AeroVironment will provide comprehensive EV charging solution to
support the needs of Houston drivers
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
AeroVironment,
Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV) has joined forces with NRG Energy, Inc.
(NYSE: NRG) to bring the first privately funded, comprehensive electric
vehicle (EV) charging "ecosystem" to drivers in America's fourth largest
city. The ecosystem is an integrated network of products, services and
payment plans that helps make EVs practical for drivers. AV is the
exclusive provider of home and public charging systems, installation
services, energy usage monitoring and payment and subscription solutions
in support of the Houston ecosystem, which can be deployed as a
practical, integrated model in cities throughout North America.
In addition to supplying, installing, and supporting smart home and
public overnight and fast charging stations, AV will also provide the
integrated data collection, communication and analysis systems that will
power NRG's eVgosm network. NRG plans to invest approximately
$10 million in Houston's public charging infrastructure, including
installing a minimum of 50 high-powered fast charging stations by
mid-2011. The eVgo charging network will give Houston's EV drivers ready
access to charging stations along major freeways, in key shopping and
business districts, at popular retailers, and in multi-family community
and workplace parking areas within 25 miles or more of city center.
"This innovative charging ecosystem will make it easier for Houstonians
to drive electric vehicles and contribute to a cleaner, more energy
independent future for America," said Tim Conver, chairman and chief
executive officer, AV. "We are proud to work with NRG and its partners
to introduce a comprehensive EV charging solution to Houston, and look
forward to bringing this driver-focused model to other cities in Texas
and beyond."
Conver added, "AV shares NRG's vision of the importance of EVs in
creating a healthier environment, more jobs and investment in our
economy, while helping to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign
energy supplies."
"AeroVironment is playing a central role in creating this network and
with it, bringing the benefits of electric vehicles to Houston," said
David Crane, president and CEO, NRG Energy. "AV's demonstrated track
record in EV charging solutions will help ensure this all-important
first launch is successful."
AV and NRG have developed a comprehensive charging solution that is
ideally suited for NRG's customers and is designed to make the use of
electric vehicles convenient and easy. These innovative solutions
include:
Level 2 Home Charging Dock— based on AV's EVSE-RS+ model, a
grid-connected residential (single-family or multi-unit) system that
recharges EVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and will turn drivers' homes
into convenient, smart refueling hubs. Grid communication will allow the
Home Charging Dock to charge automatically or be pre-programmed by NRG
or the driver for optimal power draw so that it charges when energy
consumption and energy costs are lowest.
Level 2 Commercial Charging Station— based on AV's EVSE-CS
model, a public level 2 charging dock, this system incorporates a
tamper-resistant interface and secure smart card access, making it ideal
for municipalities, retailers, shopping malls and wherever cars are
parked and available for charging. This charging system is designed to
provide a safe, reliable charge for numerous electric vehicle (EV) and
plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
High Power DC Charging Station— based on AV's EV50-PS, can
recharge an EV in minutes using high-power, DC charging for busy drivers
with very little time to spare. This charging method is similar to gas
refueling, and the proprietary system is based on proven, fielded
technology that has made AV the leading provider of mission-critical EV
fast charge solutions to some of the largest companies in the world.
Installation Services — members of AV's growing network of local,
licensed, trained and certified electrical contractors provide home
assessment, installation, customer training and support services to
ensure easy and reliable operation and use of the charging network.
EV Network Services — in addition to residential and public
charging systems, AV also provides data communications solutions that
will allow individual subscribers to use any charger on the network,
reserve charge stations for future use, and provide analytical tools and
billing services for network operators.
AV is a proud partner of Nissan North America, providing the home
charging dock and installation services in support of the 100% electric
Nissan LEAF™.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
NRG will host a conference call with David Crane on the Company's EV
support network this morning, November 18, at 10:30 am Eastern / 9:30 am
Central / 8:30 am Mountain and 7:30 am Pacific. Reporters interested in
participating should call 866.383.7989 (617.597.5328 international)
passcode 30118185 - or listen online at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=121544&eventID=3508325.
About NRG
NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 300 and S&P 500 Index company, owns and
operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation
portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants
provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to
supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant
Energy, serves 1.6 million residential, business, commercial and
industrial customers in Texas. A past recipient of the energy industry's
highest honors—Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year
awards, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP),
a group of business and environmental organizations calling for
mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NRG Energy is
a founding member of the Electrification Coalition, a nonpartisan,
not-for-profit group of business leaders committed to promoting policies
and actions that facilitate the deployment of electric vehicles on a
mass scale. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com
and www.evgonetwork.com.
About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
AV is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces
and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions
and electric-powered Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS). AV's comprehensive EV
charging solutions include EV home charging, public charging, fast
charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete
installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers,
utilities, government agencies and businesses. AV's industrial
fast charging systems support more than 15,000 electric materials
handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500
enterprises. AV's power
cycling and test systems provide EV developers and EV battery
manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities.
Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services
use the company's battery-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft
systems to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units
through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and
communication. More information 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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AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin (Media and Investor
Relations)
+1 (626) 357-9983
pr@avinc.com
or
For
AeroVironment, Inc.
Mark Boyer
+1 (310) 229-5956
mark@boyersyndicate.com
or
NRG
Media contacts:
Meredith Moore
609.524.4522
or
David
Knox
713.795.6106
or
Lori Neuman
609.524.4525
or
Investor
Relations:
Nahla Azmy
609.524.4526
or
Stefan Kimball
609.524.4527
or
Erin
Gilli
609.524.4528
Source: AeroVironment, Inc.
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