Coda
- Mpg equivalent: 73 miles combined city and highway
- MSRP: $37,250
- Annual fuel cost: $850
The all-electric 2012 Coda four-door, five-passenger electric car debuted in March. It has a starting price of $37,250 and qualifies for a federal tax credit of $7,500 in addition to credits from California.
Underneath the car, you'll find a 100-kilowatt, 134-horsepower electric motor with a single-speed transmission. The engine is powered by a 333-volt, 31-kwh, lithium-ion, phosphate battery -- a type of lithium-ion battery -- which comes with a 10-year 100,000-mile limited battery warranty. The EPA estimates an equivalent of 77 miles for city, 68 miles for highway and 73 miles combined mpg. Coda says a larger battery will be available later in the year.
It'll take 36 to 40 hours to charge with the standard 120-volt charge cord. You'll hit 100 percent capacity in about six hours with the optional 240-volt home-charging station.
A 7-inch touch screen with GPS navigation is standard on the Coda. You'll also find battery management and active thermal-management systems. Safety features include hands-free communication, emergency roadside assistance, antilock brakes and stability control.
Coda currently only has dealers in California, but the company says additional locations are in the works.