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Electric vehicle maker CODA to set up battery plant in Ohio

CODA is aiming to launch an all-electric sedan later in 2010

Californian electric car and battery manufacturer CODA is planning to build a new production facility for lithium-ion batteries in Columbus, Ohio.

The company said yesterday it is scouting out several possible sites for the plant, although the project is contingent on the award of state incentives and a federal loan from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Initial plans for the project would see 1,000 skilled manufacturing jobs created.

CODA is to apply for an Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan from the DOE sometime soon.

Kevin Czinger, President and CEO of CODA said: “With the help of our global family of partners, CODA’s innovative team in Santa Monica has not only produced a battery system capable of powering affordable electric vehicles today, but has created the next great American manufacturing opportunity.”

The new plant would be operated by Lio Energy Systems, a joint venture between CODA and Chinese company Lishen Power Battery, which currently produces more than 20,000 battery packs a year at its one million square foot facility in Tianjin, China.

If it goes ahead, the Ohio facility would replace the Chinese plant.

Over the weekend, US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke toured the Lishen factory while on the Obama administration’s first cabinet-level trade mission to China.

“International green technology partnerships can produce rapid job growth back home and deliver energy solutions abroad, and CODA’s venture proves it,” Secretary Locke said.

CODA

Santa Monica-based CODA is working with 30 technology and manufacturing companies in four continents to bring electric drive technology to market. The company already produces a large volume of batteries for electric vehicles through its alliance with Lishen Power Battery.

The company is currently developing an electric sedan that would be mid-sized including rear seating and trunk space designed to meet daily transportation needs for American drivers without using gasoline.

It is aiming to begin delivering its all-electric car in the fourth quarter of this year, with expectations of producing more than 14,000 vehicles by the end of 2011.

In Ohio, CODA will find a rich manufacturing heritage” - Senator Sherrod Brown

Ohio

Competition to attract the CODA plant was fairly intense between US states, but CODA said it had been “thoroughly impressed” by the commitment of the state of Ohio.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said: “When we learned about CODA’s innovative product, we made the case for them to invest in Ohio because of our skilled workers, world-class manufacturing infrastructure and competitive business environment.”

US Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown, who also worked to bring CODA to his state, said: “CODA’s decision to open a facility in our state means that Ohio workers will help manufacture the cars of the 21st century.

“Ohio is quickly becoming a national leader in clean energy component manufacturing for the auto industry. In Ohio, CODA will find a rich manufacturing heritage, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial spirit.”