COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A manufacturer of electric cars plans to open a battery plant in Ohio that could mean hundreds of jobs.
Santa Monica, Calif.-based CODA Automotive Inc. says the factory in Columbus would build lithium ion batteries, creating up to 1,300 jobs after five years.
But the company first must apply for about $400 million in aid from the U.S. Department of Energy. CODA also is seeking an incentive package from the Ohio Department of Development, which hasn't released details of what the state may offer.
The Columbus Partnership, a group of city business leaders, said Tuesday the project faces many hurdles but calls it an important milestone for new manufacturing.
CODA plans to begin selling its first electric vehicle, a compact sedan, later this year.
