Whole Life Magazine

December 2012/January 2013

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city of angels Gas Relief Calls for an eV The newest electric vehicle snaps at the heels of the Tesla Y ou'd think California's gas prices spiking to $5 a gallon would put electric vehicles on new car buyers' consideration list, but EV sales haven't met expectations. Although range anxiety—the fear that the vehicle won't get as far on a charge as the driver needs—discourages some from looking at zero-emission cars, the average U.S. driver travels just 29 miles a day, and the driving range of EVs comfortably its the majority of motorists. Clearly the auto industry has more consumer education to do, but it's not discouraging new entries. One of the newest is the four-door, ive-passenger Coda compact sedan, which has a low-end driving range of 88 miles—enough for most L.A. commutes—and 133 miles for the "hyper miler" whose driving style maximizes every volt. The Calif.-based automaker focused on developing a superior battery system that delivers good range, works in all climates, has long life expectancy and can be charged quickly. Coda is so proud of the results that they back the battery with a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty. Overcoming the perception that EVs aren't "real cars" is another hurdle, but a day spent with Coda proves it exceedingly road worthy. There was no hesitation in accelerating for freeway driving, and it had battery power to spare after a full day of driving all over town. Satisfying in design, with the back end its best feature, nothing about Coda's look screams, "I'm an EV." Inside are many standard features and a stylish cabin. Seating options are leather or 42 percent recycled fabric. After taking advantage of available incentives and rebates, Coda costs a reasonably competitive $27,250, and the company expects an owner to come out $2,500 ahead after ive years of ownership versus comparable hybrid or gasoline-pow100% Electric Vehicles ered vehicles. Driving Range Since buying an EV means never having to go to a gas Price1 Top Speed Seating on a Full Charge station, it seems ultimately more and more EVs will populate CODA 88 miles $38,145 85 mph 5 our roads. Mitsubishi i-MiEV 62 miles $29,975 81 mph 4 Taking advantage of various free charging stations to suppleNissan LEAF 73 miles $36,050 90 mph 5 ment home charging, one California driver was pumped after $59,350 110 mph 5 Tesla Model S 160 miles2 putting the irst 5,000 miles on his Coda. His total cost for charging: $7. 1 MSRP + Destination & Handling. Does not include available federal tax incentive or other available credits and incentives. —Maria Fotopoulos 2 Based on 55 mph. 14 CofA_01.indd 14 wholelifetimesmagazine.com 11/27/12 2:58 PM

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