Quantum and SB Electronics Form Technology Partnership to Launch Next Generation Hybrid Electric Drive Systems

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) and SBE, Inc. (DBA SB Electronics) announced today a technology partnership between the two companies. As part of this partnership, SBE, Inc. is providing a novel integrated capacitor/bus structure design solution for Quantum power electronics for automotive applications. The SBE integrated module is an innovative approach which offers many benefits such as higher performance, weight reduction, smaller packaging and total system cost savings.

"Quantum continues to optimize and improve the efficiencies of our advanced electric drive-train products. We expect the SBE integrated capacitor/bus structure to enable substantial packaging and performance advantages in our next generation electric and hybrid-electric drive systems," said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies. 

"SBE is pleased that Quantum Technologies is one of the first implementers of our advanced integrated capacitor/bus designs. We are proud to be partnering with a leading technology drivetrain provider like Quantum," said Ed Sawyer, President and CEO for SBE, Inc.

Jon Bereisa, Senior Technical Advisor for SBE, Inc. added: "The electrification of the automobile has successfully reached the technical feasibility stage today. Cost improvements are needed to reach the commercial viability stage for mass market acceptance. Cost must be attacked everywhere. The SBE power ring capacitor technology is a major enabler for power electronics design simplification, up-integration, and higher temperature operation to significantly drive down the cost while improving performance."

About Quantum
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc., and affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH complement Quantum's emerging renewable energy presence through the development and ownership of wind and solar farms, and manufacture of high efficiency solar modules. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, natural gas and hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.

About SBE
SBE, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of film capacitor solutions that provide a much higher degree of reliability, higher power density, and simpler cooling infrastructure in demanding applications, particularly for automotive/transportation, alternative energy, utilities, power supplies/laser and military/aerospace. Recently, SBE has brought this technology to a new level by developing integrated capacitor/bus structure/cooling/IGBT inverter topologies, in partnership with industry leaders. Originally a Sprague Electric Plant, SBE has been manufacturing capacitors for over 50 years; producing over a billion capacitors, including the renowned Orange Drop®. With the newer development of its DC Link Power Ring Film Capacitor™, SBE, Inc. was recently awarded a $9.1 Million grant by the Department of Energy to build a world class facility for the manufacture of this line of capacitors used in drivetrain inverters for plug-in hybrid and electric drive vehicles. The company's headquarters, engineering, product development center and manufacturing operation are located in Barre, Vermont. For more information, please contact:

SBE, Inc.
Christine Sawyer, Director of Marketing
Tel: 802-476-4146
Email: [email protected]

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements included in this report, other than those that are historical, are forward-looking statements and can generally be identified by words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "assume," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "predict," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms, and other comparable terminology.  Such forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the advantages of Quantum's next generation drivetrains, the availability and suitability of SBE systems for Quantum's drivetrains, the ability of Quantum to complete the development and find application and customers for the next generation drivetrains, or the ability of SBE to supply to Quantum. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

More information can be found about the products and services of Quantum, Schneider Power and Asola at http://www.qtww.com/ or you may contact:

©2011 Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.
Advanced Technology Center
17872 Cartwright Road, Irvine, CA 92614
Phone 949-399-4500  Fax 949-399-4600

SOURCE Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.