Coda Automobile or Tesla Model S?
Coda Automobile or Tesla Model S... that is the question... Which electric vehicle, EV sedan to choose.
The gist is that if so far our EV choices have been limited in both quantity and passenger space, sedans hope to answer that problem. Tesla Motors has announced its Model S for 2011 and Coda Automobile is now announcing their sedan for 2010. Those two sedans could not be any more different.
The Models S. By now you should know the Model S.
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Technically Speaking. The Tesla Model S will come in three variants, a 160 mile range one, 230 and 300 miles and seat 7. It is loosely based on the same configuration as the Roadster, an electric engine delivering torque to the rear wheels. The Model S will have a water cooled electric engine to help it cruise on highways for extended periods of time as well as help it negotiate long steep hills. It uses 8000 lithium batteries delivering 42 Kw/hr. According to Tesla, the new batteries deliver 20% improvement compared to those on the Roadster. It has an on-board adapter to plug anywhere for a 4 hours charge time. If you can have a 240 V system with 70 Amps, the Sedan will accept it. The weight is around 4000 pounds, 1200 are the battery pack.
The Coda Automotive. The other contender might not win the hearts of design purists but will win those who want a more every day looking type of car.
Technically Speaking. The Coda Automobile is actually a Chinese Hafei, electrified for the U.S. market. It will use a 33.8 kWh 333V lithium iron phosphate battery pack coupled to a 100 kW, 134 hp UQM electric motor good for 221 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack is guaranteed 8-year, 100,000 mile. According to the company, you will be able to drive 90-120 miles and the top speed will be 80 mph with a 0-60 mph in under 11 seconds. Under a 220/240V outlet the car recharges in less than 6 hrs and is 110V compatible.
Final Thoughts. With both cars retailing at $45,000, around $37,500 after incentives for the Coda and $57,500 for the Model S, around $50,000 after incentives, the price difference will probably be a determining factor for some. While the Coda has the familiarity of a Honda Civic, we feel this will be a selling point for many who are not fussy about having a "different looking car". For those who still prefer looks and over-all performance, the Model S will still be the way to go, albeit with a heftier price.
Comments
If I can just convince my wife we need a Ford Transit Connect EV ...
What's with the price? Are we all financial rapists?
Yes, the price is steep, as with any emerging technology but I feel we also need to stop thinking short term.
Obviously, not everyone can afford a $50,000 car but it has to start somewhere.
As a side note, gas cars in the beginning of last century were extremely expensive and only the certain affluent part of society could afford it.
What's different today is that prices are coming down faster than it has in the past. It has to start somewhere though.
Oh, and Ken, do you want me to write her a note? :)
Nick
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