PowerGenix Develops More Powerful Vehicle Batteries for Purchase by US Army’s TARDEC

Military Reviewing Nickel-Zinc Technology to Replace Lead-Acid for Tanks

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PowerGenix, a developer and manufacturer of nontoxic, high-performance Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) rechargeable batteries, today announced that the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has purchased NiZn batteries for test as a possible replacement for the lead-acid “6T” batteries currently in use. PowerGenix’s NiZn technology offers significant performance gains, delivering twice the energy in half the space of lead-acid batteries.

“As the U.S. military develops more sophisticated technologies for use in high risk, demanding environments, outfitting these vehicles with lighter and more powerful batteries will increase performance and safety”

“As the U.S. military develops more sophisticated technologies for use in high risk, demanding environments, outfitting these vehicles with lighter and more powerful batteries will increase performance and safety,” said PowerGenix CEO Dan Squiller. “The advantages that PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc systems offer over lead acid systems are transformative, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Army to develop and deploy battery systems that meet the rigorous requirements of military vehicles.”

The most widely deployed battery format, 6T, is used in 95 percent of U.S. military vehicles. In 2008, the military purchased roughly 700,000 6T batteries. Last year, after recognizing the need to develop more advanced vehicle batteries, TARDEC formed the Advanced Automotive Battery Initiative to pursue cost-effective, lightweight and reliable battery components and materials.

The cost, safety and performance advantages make PowerGenix’s technology ideally suited for a variety of applications in military vehicles, including starting, lighting and ignition; silent watch; equipment actuation; and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Testing of PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc packs is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.

In addition to performance and service life advantages over lead-acid, PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc battery chemistry outperforms the standard rechargeable chemistries Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), delivering 30 percent more power density. PowerGenix batteries contain no lead, cadmium, mercury or other toxic heavy metals and are nontoxic and non-combustible. PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc batteries also offers important advantages over Lithium-ion batteries in safety, cost, and system complexity.

About PowerGenix

PowerGenix has developed and patented a high-power and low-cost Nickel-Zinc battery for power intensive electronics, outdoor equipment, power tools and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc batteries are a higher performing and environmental friendly replacement for Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in the multi-billion dollar rechargeable battery market--providing a smaller, lighter and highly recyclable alternative to existing technologies. For more information, please visit www.powergenix.com.