Valence and Segway Develop Technology Program

Valence Technology, Inc. has a joint technology development program with Segway LLC to develop long-range battery packs for the Segway® Human Transporter (HT). Valence is developing custom battery packs to address long-range applications to enhance Segway’s product line. The battery packs use Saphion® technology.

Stephan Godevais, chairman and CEO of Valence, said, “The new batteries under development will provide extended range with minimal maintenance and conditioning required.”

The HT is an electric, self-balancing transportation device that uses “Dynamic Stabilization” technology to emulate human balance. Powered by batteries, it produces no emissions and can be recharged by plugging it in to any standard outlet. The Segway HT “scooter” is designed to be an alternative to short-distance car trips and costs just pennies per mile to operate, equal to 450mpg of gasoline.

Extended range battery packs are expected to be available in 2005 for the Segway HT i Series models. A software upgrade will make the batteries compatible with all previously released i Series models, including the i167 and i170.