon XS500 at AFVI


[Source: CNET]

Miles Automotive removes highway speed electric vehicle from homepage, rebranding coming soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 May 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinghighway speedHighwaySpeedjavlonjavlon xs500JavlonXs500miles automotivemiles evmiles highway speed electric vehicleMilesAutomotiveMilesEvMilesHighwaySpeedElectricVehicleTue, 05 May 2009 12:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1535070/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1535070/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/05/miles-automotive-removes-highway-speed-electric-vehicle-from-hom/1535070/article-detail.xml 1535070 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/miles-ev-website-grab-lsv4_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/miles-ev-website-grab-lsv4.png <![CDATA[Miles EV names ex-Goldman Sachs exec as Co-Chairman]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/miles-ev-names-ex-goldman-sachs-exec-as-co-chairman/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/miles-ev-names-ex-goldman-sachs-exec-as-co-chairman/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/miles-ev-names-ex-goldman-sachs-exec-as-co-chairman/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image to enlarge

Miles Electric Vehicles is continuing to beef up its executive lineup, this time naming a new Co-Chairman alongside founder Miles Rubin. Steven "Mac" Heller has been on the board since last November. Heller was formerly head of mergers and acquisitions as well as the investment banking group at Goldman Sachs. Heller's financial experience is expected to help Miles as it moves to launch production of its highway-speed electric sedan next year.

Gallery: AFVI 2008: Miles EV booth


[Source: Miles EV]

Continue reading Miles EV names ex-Goldman Sachs exec as Co-Chairman

Miles EV names ex-Goldman Sachs exec as Co-Chairman originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miles evMilesEvsteven mac hellerStevenMacHellerTue, 31 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1503936/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1503936/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/31/miles-ev-names-ex-goldman-sachs-exec-as-co-chairman/1503936/article-detail.xml 1503936 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/miles-hwy-speed-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/miles-hwy-speed-580.jpg <![CDATA[Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Might your next (first?) electric vehicle purchase be transacted at Wal-Mart? It's not out of realm of possibility. Mexican company, GS Motors, is already selling 3 different models from China's First Auto Works (FAW) at a so-called "big box" retail chain in Mexico and has plans to replicate the strategy north of their border. Company CEO Kathleen Ligocki says, "I think the product will be ready for the U.S. market within five years." Starting next year, the Chinese designs are expected to be assembled at a factory in Michoacan, Mexico that will be capable of building 100,000 units per annum. FAW, if you're keeping score, is the company the makes the NEV sold as the ZX40 by Miles Automotive. Now, we're not suggesting that Miles is currently involved in any talks with GS Motors, only that the connection is there.

FAW is not the only Chinese automaker looking for an American foothold either. Well known to our readers, BYD is another company with somewhat desirable electric cars and a commitment to compete in the U.S. Their retail sales strategy has yet to be revealed, but we can only imagine they would explore different options. As for the American big box stores, would they consider selling electric cars? Wal Mart said it would and Sam's already has.

Gallery: Miles ZX40 electric vehicle


[Source: Gasgoo / Automotive News sub req'd]

Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FAWGS MotorsGsMotorsZX40Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1455650/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1455650/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/10/attention-wal-mart-shoppers-electric-cars-marked-down-on-aisle/1455650/article-detail.xml 1455650 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/miles-zx40-at-wal-mart_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/miles-zx40-at-wal-mart.jpg <![CDATA[Miles EV board now includes ex-GM and Ford electric vehicle execs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/miles-ev-board-now-includes-ex-gm-and-ford-electric-vehicle-exec/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/miles-ev-board-now-includes-ex-gm-and-ford-electric-vehicle-exec/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/miles-ev-board-now-includes-ex-gm-and-ford-electric-vehicle-exec/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image to enlarge

We recently learned a lot of information about the Miles EV highway speed sedan (above); today, we learn a little bit more about the company itself. The Miles EV advisory board now included Kenneth Baker (not the actor who played R2-D2) and John Wallace, both of whom have electrical vehicle experience at GM (Baker) and Ford (Wallace).

Baker's work at GM included leading the electric vehicle division (he was big in bringing the EV1 to the world) and he also founded the United States Advanced Battery Consortium. Our columnist Gary Witzenburg remembers him once saying, "Our gift is a world of opportunity. To leave it a better place than we found it is our greatest gift to the next generation." Baker is also an adviser to GridPoint, one company working on the SmartGrid.

At Ford, Wallace was for a time responsible for electric drive activities for all Ford brands and was also chairman of TH!NK Nordic. In the non-EV space, Wallace was the first chairman of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Wallace was also on the board of Enova.

Gallery: AFVI 2008: Miles EV booth


[Source: Miles EV]

Continue reading Miles EV board now includes ex-GM and Ford electric vehicle execs

Miles EV board now includes ex-GM and Ford electric vehicle execs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john wallaceJohnWallaceken bakerKenBakermiles evmiles ev advisory boardmiles john wallacemiles ken bakerMilesEvMilesEvAdvisoryBoardMilesJohnWallaceMilesKenBakerThu, 11 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1398556/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1398556/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/11/miles-ev-board-now-includes-ex-gm-and-ford-electric-vehicle-exec/1398556/article-detail.xml 1398556 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450.jpg <![CDATA[Miles EV CEO talks about highway speed electric sedan, company's future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/miles-ev-ceo-talks-about-highway-speed-electric-sedan-companys/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/miles-ev-ceo-talks-about-highway-speed-electric-sedan-companys/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/miles-ev-ceo-talks-about-highway-speed-electric-sedan-companys/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A little while back, we got our first official peek of the Miles EV highway speed sedan. That picture can now be fleshed out a bit with details on how Miles EV is planning to bring this Chinese-built all-electric car to the US market. Miles EV CEO Kevin Czinger sat down with AutoblogGreen and talked about the branding of this vehicle, who Miles EV thinks the first customers will be, and the estimated 10-year showroom lifespan of this particular model (with variants). More importantly, he gave dates on when the important next steps will be accomplished.

The 49-year-old Czinger comes to the electric vehicle world from the finance industry and legal field (he was a senior exec at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Bertelsmann AG and was a practicing lawyer in his previous business lives). He first started looking at Miles EV in December 2007 and started working as CEO in March. So, what's the plan for 2009? "Over the next year, we're very focused on bringing the highway-speed car, which will be named and branded over the next months, to the market," Czinger said. To find out how and when and where, follow us past the jump.

Continue reading Miles EV CEO talks about highway speed electric sedan, company's future

Miles EV CEO talks about highway speed electric sedan, company's future originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Czingerfeaturedjavlonkevin CzingerKevinCzingermiles evMilesEvxs500Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1392678/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1392678/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/05/miles-ev-ceo-talks-about-highway-speed-electric-sedan-companys/1392678/article-detail.xml 1392678 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450.jpg <![CDATA[TTAC not pleased with a 2007 Miles ZX40S]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ttac-not-pleased-with-a-2007-miles-zx40s/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ttac-not-pleased-with-a-2007-miles-zx40s/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ttac-not-pleased-with-a-2007-miles-zx40s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The last time The Truth About Cars got its hands on an all-electric alternative vehicle, it was less than impressed. Now, the site's latest tester is the Miles ZX40S. Will this more practical alternative to the gasoline engine win some favor from TTAC? No, not really. The actual test model procured by the internet rag was an older model from 2007 that didn't have the latest AC motor or regenerative braking. As a low-speed vehicle, the Miles machine managed an artificial top-speed of 28 miles per hour, though the actual law states it not supposed to go past 25. In any case, TTAC says it was pretty slow in getting there and rattly along the way. Other demerits include a key that didn't fit well in the ignition and a wonky seatbelt. The price? A buck under $15K.

To be fair, it's easy to understand why someone would expect more for the $15K asking price. Still, we don't feel nearly as dumbfounded as TTAC as to why the cars are selling. For a small percentage of buyers, a four-door, steel-bodied electric vehicle that's capped at a relatively low speed is just what they need. Sure, that price could score a reasonable used car that's just a few years old or even a few brand-new models. But all of them would emit pollution when driven and all would require regular fill-ups, two big reasons why the ZX40S deserves a real place in the U.S. auto market.

We should also mention that Miles has upgraded its NEV since this particular test car was built. The company is also working on a highway-speed electric vehicle, known as the XS500, which is expected to go on sale for 2010.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

TTAC not pleased with a 2007 Miles ZX40S originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric nevelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricNevElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesmilesmiles automotivemiles evmiles zx40miles zx40sMilesAutomotiveMilesEvMilesZx40MilesZx40sneighborhood electric vehicleNeighborhoodElectricVehiclenevzx40sTue, 25 Nov 2008 16:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1382294/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1382294/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/25/ttac-not-pleased-with-a-2007-miles-zx40s/1382294/article-detail.xml 1382294 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/miles_zx40_showroom_01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/miles_zx40_showroom_01.jpg <![CDATA[Miles EV highway speed sedan, first official rendering ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/miles-ev-highway-speed-sedan-first-official-rendering/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/miles-ev-highway-speed-sedan-first-official-rendering/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/miles-ev-highway-speed-sedan-first-official-rendering/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to enlarge

Back in 2007, this car was called the Javlon XS500. Then it got shortened to just XS500. Now, the all-electric sedan that Miles EV wants to bring market in 2010 or so is called, well, nothing yet. A highway-speed sedan that Miles hopes to sell 9,000 of in 2010 is visually just what you see above, but there are running prototypes in the states today. The estimated cost is under $40,000 (before government incentives) and the top speed is 85 mph. Range = 150 100+ miles. [my mistake on writing w/o listening back to the interview]

While in LA for the auto show this week, we managed to slip out to Santa Monica and visit the Miles EV offices for chat with president and CEO Kevin Czinger. We'll bring you the full details of that chat soon, but for now, what do you think of the look?

[Source: Miles EV]

Miles EV highway speed sedan, first official rendering originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinghighway speedHighwaySpeedmiles evmiles sedanMilesEvMilesSedanThu, 20 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1378741/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1378741/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/miles-ev-highway-speed-sedan-first-official-rendering/1378741/article-detail.xml 1378741 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/miles-hwy-speed-prototype-450.jpg <![CDATA[Miles EV raises millions in Series B fundraising round]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/miles-ev-raises-millions-in-series-b-fundraising-round/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/miles-ev-raises-millions-in-series-b-fundraising-round/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/miles-ev-raises-millions-in-series-b-fundraising-round/#commentsFiled under: ,


Miles Electric Vehicles Inc. is still working on the highway-speed XS500 and to make that vehicle a success the company will need lots of money. A story on peHub said that Miles EV is about to close a $40 million Series B funding round, but the reality isn't quite as clear cut as that. Kara Saltness, the marketing manager at Miles, told AutoblogGreen that the "$40M figure actually refers to the value of the maximum amount of shares we indicated could be set aside for this round. We have already done a first formal close on the series B round, which happened three weeks ago and was fully funded." So, while Miles has indeed raised some more money to keep things moving, exactly how many million we're talking about is not yet known. We should be sitting down with Miles during the LA Auto Show in a few weeks, so expect more details then.

[Source: Miles EV, peHub]

Miles EV raises millions in Series B fundraising round originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>milesmiles evMilesEvFri, 07 Nov 2008 09:39:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1364638/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1364638/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/07/miles-ev-raises-millions-in-series-b-fundraising-round/1364638/article-detail.xml 1364638 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/miles_zx40_showroom_01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/miles_zx40_showroom_01.jpg -1 2