ENOVA ACHIEVES GREAT SUCCESS BUILDING FIRST U.S. AIR FORCE FUEL CELL BUS
Company Showcases Integration Prowess by Completing Project in Three Months

 

TORRANCE, CA December 11, 2003 - Enova Systems, Torrance, California (Symbol OTCBB: ENVA), a global builder of digital power management systems for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, heavy-duty buses, trucks and stationary applications, announced today that it has successfully integrated a fuel cell system into the U.S. Air Force's first hybrid fuel cell bus at Enova's facilities in Honolulu Hawaii.

The U.S. Air Force's first battery dominant fuel cell hybrid bus, passing final acceptance tests with flying colors, was completed through a teaming effort between Enova, the U.S. Air Force, the State of Hawaii's High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) and Hydrogenics (Nasdaq: HYGS). Enova provides the enabling technologies to convert fuel cell energy into useable power for propulsion and operation of the Air Force bus. Enova's technologies optimize the hybrid fuel cell bus by requiring a reduced fuel cell power module size through the introduction of a battery pack and the ability to capture "regeneration" energy from braking which is transferred back to the batteries.

"Enova is proud to be the total systems integrator of this very significant fuel cell program for the U.S. Air Force and the State of Hawaii. Our teaming partnership with Hydrogenics is most gratifying," commented Carl D. Perry, CEO and President. "Enova's engineering and integration teams have once again proven their prowess in the development and implementation of advanced digital power management and propulsions systems for heavy-duty applications. Drawing on our over three years of experience in fuel cell system development and integration programs with Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor Company, United Technologies and others, Enova has demonstrated its skill in providing the optimal solution."

Enova was chosen to be the team leader for this advanced ground transportation program and has accomplished its goal in three months from system design to completion and final acceptance. The US Air Force's hybrid fuel cell bus's configuration consists of Enova System's Panther 120kW drive system integrated with Enova's newly developed Dual 8kW inverter, 380V DC/DC converter, an advanced version of its proven, successful Hybrid Control Unit and a Mobile Fuel Cell Generator, incorporating a Hydrogenics 20Kw fuel cell power generation module and a battery pack.

 

"We are excited with Enova's capability to quickly develop and integrate an advanced power fuel cell system into a flightline bus within the Air Force fleet," stated Carl Perazzola, Chief, Advanced Power Technology Office, Robins Air Force Base. "By providing standard modular components, Enova is bringing us very close to commercializing the fuel cell powered drive train required to transform the Air Force for the Ôhydrogen economy'. This will reduce both over dependence on foreign oil and logistical requirements going forward, while helping clean our environment. Enova and Hydrogenics are partners with us that are making this win-win scenario a reality for the Department of Defense and our Nation."

 

 

This program follows several successful advanced technology efforts between the State of Hawaii and Enova including fast charging, electric powered Hyundai SUVs, an electric 120kW thirty-foot bus (also for use at Hickam Air Force Base) and a multi-car tram system.

 

 

"The State of Hawaii is pleased to be a partner with the U.S. Air Force on these dual purpose programs that provide both military and commercial opportunities," noted Tom Quinn, Director of the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Development Program (HEVDP) at HTDC. "Enova Systems continues to contribute greatly to Hawaii's ongoing efforts of being an environmentally friendly State. Over the past ten years, the joint efforts of Enova, the HEVDP and the U.S. Departments of Defense and Transportation, have developed and commercialized many advanced alternative transportation systems for automotive, transit and commercial use. Enova has demonstrated that they continue to be at the forefront of technology in the alternative power management markets."

 


This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Enova Systems and its products. These forward-looking statements are subject to and qualified by certain risks and uncertainties. Such statements do not imply the future success of the Company or its products. These risks and uncertainties and other risks are detailed from time to time in Enova Systems' periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the name Enova Systems, Inc., including but not limited to Enova's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Enova assumes no duty to update these statements


For Marketing and Sales Information:
Edward Moore, Vice President, Marketing & Sales 
310-527-2800 ext. 114 
edmoore@enovasystems.com  


For Investor Relations
Larry Lombard, Finance & Admin.
310-527-2800 ext. 103        
llombard@enovasystems.com         

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