CNET News reports that Coda Automotive, a new electric auto company, is launching a "practical" sedan called The Coda. Though I applaud any alternative energy automobile, this one leaves me wanting more. First, its design is horrible. There are Hyundai's I would rather be seen in than this car. Second, it's not cheap. At $45K, it's more expensive than a BMW 3 Series and just $1K cheaper than a 5 Series! To be fair, The Coda can be up to $10K cheaper with federal and state tax credits/incentives.
Obviously, the "practical" reference in the title of the article suggests that it's making a jab at Tesla Motors. I'll give you that the $100K+ Roadster is a little bit eccentric for most people. However, the Model S is handily a much better car in all facets than The Coda. First off, it's only $5K more expensive. Second, it has room for 7 (5 adults + 2 kids) versus 5. Third, it has more range - 160 miles (expandable to 300!) versus 120 miles. Let's not forget that the Model S does 0-60 in just 5.6 seconds versus almost 11 seconds for The Coda. And lastly, it's just a much more elegantly designed car that compares with the design qualities of higher end car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.
Kudos to you Coda, for adding another choice to the electric car pantheon. I'm still holding out for a Model S.