Release Details

AeroVironment DC Fast Chargers Easily Accessible for Electric Vehicle Drivers

• EV fast chargers accessible to the public at three convenient Aloha and Shell gas stations on Oahu
• Vehicles can fully charge in less than 30 minutes with fast chargers
• Free charging for EV owners for a limited time

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Now there's more than one way to refuel at Aloha Island Mart and Shell stations on Oahu. Today, AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) and Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. unveiled Electric Vehicle (EV) DC fast chargers at three locations across the island:

• Aloha Island Mart Kahala (4339 Waialae Ave.)
• Aloha Island Mart Waipio-Gentry (94-826 Ukee St.)
• Kailua Shell (434 Kuulei Rd.)

For a limited time, electric vehicles equipped with a CHAdeMO fast-charging outlet, such as on some models of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, can be charged for free at these Aloha stations. CHAdeMO is short for "CHArge de Move" or "charge for moving." DC fast chargers can deliver a full charge to a nearly depleted EV battery in less than 30 minutes.

"Use of electric vehicles is steadily increasing across Oahu," noted Richard Parry, Aloha Petroleum's president and CEO. "As our customers' driving habits evolve, we're proud to provide innovative, clean and reliable ways to fuel their vehicles, whether it's gas-powered or electric."

The Aloha Petroleum charging stations are part of the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program, which received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and limit Hawaii's dependence on petroleum. As part of this program, the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Energy Office is managing installation of 200 new EV charging stations at more than 80 locations statewide.

"Conservation and environmental stewardship is part of our way of life and indeed our livelihood," said Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. "Partners like Aloha Petroleum and AeroVironment, working with Hawaiian Electric Company, provide clean transportation solutions that make environmental responsibility a convenient part of everyday life and keep Hawaii at the forefront of the clean energy movement."

"We are proud to partner with Aloha Petroleum and AeroVironment to make Hawaii a national leader for Electric Vehicle adoption," said Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy resources. "Now Hawaii residents and visitors driving electric vehicles from Kaena Point on Oahu's north shore to Sandy Beach on the island's south shore can motor with confidence knowing a fast charger is along the route to and from home or scenic locations."

In March 2011, the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program awarded AeroVironment an $820,000 contract to fund deployment of charging stations throughout the islands. AeroVironment has already installed more than 80 public Level 2 (240-volt) chargers at hotels, shopping centers and office buildings, and DC fast chargers at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and Wyndham Hotel on Oahu. AeroVironment plans to continue deploying state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure throughout the islands. Offering DC fast chargers at Aloha Petroleum stations will help speed adoption of electric vehicles by individuals, auto rental firms and fleets on Oahu.

"Hawaii shares our vision of an electric vehicle driving experience that is safe, reliable and easy," said Wahid Nawabi, Senior Vice President of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. "With the opportunity to recharge in less than 30 minutes, it's easy for drivers to stop at one of Aloha's convenient locations, plug in and charge up while grabbing a snack or a cup of coffee."

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 electric vehicle charging systems support thousands of 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 electric-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 and www.evsolutions.com.

About Aloha Petroleum, Ltd.

Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. is the largest gasoline marketer in the state; and is the leading convenience store operator with a history in Hawaii that dates back to the early 1900's. Aloha employs approximately 480 Hawaii residents and markets through more than 100 Shell, Aloha, and Mahalo branded fueling stations in the state. More information is available at alohagas.com.

About Hawaiian Electric Company

Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries, Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric Company, serve more than 95% of the population of Hawaii on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Hawaiian Electric is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE: HE). In a changing world, the Hawaiian Electric companies are taking the lead in adding renewable energy and helping customers use energy more efficiently to achieve a clean energy future for Hawaii. For more information, visit www.heco.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
AeroVironment, Inc.
Steve Gitlin
(626) 357-9983 x. 246
gitlin@avinc.com
or
For AeroVironment, Inc.
John Soriano and Lauren Karasek
(310) 482-4280
John.Soriano@fleishman.com
Lauren.Karasek@fleishman.com
or
Aloha Petroleum, Ltd.
Becker Communications
Kris Tanahara
(808) 533-4165
kris@beckercommunications.com
or
Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
Hawaii State Energy Office
Kathy Yim
(808) 587-9003
kyim@dbedt.hawaii.gov
or
Hawaiian Electric Company
Peter Rosegg
(808) 543-7780
peter.rosegg@heco.com

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.

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