HPQ Silicon signs Cell Evaluation Agreement with Aptera Motors for HPQ ENDURA+ high-capacity battery cells. Oct 15, 2026, 07:00 ET * Agreement advances HPQ ENDURA+ 21700 cells into application-level evaluation with U.S. solar electric vehicle developer MONTREAL, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - HPQ Silicon Inc. ("HPQ" or the "Company") (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in advanced materials innovation and the development of next-generation processes, is pleased to announce that HPQ Silicon, through its HPQ ENDURA+ battery initiative, together with its French technology partner Novacium SAS ("Novacium"), has signed a Cell Evaluation and Confidentiality Agreement with Aptera Motors Corp. ("Aptera") (NASDAQ: SEV), a Nasdaq-listed U.S. solar mobility company advancing ultra-efficient transportation. Under the agreement, Aptera will evaluate HPQ ENDURA+ high-capacity 21700 lithium-ion cells based on Novacium's silicon-based anode materials and related cell technology. The evaluation will include laboratory testing. The agreement represents an important step in HPQ's North American battery commercialization strategy, moving HPQ ENDURA+ cells from technology development and internal validation into application-level evaluation. Advancing HPQ ENDURA+ Toward Commercial Applications Aptera is developing a solar electric vehicle designed around ultra-high efficiency, aerodynamics and integrated solar generation. The company has recently reported several milestones, including receiving an EPA Certificate of Conformity for its 2026 Launch Edition and announcing a manufacturing partnership with Launch Design. For HPQ, the evaluation provides an opportunity for ENDURA+ cells to be assessed in an application where energy density and overall system efficiency are important engineering considerations. "This agreement represents exactly the kind of progression we have been working toward with HPQ ENDURA+," said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon. "We have focused on moving our technology from advanced materials to high-performance cells, and ultimately into application-level evaluation, where its performance can be assessed in an EV application. We are excited to begin this process and see where the results may lead." From Cell Development to External Evaluation Novacium has been advancing silicon-based anode materials and related cell technologies designed to increase the energy-storage capabilities of conventional lithium-ion battery formats. HPQ holds applicable commercial rights relating to Novacium technology in North America and participates in the commercial and industrial follow-up of potential future deployment. "Moving into evaluation with Aptera is an important next step for our cell technology," said Jed Kraiem, Chief Operating Officer of Novacium SAS. "Our development work has been focused on translating the performance of our silicon-based materials into practical, high-capacity cells. Having those cells evaluated provides valuable application-level feedback, and we look forward to supporting Aptera's technical team throughout the process." The evaluation also marks another step in HPQ's strategy of building a North American commercialization pathway for HPQ ENDURA+, advancing from technical development into application-level evaluation as a first step toward validation for EV applications. The initial evaluation does not constitute a commercial supply commitment. If the results support continued discussions, the parties may separately consider subsequent technical, qualification and commercial steps. About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Inc. is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange industrial issuer (TSX-V: HPQ) focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development. HPQ holds a strategic 36.8% equity interest in Novacium, its research, development and commercialization partner. Together, HPQ and Novacium are developing next-generation silicon-based anode materials (Gen3 and Gen4) for batteries, pursuing commercialization of ENDURA+ lithium-ion cells, and developing innovative technologies for clean hydrogen production and energy recovery from waste materials. HPQ holds the exclusive rights to commercialize these technologies in North America. HPQ is also pursuing proprietary technologies to become a low-cost, zero-CO[2] producer of fumed silica with technical support from PyroGenesis Inc. Together, these initiatives position HPQ to capture growth opportunities in the energy storage, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials markets essential to achieving global net-zero goals. About Novacium SAS Novacium is a French deep-tech company based in Solaize, specializing in developing silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries using a proprietary process. The company also designs custom battery cells and packs for demanding applications, particularly in the defence, aerospace and portable energy sectors. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements rely on assumptions about technology performance, market demand, permits, financing, supply chains, and economic conditions but remain subject to significant risks, including delays, regulatory challenges, competition, pricing, financing availability, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ materially from expectations. Detailed risk factors are outlined in HPQ's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+. Forward-looking information is provided solely to outline management's future expectations and objectives. A more detailed cautionary note regarding forward-looking information related to the HPQ Endura+ batteries project is available for download [here]. Further information regarding the Company is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca), and on the Company's website at: http://www.hpqsilicon.com/ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. SOURCE HPQ Silicon Inc.

Aptera Motors secures up to $44 million strategic production partnership with china's Launch Design for solar EV manufacturing. 21st August 2026 Aptera Motors Corp. has announced a strategic investment from Launch Design, the Shanghai-based design-for-manufacturing company, as part of a production programme valued at up to approximately $44 million (RMB 300 million). The partnership covers assembly fixtures and tooling, vehicle testing, pilot production and high-volume manufacturing activities for Aptera's solar electric vehicle. The companies are targeting the start of production of Aptera's first 40 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2026. Launch Design employs more than 3,000 people and operates multiple production bases, with experience across more than 400 vehicle models developed for global automakers. Under the partnership, Launch will also provide Aptera access to its international supplier network, enabling the solar vehicle company to source parts and tooling at lower costs. The supplier network is expected to provide finished subassemblies directly to Aptera's final assembly facility in California. Aptera said the partnership has already contributed to reductions in its projected bill of materials, which the company expects to improve vehicle unit economics as production scales. "This strategic investment enhances our resources, allowing us to bring proven design-for-manufacturing expertise and a global supply chain to Carlsbad without taking on the capital burden of building that expertise from scratch," said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera. The agreement also provides Aptera with access to Launch's production capabilities and supplier relationships for potential expansion into international markets. Aptera will fund two-thirds of the approved programme costs in cash, while the remaining third, up to approximately $15 million, will be paid through warrants to purchase Aptera stock. The structure is intended to preserve Aptera's cash resources while aligning Launch's interests with the company's production growth. The detailed terms of the agreement and the warrants will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Aptera expects to fund its share of the production programme through existing capital resources, previously announced financing arrangements and potential future debt or equity financing. The partnership is expected to support Aptera's transition towards production while providing access to manufacturing expertise, tooling capabilities and a broader global automotive supply chain.

Aptera Motors partners with Launch Design to accelerate path to high-volume production. CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Aptera Motors Corp. (Nasdaq: SEV), a solar mobility company, today announced a strategic investment by Launch Design (Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.), a design-for-manufacturing company with more than 3,000 employees, multiple production bases, and a portfolio of more than 400 vehicle models developed for automakers around the globe. The partnership covers a production program valued at up to approximately $44 million (RMB 300 million) at current exchange rates, spanning assembly fixtures and tooling, vehicle testing, pilot production, and high-volume production work. Those first fixtures and parts are for Aptera's first 40 production vehicles, which the companies are aiming to begin building in the fourth quarter of 2026. The partnership also opens Launch's international supplier network to Aptera, giving it access to parts and tooling at costs difficult to reach independently. Launch's supply base is positioned to deliver finished subassemblies, not loose parts, directly to Aptera's final assembly facility in California. "This strategic investment enhances our resources, allowing us to bring proven design-for-manufacturing expertise and a global supply chain to Carlsbad without taking on the capital burden of building that expertise from scratch," said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera. "We expect Launch's experience will shorten our path to high-volume production and reduce materials costs. We have already seen reductions in our projected bill of materials from the relationship, an early indication that the partnership is improving unit economics before the first production vehicle is built." "Launch's reach extends well beyond manufacturing," said Steve Fambro, Co-CEO of Aptera. "Their production bases and supplier relationships give us a practical way to plan for markets outside the United States in the future, where we believe the appetite for a highly efficient solar vehicle is significant." Aptera will pay two-thirds of approved program costs, with the remaining third (up to approximately $15 million) paid in warrants to purchase Aptera stock. The structure conserves Aptera's cash as production scales and aligns Launch's interests with Aptera's success. Additional terms of the agreement and the warrants will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aptera expects to fund its portion of the production program through existing capital resources, its previously announced financing arrangements, and future debt or equity financing. About Aptera Motors Corp. Aptera Motors Corp. (Nasdaq: SEV) is a solar mobility company driven by a mission to advance the future of efficient transportation. Its flagship vehicle is conceived to be a paradigm-shifting solar electric vehicle that leverages breakthroughs in aerodynamics, material science, and solar technology to pursue new levels of efficiency. As a public benefit corporation, Aptera is committed to building a sustainable business that positively impacts its stakeholders and the environment. Aptera is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit www.aptera.Green Stock News LLC. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of Aptera's partnership with Launch Design, including the expected value of the production program and the structure and timing of payments under the program, including the issuance of warrants; expectations regarding production timelines, cost efficiencies, bill of materials costs, and capital requirements, including the capital required to reach volume production; plans to scale production at Aptera's Carlsbad facility; expectations regarding future expansion into international markets; and Aptera's plans to continue executing its financing plan to fund its production ramp and work toward the start of production of its solar EV. Words such as "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "will," "targets," "believes," and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptera's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, without limitation: risks related to Aptera's ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms or at all; risks associated with Aptera's equity line of credit arrangement; risks related to the issuance of warrants to Launch under the agreement, including potential dilution to existing shareholders; fluctuations in currency exchange rates affecting the U.S. dollar value of amounts denominated in RMB; risks related to reliance on a single manufacturing partner and an international supply chain, including the risk that Launch does not perform as anticipated; risks related to tariffs, export controls, trade restrictions, or other changes in U.S. or international trade policy that could affect cross-border manufacturing arrangements; uncertainties inherent in scaling manufacturing operations; the risk that anticipated cost savings, capital reductions, or production timelines are not realized; and other risks detailed in Aptera's filings with the SEC, including under the heading "Risk Factors" in its Registration Statement on Form S-1 and its subsequent periodic reports. Aptera's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on its success in raising additional capital and executing its business plan, as further described in its SEC filings. Aptera undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investor Relations: Aptera Motors Corp. Plug into more green stock news. Tap into the pulse of emerging green sectors every morning. Top daily headlines from clean energy, cleantech, cannabis, and sustainable transport stocks: