Zinc-Air Battery-Powered Van Unveiled at Alameda EV Expo.

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 1998--

Postal-Type Vehicle Should Demonstrate 130 Mile Range; Showcases

Partnership Among City, Battery Developer and CALSTART

Kummerow Corp. of North America (KCNA) Friday unveiled a zinc-air battery powered van with an expected range of 130 miles per charge, developed in a joint technology demonstration project with the Alameda Bureau of Electricity, the Federal Transit Administration and CALSTART.

The unveiling took place during the International EV Expo at Alameda, which is showcasing the latest electric vehicles and technologies. The postal-style van will enter meter-reading service with the Alameda utility, and will test the capability of KCNA's ZOXY(R) zinc-air batteries.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the extraordinary viability and practicality of the ZOXY(R) zinc-air energy system for electric vehicles," said KCNA Chief Executive Officer Klaus Berger. "As this vehicle goes into field testing, we're confident we can meet and exceed the Bureau's expectations for a top quality electric vehicle."

The small delivery van is equipped with 104 ZOXY(R) zinc-air batteries for long-range performance, coupled with eight Optima batteries for quick acceleration. After field testing, the Optima batteries will be replaced with ultracapacitors for even greater vehicle performance. Initial test results demonstrate acceleration from 0-30 miles per hour (mph) in 8 seconds and a top speed of 55 mph. Further field testing is expected to confirm the range of at least 130 miles between charges.

"We are very pleased with the progress of this joint project," said Jim Baak, EV coordinator for the Alameda Bureau of Electricity. "Our stated goal for the island of Alameda is to become a haven for electric-powered vehicles, and with the cooperation and support of CALSTART and companies like KCNA we're well on our way."

Unlike other batteries used to power electric vehicles, zinc-air batteries are mechanically - rather than electrically recharged. As part of a parallel contract with Alameda, KCNA has nearly completed the construction of a battery-recharge station, to be housed initially at its location in CALSTART's Project Hatchery(tm) Alameda. The battery packs are expected to be "swapped out" when their charge is depleted, taking only a few moments to complete. The depleted batteries would then be disassembled, "refurbished" and ready for the next trip.

A next-phase project involves conversion of one of the Bureau's utility-line trucks to KCNA's zinc-air technology, with the support of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. "To my knowledge, no one has ever converted a vehicle of this type before, so we're looking at new opportunities as well as challenges," Baak noted. "Our commitment to electric transportation doesn't involve just small vehicles - we need to do something about the big polluting vehicles as well."

"We're in the business of helping bring new and different transportation technologies to market," said Michael Gage, CALSTART's president and CEO. "This partnership is the ideal way to test and use emerging products that promise to bring not just cleaner air but jobs and economic growth to the Bay Area and California."

CALSTART is an advanced transportation technologies organization working with more than 200 industry and public partners worldwide. It develops technology demonstration programs, provides industry analysis and information, and helps fleets more quickly introduce electric, hybrid electric, natural gas and other clean, "smart" vehicle systems. Visit CALSTART's industry web site at www.calstart.org. For more information on KCNA or the Bureau of Electricity, visit their sites at: KCNA, www.calstart.org/kummerow; Bureau, www.electricity.ci.alameda.ca.us/alaboe.html.