Diesel Buses Become EV Buses - Voltabox Concludes Long-term Retrofit Framework Contract

Feb 12, 2020 7:00 AM

DGAP-News: Voltabox AG / Key word(s): Incoming Orders/Alliance
12.02.2020 / 07:00
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Diesel Buses Become EV Buses - Voltabox Concludes Long-term Retrofit Framework Contract

- Multi-year cooperation between Voltabox and e-troFit agreed

- Voltabox supplies high-performance battery systems for diesel buses and trucks; first conversions of Mercedes Citaro buses already started in 2019

- Voltabox revenue volume in this field in 2020 is expected to be in the single-digit million range - dynamic global expansion planned for the coming years

Delbrück, Germany, February 12, 2020 - Voltabox AG [ISIN DE000A2E4LE9] has secured a long-term framework contract with e-troFit GmbH based on a cooperation that was started last year. As such, Voltabox is now the preferred supplier of high-performance battery systems for e-troFit's conversion solutions for diesel buses.

"The e-troFit approach is both logical and intriguing. Their assembly kit for conversion to an e-powertrain is perfectly adapted, both technically and commercially, and is comprehensively thought out, intensively tested and promises a long-term solution. I am thrilled that Voltabox, with its battery technology and extensive expertise in bus applications, is making an important contribution to sustainability through the modernization of diesel buses in the field. This enables the reduction of emissions in city centers on a broader front," explains Jürgen Pampel, CEO of Voltabox AG.

In the past fiscal year, e-troFit nominated Voltabox AG as the supplier of the battery unit for conversion kits for buses and trucks. At the same time, a team of Voltabox developers designed the battery system, which is precisely tailored to the needs of the conversion solution, in harmony with the drive components and vehicle control electronics. The delivery of the first systems took place on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2019. Now that the framework contract has been concluded, the two companies have formally established a long-term cooperation for a continuous supply of lithium-ion battery systems.

Voltabox has 8 years of experience in battery development for the public transport market segment. Since 2013, the Group has equipped several hundred trolleybuses worldwide with lithium-ion battery systems. Voltabox can now tap into a promising new subsegment of this market through the e-troFit cooperation. The retrofit solution is being expanded to other widely used bus and truck models as planned, and is also being rapidly marketed in markets beyond Germany.

Conversion Kit 1, to be distributed in the first step, contains a high-performance and modular Voltabox battery system consisting of modules with prismatic cells based on nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry. Distances of up to 260 km can be achieved with one battery charge on this basis, and the system can be gradually scaled for longer ranges. The weight-optimized battery system as a whole is designed so that it can be mounted both at the rear of converted buses as well as on the roof structure.

The product is entering the market at a time when municipalities must act to reduce CO2 emissions in their city centers due to increasing regulatory requirements. "Compared to a new purchase, conversion is an extremely economical and sensible alternative based on lower acquisition costs and faster delivery times due to price benefits over time compared to a diesel bus. Instead of continuing to be driven elsewhere as used vehicles, buses originally equipped with conventional combustion engines are given a second life by e-troFit and will be environmentally friendly and locally emission-free in the future, which makes them future-proof for operators," explains Andreas Hager, CEO of e-troFit GmbH. In addition to retrofitting, e-troFit also plans to address manufacturers in the future in order to equip new buses, trucks and other commercial and special vehicles.

e-troFit is a subsidiary of the technology company in-tech GmbH. At the end of 2018, the conversion solution was awarded the German Mobility Prize, which is presented by the "Germany - Land of Ideas" initiative and the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.


About Voltabox AG

Voltabox AG (ISIN DE000A2E4LE9), which is listed on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is a system provider for e-mobility in industrial applications as well as in select mass markets. Its core business lies in intrinsically safe, highly developed high-performance lithium-ion battery systems that are modular and in serial production. The battery systems are used for applications including commercial vehicles, such as buses for public transportation, forklifts, automated guided vehicles and mining vehicles. The company also develops and produces high-quality lithium-ion battery systems for select mass-market applications such as pedelecs and e-bikes as well as starter batteries for high-performance motorcycles.

Voltabox has production sites at its headquarters in Delbrück, Germany, in Austin, Texas, USA, and in Kunshan, China, as well as a development site in Markgröningen, Germany.

Additional information about Voltabox can be found at www.voltabox.ag.

About e-troFit GmbH

e-troFit means sustainable mobility: The company's professional retrofit solutions for diesel vehicles provides a quick entry into electric mobility. With e-troFit, commercial vehicles including buses and trucks can be equipped with eco-friendly electric drives. e-troFit provides diesel vehicles with an environmentally friendly "second life" and makes an active contribution to reducing traffic emissions.

The e-troFit solution has won several awards, including the German Mobility Prize, which is awarded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. e-troFit GmbH has its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany and is a 100% subsidiary of Munich-based tech company in-tech.


Capital Market & Press Contact

Voltabox AG

Stefan Westemeyer
Artegastrasse 1
33129 Delbrück, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 52 50 - 99 30-685
Fax: +49 (0) 52 50 - 99 30-901
Email: investor@voltabox.ag



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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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