Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Electric-Powered Dragster Sets New World Speed Record"

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Abstract:
Altairnano Batteries Power Electric Vehicle to National Hot Rod Association World Speed Record for Electric Dragsters: Quarter Mile in 8.10 Seconds at 153.6 mph

Electric-Powered Dragster Sets New World Speed Record

TUCSON, AZ | Posted on December 17th, 2007

Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI), a leading manufacturer of safe, high-performance lithium-titanate battery pack products and energy storage products announced today that Dennis "Kilowatt" Berube has set the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Super Pro class world speed record for electric dragsters driving an electric vehicle powered by Altairnano battery packs.

Powered by Altairnano's lithium-titanate battery packs, Berube's electric dragster, named the Current Eliminator V, accelerated to a speed of 153.6 mph at the Speedworld Motorplex drag strip on Saturday, December 15, covering a quarter-mile in 8.10 seconds, setting a new electric dragster world speed record. Dennis Berube started his first day at the track with the Altairnano battery pack and with limited time, on a single day, ran times of 10.04, 8.84, 8.40, 8.23 and finally a 8.10 second run - Very significant improvement with three of these times breaking his old record of 8.801 seconds.

"We are truly thrilled for Dennis," said Dr. Alan Gotcher, President and CEO of Altair Nanotechnologies. "Not only is it a great milestone for Dennis, but it is a great milestone for the alternative energy transportation industry," Dr. Gotcher continued. "People think of electric vehicles as golf carts, but as Dennis's new world record shows, electric vehicles are extremely powerful and capable of impressive speeds."

In 2006, Berube's Current Eliminator IV, the predecessor vehicle his Current Eliminator V, earned more prize money than any other dragster in Arizona. In the NHRA's Super Pro class, Berube successfully competes against conventional gasoline and alcohol dragsters.

A founding competitor of the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), Berube holds several records for his speed and racing accomplishments.

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About Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.
Altairnano is an innovator and supplier of advanced novel, ceramic nanomaterials. A seasoned management team complements Altairnano's leading edge scientists, with substantial experience in commercializing innovative, disruptive technologies. The company has developed nanomaterials for the alternative energy, life sciences and performance materials markets based on its proprietary manufacturing process. This process also provides the foundation for its innovative AHP pigment process. Altairnano is a leading manufacturer of advanced battery pack systems, which are used in stationary power applications, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.

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Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.
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