Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane Powered By a UQM(R) Electric Motor Prepares for Ground and Flight Testing

FREDERICK, Colo., March 28 -- UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (AMEX:UQM) , a developer of alternative energy technologies, announced today that a UQM(R) propulsion system will be turning the propeller of a single seat demonstrator airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries as part of planned experimental flight tests this year by Boeing Research and Technology - Europe (BR&TE) and its industry partners. Flight tests, which will take place in Spain, will demonstrate for the first time that a manned airplane can maintain a straight level flight with fuel cells as the only power source.

The demonstrator aircraft is a Dimona motor glider built by Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria, which performed major structural modifications to the aircraft. With a wing span of 16.3 meters (53.5 feet), the airplane will be able to cruise at approximately 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) using fuel cell-provided power.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat without combustion. Fuel cells are emission-free and quieter than hydrocarbon fuel-powered engines. They save fuel and are cleaner for the environment. The Boeing demonstrator uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power the UQM(R) electric motor, which is coupled to a conventional propeller. The fuel cell provides all power for the cruise phase of flight. During takeoff and climb, the flight segment that requires the most power, the system draws on lightweight lithium-ion batteries.

BR&TE is part of the Boeing Phantom Works advanced R&D unit which is chartered to provide innovative technology and system solutions to meet future aerospace needs. BR&TE worked closely with its colleagues in Boeing Commercial Airplanes, its Spanish partners, and with companies in Austria, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States to design and assemble the experimental airplane.

Boeing has stated that they do not envision that fuel cells will provide primary power for future commercial passenger airplanes, but that demonstrations like this help pave the way for the potential use of this technology in small manned and unmanned air vehicles.

"We are pleased to have our highly efficient and power dense electric motors perform the critical role of propelling this exciting demonstration airplane. Aerospace applications for our proprietary motors represent a promising opportunity for the commercialization of our technology and the manned flight of this aircraft will be an important milestone in the development of promising new market applications," said William G. Rankin, UQM Technologies' President and Chief Executive Officer.

UQM Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of power dense, high efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, medical, military and industrial markets. A major emphasis of the Company is developing products for the alternative energy technologies sector including propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, under-the-hood power accessories and other vehicle auxiliaries and distributed power generation applications. The Company's headquarters, engineering and product development center, and motor manufacturing operation are located in Frederick, Colorado. For more information on the Company, please visit its worldwide website at http://www.uqm.com/.