Yardney, Coda Form JV to (They Hope) Produce Lithium-Ion Batteries for EVs
By Scott Doggett June 8, 2009
Connecticut-based Yardney Technical Products Inc. and California-based Coda Automotive announced today that they have entered into a joint venture, Coda Battery Systems LLC, to design, make and sell automotive grade lithium-ion battery power systems in the U.S.
Coda Battery Systems has submitted a proposal under the Recovery Act stimulus grant program to the Department of Energy for funding to build a manufacturing facility in Enfield, Connecticut, that would employ about 600 people.
Oddly, not a one of the four people authorized to discuss the announcement was available to answer some key questions, such as "how much money is the joint venture seeking?" and "what will become of the JV if it doesn't receive a grant?"
According to a statement issued by the JV, the 600-person workforce would develop a battery that could be used in the four-door, all-electric Coda Automotive sedan (pictured) that the company says is scheduled for delivery to the California market in the fall of next year.
If realized, the vehicle would be the product of a joint venture between Coda Automotive and China-based Tianjin Lishen Battery Co., one of largest suppliers of lithium-ion batteries in the world.
If Coda Battery Systems receives an Energy Department grant - and the department is expected to begin announcing recipients next months - the company will begin supplying the power battery system for the Coda sedan as soon as the new U.S. facility can be brought online.
"It is anticipated that Lishen, Coda's battery partner in China, will participate in the U.S. manufacturing joint venture," the statement said.
That China would benefit, albeit indirectly, for Energy Department money is OK under the Recovery Act. What's important for grant eligibility is that the jobs be located in the U.S.
Based in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Yardney has been providing batteries for the U.S. military since 1944. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Coda Automotive is said to be safety and durability testing its all-electric, zero-emissions highway sedan.
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