Coda Automotive announces U.S. battery joint venture

Coda sedan – Click above for high res image gallery

When we spoke with Coda Automotive’s marketing director Kara Saltness a few weeks before the unveiling of the new electric sedan, she mentioned that although Lishen would be providing the batteries for the car, Coda was looking at other options as well. Saltness mentioned a possible U.S. partnership for battery production. This week, Coda announced a new joint venture with Connecticut-based Yardney Technical Products, Inc. The new company will work on designing, building and selling lithium ion battery systems for automotive applications. Although a deal hasn’t been finalized yet, Lishen is also expected to participate in the new venture which will eventually supply battery packs for the Coda sedan.

The joint venture company, called Coda Battery Systems LLC, has applied for a grant under the stimulus program to build the plant in Enfield, CT. The new venture plans to employ 600 people at the factory. Yardney supplies advanced battery systems to the military and other government customers. Among the applications for Yardney’s batteries are the B2 bomber and the Mars rovers. The press release is after the jump. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: Coda EV live