U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Study Lists AuraGen as Technology to Reduce Emissions and Save Fuel

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--April 7, 2003--Aura Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:AURA) today announced that a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study lists the AuraGen(R) (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/idlingtech.htm) as a technology that can reduce vehicle engine emissions and save fuel.
    The EPA has developed plans to significantly reduce pollution from diesel engines. An important element of the EPA's plan is the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program that addresses pollution from diesel construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicles that are currently on the road today. A critical area of concern is for long-duration truck engine idling. Truck drivers idle their engines during rest periods to provide heat or air conditioning, keep the engine warm during cold weather, and provide electrical power for their appliances. The EPA is working closely with the trucking industry, manufacturers of idle control/mobile power technologies and various states to save fuel and reduce air pollution from idling trucks.
    The AuraGen(R) combines sophisticated mechanical and electronics design, advanced engineering and break-through electromagnetic technology to produce a highly reliable and flexible mobile power generating system that creates alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity, both with and without the engine on. Through its Inverter Charger System (ICS), the AuraGen provides engine-off power for any equipment including power to provide heat or air conditioning and electrical power for appliances.
    "With many of our customers, there is a great concern about pollution, particularly from diesel engines," said Neal Meehan, Aura Chairman and CEO. "The AuraGen, with its ability to provide clean power even with the vehicles engine off, is an ideal product to help any vehicle owner, from individuals to fleet owners/operators and state/local governments, meet these stringent EPA standards. We are proud of the AuraGen's environmental record, and its recognition by the EPA."
    Truck idling affects the environment and our energy supply in several ways. According to the EPA, trucks consume up to one gallon of diesel fuel for each hour at idle, using as much as 2,400 gallons of fuel every year per truck. For trucks alone, this totals 1.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel consumed every year from idling, costing $1.8 billion. On average, each idling truck produces about 21 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.3 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually, totaling over 11 million tons and 150,000 tons respectively. Diesel exhaust also contains particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and various air toxics. In addition to fuel costs and emissions, engine idling results in increased maintenance costs associated with substantial wear to the engine. Studies indicate that idling can cost over $300 annually in maintenance costs alone.
    "We've all seen the pollution and black soot that can come from the exhaust pipes of trucks, buses and construction equipment," Aura's Meehan adds. "The AuraGen can save the fuel that would normally be consumed during long-duration idling and eliminate associated air emissions. In addition, the AuraGen provides environmental advantages in any mobile power application, whether the vehicle is moving or parked and irrespective of engine type -- gasoline or diesel. Compared to Gensets, the AuraGen can reduce air pollution significantly, reducing CO emissions by as much as 79% and NOx by 74% (1)."

    ABOUT AURA SYSTEMS

    Aura Systems Inc., a technology leader in mobile power, develops and sells AuraGen(R) mobile induction power systems to the industrial, commercial and defense mobile power generation markets. The Company's unique and patented energy solution is the only proven, commercially available pure sine wave power system that can continuously provide thousands of watts of power at low engine speed, and is fully integrated under the vehicle hood. The AuraGen(R) is capable of generating full power up to 8500 watts at all engine speeds including enhanced engine idle speed for gasoline engines and at idle speed for bigger diesel engines. The AuraGen(R) combines sophisticated mechanical and electronics design, advanced engineering and break-through electromagnetic technology to produce a highly reliable and flexible mobile power generating system that creates alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity, both with and without the engine on. For more information about the Company's AuraGen(R) product visit the company's website at http://www.aurasystems.com.


    (1) Schwartz, Dr. Arthur, "AuraGen, A New Device with a Potentially Large Environmental Payoff." Internal Aura Systems study (2001)