SPECIAL EVENT (WATERTOWN, MA.) - First Electric Vehicle in History to Break into the Sevens at 7.82 Seconds at 168mph

WATERTOWN, Mass.--A123Systems™, sponsor of the world record setting KillaCycle, today announced that the official world record holder in the electric quarter-mile drag again broke its previous world record. The KillaCycle is the first electric vehicle of any kind to break the eight-second barrier with two runs of 7.824 and 7.991 seconds. The new official ¼ mile record is now set at 7.991 seconds at 168mph, with a 0-60mph time of under 1 second.

The KillaCycle set the new world record for the sixth time in its career at the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) California Bike Week event this past weekend on Sunday, November 11^th at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. Previously the KillaCycle was powered by a battery with 990 A123Systems Nanophosphate cells, weighing 165 pounds, and delivering 350 horsepower. The new record breaking battery delivers more than 500 horsepower via 1210 A123 cells weighing 186 pounds, newly tuned power electronics, a larger 27” tire, and augmented gearing.

"I knew it was a fast run, but we all were completely blown away when the board lit up with 7.82 @ 168 mph," said Bill Dube, owner of the KillaCycle. "The spectators didn’t clap or cheer but simultaneously let out a revenant, hushed, low-pitched “whooooa” when the board lit up."

“Bill is a visionary in the world of electric vehicles,” said Jonah Myerberg, senior engineer at A123Systems. “His records and our batteries continue to advance the leading edge of electric vehicle performance and technology. If top speed and acceleration are your goals, racing can no longer afford to ignore electric-powered vehicles.”

About A123Systems

A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patent pending Nanophosphate technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design. With the largest lithium ion R&D team in North America, world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ batteries are leading the automotive movement towards platform electrification. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A123Systems' Advanced Research & Government Solutions Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan is nationally recognized for new materials development and cutting-edge research. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.

A123Systems, the A123Systems logo, and Nanophosphate are trademarks of A123 Systems Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other names are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.