Valence Technology Lithium Phosphate Batteries Pass First Phase of Ford Test

As part of the colognE-mobile study, Smith Electric Vehicles in the UK manufactured and delivered 10 Smith Edison(TM) electric vehicles to Ford in February 2010. The study has been underway for 15 months and Ford recently announced that the vehicles are meeting reliability, practicality, and ease-of-use goals.

The all-electric Smith Edison uses the Ford Transit chassis, has a 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lbs) payload and utilizes Valence’s patented lithium phosphate batteries. The Edison vehicles utilized in this program have a range of up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) with a top speed of 80 km/hour (50mph), powered by a 90kW (122hp) 3-phase AC induction motor.

"Several hundred Smith all-electric commercial vehicles are in operation throughout Europe. The Edison project is further evidence of the ability of Smith and Valence to develop reliable alternative power delivery fleets to meet market needs," stated Geoff Allison, managing director Europe, Smith Electric Vehicles.

"Valence is pleased to partner with Smith Electric and Ford on the Edison, a zero-emission vehicle that is perfectly suited for light deliveries in European urban areas. We are gratified that the test results affirm the suitability and reliability of our technology and are proud to continue to be at the forefront in bringing innovation to the commercial vehicle market," said Valence Chief Technology Officer K.C. Lim, Ph.D.

Valence Technology is a global leader in the development and manufacture of safe, long-life lithium iron magnesium phosphate advanced energy storage solutions and integrated command and control logic. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Valence enables and powers some of the world’s most innovative and environmentally friendly applications, ranging from commercial electric vehicles to industrial and marine equipment.

Valence Technology today offers a proven technology and manufacturing infrastructure that delivers ISO-certified products and processes that are protected by an extensive global patent portfolio. In addition to the corporate headquarters in Texas, Valence Technology has its Research & Development Center in Nevada, its Europe/Asia Pacific Sales office in Northern Ireland and global fulfillment centers in North America and Europe. Valence Technology is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol "VLNC."

www.valence.com