NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:

HARDING ENERGY INTRODUCES NEW, MORE EFFICIENT
Q2 PLUS FAST BATTERY CHARGER

ORLANDO, FL — February 25, 2002 — In conjunction with the launch of its new Quest^® Platinum 1800 mAh rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, Harding Energy introduced the Q2 Plus fast battery charger at the Photo Marketing Association International Trade Show held here today.

“The new Q2 Plus Charger is an improvement over its predecessor,” said Steve Morgan, director of marketing, Harding Energy.  “The Q2 Plus is much more efficient, delivering a larger amount of energy into each battery cell in a shorter period of time.  That means a digital camera owner that uses Quest^® Gold AA rechargeable batteries will get 20% more ‘run time’ on a charge using the new charger and the Platinum AA’s.  This is a significant performance improvement.  In addition, we’ve made other changes to the charger that make the Q2 Plus more user friendly.”

The Q2 Plus Charger allows those with high-demand, high-drain portable products such as digital cameras, CD players and personal digital assistants (PDA), to quickly recharge and reuse their batteries when they need them, giving the products more power, more consistently and more economically.

Q2 Plus Charger Features

The Q2 Plus Charger has four independent microprocessor controlled charging circuits and can charge both AA and AAA size batteries at the same time in any position. It is capable of charging 4, 3, 2 or only 1 cell in any combination, as well as charging a battery in any position at any time.  The charger signals with both a ‘beep’ and LED display that changes from a red light to a green light to inform the user when the battery is fully charged.  The 12V Auto Adapter has proven to be especially convenient for photographers taking pictures in the field who need to recharge batteries in a remote location.

The Q2 Plus Charger Kit features the new Quest^® Platinum 1800 mAh NiMH rechargeable AA batteries at a suggested retail price of $49.96 and includes:

·        Q2 Plus high performance 1-3 hour AA & AAA charger

·        Four Quest^® Platinum NiMH batteries

·        110V AC power supply

·        12V Auto Adapter

·        Two Quest battery holders

(Please refer to the news release on the new Quest^® Platinum AA rechargeable NiMH batteries.)

Future Products

In the course of the next few months, Harding Energy plans to launch several new consumer battery products, including new cell sizes with more power, a four-bay charger that handles AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt batteries and an eight-bay charger for AA and AAA batteries.  “Our goal is to supply a full line of Quest^® rechargeable NiMH batteries,” said Morgan.  “Our customers are demanding the same Quest^® quality in other battery cell sizes and need more versatile chargers.  Further, we need to expand our line to strengthen our position with our dealers and distributors.”

Distribution

The primary distributor for Quest batteries in the U.S. and Canada is Minolta Corporation, Ramsey, New Jersey.  For information on how to become a Quest battery dealer, contact Steve Morgan, Harding Energy, 231-798-7033, smorgan@hardingenergy.com.

Harding Energy, Inc.

Harding Energy, Inc., headquartered in Norton Shores, Michigan, is the only battery manufacturer in the world exclusively dedicated to nickel metal hydride (NiMH) technology, from cell assembly to custom battery pack design and construction.

Harding Energy’s batteries are created from American invented, patented and prove technology.  They are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Michigan by dedicated battery experts committed to quality and excellence in manufacturing better energy solutions.  This modern facility includes a fully equipped quality control department, where all materials and components are rigorously tested before being released to production and where finished products are inspected prior to shipment

Harding Energy is a true single source supplier, offering a full range of batteries and packaging.  The company controls all aspects of cell manufacturing, battery assembly and packaging, resulting in substantial cost savings and faster turnaround time.  The Harding Service Program offers specialized cell design, customized chemistry, charging methods, just-in-time delivery and much more.

Please visit the Harding Energy web site at www.hardingenergy.com.

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