Model E7 AFC Generator is built with two 900 W POWERSTACK MC250 alkaline fuel cell stacks, which give unit 1.8 kW nominal power rating with ability for max power output to reach 2.15 kW. Ability to overload generator by 20% provides power for peak loads during acceleration and hill climbing, and fuel cells keep voltage supply at constant level. Silent-running, emission-free generator replaces traction batteries used in mobile applications.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA, December 8, 2004 -- Astris Energi Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board - ASRNF), the world's leading alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology company, announced today that it has commenced marketing of its new, silent-running, emission-free, Model E7 AFC Generator.

The E7 is an advanced version of the Model E6 power unit that has successfully powered Astris' Freedom Golf Car for the past three years. The E7 is built with two 900W Astris' POWERSTACK MC250 alkaline fuel cell stacks giving the unit a 1.8kW nominal power rating with the ability for maximum power output to reach 2.15kW, a 20% overload factor. The Model E7 is designed as a direct replacement for existing traction batteries used in a wide variety of mobile applications such as golf cars, neighbourhood electric vehicles, and forklifts.

"The Model E7 is more than twice as powerful as the E6 with the same dimensions," said Peter Nor, Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development. "The ability to overload the generator by 20% provides more than sufficient power for peak loads during acceleration and hill climbing. Since fuel cells keep the voltage supply at a constant level, in mobile applications there is no 'fading away' that is so familiar to battery car users. We anticipate some exciting applications as vendors realize the inherent advantages that the AFC-powered E7 has over gas or battery powered units."

About Astris Energi Inc.

Astris is a late-stage development company committed to becoming the leading provider of affordable fuel cells and fuel cell generators internationally. Over the past 21 years, more than $17 million has been spent to develop Astris' alkaline fuel cell for commercial applications. Astris is commencing pilot production of its POWERSTACK MC250 technology in 2004. Astris is the only publicly traded company in North America focused exclusively on the alkaline fuel cell. Additional information is also available at the company's website at www.astris.ca.