Published: March 09, 2010
PowerGenix Develops More Powerful Vehicle Batteries for Purchase by US Army's TARDEC
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," 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.

for PowerGenix
Kate Casolaro, 415-977-1917
powergenix@antennagroup.com
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