May 13, 2005 (From the CalCars-News archive)
May 12, 2005 09:40 AM US Eastern Timezone
Valence Technology and EnergyCS Participate in Tour de Sol with Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2005--A concept plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) developed by EnergyCS and Valence Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:VLNC) will participate in the Tour de Sol Championship Race and Monte Carlo-style Rally on May 13-16. Valence is a leader in the development and commercialization of Saphion(R) technology, the only safe, large-format Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology.
Powered by Valence Technology's U-Charge(TM) Power System, the PHEV is a fully functional concept car based on a 2004 Toyota Prius. Because the Saphion Lithium-ion battery offers much more energy than batteries traditionally used in hybrid vehicles, it allows significant amounts of zero-emission driving and a fuel efficiency that can reach up to 180 miles per gallon for an average commute of 50-60 miles per day.
The PHEV modified by EnergyCS offers the best of both worlds: zero-emission electric mode (up to 33 m/h, 53 km/h) and an efficient gas motor for long trips. EnergyCS replaced the original battery controller with its own design, added a charger so that the vehicle can be plugged into an electrical outlet (120V or 220V), and replaced the nickel-metal-hydride batteries with Valence U-Charge systems.
Valence batteries are based on its proprietary Saphion technology, which replaces toxic heavy metals with phosphates, creating an energy storage battery that is chemically more stable and safer than traditional oxide-based batteries. Valence batteries are not only environmentally friendly, but require virtually no maintenance and offer long life and low overall ownership costs.
Now in its 17th year, the Tour de Sol challenges auto companies, students, entrepreneurs, corporations, fuel suppliers, and government to work together, and design, build, and market vehicles that can meet transportation needs without compromising the future. The Tour de Sol Monte Carlo-style Rally is open to hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicle owners, who will compete for special prizes. The Tour de Sol Championship is for concept vehicles built by students, entrepreneurs and corporations that are working towards zero oil and carbon-emission vehicles.
About Tour de Sol
The Tour de Sol event is organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), the nation's leading regional education and advocacy association that aims to accelerate the deployment and use of renewable energy, green buildings, and energy efficiency in everyday life. NESEA produces major sustainable energy events that inspire and motivate large numbers of people to get involved and make a difference. For more information visit online www.TourdeSol.org or call 413-774-6051.
Key dates for this year's Tour de Sol event include:
- May 13 - Press-only event: de Sol Championship technical testing and Ride n' Drives in selected vehicles; Saratoga, NY
- May 14 - Monte Carlo-style Rally concludes; Saratoga, NY
- May 14 - Monte Carlo Rally Awards & Green Car show, Saratoga Spring Auto Show; Saratoga, NY
- May 15 - Tour de Sol Car Championship Range Event; Cooperstown, NY
- May 16 - Tour de Sol Award Ceremony & Vehicle Display; Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
About Valence Technology
Valence Technology is a leader in the development and commercialization of Saphion(R) technology, the only safe large format Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology. Valence holds an extensive, worldwide portfolio of issued and pending patents relating to its Saphion technology and Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The company has facilities in Austin, Texas, Henderson, Nevada and Suzhou and Shanghai, China. Valence is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol VLNC and can be found on the internet at www.valence.com.
About EnergyCS
Energy Control Systems Engineering (EnergyCS) is a privately held company based in Monrovia, California. It provides leading edge consulting, design and prototyping services for system integration, management and monitoring of electrochemical energy systems such as batteries and fuel cells. The company is focused on and particularly interested in applications in the areas of EV and HEV transportation and alternative energy on systems from 24 to 1000 VDC. www.energycs.com
In order to make the benefits of PHEV technology more widely accessible, EnergyCS has partnered with Clean-Tech LLC to form EDrive Systems, LLC. The new company will commercialize EnergyCS' PHEV conversion kits using Valence Saphion batteries and make plug-in retrofits available to consumers in early 2006. Clean-Tech specializes in developing advanced alternate fuel retrofits for vehicles and will be the integrator for the EDrive technology. For more information, send an e-mail to info@....
Contacts
Valence Technology, Inc., Austin
Reader Contact:
888-VALENCE
info@...
or
Investor Contact:
Judy Racino, 512-527-2921
investor@...
or
Media Contact:
Lois Paul & Partners, LLC
Daphne Kent, 512-638-5305
daphne_kent@...
