Release Details

MONROVIA, Calif., Sep 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- AeroVironment (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV), a provider of charging solutions for every electric vehicle (EV) owner's needs, has received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for its EV home charging station (EVSE-RS). The home charging station is one component of AV's complete charging solution, which includes convenience and fast charging systems for multi-unit housing, retail establishments, public locations, fleet operations, automotive dealerships, roadside assistance, and options to interface with the smart grid and smart home.

Recently, AV's network of certified installers began home assessments in preparation for charging station installations for a major auto manufacturer. Installations of the home charging stations are scheduled to begin this fall.

AV's home charging station is UL listed under Subject 2594, soon to be the standard for AC power supplies and connectors for EV charging. UL 2594 addresses the certain safety and reliability aspects of AC cord sets and charge docks, up to 260 volts, critical to the deployment of EV charging infrastructure.

"With two major automakers planning to introduce plug-in electric vehicle models in November and December, the time for safe and practical charging infrastructure is now. Electric charging stations at home, work, and on the road will give drivers a broad range of convenient refueling options," said Mike Bissonette, AV senior vice president and general manager, Efficient Energy Systems business segment.

Bissonette added that AV's home charging station has a number of safety and reliability features that exceed current UL and other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) standards, including:

• A breakaway cable to ensure that live wires are not exposed if it is separated from the charger
• An integrated charge connector dock for safe stowage of the charge cable to reduce the likelihood of tripping or drive-over damage
• A nonconductive, nonoxidizing NEMA 4 polymeric enclosure designed for long life, attractive appearance and recyclability

Successful testing of the home charging station exceeded industry standards as well, including:

• Extended environmental testing for exposure to sun, dust and freezing conditions
• Load, impact and chemical exposure testing to simulate a residential garage environment
• Cable handling, bending, temperature and cycling testing in ambient environments ranging from simulated Alaska winters to Arizona desert summers

With a history that includes co-developing the first modern electric car, the GM Impact (EV-1), AV is the leading supplier of industrial and commercial EV fast chargers to prominent automakers, airlines, retailers, and packaged goods manufacturers worldwide. AV also is a leading supplier of high power electric vehicle test and simulation systems that automakers, research labs and battery manufacturers rely on to develop advanced EVs and hybrids.

For complete product details on AV's EV charging Portfolio go to http://evsolutions.avinc.com/products/ .

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)

AV is a technology company that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's battery-powered, hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. AV's electric transportation solutions include electric vehicle (EV) home charging, public charging and fast charging systems for consumers, automakers, utilities and government agencies, power cycling and test systems for EV developers and industrial electric vehicle charging systems for commercial fleets. More information about AV is available at www.avinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE: AeroVironment

AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin, 626-357-9983
pr@avinc.com
or
For AeroVironment, Inc.
Mark Boyer, 310-229-5956
mark@boyersyn.com

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