Coda Automotive (formerly Miles Automotive Group)

[Serge]

Interesting pictures posted on ABG under Coda sedan's hood.


1. Radiator visible upfront cools power-electronics. I find this layout a bit strange, since it's traditional, but air is drawn through radiator by cooling fans (presumably from below), not due to motion (as air intake is closed off). Wouldn't hot air be pushed onto said electronics directly behind the radiator then? It seems it would be better to arrange radiator horizontally above electronic modules (similar to CPU cooling) and push air out via some kind of hood scoop.

Would give the Coda a nice "performance" look as well.

2. Battery visible on the right is lead-acid kind and is used to power accessories.

3. 33.7kWh, 333V lithium-iron phosphate battery main traction battery is manufactured by Tianjin Lishen Battery. There was talk of forming a JV with Yardney Technical Products to produce batteries in the U.S., but that deal fell through due to JV not getting DOE grant money.

4. I presume due to competitive development, we have movement on the price front

Czinger told Scott that the sedan will likely sell for around $32,000 (after rebates), which is lower than the price announced in June of $45,000 (before incentives)

[doug]

Interesting pictures posted on ABG under Coda sedan's hood.

There are some updated photos on Paul's blog: EVs and Energy: Coda Review

DSC_0791.jpg (image)

[TEG]

Compared to an ICE, EV is so much more efficient so that cooling needs are less.
They probably used the stock ICE ready radiator (to save costs), but it ends up being rather oversized for the cooling needs of the electronics... So it doesn't need much airflow to keep things in order.

[TEG]

There are some updated photos on Paul's blog: EVs and Energy: Coda Review

DSC_0791.jpg (image)

Odd, the "updated" photos look like more of a prototype than the ones on AutoBlogGreen.

For instance, the Optima Yellowtop 12V aux battery on Paul's blog compared to some smaller, generic, cheaper battery on ABG. Also some of the control electronics looks more production intent on ABG.

[Serge]

Compared to an ICE, EV is so much more efficient so that cooling needs are less.
They probably used the stock ICE ready radiator (to save costs), but it ends up being rather oversized for the cooling needs of the electronics... So it doesn't need much airflow to keep things in order.

That makes sense. The only problem I have is with hot air being blown back onto electronic modules that are being cooled. At the very least, I hope they add some air shrouds to route hot air away. Otherwise the design looks half-baked to me.

[doug]

Odd, the "updated" photos look like more of a prototype than the ones on AutoBlogGreen.

Instead of "updated", it might have been more clear if I said "more recent". Those pics are of whatever car they used at the ride event.

[TEG]

That makes sense. The only problem I have is with hot air being blown back onto electronic modules that are being cooled. At the very least, I hope they add some air shrouds to route hot air away. Otherwise the design looks half-baked to me.

Well I suppose it "works both ways". On a cold day having the radiator warm the air before blowing over the electronics will help keep them uniformly warm.
Given the limited amount of heat being generated, I think this system is more about uniform temperature distribution and overall thermal mass, and not so much about airflow. As you mentioned, the front grill cover blocks much of the airflow so there isn't so much air movement through that radiator.

[TEG]

Instead of "updated", it might have been more clear if I said "more recent". Those pics are of whatever car they used at the ride event.

Yeah... So, in other words, they likely used an earlier prototype for the test rides. Sortof like giving rides in an EP instead of a VP...

[doug]

Borg Warner announces new single-speed eGearDrive transmission for Coda electric sedan - Autoblog Green

[doug]

AltCar 2009: Coda Sedan test ride; wish we could drive the $30,000 (or so) electric vehicle - Autoblog Green