AFS Trinity Reports Its Battery/Ultracap Plug in Hybrid System Is 6 Times More Durable Than Lithium Batteries Alone

Independent test suggests that lithium battery-only plug in hybrid vehicles introduced by others may need to have their batteries replaced every 25,000 miles

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- AFS Trinity Power Corporation today reported independent test results demonstrating that the company's "Extreme Hybrid" technology that utilizes batteries in combination with ultracapacitors will enable a plug in hybrid vehicle using the system to have a useful life that is 6 times greater than plug ins that use lithium batteries alone -- 150,000 miles for an AFS Trinity Extreme Hybrid versus 25,000 miles for a conventional plug in hybrid that uses lithium ion batteries alone.

Battery tests were conducted by America's leading independent battery testing laboratory, Mobile Power Solutions of Beaverton, Oregon.

EDITORS' NOTE: Extreme Hybrid prototypes and further details of today's news will be available to the media in Los Angeles, CA, at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, at 1500 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, 90015 across from the Los Angeles Convention Center. To arrange interviews or video coverage contact Tim Kent at 310-409-3861.

"For plug in hybrids," according to AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia, "this means that the off the shelf lithium ion batteries in cars incorporating our patent pending dual energy storage technology will probably last for the entire life of the vehicle whereas the lithium batteries of conventional plug ins with battery-only technology will need to be replaced every 25,000 miles. A number of companies have announced plans to build plug in hybrids that can power a car for 40 miles in all-electric mode. Even if the batteries can deliver this much power, how viable are these plug ins if they are only good for 25,000 miles?"

"However," Furia said, "AFS Trinity does not rule out the possibility that more durable cost effective batteries could be invented that could be used alone and which might be sufficient to handle the duty cycle of a PHEV. However, no such battery, of which AFS Trinity is aware, currently exists."

David Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo, the world's leading automotive engineering firm and a preferred supplier to AFS Trinity, said, "Batteries are the single most expensive part of an electric vehicle or plug in hybrid EV. From a cost standpoint, replacing the batteries is analogous to replacing the engine in an internal combustion-only car. Replacing the battery after they are used for only 25,000 miles, which could occur in just over 18 months in an average American driver's car, would make plug ins impractical. A plug in hybrid with an energy storage system that can survive 150,000 miles of driving is an enormous advantage and a potential economic game changer."

Furia explained why AFS Trinity's dual energy storage system of lithium ion batteries and ultracapacitors managed by advanced power electronics results in the batteries being so much more durable than when the batteries are subjected to the same current demands but are used alone.

"When a battery in a plug in hybrid is subjected to high current demands, which occurs every time the vehicle accelerates, either from a stop light or while merging from an on-ramp onto a freeway, resistive heating occurs in the battery. This resistive heating can easily become excessive with stop and go driving. Such excessive resistive heating damages a battery, and, in some cases can destroy it. In any event this phenomenon reduces the number of miles that can be driven during the life of the battery. In our system, however, the high current demand events are handled by the ultracapacitor, allowing the battery essentially to coast. Between such high current events, the battery trickled power into the ultracap, so that when the next acceleration occurs the ultracap is ready to handle it," Furia said.

XH150 performance

Describing the prototypes, Furia said AFS Trinity's XH150 is not only a roomy SUV but "a fully operational Extreme Hybrid(TM) that can go at least 40 miles without burning a drop of gasoline in the electric vehicle mode with a top EV speed of 87 MPH...and from zero to 60 in 11.6 seconds in all electric mode and 6.9 seconds in full hybrid mode. After 40 miles as an electric vehicle the Extreme Hybrid automatically converts to gas."

Calculating mileage

Furia explained, "As the U.S. EPA is still in the process of determining how it will calculate fuel economy of electric vehicles (EV) or plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), no EV or PHEV has yet received an EPA certification of mileage, including AFS Trinity's XH150. Eventually, EPA will issue guidelines regarding EV and PHEV mileage which are expected to translate kilowatt hours consumed per hundred miles to the more familiar mile per gallon units. The Department of Energy is also using an adjustment factor for such calculations that takes into account not only energy content but scarcity of fuel and reduction and distribution efficiency, which will yield even more impressive mileage figures."

He said, "No matter how EPA resolves the question about how mileage will be calculated for EVs and PHEVs, a vehicle such as the XH150, which can travel 40 miles per day and 280 per week without burning a drop of gasoline, will achieve fuel economy previously unheard of in any passenger vehicle, let alone a 5 passenger SUV. Therefore, until the dust clears regarding new EPA mileage certification methodology, for the time being AFS Trinity will use its own calculation that estimates the amount of gasoline that would be consumed by a typical American driver using her vehicle in a typical week of driving 320 miles."

Furia said, "Since, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. DOT, over 78% of Americans drive less than 40 miles a day, in this car they would burn zero gasoline on most days. On weekends, they might drive twice that far on one day, 80 miles, half of which would use gasoline. Even assuming a heavily laden vehicle and an aggressive driver, the gasoline consumed in a week would still only be 2 gallons. Thus, based on a total of 320 miles per week, fuel economy will average over 160 miles per gallon, which we round down to 150 mpg. No additional new technology is needed to achieve these results. The AFS Trinity technology is ready to be immediately integrated into vehicles that could be mass produced."

About AFS Trinity and Ricardo

AFS Trinity develops Fast Energy Storage(TM) for vehicular, spacecraft and stationary power systems utilizing batteries, ultracapacitors, and flywheels. The Company has conducted programs with private and government organizations including DARPA, NASA, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. DOT, California Energy Commission, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Lockheed, Honeywell, Mercedes and Ricardo. AFS Trinity's patent-pending Extreme Hybrid(TM) drive train utilizes ultra-capacitors, batteries and proprietary power and control electronics for plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Ricardo, the world's leading independent automotive engineering firm, with over 1900 engineers in facilities around the world, has assisted AFS Trinity in building the first XH-150 prototypes and is a preferred supplier to AFS Trinity for drive train integration support. For more information visit http://www.afstrinity.com/ and http://www.ricardo.com/.

Some statements in this news release are forward-looking. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expects," "believes," "targets," "intends," and words of similar import. Actual results may vary depending on circumstances both within and outside the control of the Company including market acceptance of products, technology development cycles and other risk factors. AFS Trinity Power Corporation takes no responsibility for updating any forward-looking statements made in this release.

Extreme Hybrid(TM), ExtremeFleet(TM), XH(TM), XH-150(TM), XH-250(TM), Fast Energy(TM), Fast Energy Storage(TM), Just Plug It In(TM), Powered by Fast Energy(TM) are trademarks pending of AFS Trinity Power Corporation. Patents Pending. All Rights Reserved.

Source: AFS Trinity Power Corporation. CONTACT: Laurie Westdahl, +1-425-454-1818, for AFS Trinity Power
Corporation.

The National Truck Equipment Association Unveils The Work Truck Show 2009 Schedule

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As North America's largest work truck event, The Work Truck Show(R) 2009 offers the best opportunity to see and experience the latest commercial trucks and equipment from leading manufacturers. In addition to exploring nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, attendees also initiate business improvements through more than 40 training programs and discover what's new in "green" truck technology.

Registration for The Work Truck Show 2009 is now open at www.ntea.com. Dozens of new vocational trucks and commercial truck equipment will be introduced at the show, which is held in conjunction with the 45th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention March 46, 2009, at the McCormick Place West Building in Chicago, IL. The Convention and Educational Conference start March 3.

"Work trucks and equipment are critical tools used every day to build infrastructure, deliver goods, clear roads, repair utility lines and keep the world's economies running," says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "With a massive display of the newest trucks and equipment, supported by more than 40 industry-specific training sessions, The Work Truck Show is truly a one-stop resource for anyone who relies on their trucks to get the job done."

The event kicks off with a full day of in-depth educational Special Sessions on Tuesday, March 3. The Green Truck Summit, sponsored by International Truck, provides current information on hybrid and alternative fuel options for work trucks. "Upfitting Equipment on 2010 Emission-compliant Truck Chassis" brings together experts from Daimler Trucks North America, Dodge, Ford Commercial Truck, General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations, Hino Trucks and International Truck to review changes made to their chassis to meet 2010 emission requirements and to answer questions about mounting truck equipment to these chassis. "From Tactical to Practical: A Playbook for Identifying Profitability and Survivability" supplies insights into the developments, threats and opportunities facing the work truck industry and its distribution channels, as well as tactics companies can use to position themselves to survive and thrive in these challenging times. The session is based on NTEA-commissioned research. Exclusively for fleet and shop managers, the Fleet Management Symposium focuses on fleet financial and operational practices to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Concurrent educational and technical training sessions run Tuesday, March 3, through Thursday, March 5. They cover a wide range of hot industry topics, including hybrid technology and alternative fuels, specification writing, business development, new technology and updates from leading chassis manufacturers. Additional classes are held in a training theater right on the show floor.

Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch, will present the keynote address at the President's Breakfast and NTEA Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 5, from 7:30am-9:15am. To register and purchase tickets, visit www.ntea.com.

During show hours on March 4 and 5, Work Truck Show attendees can test-drive more than a dozen street-legal new hybrid and alternative fuel commercial vehicles as part of the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. Participation is free and sign up is available on-site. The latest hybrid and alternative fuel technology also will be displayed in the Green Truck Pavilion as part of the show floor.

Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show showcases Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment. It brings together thousands of work truck professionals, including fleet managers, equipment buyers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, distributors and dealers.

For complete event details, including a schedule of events, exhibitor list, floor plan, registration, housing, session descriptions, new product announcements and more, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-NTEA (6832).

About the NTEA

Established in 1964, the NTEA is the leading association supporting the $101 billion commercial truck and trailer industry. The Association currently represents more than 1,800 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, bodies, equipment, trailers and accessories. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.

Source: National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

CONTACT: Kristen Simpson, Simpson Communications, LLC, +1-216-991-4297,
kristen@simpsoncomm.com, for National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

Web Site: http://www.ntea.com/

TORRANCE, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 luxury utility vehicles at a press conference at the upcoming 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19.

The next generation RX models will raise the bar above the current best-selling products by offering outstanding luxury, comfort, technology, safety and efficiency.

Recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the 2010 IS convertible will make its North American debut at the show. The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles feature a lightweight aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just seconds. They feature the same powertrains as the IS sedans: the IS 250C receives a 2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; and the IS 350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V6 with a six-speed automatic.

Also making their first appearance are the 2009 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L all-wheel drive (AWD) luxury sedans. Available in both standard and long wheelbase, they utilize a highly compact center TORSEN(R) Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that optimally distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels, thus helping to ensure excellent traction performance and driving stability.

The RX press conference will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at 1:20 p.m. PST in the Lexus display area at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Source: Lexus

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (PRNewsFoto/Nissan North America)

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the largest concepts vehicle ever created by Nissan, the innovative NV2500 Concept previews the company's entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market in 2010 and is designed to highlight multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.NissanUSA.com and
http://www.infiniti.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America