HPQ Silicon Signs Cell Evaluation Agreement with Aptera Motors for HPQ ENDURA+ High-Capacity Battery Cells

• Agreement advances HPQ ENDURA+ 21700 cells into application-level evaluation with U.S. solar electric vehicle developer

MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HPQ Silicon Inc. ("HPQ" or the "Company") (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in advanced materials innovation and the development of next-generation processes, is pleased to announce that HPQ Silicon, through its HPQ ENDURA+ battery initiative, together with its French technology partner Novacium SAS ("Novacium"), has signed a Cell Evaluation and Confidentiality Agreement with Aptera Motors Corp. ("Aptera") (NASDAQ: SEV), a Nasdaq-listed U.S. solar mobility company advancing ultra-efficient transportation.

Under the agreement, Aptera will evaluate HPQ ENDURA+ high-capacity 21700 lithium-ion cells based on Novacium's silicon-based anode materials and related cell technology. The evaluation will include laboratory testing.

The agreement represents an important step in HPQ's North American battery commercialization strategy, moving HPQ ENDURA+ cells from technology development and internal validation into application-level evaluation.

Advancing HPQ ENDURA+ Toward Commercial Applications

Aptera is developing a solar electric vehicle designed around ultra-high efficiency, aerodynamics and integrated solar generation. The company has recently reported several milestones, including receiving an EPA Certificate of Conformity for its 2026 Launch Edition and announcing a manufacturing partnership with Launch Design.

For HPQ, the evaluation provides an opportunity for ENDURA+ cells to be assessed in an application where energy density and overall system efficiency are important engineering considerations.

"This agreement represents exactly the kind of progression we have been working toward with HPQ ENDURA+," said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon. "We have focused on moving our technology from advanced materials to high-performance cells, and ultimately into application-level evaluation, where its performance can be assessed in an EV application. We are excited to begin this process and see where the results may lead."

From Cell Development to External Evaluation

Novacium has been advancing silicon-based anode materials and related cell technologies designed to increase the energy-storage capabilities of conventional lithium-ion battery formats. HPQ holds applicable commercial rights relating to Novacium technology in North America and participates in the commercial and industrial follow-up of potential future deployment.

"Moving into evaluation with Aptera is an important next step for our cell technology," said Jed Kraiem, Chief Operating Officer of Novacium SAS. "Our development work has been focused on translating the performance of our silicon-based materials into practical, high-capacity cells. Having those cells evaluated provides valuable application-level feedback, and we look forward to supporting Aptera's technical team throughout the process."

The evaluation also marks another step in HPQ's strategy of building a North American commercialization pathway for HPQ ENDURA+, advancing from technical development into application-level evaluation as a first step toward validation for EV applications.

The initial evaluation does not constitute a commercial supply commitment. If the results support continued discussions, the parties may separately consider subsequent technical, qualification and commercial steps.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Inc. is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange industrial issuer (TSX-V: HPQ) focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development.

HPQ holds a strategic 36.8% equity interest in Novacium, its research, development and commercialization partner. Together, HPQ and Novacium are developing next-generation silicon-based anode materials (Gen3 and Gen4) for batteries, pursuing commercialization of ENDURA+ lithium-ion cells, and developing innovative technologies for clean hydrogen production and energy recovery from waste materials. HPQ holds the exclusive rights to commercialize these technologies in North America.

HPQ is also pursuing proprietary technologies to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica with technical support from PyroGenesis Inc. Together, these initiatives position HPQ to capture growth opportunities in the energy storage, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials markets essential to achieving global net-zero goals.

For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site.

About Novacium SAS

Novacium is a French deep-tech company based in Solaize, specializing in developing silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries using a proprietary process. The company also designs custom battery cells and packs for demanding applications, particularly in the defence, aerospace and portable energy sectors.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements rely on assumptions about technology performance, market demand, permits, financing, supply chains, and economic conditions but remain subject to significant risks, including delays, regulatory challenges, competition, pricing, financing availability, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ materially from expectations. Detailed risk factors are outlined in HPQ's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+. Forward-looking information is provided solely to outline management's future expectations and objectives.

A more detailed cautionary note regarding forward-looking information related to the HPQ Endura+ batteries project is available for download [here].

Further information regarding the Company is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca), and on the Company's website at: http://www.hpqsilicon.com/ 

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.

SOURCE HPQ Silicon Inc.