Successful Integration of Fuel Cell Range Extender

RNS Number : 0129A

Proton Power Systems PLC

26 March 2012

 



Press Release

26 March 2012

Proton Power Systems plc

("Proton" or the "Company")

Successful Integration of Proton Motor Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Range Extender into Smith Electric Vehicle's Newton Truck

Proton Power Systems plc (AIM:PPS) ("Proton"), a leading designer, developer and producer of Hydrogen fuel cells and Hydrogen fuel cell electric hybrid systems, will unveil their power and range extender at the Hannover Industrial Fair 2012 and are pleased to announce the successful first full integration of its fuel cell power and range extender system ("REX") into a Smith Electric Vehicle's ("Smith") commercial Newton Truck. This marks the completion of the project that began in 2010 to commercialize the power range extender and is a significant milestone for Proton. 

The initial phase of the project was the integration of a REX system into the Smith 'Edison' light duty vehicle to demonstrate that the additional energy from Proton Power's Hydrogen fuel cell system provided a significant increase to 'Edison's' operational range. The second stage integrated the REX system into the Newton truck and will contribute an enhancement to the power and protection of the batteries to provide additional power during cold temperature start and to support air conditioning whilst working within the required range of the batteries.

After road testing, Smith (in cooperation with Proton) will commercially launch the REX system in the 'Newton', and will sell the first 20 vehicles to customers in the German market in 2012/2013.

Proton identified the 'Newton' truck as the most appropriate vehicle size in terms of volume business generation in the logistics markets. REX has been fully integrated into the Newton without reducing the payload or space. The benefits delivered by the system depend on the size of the integrated fuel cell system, the onboard storage capacity for hydrogen and the vehicle's drive cycle. Overall, trial results are positive and in line with Proton's expectations.

Commenting on this technological and commercial achievement, Faiz Francois Nahab Ph.D., CEO of Proton Power, said:  "We are delighted with the success of the project to commercialize the power range extender, and we believe it will increase the addressable market and open new markets for electric powered light duty vehicles. The improved range of operation opens up exciting new possibilities as we can address a wider market segment. We are now ready to present the new vehicle to customers and they can test drive it. I wish to thank the whole team at Proton and Smith for their efforts in achieving this exciting milestone."

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For further information:

Proton Power Systems plc
John Wall, Chairman	Tel: [phone]
Achim Loecher, FD	Tel: [phone]
	www.protonpowersystems.com

Westhouse Securities Limited Nominated adviser and joint broker
Antonio Bossi	Tel: [phone]
	www.westhousesecurities.com

Allenby Capital Limited Joint broker
Nick Athanas	Tel: [phone]
	www.allenbycapital.com

Media enquiries:

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Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper	Tel: [phone]
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