California-based CODA Holdings, which has developed lithium-ion batteries for the all-electric CODA Sedan, will now be expanding its operations into China after reaching an agreement with Great Wall Motors.
The companies will develop electric vehicles for distribution worldwide with the intent being to blend technology capabilities from Great Wall as an automotive producer and CODA with its purpose-built lithium-ion phosphate battery system.
It is actually only the latest move by CODA into the Chinese market as its four-door, five passengersSedanis manufactured in Hafei in China. It is now slated for limited consumer deliveries at the end of 2011 with a production target of 10,000-14,000 vehicles in the 12 months following its launch in California.
The electric vehicle propulsion system uses a 36kWh battery pack that sits between the front and rear axle and achieves optimal performance through balanced weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. It is combined with a 134hp motor that achieves 300Nm of torque; as well as a regenerative braking system and an air-cooled active thermal management system. It is capable of 120-150 miles per charge and takes six hours to recharge from empty and two hours for the average 40mile commute.
Speaking about the new partnership, Wei Jianjun, the chairman of Great Wall Motors, commented that they could collectively become a major player in the electric vehicle segment worldwide.
