Astris Energi to Showcase World's First Alkaline Fuel Cell-Powered Golf Car.

Business Editors/Energy Writers

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2001

The world's first golf car powered by an alkaline fuel cell, developed by Astris Energi Inc. (OTC: ASRF), will be demonstrated for the first time on May 8 at a private showing for government officials, representatives of the general and technical media, the golfing community and the investment industry.

Gordon Emerson, chief financial officer and director, said this initial demonstration will occur at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club in the Toronto suburb of Port Credit in the afternoon of May 8.

Astris is a pioneer in the development of advanced alkaline fuel cells. The fuel cell-powered small vehicle project has been under way since last fall, Emerson said. This same power system is applicable to a wide range of small vehicles, including materials movers in production plants, people movers in retirement communities, at airports and in law enforcement agencies.

Fuel cell power systems, the power source of the future, have important advantages over electric and gasoline-powered systems now in use, Emerson explained. They are noiseless, odorless, have no moving parts to break or wear out, and are fueled only by hydrogen gas and oxygen from the air. They produce no polluting emissions. "In fact," he added, "their only emission is pure water -- pure enough to drink."

Astris has also developed, here and at its affiliate company in the Czech Republic, both a portable power source for use in remote areas and a unique system capable of providing all the electricity, heat and hot water needed for individual residences, motor homes and boats.

The company intends to form joint ventures with, or license its advanced technology to, major manufacturers of small vehicles, residential energy systems and other potential users.

Astris is scheduled to introduce its fuel cell-driven golf car in the United States in late May.

NOTE: Any statements contained in this release that are not statements of fact may be considered as "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in U.S. federal sercurity laws. Foward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual events or results.