The Largest Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Industry Event in North America

Washington, DC—May 16, 2005—The EDTA Conference and Exposition 2005 will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia from December 6-8, 2005. Electric drive technology is a viable solution to critical issues facing North America, including dependence on foreign oil, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. With growing concerns about rising gas prices and the country's growing demand for oil, electric drive—including battery, hybrid, plug-in, and fuel cell electric vehicles—will be called upon by government, businesses and consumers to address these issues. The EDTA Conference is the only event held in North America that brings together key experts and end users to accelerate the commercial adoption of electric drive.

Organized by the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), the event features an agenda focused on end user applications, participation from industry leaders from around the world, a diverse exposition, and a Ride 'n' Drive of the latest battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Agenda: The Many Paths of Electric Drive

In addition to two plenary sessions and an Automotive Roundtable, this year's agenda features five in-depth learning forums presented in a workshop format. The forum titles are:

¨ Defending Our Future: Electric Drive's Role in Military Applications

¨ Breaking Barriers: Broad Market Adoption of Light Duty Hybrids

¨ Heavy & Medium Duty Markets - The Electric Drive Towards Reducing Petroleum Dependency

¨ The Path to a Hydrogen Economy

¨ Sustainable Living - Electric Drive Communities

"The agenda reflects the diversity within the electric drive industry, and the fact that the technology is coming into its own within the transportation sector," says EDTA President Brian Wynne. "Our conference meets the needs of fleet owners, suppliers, technology developers, consumers and the military. Attendees are sure to receive the latest in-depth information that is important to them, while also benefiting from networking opportunities and outlooks from industry leaders."

Expanded Exposition:

The exposition will include major auto manufacturers, technology developers, non-road, industrial, heavy-duty and bus manufacturers, component suppliers and developers, fuel suppliers, government agencies and laboratories, universities, and environmental and consumer associations.

Ride 'n' Drive:

A highlight of every EDTA Conference, Vancouver will provide a scenic backdrop for a Ride 'n' Drive of battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.

Media Day:

Media Day will be on Tuesday, December 6.

More Information:

Visit www.edtaconference.com for exhibiting information and program details. For information about past EDTA Conferences, call 202-408-0774.

About EDTA:

EDTA is the preeminent industry association dedicated to advancing electric drive as a core technology on the road to sustainable mobility. As an advocate for the adoption of electric drive technologies, EDTA serves as the unified voice for the industry and is the primary source of information and education related to electric drive. Our membership includes a diverse representation of vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy providers, component suppliers and end users.