Quantum Awarded Phase 2 of U.S. Department of Energy $2.6 Million Next Generation Hydrogen Storage Program

IRVINE, Calif., July 19 -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., announced today that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the company Phase 2 of its $2.6 million program for the development and advancement of next generation hydrogen storage technologies.

Quantum and the U.S. Department of Energy are working under a Cooperative Agreement to advance hydrogen storage systems in support of fuel cell vehicle commercialization. The overall project focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of Quantum's ultra lightweight advanced composite 10,000-psi hydrogen storage tank technology, previously developed by Quantum and the U.S. Department of Energy, and reducing costs to deliver next generation hydrogen storage systems.

The specifics of Phase 2 include evaluating and incorporating new developments into high-pressure hydrogen storage systems, such as optimization of materials and fabrication methodologies, advanced structural monitoring systems, and higher density hydrogen storage.

As researchers develop solid-state materials for low pressure hydrogen storage in the long term, safe and durable tanks will also be required. Quantum's new concepts may eventually be applicable to long-term hydrogen storage engineering issues like thermal management and system optimization, as well as to off-board storage and hydrogen delivery.

"Quantum, working in concert with the U.S. Department of Energy in 2001, was the first to develop and certify a 10,000-psi hydrogen storage system for vehicles," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "That achievement was the first step toward providing enough fuel on board a vehicle to achieve a 300 mile driving range for specific vehicle platforms. The current project with the DOE will focus on the next step along the commercialization continuum -- advancing the design in order to further increase capacity, reduce costs and weight, and maintaining high levels of safety."

About Quantum

Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, Sumitomo and IMPCO. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Sunline, Yamaha, AeroVironment, and the U.S. Army.

More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at www.qtww.com.