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Chargers wirelessly communicate with grid to create "smart
refueling" hubs
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Open architecture ensures interoperability with utility systems
nationwide
MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that it has begun shipping
and installing its UL-listed single-family and multi-unit residential Smart
Charging Dock (model EVSE-RS+). Designed with an open architecture
to ensure interoperability with the thousands of individual utilities
nationwide, the grid-connected system charges electric and plug-in
electric hybrid cars by turning drivers' homes into convenient, smart
refueling hubs.
AeroVironment Begins Shipment and Completes First Installations of Residential Smart Charging Systems (Photo: Business Wire)
"Our Smart Charging Dock is designed to flex with the needs of utilities
and drivers," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general
manager of Efficient Energy Systems at AeroVironment. "The open
architecture ensures that utilities will be able to incorporate it
easily into their own monitoring systems. It also communicates
wirelessly with the grid and provides feedback that helps determine the
optimum charging times to effectively manage demand on the grid."
AeroVironment designed its Smart
Charging Dock and supporting software to integrate easily with a
utility's IT network over various communication methods, including GPRS
(cellular), Ethernet, WiFi™ and ZigBee®. The charging system enables
communication with the utility to allow for easy monitoring of energy
use, troubleshooting and data analysis to help optimize the grid.
Utilities can then assess charging patterns and proactively manage the
needs of electric vehicles on the utility‘s generation and distribution
systems. Utilities will ultimately be able to aggregate collected data
for a global view of EV energy usage and user habits.
The company recently announced that it would be providing and installing
the charging systems and data network for the nation's
first privately-funded EV charging "ecosystem" in Houston for New
Jersey-based NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), an example of how AeroVironment
collaboratively supports an energy company and its EV-driving customer
base. AeroVironment is working closely with NRG Energy to ensure that
its charging hardware and software work seamlessly with the company's
management system, allowing for grid optimization, CO2 footprint data
and energy consumption reports.
AeroVironment's Smart Charging Dock can charge an electric or plug-in
hybrid car automatically or be pre-programmed by a utility or driver for
optimal power draw so that the car charges when energy costs are lowest.
EVSE-RS+ is designed to be compatible with all SAE J1772-compliant
electric car models from major automakers.
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment 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). AeroVironment'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. AeroVironment's industrial
fast charging systems support more than 15,000 electric materials
handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500
enterprises. AeroVironment'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; 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, 626-357-9983
pr@avinc.com
or
For
AeroVironment, Inc.
Deborah Rappoport, 310-482-4276
deborah.rapoport@fleishman.com
Source: AeroVironment
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