Delphi Corp. will supply key power electronics components, high-voltage electrical/electronic architecture components and a multi-service antenna for the highly anticipated all-electric, four-passenger sedan due out from CODA Automotive later this year. The California-based company joins a long list of hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers who have chosen to work with Delphi on their environmentally friendly vehicles.
“Delphi has a track record of more than 20 years of innovating alternative energy technology,” said Andrew Brown, Jr., Ph.D, Delphi executive director and chief technologist. “The growing hybrid and electric vehicle markets allow us to fulfill our vision of delivering the high-value, real-world solutions that consumers are demanding. We are honored to have been chosen by CODA to supply their first all-electric car with the important electrical and electronic content it requires.”
CODA’s electric vehicle is designed and engineered at its headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif. It is powered by a 33.8 kWh lithium-ion battery which provides a range of 90-120 miles. CODA anticipates it can deliver more than 14,000 vehicles to customers in California by the end of 2011.
Delphi’s direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converter met CODA’s need for an automotive-grade DC/DC converter that was high quality, safe, durable and available immediately. Designed and manufactured in Delphi’s Kokomo, Ind., facility, it converts 300-volt power from the CODA’s battery pack to 12-volt power needed for the vehicle’s low-voltage systems including the audio/navigation systems, LED driving lights and other accessories. The market-leading design is currently in use on hybrid vehicles offered by a number of manufacturers.
Delphi engineers in North America and China worked together to develop the ten high-power, high-voltage wiring harnesses and two power distribution boxes that will stand up to the vehicle’s power requirements to route power and signal distribution. Delphi’s battery service disconnect provides manual disengagement of the high-voltage system, allowing it to be safely disabled by pulling the service plug from the battery pack.
Delphi is also providing CODA’s multi-service antenna. Its small, modular design enables CODA to maximize functionality while minimizing mass. The antenna system not only provides high-quality AM, FM and satellite radio reception, but also includes cellular and GPS antennas that enable cellular connectivity and in-vehicle navigation.
According to Brown, CODA recognized the robust technology support and world-class global manufacturing Delphi could provide this unique program aimed at delivering a cleaner, smarter future for American consumers. Electric vehicles hold the promise of meeting two critical government and industry goals — reducing dependence on petroleum and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he said.
“Delphi began working on the foundation of modern hybrid technology more than 20 years ago,” Brown said. “Our global footprint and long history of successfully developing and commercializing automotive electronics and electrical/electronic architecture positions us well to support today’s hybrid and electric vehicles.”
About Delphi
Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.
About CODA Automotive
Headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., CODA Automotive is working to reduce dependence on oil and leading the way to a cleaner future by building 100% electric cars and transportation battery systems. CODA Automotive is working in a smart, inter-dependent way with a number of leading global technology and manufacturing companies to quickly and efficiently bring electric drive technology to market and jump start the electric car movement. Through its exclusive transportation and electric utility storage battery joint venture with Lishen Power Battery, CODA Automotive is also a leading designer and large-scale manufacturer of power battery systems. The American engineered CODA electric car will be available to consumers in 2010.
More Stories
Huntsman Polyurethanes introduces a new range of polyurethane-based products developed for battery enclosures, battery cell potting and underfloor protection
Lakshmi Prasad Bhatta on the quest for zero road deaths
NXP accelerates the development of software defined vehicles with new family of Ethernet switches