Press Release

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Large-format lithium-ion battery maker Ener1, Inc. (Nasdaq: HEV) today announced that it has received $20 million in fresh investment capital from ITOCHU Corporation, a Japanese commercial trading giant with deep ties in the automotive, utility and renewable energy industries. ITOCHU purchased 3.2 million shares of common stock from Ener1 at a price of $6.18 per share.

"ITOCHU has been an invaluable strategic partner for Ener1, supplying capital at important phases in the company's growth and granting vital access to materials and equipment," said Ener1 Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer. "Their deeply rooted relationships with many of the world's leading companies involved in grid storage and electric drive continues to foster new relationships and open doors to compelling commercial opportunities."

Ener1 produces high performance battery systems for the automotive and electric utility markets through its EnerDel subsidiary in Indianapolis, Indiana, which operates >>