The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

California's First Plug-In Hybrid School Bus Has Enova's Post Transmission Technology


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

TORRANCE, CA - August 13, 2007: Enova Systems,a production company in an emerging clean energy, environmentally friendly industry and a developer of proprietary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, announced today that the Napa Unified School District has received a new plug-in hybrid electric school bus. The bus, provided by IC Corporation could see up to a 100% fuel economy improvement, as well as a 90% reduction in emissions.

More than 150 attendees were on-hand Friday at a ceremony in Napa when the hybrid school bus was officially delivered. The school district will become the first in California, and one of only eight school districts in the U.S., to operate the new hybrid school bus that has the potential to double fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by up to 90 percent.

Mike Staran, Enovas President and COO, said, Enovas alliance with IC Corporation is very strong and we look forward to growing together in the North American bus market. We expect significant short and long term opportunity in this market.

The new bus is a result of a nationwide initiative called the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project, led by Raleigh, N.C.-based Advanced Energy, a non-profit corporation that initiated a buyers consortium of school districts, state energy agencies and student transportation providers. The hybrid plug-in school bus is built by IC Corporation, the nations largest school bus manufacturer. The hybrid school buses are manufactured at IC Corporations plant in Conway, Ark. Randall Ray, IC Corporations Platform Manager on the hybrid school bus project, stated, The development of the Enova hybrid system integrates well with both our chassis and the duty cycle of a school bus, we feel this should provide a significant step forward for everyone involved.

While the exterior of the hybrid school bus looks the same as a standard school bus, it is powered with innovative new technology. The hybrid school bus project features Enova's Charge Depleting System (or "Plug In"), which was extensively evaluated at IC Corporations research and technology facility in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The initial powertrain for the hybrid school bus will couple an International® MaxxForce 7 diesel engine with the 25/80-kilowatt hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating a transmission, batteries and an electric motor. The Post Transmission System is one in which the Electric Drive System is integrated behind the Transmission and is designed to be installed as a "drop in," fully integrated turnkey fashion into an OEM production line, or retrofitted in post vehicle production in a modular, "as-needed" basis. Enovas Post Transmission System has proven, in other applications, to be a non-invasive system that has required little to no modifications to chassis, body, instrument panel, etc. In addition, our system does not intrude on the Engine Control/Communication system. The system monitors, but does not impact the engine operation parameters within the diesel powerplant.

Enovas Charge Sustaining System utilizes relatively small batteries which are maintained within a specified range of State of Charge (SOC) over the entire drive cycle. Battery charge is maintained by the on-board equipment and is not normally recharged from the grid except as needed for cell balancing. The Charge Depleting (or Plug In) System utilizes a larger battery based on advanced battery chemistry that provides stored energy intended to be drawn down over the driving cycle, thus optimizing fuel economy, subsequent to an overnight charge.

Depending on the route, fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) improvement is from 30% to 55% for a Post Transmission Charge Sustaining System, and as much as 70-100% for Post transmission Charge Depleting Systems. Emission improvements vary with the pollutant being measured and has shown up to a 90% improvement at times on Particulate Matter based on load and operating conditions.

About IC Corporation

IC Corporation is a wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (OTC:NAVZ). The nations largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Corporation is a leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Corporation buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available site at www.ic-corp.com.

About Advanced Energy

Advanced Energy is a Raleigh-based nonprofit corporation that enables utility customers to improve returns on their energy investments. The corporation also strives to create environmental, economic and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy. The Hybrid Electric School Bus Project represents a collaborative effort among many parties to improve the nations air quality. The project has demonstrated that industry, government and non-profits can successfully work together to improve the environment and encourage the economy.

About Enova Systems, Inc.

Enova Systems (AMEX:ENA) (AIM:ENV) (AIM:ENVS) is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendly digital power components and systems products. The Company's core competencies are focused on the development and commercialization of power management and conversion systems for mobile and stationary applications. Enova applies unique enabling technologies in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning and management systems for distributed generation systems. The Company develops, designs and produces drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles. For further information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit its Web site at http://www.enovasystems.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Enova Systems and its products that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should, "could," "project," "plan," "seek," "intend," or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology and statements about industry trends and Enova's future performance, operations and products. These forward-looking statements are subject to and qualified by certain risks and uncertainties. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Enova Systems' periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Enova's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. This forward-looking information should be considered only in connection with the aforementioned risk factors. Enova assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.