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Why are the prices of electric cars so high? 

It is expensive to bring any new technology to market. While our battery price per kilowatt hour is significantly lower than the competition's, industry-wide the cost will only drop as demand and battery production scales up.

What purchasing incentives are there for buying a CODA?

CODA owners are eligible to receive a $7,500 Federal tax credit, and other state and local incentives may apply. 

Does it have a regenerative braking system?

Yes. The CODA utilizes a regenerative braking system to recoup energy. Instead of wasting kinetic energy every time you brake, the system feeds that energy back into the battery, thus storing it for future use.

What is the range and how long does it take to recharge?

The average range of the car is 90-120 miles* on a single charge, sufficient to satisfy 94% of daily driving routines.  The battery system will take 6 hours for a complete charge from a 220V outlet.  Charging for a 40-mile commute can take as little as 2 hours.  The CODA is also being engineered to take advantage of fast charging stations, which will be publically available down the road.  Fast charging stations reduce charging times from hours to minutes.

What type of batteries will it have, and are they warranted?

The CODA is powered by a 333V Lithium-Ion (Iron Phosphate) battery with 134hp. The batteries will be warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

Why doesn’t CODA Automotive manufacture in the U.S.?

Actually, about 35% of the components used in the CODA are manufactured in the U.S.  Final assembly is done abroad because it wasn't economically feasible to build or use an existing U.S. facility at our current volume rate.   Currently, there is no battery manufacturing capacity in the U.S.  Over time, CODA Automotive hopes to bring vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities to the U.S.  But, as an entrepreneurial company, we have to live with the possible and create a path to where we want to go.  We are creating jobs in both the U.S. and China today and making an electric vehicle movement and cleaner future possible.

Can I be put on a waiting list and are you taking deposits?

A priority waiting list became available on the company's Web site (www.codaautomotive.com) in June 2009.  Pre-sales will begin soon.  We will notify members of our priority waitlist first  when our online pre-sales program launches.

When will the CODA be available for purchase?

Pre-sales will begin via the company's Web site (www.codaautomotive.com) soon. We anticipate the first models being delivered in the California market in late 2010.

How safe is the CODA?

The CODA will fully conform to meet or exceed all U.S. NHTSA standards.  We are engineering for a five-star NCAP rating. The CODA is equipped with both active and passive safety systems, including six airbags, an occupant detection system, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Stability Control and an emergency call center that will be notified if you've been in a crash, and notify emergency response services.

Where can you charge it and how much does it cost to charge?

The CODA can be recharged at any standard outlet.  Based on the average nighttime cost of electricity in the U.S., the cost to fully charge at night is under $3 (~$0.07/kWh).

What are the core features of the car?

The CODA is an all electric, zero emissions, four-door car that seats 4 passengers. It will achieve up to 80 mph with an average range of 100 miles per charge and comes fully equipped for comfort, convenience and safety. Factory-standard equipment includes navigation with turn-by-turn directions, GreenScreen^TM that monitors driving efficiency, roadside assistance with an emergency button, a Bluetooth® system with an embedded microphone, satellite-ready AM/FM/XM radio, MP3/USB connectivity, iPod® dock, security system, aluminum wheels, and power windows, doors and mirrors. Safety equipment includes Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Stability Control and advanced airbags with an occupant detection system. The vehicle is backed by a three-year/36,000 mile warranty and the battery is guaranteed for eight-years/100,000 miles.

When and where can I test drive one?

The car will be available for test rides at events in select markets beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009.  In late Spring 2010, you'll be able to test drive a CODA.  Drop us a line through the contact us form to let us know that you want CODA to set up a test drive event in your neighborhood.

Is CODA a Chinese car?

No.  CODA Automotive is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.  We engineered the car and teamed with American partners to develop an American designed electric drivetrain as well as battery system electronics, which are the core foundation of the CODA car.  The motor and controller, transaxle, on-board charger, DC/DC converter, battery management electronics, and fast charging electronics are made by California and Michigan-based companies.  U.S. designed and manufactured components make up about 35% of every CODA car.  In order to bring electric drive technology to consumers more quickly and affordably, we partnered with highly proficient and advanced companies from around the world, from China to Europe, to build a safe, all-electric car.  CODA Automotive maintained control of our brand, design, and critical intellectual property throughout the development process.  The CODA is a car with global heritage that was designed in America.

Who is Lishen and why did you choose them as a JV partner?

Lishen is China's leading producer of rechargeable lithium-ion cells and currently supplies cells to Motorola, Samsung, Apple and many other electronics manufacturers. Working with Lishen as our joint venture partner will allow us to address the issue of long-term battery supply.  The JV will also enable us to rapidly industrialize CODA's battery system for commercial volume production and to scale the business.

What is the price of the CODA?