MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 30, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Astris Energi Inc. (OTCBB:ASRNF), the world's leading alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology company, had a major success at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 2004 Conference and Trade Show, held recently in Toronto. The Conference was the North American debut of Astris' E8 Portable Power Generator and also featured Freedom, Astris' alkaline fuel cell powered Golf Car.
Astris' outdoor booth at Nathan Phillips Square attracted industry figures, government officials, and the general public. The E8 on display was the newest in a series of self-contained, portable generators that are powered by Astris' alkaline fuel cell technology. The quiet, emission-free E8 uses the latest generation POWERSTACK(tm) MC250 fuel cell modules to deliver 48 V DC at 50 amperes of current and will handle overload up to 60 amps.
At the Ride & Drive Area, Astris' Senior Technologist Mihail Marinescu was kept busy providing interested parties with a ride on Freedom, the world's first alkaline fuel cell powered golf car fuelled by hydrogen. Freedom is currently powered by Astris' 1.0 kW E6 Power Generator, soon to be replaced by the Model E7 that will more than double the power in the identical form factor of the E6. Enthusiastic passengers were impressed by Freedom's quick startup, silent operation, and brisk acceleration.
In addition to the technology displays, Astris had a solid presence at the Conference itself with well-attended presentations by President and CEO Jiri Nor and Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development Peter Nor. Their papers, "Alkaline Fuel Cell Technology in the Lead" and "Test Equipment for the Fuel Cell Industry" will be published in the conference proceedings. Photos of the event will be available next week on the Company's website at www.astris.ca under News & Events.
"We had a wonderful reception at the Conference," said President and CEO Jiri Nor. "For three days, a continuous stream of people saw our technology in action. The industry insiders and the general public showed a high degree of interest in our alkaline fuel cell technology and its potential use from mobile applications like our Golf Car to portable power generators like the E8. The concept of our platinum-free alkaline fuel cells is catching on and promises to drive future production."
About Astris Energi Inc.
Astris is a late-stage development company committed to becoming the leading provider of affordable fuel cells and fuel cell generators internationally. Over the past 21 years, more than $17 million has been spent to develop Astris' alkaline fuel cell for commercial applications. Astris is commencing pilot production of its POWERSTACK(tm) MC250 technology in 2004. Astris is the only publicly traded company in North America focused exclusively on the alkaline fuel cell. Additional information is also available at the company's website at www.astris.ca.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this release that are not statements of fact may be considered "forward looking statements" as that term is defined under securities laws in the United States and Canada. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual events or results.