DGAP-News: AKASOL AG: AKASOL develops second-generation lithium-ion battery systems for Mercedes-Benz' eCitaro

Darmstadt, 16 July 2018

Same space, much wider range:

• Serial production of AKASOL's first-generation battery systems will begin in autumn / Ten battery packs with 243 kilowatt hours per vehicle
• In 2020 second-generation battery systems will contribute to a range increase for the fully-electric bus / 330 kilowatt hours while requiring exactly the same constructed space
• AKASOL's CEO Sven Schulz has welcomed this "long-term partnership"

Daimler Buses' and AKASOL's long-term cooperation for the development and mass-production of battery systems for the electric bus eCitaro is going from strength to strength. In autumn, serial production of the first-generation battery system AKASYSTEM OEM will begin in Langen (Hesse, Germany) as planned. Meanwhile, AKASOL is starting to develop second-generation lithium-ion battery systems in close cooperation with Daimler Buses. Being upwards compatible, these will offer about 35 percent more energy and contribute to an improved range in 2020.

Instead of currently 25 kilowatt hours storage capacity per battery pack, the second generation will be able to store 33 kilowatt hours per battery pack. This means an increase of 35 percent from 243 to 330 kilowatt hours per vehicle while maintaining the same constructed space, weight and upwards compatibility. This is made possible thanks to the unique, flexible system architecture that AKASOL offers its clients. According to Daimler Buses this technology leap, in conjunction with other factors, contributes to an increase of the vehicle's range to approximately 200 kilometres (SORT2 cycles, medium traffic) and up to 250 kilometres when operating under ideal circumstances.

"In addition to improved battery cells many other small optimisations, for instance in the battery management system and the mechanical architecture, contribute to the improvements of the second-generation systems", explains AKASOL's CEO Sven Schulz. "Since the beginning of our partnership in 2015 we have developed great mutual trust, which we see as a wonderful acknowledgement of our products and company. Having been tasked with the second generation even before starting serial production on the first type, is a good sign."

The lithium-ion battery systems of both generations are able to charge rapidly (at up to 300 kilowatt) and supply energy to additional units such as air conditioning and electrical systems. The key factor for providing robustness and durability is AKASOL's efficient water-cooling which guarantees stable tempering at 25 degrees Celsius and allows battery-run buses to operate in all climates. The high-performance battery systems are partly mounted on the roof, partly in the rear.

AKASOL has developed and distributed a variety of battery systems for electric and hybrid electric buses for many years. In addition to EvoBus, one of AKASOL's clients of series produced battery systems for buses is a Swedish bus and truck manufacturer. Buses using AKASOL's innovative battery technology are in daily operation in London, Berlin, Cologne and Braunschweig amongst others.

Pictures and footage for this press release are available here: http://bit.ly/Akasol_Press_Kit

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About AKASOL

AKASOL is a leading European manufacturer of lithium-ion battery systems that are market ready to deliver safe, reliable and compliant power at scale for global electric transport. With nearly 30 years of German engineering, testing and manufacturing experience, AKASOL delivers safe battery systems for major players in the commercial transport sector. Current clients include Daimler EvoBus, VDL Bus & Coach, Alexander Dennis, Alstom, Bombardier and Bucher Municipal.

In 2017 AKASOL has opened a new battery systems facility in Langen with an annual capacity of 300 MWh. To AKASOL's knowledge, this is Europe's largest production plant for commercial vehicle lithium-ion battery systems, currently capable of producing high-performance battery systems for up to 1,500 fully electric buses or up to 6,000 commercial vehicles per year, depending on battery size. The facility is planned to be expanded to 600 MWh by 2020.

Since 29 June 2018 AKASOL is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Its successful stock market launch has made considerable capital available to support the continued growth of the company, in particular expansion of their production capacity in Germany and the USA, as well as assuring technology leadership for high-performance lithium-ion battery systems in the future through numerous new developments and further development of current technology.

The Darmstadt based company's executive board is led by Sven Schulz (CEO) and Dr Curt Philipp Lorber (CFO). Co-founders are Felix von Borck, Dr Björn Eberleh and Stephen Raiser.

Further information: www.akasol.com