Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Altairnano-Powered Dragster Sets New EV World Speed Record

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Abstract:
Altairnano Batteries Power Electric Dragster to National Electric Drag Racing Association World Speed Record for Electric Vehicles in the Quarter Mile

Altairnano-Powered Dragster Sets New EV World Speed Record

RENO, NV | Posted on December 31st, 2007

Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (Nasdaq: ALTI), a leading manufacturer of safe, high-performance lithium-titanate battery pack products and energy storage products announced today that Dennis "Kilowatt" Berube set a new National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) electric vehicle world speed record driving an electric dragster powered by Altairnano battery packs. This is the 17th consecutive year that Dennis Berube has held the world record for fastest electric vehicle in a quarter mile.

Using Altairnano's lithium-titanate battery packs, Berube's electric dragster, named the Current Eliminator V, achieved the electric vehicle world speed record at the Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, AZ on Sunday, December 30th. Requirements for setting the world record include two record-breaking times on the same day under the same conditions. With runs rapidly decreasing in time, Berube began with 9.0 seconds, followed by 8.4, then 8.009 seconds. On the fourth run of the day, Berube broke into the 7-second category reaching 159.65 mph in 7.956 seconds. Dennis then assured his spot in the record book with a consecutive run of 7.963 while reaching 160.65 mph for the quarter mile.

"Setting two world records in one month is an impressive feat," said Dr. Alan Gotcher, President and CEO of Altair Nanotechnologies. "With his first record in the electric dragster category and now the record for all electric vehicles, Dennis and Altairnano are pushing the frontier of advanced battery technology in racing vehicles."

A founding competitor of the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA), Dennis Berube has made the exceptional accomplishment of improving upon and maintaining notable records on numerous occasions over a 17-year span.

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About Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.
Altairnano is an innovator and supplier of advanced novel, ceramic nanomaterials. A seasoned management team with substantial experience in commercializing innovative, disruptive technologies complements Altairnano's leading edge scientists. The company has developed nanomaterials for the alternative energy, life sciences and performance materials markets based on its proprietary manufacturing process. This process also provides the foundation for its innovative AHP pigment process. Altairnano is a leading manufacturer of advanced battery pack systems, which are used in stationary power applications, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. For more information visit: www.altairnano.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. Risks are identified in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in company expectations or results or any change in events.

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