EaglePicher Commercial Power Solutions to Add Fast Battery-Charging Solutions to Its Portfolio

PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 17, 2003 -- The Commercial Power Solutions division of EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, announced plans to expand its portfolio of battery and power solutions to include advanced battery chargers. In support of this goal, Commercial Power Solutions has signed a joint development and license agreement with FaZtech, Inc., of Fremont, Neb., to develop, manufacture and market FaZtech's patented Fazt(TM) fast battery- charging technology.

This new technology is based on a unique, self-regulating circuit design that optimizes the battery charge rate without overheating or damaging the battery. Typical charging time is two to three times faster than with standard chargers. The charger is one-fourth the size of chargers of comparable power, permitting designs for both on-board and off-board applications. This flexibility enables a portable, lower cost solution for opportunity charging, allowing users to extend operating time by up to 25 percent.

The chargers initially will be targeted to the medium-power (1-10 kw) motive industries, including industrial electric vehicles, golf carts and marine applications where quick charging, portability and extended battery life are key.

"This agreement is in line with EaglePicher's strategy of acquiring and commercializing breakthrough technologies," said Kevin Quinn, vice president of EaglePicher Technologies. "Our new charger products will help us more broadly address the needs of existing customers as well as reach new applications and industries. In addition, these products complement our EaglePicher Horizon line of high-performance lead acid batteries."

Charger demonstration prototypes currently are being placed in the field for testing. For more information about participating in application testing, contact EaglePicher at customerservice.commpwr@eaglepicher.com .

EaglePicher has delivered state-of-the-art battery technology and circuitry solutions to the defense and aerospace industries for over 50 years. Now the company is applying its expertise to commercial applications. EaglePicher is driving innovations in areas such as high-performance lithium and nanotechnology for implantable medical devices, advanced lead acid batteries for electric vehicles, fuel cells for remote power applications, and custom-engineered solutions.

"If there is a need for a commercial power solution that is reliable, light-weight, high-output and long-life, EaglePicher can address it," noted Quinn. "We are committed to supporting our customers through the 'Application of Innovation.' "

EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of EaglePicher Incorporated, has facilities in Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Canada. The operating group develops and markets advanced high-reliability power systems and associated electronics for government, space and commercial applications. It also processes Boron isotopes, anticancer pharmaceutical ingredients and ultra clean scientific containers. Areas of global focus include telecommunications, medical, nuclear power plants, space, defense, environmental, semiconductors and pharmaceutical/biotech. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.eaglepicher.com .

EaglePicher Incorporated, founded in 1843 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of innovative, advanced technology and industrial products and services for space, defense, environmental, automotive, medical, filtration, pharmaceutical, nuclear power, semiconductor and commercial applications worldwide. The company has 4,000 employees and operates more than 30 plants in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and Germany. Additional information on the company is available on the Internet at www.eaglepicher.com .

FaZtech, Inc. is a privately held Nebraska corporation that holds several patents for battery charging circuit and controller designs. The company is presently investigating applications for its technology in a variety of battery power ranges and chemistries. FaZtech can be reached at www.faztech.net .