Enova Systems Inc Regulatory News (ENVS)

31 Jan 2006 16:26

Enova Systems, Inc.31 January 2006 Enova works with IC Corporation to produce Nation's First Hybrid School Bus TORRANCE, CA, January 31, 2006 - Enova Systems, (OTCBB: ENOV and AIM: ENV andENVS), a leading developer and manufacturer of electric, hybrid and fuel celldigital power management systems, confirmed today it's working relationship withIC Corporation, a division of International Truck and Engine. IC Corporation,North America's largest school bus manufacturer, and Enova's joint effort hasresulted in the completion of the nation's first functional hybrid school bus.As stated in the following article, the two (2) companies have developed aprototype school bus incorporating Enova's 80 kW post transmission hybrid drivesystem with an AC induction motor: IC CORPORATION AND ENOVA WORKING TO DEVELOP THE NATION'S FIRST HYBRID SCHOOL BUS Project Increases Fuel Economy by About 40 Percent, Signals IC Corporation's Continued Leadership in the School Transportation Industry WARRENVILLE, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2006) - IC Corporation, North America's largestschool bus manufacturer, is working with Enova Systems, Inc. to introduce thenation's first hybrid school bus. The two companies have developed a prototypeschool bus with a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain that is currently undergoingtesting. "Together, IC Corporation and Enova are delivering an integrated solution thatallows the customer to attain an approximate 40 percent increase in fuel economyand also greatly reduce emissions," said Mike Staran, Enova's vice president ofmarketing. The project features Enova's post-transmission 80 kW Hybrid Drive System and iscurrently being evaluated at IC Corporation's research and technology facilityin Fort Wayne, Ind. The hybrid school bus will be delivered to a school buscustomer in spring 2006. "With fuel prices at all-time highs, new innovations in hybrid technology areneeded to help customers keep their operating costs lower," said MichaelCancelliere, vice president and general manager of IC Corporation. "We feel thatthis technology could provide significantly improved fuel economy. In addition,even though current International diesel engines produce no visible smoke andlow emissions, the hybrid program will reduce engine emissions even further." The hybrid bus announcement is the continuation of research and development fornew technology in a number of different vehicles. IC Corporation's parentcompany, International Truck and Engine, is working extensively on hybrid trucksfor the utility industry. The initial powertrain for the school bus project will couple an International(R)VT365 V8 diesel engine with an 80 kW hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating atransmission, batteries and permanent magnet motor. The system is based on aparallel architecture, allowing the system to utilize both diesel and electricpower in a highly efficient manner. The system recovers kinetic energy during braking, charging the batteries whilethe bus is slowing down. This provides additional power for acceleration, makingthe hybrid buses ideal because of the frequent starting and stopping of the bus. "IC Corporation is committed to environmental leadership and delivering value toour customers," said Cancelliere. "We believe that diesel-electric hybridtechnology can be made commercially viable for the school bus industry and thiscollaboration is the first step in making that a reality." About IC Corporation IC Corporation, the nation's largest integrated school bus manufacturer, is awholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation.International produces school bus chassis, mid-range diesel engines, mediumtrucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, and is a provider of parts andservice sold under the International brand. Both IC and International aresubsidiaries of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). Additionalinformation is available site at: www.ic-corp.com. About Enova Systems, Inc. Enova Systems is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendlydigital power components and systems products. The Company's core competenciesare focused on the development and commercialization of power management andconversion systems for mobile and stationary applications. Enova applies unique'enabling technologies' in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systemsfor medium and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning and managementsystems for distributed generation systems. The Company develops, designs andproduces drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, andfuel cell powered vehicles. For further information, contact Enova Systemsdirectly, or visit its Web site at www.enovasystems.com. Media Contacts: Sue Kroll Dane Roth Mike Staran (630) 753-3540 (312) 228-6843 (310) 527-2800 IC Corporation Ketchum PR Enova Systems Sue.Kroll@nav-international.com Dane.Roth@ketchum.com Mstaran@enovasystems.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange