Ener1 Joins Counterparts in Briefing Capitol Hill on Electrification of Auto Industry

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 17 -- Ener1, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ENEI) , a leading alternative energy company, will participate in an industry briefing of U.S. Congressional staff on the latest developments in the electrification of the American automotive industry.

Manufacturers of advanced automotive batteries will join electric vehicle makers, representatives of "Big Three" hybrid divisions, and electrical utilities for the briefing on April 22. The event is titled "The Electric Drive Answer: Transportation Technologies & Policies to End Oil Dependence" and will take place in the Dirksen Senate Office Building from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Ten panelists, including Ener1 Chairman Charles Gassenheimer, will discuss how federal policies can speed the commercialization of clean, efficient electric drive and reduce oil consumption.

"The U.S. Congress, as well as all three Presidential contenders, are highly sensitive to the revolution about to take place in the auto industry which will help relieve dependence on oil imports and sustain the environment," commented Mr. Gassenheimer. "The collective goal of the electric drive industry is to collaborate effectively with elected officials who are right now establishing our government's funding priorities to support the future of the U.S. auto industry."

Under the nation's two newest comprehensive energy laws, Congress is currently preparing to allocate up to several hundred million dollars for a range of programs supporting research and development and the creation of domestic manufacturing capacity for key technologies. Ener1, through its Indianapolis-based advanced automotive battery division EnerDel, is a leading developer of lithium-ion automotive batteries, the lynch-pin component for electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-ins. The company participates in a number of programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy via the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium.

The Capitol Hill briefing has been organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Electric Drive Transportation Association, with support from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. The timing of the event coincides with Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970 to focus public attention on protecting the environment.

About Ener1, Inc.

Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) is leading the North American development and commercialization of advanced, high-performance safe lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Ener1 is also developing commercial fuel cell products through its EnerFuel subsidiary and nanotechnology-based materials and manufacturing processes for batteries and other applications through its NanoEner subsidiary. For more information, visit ENER1 or call (212) 930-3500.