THUNDERVOLT ELECTRIC TOW TRACTOR SETS NEW RECORDS AT LAX

Electric Vehicle Product Update from ISE Corporation
Volume I, Issue 1 * 1998.09.01

The world's most advanced electric tow tractor, weighing in at 60,000 lb., has been entered into regular operational service by United Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The world's most advanced electric tow tractor, weighing in at 60,000 lb., has been entered into regular operational service by United Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport(LAX). The ThunderVoltTM electric tow tractor is the result of a two year R&D program led by San Diego-based ISE Research Corporation and United Airlines, with funding support from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Following nearly a year of operational testing and systems upgrades, the ThunderVoltTM electric tow tractor was placed into regular service during the summer of 1998. The vehicle easily meets its design goal of towing jet airliners as large as the 350,000 lb. Boeing 767, and can even be used for short "push-outs" of the 600,000 lb. Boeing 777. The ThunderVoltTM tractor uses the body of a standard GT-50 tractor manufactured by Stewart & Stevenson. The ISE Researchsupplied drive system consists of two separately driven AC induction motors, one driving the forward wheels and one driving the rear. This unique configuration provides the tractor with four-wheel traction and improved handling. Using a set of 96 sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid batteries, the ThunderVoltTM tractor can operate for a full twelve-hour duty cycle on a single battery charge, though some recharging is usually performed between airline "pulls". The ThunderVoltTM tractor is the first ISE Research vehicle to reach full operational status. Other company vehicles expected by year-end include an electric delivery truck, a Class 8 hybridelectric truck with a maximum cargo of 80,000 lb., and a hybrid-electric tow tractor for the military. In 1999, ISE Research will deploy five 30-foot hybridelectric transit buses built for the city of Los Angeles. Unique features available in most ISE Research ThunderVoltTM electric and hybrid-electric vehicles include:

• Wide choice of AC induction motors, with power ratings from 50 to over 500 horsepower.
• Distributed vehicle control network architecture - facilitates troubleshooting, replacement, and upgrade of vehicle components.
• Programmable, operator-friendly controls - simulate the feel of conventional vehicles or maximize EV benefits such as regenerative braking.
• Advanced battery management system - monitors each battery individually and equalizes charging, extending battery life.
• High voltage circuitry -improves vehicle performance and efficiency.

As indicated in the table, the combination of these features provides ThunderVoltTM vehicles with unpa-ralleled performance. At the same time, budget-conscious customers can save money by selecting from many commercially available components. ISE Research ThunderVoltTM technologies are available to both vehicle operators and manufacturers. Operators can purchase complete vehicles, while manufacturers can purchase integrated drive system kits or individual components. ISE Research, a spin-off of International Space Enterprises, is at the forefront of heavy duty electric vehicle R&D. The company's annual sales have grown at an average rate of over 200% since its inception in 1994. The company's corporate offices and prototype production facility are located in San Diego.

For additional information, please contact:

Director of Marketing
ISE Corporation
7345 Mission Gorge Road, Suite K
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (619) 287-8785
Fax: (619) 287-8795
www.isecorp.com
marketing@isecorp.com