LOS ANGELES – CODA Automotive, the developer and manufacturer of the all-electric CODA, announced the delivery of its first fleet vehicle sale to AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power. The utility, which delivers electricity to more than 5 million people in 11 states, incorporated the 2012 CODA into its fleet as a part of a demonstration project to learn more about electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

“AEP is an ideal first fleet partner and we’re thrilled to work with them,” said Bill Beasley, vice president of automotive sales, CODA Automotive. “Not only do they provide electricity to millions of Americans, but their large fleet has many potential applications for electric vehicles, which could save their company money on rising fuel costs. We see this as a long-lasting relationship and look forward to helping AEP’s fleet become a leader in sustainability.”

AEP Ohio purchased the 2012 CODA after the utility tested the performance, suitability and technology of a demonstration vehicle in 2011. AEP Ohio serves nearly 1.5 million customers in Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

“We’re proud to incorporate the all-electric CODA into our fleet and to be CODA’s first fleet customer,” said Karen Sloneker, project director, AEP Ohio gridSMART Demonstration Project. “We chose the CODA because its active thermal management system helps to provide a dependable range for our cars. We’re excited to learn more about how the CODA and other electric vehicles perform in a variety of applications through our gridSMART Demonstration Project, located in the northeastern part of Central Ohio. ”

The new 2012 CODA is an all-electric five-passenger, compact sedan with full rear seating and trunk space, featuring an EPA-rated combined range of 88 miles per charge; a 6.6kW onboard charging capability that provides a full charge in about six hours on 240 V (Level 2 EVSE); and an active thermal management system that provides constant battery care to help optimize the battery pack’s performance in hot and cold weather conditions.

The CODA sedan is powered by a Lithium-iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack with a 10-year, 100,000-mile limited battery warranty. The 31kWh 2012 CODA has an MSRP of $37,250.