A123Systems Awarded Contracts by New York Energy Authority to Provide Three Electric Passenger Vehicles

Energy Resource, Dec 21, 2006

ENERGY RESOURCE-21 December 2006-A123Systems Awarded Contracts by New York Energy Authority to Provide Three Electric Passenger Vehicles(C)2006 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

A123Systems, developer of next-generation nanophosphate-based batteries, today announced that the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded the company contracts to provide three converted plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles (PHEVs).

The NYSERDA PHEV program will evaluate and identify a PHEV-conversion method applicable to the 400-plus New York State-owned hybrid electric vehicles, primarily late-model Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Ford Escape HEVs.

"NYSERDA's objective is to evaluate PHEV technology in our most common hybrid vehicles and to promote its adoption by the State's hybrid fleet," said NYSERDA President and CEO Peter R. Smith. "Eventually, with economies of scale, we hope plug-in conversion companies can offer this service to the general public. A123Systems and Hymotion are offering us a unique conversion package to demonstrate this technology quickly, safely and efficiently."

A123Systems said it has demonstrated the rapid nature of potential fleet integration by delivering, within 30 days, the first PHEV conversion -- a Toyota Prius -- to NYSERDA for approval and testing.

The solution, which uses A123Systems' automotive-class nanophosphate technology, is expected to get up to 220 miles per gallon and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half.

"We recognize New York State's visionary leadership in organizing the first program of this magnitude in the country," said David Vieau, president and CEO of A123Systems. "A123Systems looks forward to enabling N.Y. Governor George Pataki's vision of a more sustainable and secure transportation future and anticipate that the state will reap significant economic and environmental benefits from these conversions."

For additional information, visit www.a123systems.com.

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