Oxygen S.p.A., a provider of electric transporters, has chosen Saphion(R) lithium-ion battery systems from Valence Technology, Inc. to power two models of electric scooters.
AUSTIN, Texas ȃ Oxygen S.p.A., a provider of electric transporters, has chosen Saphion(R) lithium-ion battery systems from Valence Technology, Inc. to power two models of electric scooters. Saphion technology is the industry's first commercially available, safe, large-format lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
Oxygen's electric transporters are designed for businesses and commuters who require reliable and economical transportation that is both functional and enjoyable. The vehicles are ideal to serve transportation and delivery needs in congested cities without adding pollution.
"We selected Valence's U-Charge Power Systems because they offer the range, reliability and longevity needed for our electric scooters. We also like the fact that they require no maintenance and are environmentally friendly," said Raffaello Locatelli, co-founder and director of Oxygen S.p.A. "With these batteries, we can offer our customers clean-running, cost-effective transportation solutions for personal and commercial use."
Oxygen will use the U-Charge U1 Power System in its Oxygen E, which is designed to address the need for low-cost transportation in congested urban areas, recreational areas such as beaches or resorts, and restricted communities where gas-powered vehicles are prohibited. The Oxygen scooters feature advanced technologies, such as brush-less motor, electronic engine control and regenerative braking to recharge the battery. The Oxygen Cargo Scooter will use either the U-Charge U1 or U24 Power System, depending on customer's needs. This larger scooter offers a comfortable ride and excellent handling, has a cargo box that can be custom designed to store a variety of commodities and has a range of up to 86 miles. Oxygen vehicles powered by Saphion batteries will be available starting late this year, with volume production beginning in first quarter 2006.
U-Charge Power Systems are based on Valence's Saphion technology. Its phosphate cathode material is fundamentally safer and more environmentally friendly than metal-oxide cathode materials. The performance advantages of traditional lithium-ion coupled with the safety features of phosphates make Saphion batteries optimal for a wide variety of motive applications. When compared to other battery technologies, Valence's Saphion batteries offer the best combination of performance, safety, cost and reliability.
About Oxygen S.p.A.: Oxygen develops, manufactures, markets and distributes environmentally friendly, technologically advanced light electric and hybrid vehicles. Its advanced electric transporters compete directly with gas equivalent products, offering equal to superior overall performance, while eliminating vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. Oxygen's commercial vehicles address the needs of postal and parcel delivery companies, police organizations, food delivery chains, and traditional and e-commerce retailers. Among Oxygen's customers are the Milan Police in Italy, Lungta Course in France, and a pizza delivery chain in the Netherlands. The company's vehicles are currently being tested by some of the largest postal delivery companies in the world. Oxygen is headquartered in Padova, Italy and can be found on the internet at www.oxygenworld.it.
About Valence Technology, Inc.
Valence Technology developed and markets Saphion, the industry's first commercially available, safe, large-format Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology. Valence Technology holds an extensive, worldwide portfolio of issued and pending patents relating to its Saphion technology and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The company has facilities in Austin, Texas, Henderson, Nevada, and Suzhou and Shanghai, China. Valence is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol VLNC and can be found on the internet at www.valence.com.
Source: Business Wire, Valence Technology
