A123 Systems Expands Portfolio of Grid Storage Solutions

New High-Rate and Long-Duration Capabilities and Customizable System Configuration Options Deliver Increased Flexibility and Optimized Performance for Broad Range of Grid Applications


WALTHAM, Mass., May 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A123 Systems (Nasdaq:AONE), a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems, today announced the expansion of its portfolio of Grid Storage Solutions (GSS). A123's GSS product line now includes high-rate and long-duration systems ranging from kilowatt-scale to hundreds of megawatts, enabling customers to deploy a complete, turnkey storage solution that meets their specific power and energy requirements. A123 will showcase its industry-leading grid energy storage solutions at the ESA Annual Meeting, May 2-4, 2012, Washington, DC (booth #210).

"A123 Systems is the world's leading provider of lithium ion battery solutions for grid-scale energy storage, and our experience in deploying systems for customers worldwide has given us great insight into how utilities expect storage solutions to integrate with their existing systems," said Robert Johnson, vice president of the Energy Solutions Group at A123. "We have applied the knowledge we have gained through this experience to expand our product offerings, which we believe will enable us to capitalize on the growing global grid energy storage market and augment our leadership position in this segment."

The modular architecture and flexible design of A123's GSS optimize performance and increases system efficiency to increase the stability and reliability of the grid while enabling the seamless integration of renewable power sources. A123's fully integrated, grid-ready GSS are designed as complete solutions capable of achieving greater than 90 percent AC to DC to AC roundtrip efficiency. Each GSS consists of a Grid Battery System (GBS), AEROS™ software and a Power Conversion System.

The GBS is based on modular, rack-integrated energy storage units which serve as the building blocks for easily configurable high-rage and long-duration systems designed to meet application-specific requirements. A123's GBSs are available with onboard touch screen control panels, heat and smoke detection, and fire suppression to provide customers with the necessary infrastructure to integrate the GSS with their existing systems. In addition to A123's standard containerized GBS units available in 20-foot, 40-foot and 53-foot lengths, A123's rack-integrated battery systems can be deployed in buildings or other custom enclosures.

In addition to the Grid Battery System, the GSS feature A123's Energy Response Operating System (AEROS), the company's proprietary software designed to deliver full command and control functionality for seamless integration with existing utility systems. AEROS is designed to increase the efficiency and optimize the performance of the energy storage system by enabling automated command and control with built-in secure protocols, real time reporting of systems capabilities and performance, millisecond response times and multiple operating modes to optimize customers' application requirements. A123's GSS are also equipped with high-efficiency power inverters that convert DC to AC and AC to DC to provide real and reactive power as well as bidirectional energy flow to the grid.

About A123 Systems

A123 Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:AONE) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems for transportation, electric grid and commercial applications. The company's proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate technology is built on novel nanoscale materials initially developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is designed to deliver high power and energy density, increased safety and extended life. A123 leverages breakthrough technology, high-quality manufacturing and expert systems integration capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that enable customers to bring next-generation products to market. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.

The A123 Systems, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6600

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors including statements with respect to the features, design, architecture, capabilities, benefits, integration ability and production of theA123's Grid Storage Solutions, their ability to meet customer requirements, expected demand for Grid Storage Solutions, growth of the worldwide grid market, and A123's continued leadership position in that market. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: delays in the development, production and delivery of A123's Grid Storage Solutions, delays in customer and market demand for and adoption of A123's Grid Storage Solutions, adverse economic conditions in general and adverse economic conditions specifically affecting the markets and geographies in which A123 operates, and other risks detailed in A123 Systems' annual  report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2011 and other publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements reflect A123's expectations only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as reflecting A123's views, expectations or beliefs at any date subsequent to the date of this release.



            

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