<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2000.
Registration No. 333-___
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________________
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
____________________________________________________
ELECTRIC FUEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 95-4302784
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
120 Wood Avenue South, Suite 300
Iselin, New Jersey 08830
(732) 635-7100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Thomas E. Willett, Esq.
Harris Beach LLP
130 East Main Street
Rochester, New York 14604
Tel: (716) 232-4440 Fax: (716) 232-6925
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
________________
Please send copies of all communications to:
Thomas E. Willett, Esq.
Harris Beach LLP
130 East Main Street
Rochester, New York 14604
Tel: (716) 232-4440 Fax: (716) 232-6925
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to
time after the effective date of the Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
_______________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title of Securities to be Amount to be Proposed maximum offering Proposed maximum Amount of
registered registered (1)(3) price per unit (2)(3) aggregate offering price (2) registration
Fee (1)(2)(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value 250,000 (1)(3) $10.07 $2,517,500 $664.62
$0.01 per share
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrants to purchase Common
Stock 1,750,000 $10.07 $17,622,500 $4,652.34
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1. As permitted by Rule 429, the Prospectus included herein also relates to
3,000,000 shares of common stock covered by Registration Statement No. 333-
33986, as amended.
2. Estimated solely for purposes of computing the amount of the registration
fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) based on the average of the high and low
sale prices of the common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on November 6,
2000. A registration fee in the amount of $8,167.50 relating to 3,000,000
shares of common stock registered under Registration Statement No. 333-33986,
as amended, has previously been paid. A portion of these registered shares
may be issued upon the exercise of the warrants.
3. Pursuant to Rule 416, there are also being registered such additional shares
of common stock as may be issuable pursuant to the antidilution provisions of
the warrants.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary
prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not seeking
offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Subject to Completion, dated November 9, 2000
___________________________
3,250,000 Shares of
Common Stock
1,750,000 Common Stock Warrants
Electric Fuel Corporation
___________________________
Under this prospectus, we may offer and sell from time to time in one or
more issuances, (1) up to 3,250,000 shares of our common stock, including shares
issuable upon exercise of the common stock warrants, and (2) up to 1,750,000
common stock warrants.
At the time a particular offer is made, if required, we will set forth the
terms of the offering in a supplement to this prospectus.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker
symbol "EFCX". The last reported sale price for the common stock on November 6,
2000 as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market was $9.94 per share.
Investing in the securities involves a high degree of risk. Consider
carefully the "Risk Factors" beginning on page 1.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
___________________________
The date of this prospectus is , 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Risk Factors................................................... 1
The Company.................................................... 5
Recent Developments............................................ 6
Use of Proceeds................................................ 6
Plan of Distribution........................................... 7
Description of Warrants........................................ 7
Legal Matters.................................................. 8
Experts........................................................ 8
Where You Can Find More Information............................ 9
Incorporation of Documents by Reference........................ 9
Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements............... 10
</TABLE>
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "us," "we," "our,"
the "Company" and "Electric Fuel" refer to Electric Fuel Corporation and our
wholly-owned subsidiary Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Limited ("EFL"), incorporated
under the laws of Israel; Electric Fuel GmbH, a German wholly-owned subsidiary
of EFL; and other direct and indirect subsidiaries of Electric Fuel Corporation.
Our principal executive offices are located at 120 Wood Avenue South, Suite
300, Iselin, New Jersey, and our telephone number is (732) 635-7100.
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following risk factors in addition to the
other information in this prospectus before purchasing our common stock or
common stock warrants. Investing in our common stock or common stock warrants
involves a high degree of risk. Any of the following risks could seriously harm
our business and could result in a complete loss of your investment. See also
the section entitled "Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" on page
10 below.
We have had a history of losses and may incur future losses.
We were incorporated in 1990 and began our operations in 1991. We have
funded our operations principally from funds raised in each of the initial
public offering of our common stock in February 1994, the offering of our common
stock in February 1996, a private placement of our common stock in October 1996,
and recent private placements of our common stock in December 1999, January 2000
and May 2000; funds from licensing arrangements, research contracts and supply
contracts; funds received under research and development grants from the
Government of Israel; and sales of Survivor Lights. We incurred significant
operating losses for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, and
expect to continue to incur significant operating losses in 2000. These losses
may increase as we expand our research and development activities and establish
production facilities, and these losses may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve profitability or that our
business will continue to exist.
We need significant amounts of capital to operate and grow our business.
We require substantial funds to conduct the necessary research, development
and testing of our products; to establish commercial scale manufacturing
facilities; and to market our products. In order to satisfy existing orders of
batteries in commercial quantities, we need to implement our automated
production line and, in the future, may need to upgrade or expand our automated
production line to satisfy future orders. We plan to expand both sales and
production activities, which will require additional funding. We continue to
seek additional funding, including through the issuance of equity or debt
securities. However, there can be no assurance that we will obtain any such
additional financing in a timely manner and on acceptable terms. If additional
funds are raised by issuing equity securities, stockholders may incur further
dilution. If additional funding is not secured, we will have to modify, reduce,
defer or eliminate parts of our anticipated future commitments and/or programs.
We cannot assure you of market acceptance of our products.
In the fourth quarter of 1999, we began small scale commercial deliveries
of our cell phone battery products. However, our battery for cell phones has
not yet been accepted by the consumer products market for this application.
Furthermore, while we have developed batteries for several models of Nokia,
Motorola and Ericsson cell phones, we do not have batteries for many models. We
cannot assure you that the Electric Fuel cell phone battery will be competitive
either in terms of price or performance or that we will be able to sell our cell
phone batteries in commercial quantities.
Other than our cell phone battery and a signal light powered by water-
activated batteries for use in life jackets and other rescue apparatus, we
currently have no commercial products available for sale. While we expect to
increase production of our cell phone batteries to commercial levels in 2000,
significant resources will be required to develop our capacity to produce cell
phone batteries on a commercial scale. Additional development will also be
necessary in order to commercialize our technology and each of the components of
the Electric Fuel System for electric vehicles and defense products. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to successfully develop, engineer or
commercialize our products, technology or system components, or that we will be
able to develop products for commercial sale or that, if developed, they can be
produced in commercial quantities or at acceptable costs or be successfully
marketed. The likelihood of our future success must be considered in light of
the risks, expenses, difficulties and delays frequently encountered in
connection with the operation and development of a relatively early stage
business and with development activities generally.
1
<PAGE>
We believe that public pressure and government initiatives are important
factors in creating an electric vehicle market. However, there can be no
assurance that there will be sufficient public pressure or that further
legislation or other governmental initiatives will be enacted, or that current
legislation will not be repealed, amended, or have its implementation delayed.
In addition, we are subject to the risk that even if an electric fuel vehicle
market develops, a different form of zero emission or low emission vehicle will
dominate the market. In addition, we cannot assure you that other solutions to
the problem of containing emissions created by internal combustion engines will
not be invented, developed and produced. Any other solution could achieve
greater market acceptance than electric vehicles. The failure of a significant
market for electric vehicles to develop would have a material adverse effect on
our ability to commercialize this aspect of our technology. Even if a
significant market for electric vehicles develops, there can be no assurance
that our technology will be commercially competitive within that market.
We will need to develop the capacity and experience to manufacture our products
in commercial quantities and at competitive prices.
We currently have limited capacity for, and no experience in, manufacturing
in commercial quantities and have, to date, produced only limited quantities of
components of the batteries for electric vehicles and limited amounts of
consumer batteries. In order for us to be successful in the commercial market,
our products must be manufactured to meet high quality standards in commercial
quantities at competitive prices. The development of the necessary
manufacturing technology and processes will require extensive lead times and the
commitment of significant amounts of financial and engineering resources, which
may not be available to us. We cannot assure you that we will successfully
develop this technology or these processes. Moreover, we cannot assure you that
we will be able to successfully implement the quality control measures necessary
for commercial manufacturing.
The price of our common stock is volatile.
The market price of our common stock has been volatile in the past and may
change rapidly in the future. The following factors, among others, may cause
significant volatility in our stock price:
. Announcements by us, our competitors or our customers;
. The introduction of new or enhanced products and services by us or our
competitors;
. Changes in the perceived ability to commercialize our technology
compared to that of our competitors;
. Rumors relating to our competitors or us;
. Actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; and
. General market or economic conditions.
Our field of business is highly competitive.
The competition to develop consumer batteries, defense and safety products
and electric vehicle battery systems, and to obtain funding for the development
of these products is, and is expected to remain, intense. Our technology
competes with other battery technologies, as well as other zinc-air
technologies. The competition consists of development stage companies, major
international companies and consortia of such companies, including battery
manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, energy production and transportation
companies, consumer goods companies and defense contractors, many of which have
financial, technical, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution and other
resources significantly greater than ours.
Various battery technologies are being considered for use in electric
vehicles, consumer batteries and defense and safety products by other
manufacturers and developers, including the following: lead-acid, nickel-
cadmium, nickel-iron, nickel-zinc, nickel-metal hydride, sodium-sulfur, sodium-
nickel chloride, zinc-bromine, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium-iron
sulfide, primary lithiom, rechargeable alkaline and zinc-air. Additionally,
some manufacturers of primary alkaline batteries offer alkaline battery packs
for cell phone users.
2
<PAGE>
Some of the components of our technology and our products pose potential safety
risks which could create potential liability exposure for us.
Some of the components of our technology contain elements which are known
to pose potential safety risks. Also, because electric vehicle batteries contain
large amounts of electrical energy, they may cause injuries if not handled
properly. In addition to these risks, and although we incorporate safety
procedures in our research, development and manufacturing processes, there can
be no assurance that accidents in our facilities will not occur. Any accident,
whether occasioned by the use of all or any part of our products or technology
or by our manufacturing operations, could adversely affect commercial acceptance
of our products and could result in significant production delays or claims for
damages resulting from injuries. Any of these occurrences would materially
adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
Failure to receive required permits from or to comply with the various
regulatory regimes we are subject to could adversely affect our business.
Regulations in Europe, Israel, the United States and other countries impose
various controls and requirements relating to various components of our
technology. While we believe that our current and contemplated operations
conform to those regulations we cannot assure you that we will not be found to
be in non-compliance. We have applied for, and received, the necessary permits
under the 1993 Israeli Dangerous Substances Law required for the use of
potassium hydroxide and zinc metal. However, there can be no assurance that
changes in regulations will not impose costly compliance requirements on us or
otherwise subject us to future liabilities.
Our business is dependent on patents and proprietary rights which may be
difficult to protect and could affect our ability to compete effectively.
Our ability to compete effectively will depend on our ability to maintain
the proprietary nature of our technology and manufacturing processes through a
combination of patent and trade secret protection, non-disclosure agreements and
licensing arrangements. We hold patents, or patent applications, covering
elements of our technology in the United States and in Europe. In addition, we
have patent applications pending in the United States and in foreign countries,
including the European Community, Israel and Japan. We intend to continue to
file patent applications covering important features of our technology. We
cannot assure you, however, that patents will issue from any of these pending
applications or, if patents issue, that the claims allowed will be sufficiently
broad to protect our technology. In addition, we cannot assure you that any of
our patents will not be challenged or invalidated or that any of our issued
patents will afford protection against a competitor.
Litigation, or participation in administrative proceedings, may be
necessary to protect our patent position. This type of litigation can be costly
and time consuming, and this could harm us even if we were to be successful in
the litigation. The invalidation of patents owned by or licensed to us could
have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, patent
applications filed in foreign countries are subject to laws, rules and
procedures that differ from those of the United States. Therefore, there can be
no assurance that foreign patent applications related to patents issued in the
United States will be granted. Furthermore, even if these patent applications
are granted, some foreign countries provide significantly less patent protection
than the United States. In the absence of patent protection, and despite our
reliance upon our proprietary confidential information, our competitors may be
able to use innovations similar to those used by us to design and manufacture
products directly competitive with our products. In addition, no assurance can
be given that others will not obtain patents that we will need to license or
design around. To the extent any of our products are covered by third-party
patents, we could require a license under such patents to develop and market our
patents.
Despite our efforts to safeguard and maintain our proprietary rights, we
may not be successful in doing so. In addition, competition is intense, and
there can be no assurance that our competitors will not independently develop or
patent technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our
technology. Moreover, in the event of patent litigation, we cannot assure you
that a court would determine that we were the first creator of inventions
covered by our issued patents or pending patent applications or that we were the
first to file patent applications for those inventions. If existing or future
third-party patents containing broad claims were upheld by the courts or if we
were found to infringe third party patents, we may not be able to obtain the
required licenses from the holders of such patents on acceptable terms, if at
all. Failure to obtain these licenses could cause delays in the introduction of
our products or necessitate costly attempts to design around such patents, or
could foreclose the development, manufacture or sale of our products. We could
also incur substantial costs in defending ourselves in patent infringement suits
brought by others and in prosecuting patent infringement suits against
infringers.
3
<PAGE>
We also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how that we seek to
protect, in part, through non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with our
customers, employees, consultants, strategic partners and potential strategic
partners. We cannot assure you that these agreements will not be breached, that
we would have adequate remedies for any breach or that our trade secrets will
not otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.
We are dependent on key personnel and our business would suffer if we fail to
retain them.
We are highly dependent on certain members of our management and
engineering staff, and the loss of the services of one or more of these persons
could adversely affect us. We are especially dependent on the services of our
President and Chief Executive Officer, Yehuda Harats, and our Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer, Robert S. Ehrlich. The loss of
either of these persons could have a material adverse effect on us. We are
party to employment agreements with Messrs. Harats and Ehrlich, each of which
agreements expires in 2000 and is currently under renegotiation. We cannot
assure you that we will reach agreement with them on the terms of new employment
agreements. We do not have key-man life insurance.
We are subject to significant influence by some stockholders that may have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.
As of September 30, 2000, our directors, executive officers and principal
stockholders and their affiliates collectively owned approximately 35% of the
outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, these stockholders are able to
exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval,
including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate
transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or
prevent a change in control.
If we are unable to manage our growth, our operating results will be impaired.
We are currently experiencing a period of development activity which could
place a significant strain on our personnel and resources. Our activity has
resulted in increased levels of responsibility for both existing and new
management personnel. Many of our management personnel have had limited or no
experience in managing growing companies. We have sought to manage our current
and anticipated growth through the recruitment of additional management and
technical personnel and the implementation of internal systems and controls.
However, our failure to manage growth effectively could adversely affect our
results of operations.
We may be subject to increased United States taxation.
We believe that EFC and EFL will be treated as personal holding companies
for purposes of the personal holding company ("PHC") rules of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. Under the PHC rules, a PHC is subject to a special 39.6%
tax on its "undistributed PHC income", in addition to regular income tax. We
believe that EFC and EFL have not had any material undistributed PHC income.
However, no assurance can be given that EFC and EFL will not have undistributed
PHC income in the future.
In addition, if 50% of the shares of the Company is ever acquired or deemed
to be acquired by five or fewer individuals who are United States citizens or
residents, EFL would satisfy the foreign personal holding company ("FPHC") stock
ownership test under the Internal Revenue Code, and the Company could be subject
to additional U.S. taxes (including PHC tax) on any "undistributed FPHC income"
of EFL. We believe that EFL has not had any material undistributed FPHC income.
However, no assurance can be given that EFL will not become a FPHC and have
undistributed FPHC income in the future.
A significant portion of our operations takes place in Israel.
The offices and facilities of our principal subsidiary are located in
Israel. Although we expect that most of our sales will be made to customers
outside Israel, we are nonetheless directly affected by economic, political and
military conditions in that country. Accordingly, any major hostilities
involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and
its present trading partners could have a material adverse effect on our
operations. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a state of
hostility has existed, varying in degree and intensity, between Israel and the
Arab countries. Historically, Arab states have boycotted any direct trade with
Israel and to varying degrees have imposed a secondary boycott on any company
carrying on trade with or doing business in Israel. Although in October 1994,
the states comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, the United
Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Dubai,
4
<PAGE>
Bahrain and Oman) announced that they would no longer adhere to the secondary
boycott against Israel, and Israel has entered into certain agreements with
Egypt, Jordan and the Palestine Liberation Organization, no prediction can be
made as to whether a full resolution of these problems will be achieved or as to
the nature of any such resolution.
Many of our employees are currently obligated to perform annual reserve
duty in the Israel Defense Forces and are subject to being called for active
military duty at any time. No assessment can be made of the full impact of such
requirements on us in the future, particularly if emergency circumstances occur,
and no prediction can be made as to the effect on the Company of any expansion
of these obligations.
Any failure to obtain the tax benefits from the State of Israel that we expect
to receive could negatively impact our plans and prospects.
We benefit from various Israeli government programs, grants and tax
benefits, particularly as a result of the "approved enterprise" status of a
substantial portion of our existing facilities and the receipt of grants from
the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade.
To be eligible for some of these programs, grants and tax benefits, we must
continue to meet certain conditions, including producing in Israel and making
specified investments in fixed assets. If we fail to meet such conditions in the
future, we could be required to refund grants already received, adjusted for
inflation and interest. From time to time, the government of Israel has
discussed reducing or eliminating the benefits available under approved
enterprise programs. We cannot assure you that these programs and tax benefits
will be continued in the future at their current levels or at all. The
Government of Israel has announced that programs which received approved
enterprise status in 1996 and thereafter will be entitled to a lower level of
government grants than was previously available. The termination or reduction of
certain programs and tax benefits (particularly benefits available to us as a
result of the approved enterprise status of a substantial portion of our
existing facilities and approved programs and as a recipient of grants from the
office of the Chief Scientist) could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, our
Israeli subsidiary has granted a floating charge over all of its assets as a
security to the State of Israel to secure its obligations under the approved
enterprise programs.
Exchange rate fluctuations between the dollar and the NIS may negatively affect
our earnings.
Although a substantial majority of our revenues and a substantial portion
of our expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, a significant portion of our
costs, including personnel and facilities-related expenses, is incurred in New
Israeli Shekels (NIS). Inflation in Israel will have the effect of increasing
the dollar cost of our operations in Israel, unless it is offset on a timely
basis by a devaluation of the NIS relative to the dollar.
Our warrants will not be qualified or listed for trading.
There is no public trading market for our warrants, and as of now we do not
intend to take any steps to list our warrants on any established stock exchange
or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National
Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market. Therefore,
unless a trading market in the warrants were to develop, it will be very
difficult to sell the warrants other than in a face-to-face transaction at a
privately negotiated price.
Exercise of the warrants could adversely affect our stock price.
Holders of our warrants will probably exercise them only at a time when the
price of our stock is higher than the exercise price of the warrants.
Accordingly, we may be required to issue shares of our common stock at a price
substantially lower than the market price of our stock. This could adversely
affect our stock price.
This prospectus must be kept current in order for our shares of common stock
underlying the warrants to be publicly sold.
Our shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the warrants may
be publicly sold only if, at the time of such sale, this prospectus is current.
Although we intend to keep this prospectus current, there can be no assurances
that we will, in fact, do so. In the absence of a current prospectus, the value
of the warrants and the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants could be
substantially reduced.
THE COMPANY
We design and develop our proprietary zinc-air battery technology for a
number of electronic products that have a high demand for energy and power from
batteries. We design and develop applications for our zinc-air technology
principally for portable consumer electronic devices, as well as electric
vehicles and defense and safety applications. To date, we have developed and
brought to market batteries for use in several different models of cellular
phones and certain defense and safety applications. We are also participating
in several cooperative all-electric hybrid vehicle development and demonstration
programs in the United States, Europe and Israel.
Our technology has grown out of a research and development program
conducted for nearly 10 years into the field of zinc-air technologies. During
this period, we have successfully demonstrated our electric vehicle technology
in on-the-road programs in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Israel and the United States.
We have also successfully applied our technology to a line of disposable high-
capacity zinc-air battery power packs for cellular phones.
Our high-energy, high-power zinc-air battery is composed of a zinc anode
and an air (oxygen reduction) cathode. It is different from most other battery
technologies in that one of the electrodes -- the air cathode -- is not consumed
during discharge but instead acts as a kind of electrochemical membrane that
extracts oxygen from the atmosphere and introduces it into the cell. During
discharge, the oxygen is electrochemically reduced to hydroxide ions at the
cathode, and zinc at the anode is consumed by conversion to zinc oxide. In
electric vehicles, the oxidized zinc is replaced with fresh zinc in a refueling
process. In our disposable batteries for consumer electronics devices, the
entire pack is constructed from low-cost, non-hazardous components and is
designed so that it can be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
5
<PAGE>
We operate in three business areas: Consumer Batteries, Electric Vehicles,
and Defense and Safety Products.
The Consumer Batteries Division develops disposable primary zinc-air
batteries as a substitute for lower performing and more expensive rechargeable
batteries and has introduced our first commercial zinc-air battery products.
The first series of commercial products consists of four models of disposable
cellphone batteries, suitable for certain models of cellular phones produced by
Nokia, Motorola and Ericsson. Based on our testing, our zinc-air cellphone
batteries provide significantly more talk and standby time than conventional
rechargeable batteries. Our batteries are ready to use on purchase without
charging. In addition to our cellphone batteries, we are seeking to develop
batteries, employing our zinc-air technology, for other portable consumer
electronic devices.
The Electric Vehicle Division is continuing to focus on fleet applications
of our zinc-air battery system with our partners in Europe and the United
States. In May 1998, we successfully completed a field test managed by the
German postal service of vehicles powered by our Electric Fuel battery. In a
program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, we are also developing,
with project partners including General Electric Company and Volvo's subsidiary
Nova Bus Corporation, an all-electric battery-powered transit bus in Nevada.
This bus will utilize an all-electric battery/battery hybrid we are jointly
developing with funding from the Israeli-U.S. Bi-National Industrial Research
and Development Foundation. In addition, we have recently announced that an all-
electric transit bus using our zinc-air battery system will be tested in the
United States and Israel pursuant to a cooperation agreement between the United
States Department of Energy and the Israeli Ministry of National
Infrastructures. We have also agreed to participate in a cooperative all-
electric hybrid vehicle development and demonstration program in Germany.
The Defense and Safety Products Division continues to expand the
development of other uses of our battery technology, including a portable zinc-
air battery pack for the U.S. Army. This division also oversees our water-
activated, battery-powered survivor locator light products for the airline and
marine markets.
Our research, development and production activities are primarily carried
out by our Israeli subsidiary, Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Limited, at its facility
in Beit Shemesh, Israel. We also have a small battery research and development
facility in Auburn, Alabama, which builds and tests prototype cells and
batteries.
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1990. Our executive offices are
located at 120 Wood Avenue South, Suite 300, Iselin, New Jersey, and our
telephone number is (732) 635-7100. We maintain a website at www.electric-
------------
fuel.com. This reference to our website address does not constitute
--------
incorporation by reference of the information contained on our website.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On May 17, 2000, we entered into a purchase agreement with Koor Industries
Ltd., pursuant to which Koor agreed to purchase 1 million shares of our common
stock at $10 per share, for a total cash investment of $10,000,000. Pursuant to
the terms of the May 17 purchase agreement, if, within sixth months after the
making of this investment, we sell shares of our common stock or securities
convertible into our common stock (other than to our employees or consultants
pursuant to our stock option plans) at a price below $10 per share, we will
issue to Koor additional shares such that the total number of shares issued to
Koor multipled by the lower stock price equals $10,000,000. In addition, with
respect to any portion of the shares still held by Koor at the end of the six-
month period following the investment, if the average closing price of our stock
for the 30 days ending immediately prior to the date which is six months from
the investment is below $10 per share, we will adjust the number of our shares
held by Koor in a similar manner based on the average closing price over the
preceding 30 days, but in no event are we required to issue more than
481, 181 shares of our common stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless the prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the net proceeds from
the sale of the securities offered by us hereunder will be added to our general
funds and used for general corporate purposes.
6
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell securities:
. to the public through a group of underwriters managed or co-managed by
one or more underwriters;
. through one or more agents; or
. directly to purchasers.
The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one
or more transactions:
. at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time;
. at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
. at prices related to those prevailing market prices; or
. at negotiated prices.
Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the
securities and any applicable restrictions.
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular
series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the
following:
. the name or names of any agents or underwriters;
. the public offering or purchase price;
. any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or
underwriters;
. all other items constituting underwriting compensation;
. any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and
. any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.
Only the agents or underwriters named in the prospectus supplement are
agents or underwriters in connection with the securities being offered.
We may agree to enter into an agreement to indemnify the agents and the
several underwriters against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the agents or the
underwriters may be required to make.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
We may issue, together with common stock or separately, warrants for the
purchase of our common stock. The terms of each warrant will be discussed in
the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of
warrants. The form(s) of certificate representing the warrants, will be, in each
case, filed with the Commission as an exhibit to a document incorporated by
reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or
prior to the date of any prospectus supplement relating to an offering of the
particular warrant.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of warrants that are
offered by this prospectus will describe, among other things, the following
terms to the extent they are applicable to that series of warrants:
7
<PAGE>
. the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants;
. the number of shares of common stock, if any, issued with the warrants;
. the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and any related shares
of common stock will be separately transferable;
. the offering price of the warrants, if any;
. the number of shares of common stock which may be purchased upon
exercise of the warrants and the price or prices at which the shares may
be purchased upon exercise;
. the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the
date on which the right will expire;
. a discussion of the material United States federal income tax
considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants;
. call provisions of the warrants, if any; and
. any other material terms of the warrants.
Each warrant may entitle the holder to purchase for cash, or, in limited
circumstances, by effecting a cashless exercise for, the number of shares of our
common stock at the exercise price that is described in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Warrants will be exercisable during the period of time
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. After that period,
unexercised warrants will be void. Warrants may be exercised in the manner
described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
A holder of a warrant will not have any of the rights of a holder of common
stock before the common stock is purchased upon exercise of the warrant.
Therefore, before a warrant is exercised, the holder of the warrant will not be
entitled to receive any dividend payments or exercise any voting or other rights
associated with the shares of common stock which may be purchased when the
warrant is exercised.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of common stock and warrants offered by this
prospectus will be passed upon for us by Harris Beach LLP, Rochester, New York.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, which have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have
been audited by independent accountants Kost Forer & Gabbay (a member firm of
Ernst & Young International Limited). Our consolidated financial statements for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, which have also been
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, were audited by our former
independent accountants, Kesselman & Kesselman (a member firm of
PricewaterhouseCoopers International). Such financial statements have been so
included in reliance on the reports of such independent accountants given on the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
8
<PAGE>
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and file
annual and quarterly reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at its office at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at its regional offices at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of these materials can be obtained
from the Public Reference section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. In addition,
reports, proxy statements and other information that we electronically file with
the Commission are contained in the Commission's Internet Web site which is
http://www.sec.gov.
------------------
We have filed with the Commission Registration Statements on Form S-3
relating to the common stock and common stock warrants offered in this
prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the
Registration Statements and its exhibits. The Registration Statements, and the
exhibits and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and
their exhibits, all contain information that is material to the offering of the
securities. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our
contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete. You should
refer to the exhibits that are a part of the Registration Statements in order to
review a copy of the contract or documents.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Commission allows us to incorporate by reference many of the documents
that we file. This permits us to disclose important information to you by
referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced in this way is
considered part of this prospectus. We are incorporating by reference in this
prospectus the following documents which we have filed with the Commission,
together with the filings that have amended them:
(a) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000;
(b) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 23, 2000;
(c) Our Quarterly Reort on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000;
(d) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 24, 2000;
(e) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 7, 2000;
(f) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 18, 2000;
(g) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 24, 2000;
(h) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999; and
(i) The description of our common stock contained in our Registration
Statement on Form 8-A filed on February 2, 1994.
All reports and other documents that we file with the Commission under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
prospectus but before the termination of the offering of the securities
hereunder will also be considered to be incorporated by reference into this
prospectus from the date of the filing of these reports and documents, and will
supersede the information herein. We undertake to provide without charge to each
person who receives a copy of this prospectus, upon written or oral request, a
copy of all of the preceding documents that are incorporated by reference (other
than exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
into these documents). You may request a copy of these materials, at no cost, by
writing or telephoning us at the following address: Electric Fuel Corporation,
Attention: Robert S. Ehrlich, 120 Wood Avenue South, Suite 300, Iselin, New
Jersey, and our telephone number is (732) 635-7100.
9
<PAGE>
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
When used in this prospectus, the words "expects," "anticipates,"
"estimates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We
believe that these statements are "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act. These statements, which include statements under the caption "Risk Factors"
and elsewhere in this prospectus, refer to the stage of development of our
products, the uncertainty of the market for disposable cell phone batteries,
significant future capital requirements and our plans to implement our growth
strategy, continue our research and development, expand our manufacturing
capacity, develop strategic relationships for marketing and other purposes and
carefully manage our growth. The forward-looking statements also include our
expectations concerning factors affecting the markets for our products.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results that we
anticipate. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those
risks discussed in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus.
We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to
update the reasons actual results could differ materially from the results
anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
You should rely only on the information in this prospectus and the
additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information." We have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely upon it. We are not making an offer to sell
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should assume that the information in this prospectus was accurate on the
date of the front cover of this prospectus only. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
10
<PAGE>
3,250,000 Shares of Common Stock
1,750,000 Common Stock Warrants
Electric Fuel Corporation
_______________________
Prospectus
_______________________
, 2000
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by Electric
Fuel in connection with the sale of common stock and common stock warrants being
registered. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee.
SEC registration fee..................... $ 5,316.96*
Legal fees and expenses.................. 10,000
Fees of accountants...................... 5,000
Blue Sky fees and
expenses.............................. 5,000
Miscellaneous expenses*.................. 10,000
----------
Total.................................... $35,316.96
* A registration fee in the amount of $8,167.50 relating to 3,000,000
shares of common stock was previously paid.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Electric Fuel Corporation is a Delaware corporation. Section 102(b)(7) of
the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") enables a corporation in its
original certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or
limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for violations of the director's fiduciary
duty, except (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or
(iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal
benefit. The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
("Certificate of Incorporation") and By-Laws contain provisions eliminating the
liability of directors to the extent permitted by the DGCL.
Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly
may indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in
its favor, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect
of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged
to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware
Court of Chancery or such other court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but
in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery
or such other court shall deem proper.
Article 10 of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to
the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, the Company's directors shall not be
liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of
fiduciary duty as a director.
Article 11 of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted under the DGCL, indemnify any
person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
II-1
<PAGE>
threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or claim, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that
such person is or was or has agreed to be a director or officer of the Company
or while a director or officer is or was serving at the request of the Company
as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorney's fees),
judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement incurred in
connection with the investigation, preparation to defend or defense of such
action, suit, proceeding or claim.
The Company also maintains directors' and officers' insurance.
For the undertaking with respect to indemnification, see Item 17 herein.
Item 16. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Description
<S> <C>
4.3(1) Specimen Certificates for shares of the Registrant's common stock.
4.4(2) Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
4.4.1(2) Amendment to Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
4.5 Form of Common Stock Warrant*
5.1+ Legal Opinion of Harris Beach LLP.
23.1+ Consent of Kesselman & Kesselman.
23.2+ Consent of Kost Forer & Gabbay.
23.3 Consent of Harris Beach LLP (contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
24.1+ Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature page filed herewith).
</TABLE>
+ Filed herewith.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Form S-1, File No. 33-73256, which became
effective on February 23, 1994.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Form S-3, File No. 333-95361, which
became effective on February 10, 2000.
* To be filed by amendment or Report on Form 8-K.
Item 17. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above shall not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
II-2
<PAGE>
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth in Item 15 above, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on this 8th day of
November, 2000.
ELECTRIC FUEL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Yehuda Harats
----------------------
Yehuda Harats
President and CEO
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Yehuda Harats and Robert Ehrlich, and each of
them, each with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for such person and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement, and to sign
any registration statement for the same offering covered by this Registration
Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming that each of
said such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes, may do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Signatures Title Date
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Yehuda Harats
--------------------------
Yehuda Harats President, Chief Executive Officer and Director November 8, 2000
/s/ Robert S. Ehrlich
--------------------------
Robert S. Ehrlich Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (Principal November 8, 2000
Financial Officer)
/s/ Avihai Shen
--------------------------
Avihai Shen Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) November 7, 2000
/s/ Jay M. Eastman
--------------------------
Dr. Jay M. Eastman Director November 7, 2000
/s/ Leon S. Gross
--------------------------
Leon S. Gross Director November 7, 2000
/s/ Lawrence M. Miller
--------------------------
Lawrence M. Miller Director November 7, 2000
/s/ Jack E. Rosenfeld
--------------------------
Jack E. Rosenfeld Director November 7, 2000
/s/ Jeff Kahn
--------------------------
Jeff Kahn Director November 8, 2000
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Page
------- ----
Number Title of Exhibit Number
------ ---------------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
4.3 Specimen Certificate for shares of the Registrant's Common Stock (incorporated
by reference to Form S-1, File No. 33-73256, which became effective on
February 23, 1994).
4.4 Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated
by reference to Form S-3, File No. 333-95361, which became effective on
February 10, 2000).
4.4.1 Amendment to Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated
by reference to Form S-3, File No. 333-95361, which became effective on
February 10, 2000).
4.5 Form of Common Stock Warrant (to be filed by amendment or Report on Form 8-K).
5.1 Legal Opinion of Harris Beach LLP.
23.1 Consent of Kesselman & Kesselman.
23.2 Consent of Kost Forer & Gabbay.
23.3 Consent of Harris Beach LLP (contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (included as part of the signature page filed herewith).
</TABLE>
_______________
