Envia Systems Appoints Robert Stempel to Board of Directors

HAYWARD, Calif., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Envia Systems, a leading developer of high performance, low cost Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) energy storage solutions for next generation electric vehicles, today announced it has appointed Robert C. Stempel to the company's Board of Directors.

Stempel served as President of General Motors from 1987 to 1990 and CEO from 1990 to 1992. He helped develop the catalytic converter, green-lighted GM's first electric car, has pioneered development of hydrogen storage systems for fuel cell cars, and is interested in solar energy development. Stempel was Chairman of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. from 1995 to 2007.

"Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are the future of the automobile industry, and I believe Envia can play a key role in propelling that vision forward," said Stempel. "Low-cost advanced energy storage is a crucial element of commercializing these vehicles for the mass market. I look forward to working with Envia and lending expertise with the complex automotive market as they collaborate with the automakers, component designers and suppliers to put their technology in the cars of tomorrow."

Envia uses proprietary cathode materials that enable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries to store previously unattainable levels of energy – double that of existing electric vehicle batteries. The combination of high capacity and low cost metals helps to significantly lower the price per kilowatt-hour of energy storage.

"We are honored to have Bob join our Board of Directors to provide perspective from his experience leading a major automaker," Subhash Dhar, Chairman and CEO of Envia Systems. "Bob's impressive background, deep knowledge of the automotive industry and advanced energy sources make him an ideal addition to our team. We look forward to his guidance as Envia continues to grow."

Envia also recently secured $7.7 million in Series B funding to expand development of its Li-Ion energy storage technology. In addition, the company was recently awarded a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program, as well as $1 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC).

About Envia Systems

Envia Systems is a technology leader in high performance, low cost Lithium Ion energy storage solutions.

Based in Hayward, California, Envia's patented cathode technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of energy capacity, safety and life. These systems will be used by manufacturers developing Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. For more information, please visit www.enviasystems.com.

SOURCE Envia Systems