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

Democratic Delegates Empowered In LA By Exide

17 August 2000

Exide The Real 'Seat of Power'...In Hybrid And Electric Buses
    LOS ANGELES - While some delegates to the Democratic National Convention 
here this week are part of the inner power circle, and others are trying to get 
there, everyone who takes the convention shuttle buses will have plenty of clean 
power thanks to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and Exide 
Corporation.

    Delegates are shuttling back and forth from the Staples Center to their
hotels in electric and hybrid-electric buses supplied by the L.A. DWP and
powered by Exide batteries.

    Exide President Craig Muhlhauser is not sure whether electric or electric-
hybrid power will be the answer for American transportation, but he is
positive Exide batteries will be a part of either solution.

    "We are committed to providing global energy-storage solutions for all
transportation applications. We are proud Ebus and Advanced Vehicle Systems
chose our batteries for their vehicles, and we will continue to develop
advanced storage technologies to enable the next generation of electric-
powered vehicle technology," Muhlhauser said.

    The 18 electric buses, built in Los Angeles by Ebus, Inc., are powered by
Exide Fulmen Classic batteries. These emission-free vehicles can achieve a top
speed of 40 miles-per-hour, and have a range of 60 miles. They can also be
charged to 50 percent capacity in one hour, minimizing their time off during
busy convention hours.

    The six hybrid-electric vehicles -- manufactured by Advanced Vehicle
Systems, Inc. of Chattanooga, TN -- are powered by natural gas and 24 of
Exide's Sonnenschien dryfit traction batteries, and have a range of more than
200 miles.

    The Sonnenschien dryfit traction battery is maintenance-free and designed
for a wide-range of electric vehicle applications.

    The sealed design prevents acid leakage and terminal corrosion and there
is no need to check fluid levels, which is especially important for fleet
operations. Also, because of their very low gassing when charging, the dryfit
traction batteries can be recharged even in sensitive areas - such as a closed
garage.

    Both types of Exide batteries smaller and lighter than the traditional car
battery -- a critical weight consideration in electric-vehicle design.

    Exide Corporation, headquartered in Reading, PA, with operations in
23 countries, is the world leader in the manufacture of batteries for
transportation, telecom, ups, motive and specialty applications.