Coda Automotive, an all-electric Sedan "for the masses."

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California., Coda Automotive is a manufacturer of all-electric, highway capable vehicles. For better or for worst, most of the blogging world has become very familiar with the Tesla and other EV companies, but the new addition of Coda could shake-up the landscape of all-electric vehicles. It is reported that Miles Rubin is the champion and steward of the new release. Coda has plans of making first shipments in Fall of 2009, but only to the state of California. Currently, Coda has a joint relationship with Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint Stock Co., Ltd., which provides the lithium-ion batteries used in the Coda. The four-door, five-passenger, fully loaded mid sized sedan will be available for $45,000 (mid-30’s after $7,500 tax credit and other state incentives).

According to Coda Automotive, the sedan will be powered by a 333v lithium-ion battery with a range of 90 to 120 miles, which is all dependent on driving habits. Coda suggests that the new sedan will travel far enough to satisfy 94% of daily driving routines. The vehicle also comes protected with a three-year/36,000 mile warranty.

The current guidance suggests that the vehicle will arrive in Fall of 2009 for California drivers. I suspect there will be a delay in delivery, followed by the typical recalls, similar to what has recently transpired with Tesla Motors. Only time will tell, so stay tuned!

I can't imagine Tesla Motors being happy about this one. Better yet, I can't imagine the owners are happy. Talk about some bad press..

Today, the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put a halt to the positive vibes Tesla has been fueling. The most recent recall of the Tesla Roadster could prove to be a huge hit for the company.

“Tesla Motors, Inc. is recalling 345 2008 Tesla Roadster vehicles manufactured between March 2008 and April 22, 2009. The rear hub flange bolts on some of these vehicles may be under-torqued and may become loose…”

Ummm…so you’re saying that this could cause you to crash. If Tesla doesn’t shape up, the new Roadster is going to be known as the all-electric-wrecking-mobile. All you Tesla Roadster owners, you better get your ride back to the shop.

Even better, call the following: “Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safecar.gov.”

Chrysler needs $448 million, and they just might get it.

Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Good timing, huh? Operating in bankruptcy since April 30th, it seems rather convenient for Chrysler to propose this agreement on the eve of a judges ruling to the sell of assets to a U.S. and Canadian owned company. Chrysler, it’s partners, and the Department of Energy, would pay $224 million each upon approval of the proposals If approved, the proposal would include an investment of close to 83 million to build a technology and manufacturing center in Michigan to assist in the development of the new technologies and vehicles. It is reported that the complex should be up and running by 2010 and produce more than 20,000 vehicles a year, Chrysler said.

Matchmade in Heaven.

Today, a post on Tesla Motor’s website indicates a new strategic partnership with Daimler AG.  Tesla Motor’s has relinquished 10% of their equity to ink the partnership with the Daimler. The new partnership will allow Daimler AG access to battery systems, electric drive systems, and vehicle projects.

Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG.

Cross your fingers, this could be a giant step for sustainable mobility! The acquisition has been estimated at double digit multi million dollar deal.

About Tesla Motors
San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors Inc. makes electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds yet is more energy efficient than a Toyota Prius. Tesla expects to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emission Model S sedan in late 2011.

source: http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1356

Wow, what a tease! Discussions about the future of Tesla Motor’s Model S have really hit an all-time high in recent days, especially with the recent article in BusinessWeek. DrivePwr was excited to stumble on the recent article and thought it would be a good idea to blog this one out.

So, as you can see from the image above, Tesla Motors has decided to give a sneak-peak of the Model S, but I have to say that this is more than a simple tease. This is the epitome of everything going on with Tesla Motors, and I think with this photo and the recent news, the proof is in the pudding. I think one could argue they are losing their identity through the recent credit crunch and their internal firings. They have fired about 80 of their 380 people, and have further delayed the launch of the Model S. It looks like the launch, according the BusinessWeek article, will be delayed until 2011. Ouch.  Tesla Motors better get to work on the 1,200 back orders of their Roadster, or they could really find themselves in a tough spot.

All-in-all the loss of Tesla’s identity could force the company, who does zero marketing, to start investing in their reputation. If the the October 11th credit crunch holds strong, this could leave Tesla with out their Energy Department loan guarantees and could ignite a fire that will prove tough to put out.  Falling oil prices could sway the attention from Tesla Motors and force them to grab the spot light again. With that said, I’m not sure the teaser photo was the solution, but merely a band-aid.

Fiat Bugster to be Unveiled at 2008 Brazil Auto Show. Click the above image to view the gallery with larger images.

I don’t know about you, but any time I hear about an all electric off-road vehicle, I get a little excited.  I live in Tucson, AZ where you see a LOT of off-road vehicles out and about, I can rarely go driving without seeing at least one or two.  So it goes without saying, this year we will be watching the 25th Salão Internacional do Automóvel in Brazil for the unveiling of this little-known vehicle. The event will run from the 30th of October through the 10th of November.  Look’s like Optimus Prime may have a new recruit.  The Fiat Bugster is powered by an all electric engine, with the exterior body made of molded natural fibers. And man does it look aggressive.

Although it may seem odd that Fiat is unveiling this in Brazil, this ethanol powerhouse is Fiat’s largest market outside of Italy, and production facilities produce 30% of all Fiats.  Details about the vehicle are still mostly unkown, but it is expected to feature Fiat’s Locker Series components. Although the consensus is that the vehicle is a little too aggressive for mass production, more electric vehicles in concept statistically means more electric vehicles produced.  We encourage world-wide research and development, even if its as far south as Brazil.