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A123 Systems Signs Battery Supply Agreement with Fisker Automotive

A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphate lithium ion batteries and systems, recently announced a battery supply agreement with Fisker Automotive, a new American automaker building premium green vehicles. The supply agreement is for battery systems for the Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The Karma is scheduled to be launched in late 2010.

A123 Systems will provide Fisker Automotive with advanced automotive battery systems that combine high power and energy density with excellent safety and life performance -- characteristics required to meet Fisker's technical specifications. Fisker Automotive and A123 will also collaborate on Fisker's Project Nina platform, with the intent of having A123 supply batteries for that vehicle based on meeting the automaker's performance and delivery requirements. Project Nina is expected to launch in 2012.

The multi-year agreement provides that A123 is the selected battery system supplier for the Fisker Karma. A123 plans to manufacture the cells and systems at its Livonia, Mich. facility with production slated to commence later this year.

"We believe the opportunity to supply batteries for Fisker's premium plug-in hybrid vehicles is further confirmation of the competitive advantages of A123's technology, including our ability to deliver on the critical safety, high power, useable energy and extended life requirements for PHEV applications," said David Vieau, President and Chief Executive Officer of A123 Systems. "A123 looks forward to a long partnership with Fisker Automotive that will help advance the future of transportation, improve fuel economy and reduce global CO(2) emissions."

The Fisker Karma is expected to have a range of 50 full-electric miles on a charge of A123's lithium ion battery system and a total range of 300 miles with an on-board generator turned by a traditional but efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Karma features 403hp and is designed to go from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, reaching a top speed of 125 mph.

In addition to entering into the supply agreement, A123 also announced its intent to invest up to $23 million in Fisker Automotive's current funding round in order to establish a strategic relationship with the car company. According to the company, the contemplated investment would consist of $13 million in cash and $10 million in A123 common stock and would be subject to the completion of certain terms and conditions. This investment would also allow Fisker Automotive and A123 to work closely together to optimize the performance of future vehicles.