CODA Automotive delivers first fleet vehicle to American Electric Power

CODA Automotive, a leading developer and manufacturer of the new, all-electric CODA,  announced the delivery of its first fleet vehicle sale to AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power. The utility, which delivers electricity to more than 5 million people in 11 states, incorporated the 2012 CODA into its robust fleet as a part of a demonstration project to learn more about electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

"AEP is an ideal first fleet partner and we're thrilled to work with them," said Bill Beasley, vice president of automotive sales, CODA Automotive. "Not only do they provide electricity to millions of Americans, but their large fleet has many potential applications for electric vehicles, which could save their company money on rising fuel costs. We see this as a long-lasting relationship and look forward to helping AEP's fleet become a leader in sustainability."

Fleets account for 22 percent of all vehicles in the US, and with increasing fuel prices and decreasing budgets, EV adoption among fleets is on the rise. One EV can save fleets more than $2000 annually in maintenance and fuel cost, and fleets can take advantage of charging during off-peak hours. In the near future, companies may also leverage their EVs as energy storage devices, providing power generation back into the grid.

AEP Ohio purchased the 2012 CODA after the utility tested the performance, suitability and technology of a demonstration vehicle in 2011. AEP Ohio serves nearly 1.5 million customers in Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

"We're proud to incorporate the all-electric CODA into our fleet and to be CODA's first fleet customer," said Karen Sloneker, project director, AEP Ohio gridSMART Demonstration Project. "We chose the CODA because its active thermal management system helps to provide a dependable range for our cars. We're excited to learn more about how the CODA and other electric vehicles perform in a variety of applications through our gridSMART Demonstration Project, located in the northeastern part of Central Ohio."

The new 2012 CODA is the first all-electric five-passenger, compact sedan with full rear seating and trunk space that meets American drivers' daily transportation needs without an ounce of gasoline:

• Best-in-class driving range:The 31kWh 2012 CODA mileage vehicle features an EPA-rated combined range of 88 miles per charge. Depending on driving habits and other factors, it can be driven up to 125 miles on a single charge, nearly four times the average daily commute.
• Best-in-class range per dollar: The 31kWh 2012 CODA has an MSRP of $37,250, and can go up to 125 miles on a single charge. In California, federal and individual state tax saving and credits may bring the price down to $27,250.
• Fast and easy recharging: A 6.6kW onboard charging capability provides a full charge in about six hours on 240 V (Level 2 EVSE).
• Dependable range: The active thermal management system provides constant battery care to help optimize the battery pack's performance in hot and cold weather conditions.
• The best-in-class EV battery warranty: The CODA sedan is powered by an efficient Lithium-iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack with an industry leading 10-year, 100,000-mile limited battery warranty.