Hyundai's Fuel Cell-Powered Santa Fe With Enova's Panther Drive System Wins Two Gold Medals at Michelin Challenge Bibendum

    TORRANCE, Calif.-Enova Systems (OTCBB:ENVA) announced that Hyundai Motor Company's Santa Fe Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), a fuel cell-powered sport utility vehicle with Enova Systems' 90kW Panther Drive System, Fuel Control, and Fuel Cell Monitoring System, took home two gold and two silver awards from the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, an annual showcase for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, held Oct. 26-28.
    In the first-ever North American competition for fuel cell vehicles, the Santa Fe FCEV earned gold medals in both emissions and noise tests, and received silver medals for its performance in the slalom and fuel efficiency tests. Testing of the Santa Fe FCEV was done at the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. with support from Hyundai Motor Company subsidiary, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. Fuel cell vehicles were rated against industry protocols, or commonly accepted standards of excellence applied to internal combustion engine vehicles and given grades ranging from A through D. Letter grades were translated into gold, silver and bronze medals at the awards ceremony Sunday, Oct. 28.
    The Hyundai Santa Fe FCEV participated in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum as a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a public-private venture of automakers, energy and fuel cell technology companies, and government agencies working together to advance the commercialization of fuel cell-powered vehicles. A total of six hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles from various manufacturers were entered in the Michelin event.
    "The Michelin Challenge Bibendum proved that fuel cell technology has taken great strides towards becoming a viable option for consumers. We at Hyundai and the members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership have a lot to be proud of," said Chung Goo Lee, president of worldwide research and development for Hyundai Motor Company. "We are exceptionally proud of our team and our partners for developing a vehicle that represents the technical expertise and spirit of innovation at Hyundai."
    Power for the Hyundai Santa Fe FCEV comes from a 75-kilowatt fuel cell developed by International Fuel Cells; propulsion and fuel control were supplied by a 90kW Panther(TM) fuel cell drive system developed by Enova Systems; and Quantum provided the fuel tank that can be filled to 5,000 pounds per square inch of hydrogen, enabling the vehicle to go more than 100 miles between fueling.
    "We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Hyundai Motor Company as the developer of their electric and hybrid-electric drive systems," stated Carl Dean Perry, President and CEO of Enova. "This prestigious award validates the partnership that exists between our companies and further demonstrates the technical excellence of the alternative energy vehicles we develop together."

    About Enova Systems

    Enova Systems, with headquarters in Torrance, California and offices in Hawaii and South Korea, is a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of power management and conversion systems for the global mobile and stationary alternative energy market. The company's technology and products in power conversion, energy management, and system integration enable Enova Systems to integrate a wide range of power sources, including advanced batteries, fuel cells, and turbine generators, in these power applications. The Company's product lines include the Panther(TM) propulsion systems ranging from 10kW to 240kW, DC-DC supplies for low voltage accessories, and power management systems for batteries, fuel cells, turbines and other components. Enova's propulsion systems and components are used in OEM vehicles from Hyundai Motor Company and are supplied to Ecostar for use in the Ford Th!nk city vehicle. Enova also develops and manufactures propulsion systems for transit buses and airport trams. For more product details and other news, see the Enova website at enovasystems.com.