Hyundai going with AeroVironment for dealership PHEV chargers

Hyundai will partner with AeroVironment as the supplier for charging stations at dealers for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. The 240-volt chargers will be able to top up the PHEV in less than three hours. Customers can also order AeroVironment's home chargers directly from the automaker's showrooms.

AeroVironment is a veteran to working with automakers on charging solutions and has experience partnering with Fiat, Ford, Nissan, and BMW. The company also installed a network of locations along the I-5 corridor in Oregon.

Customers can already buy the Sonata PHEV in ten states, including California, for a starting price of $35,435 (after $835 destination but before any tax incentives). The sedan has a total output of 202 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. The 9.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery offers 27 miles of electric range and an EPA-estimated 99 miles per gallon equivalent.

Hyundai dealers might have more green cars on the lot to use these chargers in the coming years. The company reportedly has a project codenamed AE under development, and rumor indicates that hybrid, PHEV, and EV models could be on the way.

Hyundai Motor America Picks AeroVironment to Provide Dealer Charging Stations for the All-new 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Model

• AeroVironment to provide reliable and easy-to-use EV charging stations in Hyundai dealerships
• Hyundai becomes the seventh major auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as its preferred dealer charging station provider
• Hyundai drivers have the option to purchase AeroVironment's portable TurboCord charging system or its wall-mounted EVSE-RS charging station

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 24, 2015 – Hyundai Motor America has selected AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) as the preferred provider for charging system installation at its dealerships across North America for its all-new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Hyundai is the seventh plug-in electric vehicle (EV) auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as one of its suppliers.

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid comes with a high-capacity lithium-polymer hybrid battery system that delivers an all-electric range of 27 miles before switching to hybrid mode. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid also comes with a lifetime hybrid batterywarranty.

The AeroVironment 240-volt TurboCord and the EVSE-RS charging station can charge the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in less than three hours versus the approximate nine hours needed using a standard 120-volt charging cable. AeroVironment's UL-listed products can be installed indoors or outdoors, making it easy to locate the station in the most convenient location.

"Having your own charging station right in your garage or driveway gives Hybrid and EV drivers a special kind of freedom. It makes charging a car as easy as charging a cell phone," said Ken Karklin, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems business segment. "AeroVironment's portfolio of EV charging solutions gives theHyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and other EVs the benefits and convenience of faster charging and cleaner driving at home and on the road."

Hyundai owners can purchase AeroVironment home chargers and installation when purchasing their vehicles at the Hyundai dealership. AeroVironment-certified, licensed electricians, who are also specially qualified to support EV drivers, perform on-site installation and services.

AeroVironment is the preferred integrated home charging solution supplier for seven global automakers and their growing fleets of plug-in electric vehicles. The company's broad line of charging systems includes the 240-volt TurboCord and the EVSE-RS home charging station, which can be ordered online. More information on AeroVironment's EV charging solutions can be found at www.evsolutions.com.

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces, supports and operates an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment's comprehensive EV charging solutions include the portable, dual-charging (120/240V) TurboCord, 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. The company's electric-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems generate and process data to deliver powerful insight, on-demand, to people engaged in military, public safety and commercial activities around the world. More information is available at www.avinc.com and www.evsolutions.com.

About Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

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, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on 10-Q. 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.

Ford taps AeroVironment for home-charging systems

Ford figures that 11,000 electric-vehicle driving homeowners can't be wrong. The US automaker has tappedAeroVironment as its official vendor for Level 2 home-charging systems.

AeroVironment is offering one-day installations of 240-volt systems at the homes of Ford C-Max, Fusionplug-in and Focus Electric drivers. With the Level 2 systems, the plug-in hybrids can be fully recharged in under three hours, while the Focus EV can be juiced up in less than four hours.

Through April, Ford sold almost 3,000 plug-ins vehicles, more than half of which are C-Max Energi PHEVs. By comparison, Nissan has sold almost 5,500 Leafs, while General Motors has moved 5,550 Chevrolet Voltextended-range plug-ins.

Last fall, AeroVironment crossed the 10,000-station installation threshold in North America. The company was named the preferred home-charger-installation vendor of Nissan way back in 2010. Check out AeroVironment's press release below.

Show full PR text

Source: Autoblog Green

Over 10,000 Aerovironment chargers installed in US; Fiat deal coming soon?

Aerovironment has installed 10,000 residential chargers in the US. On top of these, there are many atNissan dealers and more at BMW dealers that offered the ActiveE (around 70). Soon, possibly, there will be some at US Fiat Studios. Aerovironment's Tom Carney, director of automotive sales and EV solutions, recently told AutoblogGreen that more news will be coming from Fiat on the deal with Aerovironment, most likely at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show where the 500E will take a bow.

While AeroVironment is Nissan's preferred vendor, Nissan dealerships have the discretion to choose the brand of charger they install. Nissan makes a 44kW DC Quick Charger unit that is sold by AeroVironment and costs under $20,000.

The Fiat deal came about in an interesting way. Nissan had asked AV to put together a dealer package so that when people buy a Leaf they also have an easy way to get a home charger. Since this package was still on the books, AV recently took it to Fiat in preparation for 500E sales. We should know more in a few weeks.

Source: Autoblog Green

AeroVironment Introduces New Easy-to-Install and Moveable Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station

PRESS RELEASE

OCTOBER 15 2012

• Latest in EVSE-RS home charging line plugs into a dedicated 240 Volt outlet for easy installation
• Secure installation allows for use at a vacation home, second home or seamless relocation to a new home
• Now available for immediate delivery at Amazon.com

MONROVIA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2012– AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the expansion of its popular EVSE-RS home charging product line with the introduction of its new EVSE-RS Plug-In, which easily and securely plugs into a dedicated 240 volt outlet, eliminating the need to hardwire the charging station into the home. The station is SAE-J1772 compliant and recharges all battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) incorporating the SAE standard.

In addition to easing the installation process, the EVSE-RS Plug-In charger slides in and out of a wall-mounted bracket; this easy mounting method allows EV drivers to take their charging station with them when they move and allows them to charge at other frequently visited residences, such as relatives' homes or vacation homes equipped with a dedicated 240 volt outlet. The station comes with an installation kit and mounting template and retails for $1,099.00. The system is available for purchase through Amazon.com or by contacting AeroVironment at 888-833-2148.

"The EVSE-RS Plug-In is easy to install, use and move," said Wahid Nawabi, senior vice president and general manager of Efficient Energy Systems at AeroVironment. "All EV owners need is a dedicated 240 volt outlet, and they can easily install the wall mount and plug-in charger at their home. If they want to remove it, they simply unplug, slide it out of the bracket and take it with them to another location."

Like the rest of the EVSE-RS line, the EVSE-RS Plug-In is easy to use, displaying a green light when the station is ready to charge and stopping automatically when the charge is complete. The charger includes additional features to ensure reliability and promote safety, including safeguards against live power, a breakaway safety cable and automatic ground fault monitoring.

To learn more or to purchase the EVSE-RS Plug-In online, visit evsolutions.com/plugin.

# # #

About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces, operates 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.

West Coast Electric Highway plugs in on Oregon's Interstate 5

From Mexico to Canada – or from Canada to Mexico, whichever way your heart desires – a West Coast journey in the U.S. is one step closer to reality for plug-in vehicle drivers.

Today, the first part of the West Coast Electric Highway was officially opened in Salem, OR. The idea is to put in enough fast chargers along Interstate 5 to allow EV drivers to just get in their cars and go. The distance between the stations is around 25 miles. Today's announcement means that the first eight chargers, all from Aerovironment, are now operational. Even better, for a "limited time," it does not cost any money to refill your battery. Each charging station includes one Level 2 and one DC fast charger.

As we reported last summer, Aerovironment has been installing the chargers for a while, with the eventual plan being to cover the entire 1,350-mile length of I-5. This should be completed by the end of 2012. Spurs leading off from I-5 – into cities like Portland – are also planned. The Oregon Department of Energy is spending $915,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (i.e., stimulus) funds to build the stations. If you're interested in using the chargers, click here.

Ashley Horvat, who works on the project for the State of Oregon, told CBS News that, "We are hoping we are setting the stage for what will become the first highway, but not necessarily the only highway that is electrified." While no highway in the U.S. has chargers installed along its entire length just yet, a network of chargers at Cracker Barrel restaurants in centrel Tennessee does offer another EV corridor. And Tesla Motors is talking about building a network of SuperChargers for its all-electric vehicles.



Source: Autoblog Green

Oregon DOT selects AeroVironment for 22 EV fast chargers along transportation corridors

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has selected AeroVironment to supply, install, operate and maintain twenty-two (22) electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along major transportation corridors and travel destinations in northwest Oregon. Site review and selection is commencing and construction is scheduled to be complete by December 2012.

Funding for the project came from a $2 million U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant.

AeroVironment will install the fast charging stations at existing, convenient commercial host locations in 22 targeted communities identified by ODOT, allowing EV drivers to recharge in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. This project expands the “Green Highway” initiative, a multi-state effort to provide EV charging infrastructure up and down the West Coast.

In addition to 480-volt fast charging stations, AeroVironment went beyond the requirements of the TIGER II grant and agreed to also provide 240-volt Level II charging stations at each of the 22 locations at no additional cost to the state. More than 2,500 AeroVironment Level II charging stations have been installed in 25 U.S. states since late 2010.

While AeroVironment expands its public EV charging network in Oregon, the company will simultaneously be installing fast charging equipment in Washington State through a similar project managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). When completed, the Pacific Northwest will have the most robust “Green Highway” corridor in the nation.

Source: Green Car Congress

Hawaii Taps AeroVironment to Install 320 Public Charging Stations

PRESS RELEASE

March 18 2011

• AV to partner with Hawaiian Electric Company, University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association

• Program includes deploying electric vehicle infrastructure statewide, collecting and analyzing charging data to study impact on electricity distribution and providing public outreach and educational programs to promote EV growth

HONOLULU, First Hawaiian International Auto Show, March 18, 2011 – Hawaii Lt. Governor Brian Schatz today announced that AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has been selected to help lead the way to a cleaner transportation future through an $820,000 contract from the Hawaii EV Ready Grants Program. The contract will fund the deployment of up to 320 AeroVironment 240-volt electric vehicle (EV) charging docks throughout the islands. Once deployment is completed, Hawaii will have one of the nation's first statewide public charging networks supporting electric vehicle drivers.

AeroVironment (AV), the official home charging-dock provider for the Nissan LEAF and co-developer of the first modern-day electric vehicle, the GM Impact, will partner with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to design and build public and semi-private charging stations at convenient locations for electric vehicle owners, including high-rise buildings, resorts and rental car facilities.

AeroVironment's charging docks, including the two-port or four-port EVSE-RS+ and EVSE-CS (commercial) dock, will be strategically located throughout Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai to offer drivers a practical, safe and reliable EV charging experience. AeroVironment has installed more than 1,000 charging docks in more than 300 communities across 18 states since November 2010.

The State of Hawaii is offering a rebate of up to $500 for installing charging docks through its Hawaii EV Ready Rebate Program. Customers who purchase an EV are also eligible for a state rebate of up to $4,500. In combination with the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program and other development efforts, the rebates aim to establish the state as a leader in the clean transportation movement.

"We look forward to working with AeroVironment to help reduce the use of oil for transportation," said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president. "Wide use of electric vehicles will not only help reduce our fossil fuel dependence, it will make it easier to increase our use of renewable energy sources such as wind power and others, all contributing to our energy, economic and environmental security."

Alm added, "AeroVironment shares this vision and is an outstanding example of a supplier with a comprehensive solution for the EV market, a history in Hawaii, experience working with leading auto manufacturers and consistent high quality customer support."

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), University of Hawaii at Manoa will work with AeroVironment and Hawaiian Electric to collect data from chargers to analyze the impact of EVs and associated infrastructure on the power distribution grid.

"AeroVironment's team focuses on the entire user experience from the start by providing the right tools and a full range of practical, groundbreaking solutions," said Richard Rocheleau, director of the HNEI. "As a result, we'll have the unique ability to collect and analyze usage patterns that will help us project the increased demand on Hawaii's utilities as EV adoption accelerates."

AeroVironment has been working on clean transportation programs in Hawaii for more than a decade, beginning with deployment of fast charging stations for passenger EVs in the early 2000s. AeroVironment also established world altitude records with its solar-electric, unmanned aircraft systems at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on Kauai.

"AeroVironment and the state of Hawaii are pioneers in the EV movement and have a long partnership focused on introducing clean transportation solutions," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. "Together, we're deploying practical solutions for a game-changing electric transportation ecosystem that will dramatically alter the vehicle refueling paradigm for drivers in Hawaii, the United States and the world.

# # #

About AeroVironment, Inc.

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 thousands of 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.

Plug In Carolina selects Eaton to supply and support EV charging stations in South Carolina

Plug In Carolina has selected Eaton Corporation to supply and support a network of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in eight South Carolina cities. The project was previously awarded to Aerovironment (earlier post) but was reassigned to Eaton as it has the ability to meet the immediate needs of the project, according the new partners. The charging network was expected to be operational by 1 December 2010.

The project, which launched 15 June 2010, is funded by two state grants secured through the South Carolina Energy Office. The stations will be deployed in Greenville, Spartanburg, Blythewood, Columbia, Charleston, Rock Hill, Union, and Myrtle Beach, at key re-fueling hubs in each city.

The program will provide publicly accessible EV charging stations at locations such as municipal parking garages, public streets and retailers. Depending on host city requirements, the stations will be enabled for smart communications to facilitate the monitoring and management of the state-wide network of chargers.

A Look At the Nissan Leaf Home Charging Unit From Aerovironment

California-based AeroVironment Inc., better known in military circles as a maker of unmanned aircraft systems, is partnering with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. to make home-charging units for U.S. buyers of the upcoming Leaf electric vehicle.

The charger also will be compatible with other EVs, including the upcoming Chevy Volt and Ford Focus electrified vehicles.

“It’s a very good charger, (and) it will work for any car,” Kristen Hensel, vice president-EV Solutions for AeroVironment’s Efficient Energy System explains.

“So whoever owns the home and owns the Leaf, if they sell and move out and a new EV owner purchases that home, the charger will work reliably for years.”

AV is not a newcomer to the vehicle-charging world. The company’s first association with automotive came when it partnered with the former General Motors Corp. in the late 1990s to develop the GM Impact electric-vehicle prototype, better known as the EV1.

Since then, AV has supplied its Power Cycling and Test Systems (formerly named Electric Vehicle Test Systems) to the world’s leading automotive, battery, and fuel-cell companies, utilities, universities, defense contractors and government agencies.

In more recent times, AV worked with GM to design and build the breakthrough solar-powered Sunraycer to compete in the inaugural 1,950-mile (1,529-km) World Solar Challenge road race.

While AV makes the Leaf’s home charger, the connector is being manufactured by another company Nissan has yet to name. Some suppliers have shown prototype plugs. Yazaki Corp. displayed an EV connector at last year’s SAE World Congress in Detroit, but it is unclear if the company plans to manufacture units for retail.

The January agreement on a connector standard, J1772, by the Society of Automotive Engineers makes the Leaf’s charger compatible with any EV, AV’s Hensel says. However, the plugs will have to be UL-certified before chargers can be retailed. That process slowly is occurring, with a handful of suppliers already announcing certification.

Nissan will re-brand AV’s home charger for Leaf.

The home charger for the Leaf will be installed by electricians trained by AV. Although AV will not require these electricians to install the Leaf’s charger exclusively, Hensel believes there will be such strong demand for installation in certain cities that “a given electrical contractor will have dedicated people.”

The process to become “AeroVironment-certified” will be elaborate, with metrics that have to be met. Once certified, the electricians will have access to AV proprietary installation tools for the home charger.

So far, about 1,000 electricians across the U.S. have signed up to train to install the home charger, which will require a 220V line. It’s not known how many Americans already have a 220V line in their garage, but new installation likely means costs will be higher.

Nissan will have a custom installation plan for those folks, says Brian Carolin, senior vice president-sales and marketing, Nissan North America Inc. The auto maker recently announced the cost to install the home charger for the Leaf will be $2,200 before a 50% federal tax credit.

Carolin says that’s the standard installation price, but those living in older homes with older wiring will require the more costly custom installation. He says AV will conduct a survey of Leaf buyers’ homes beforehand to determine which installation plan is required.

Hensel says at least one homebuilder has announced it will pre-wire with lines for $250.

“It’s not going to take effect immediately, but five years from now you might see a lot of homes come EV-ready,” Hensel says.

The Leaf’s charger can be installed outside if a municipality prohibits electricity to be run to a garage or an EV owner lives in an apartment.

AV hopes to be installing units ahead of the Leaf’s late-2010 debut, but not by much. “It’s still pretty early – we don’t anticipate thousands of people are going to feel a need for a (charger) yet,” Hensel says.

That’s also a reason why AV has not begun advertising for its home chargers. While the home charger for the Leaf will be branded Nissan, and Nissan will funnel Leaf buyers to AeroVironment, AV also will install home chargers for any EV.

As the calendar draws down to early next year, following the launch of the Leaf and Chevy Volt, an ad campaign “may make more sense,” Hensel says. She calls AV the “hidden helper” to Nissan, saying the supplier is engaging in many of the Leaf’s pre-launch activities.

“The customers who are getting engaged with the Leaf are doing so online,” she says. “So we are very involved in that, but more looking like Nissan.”

AV feels an “obligation” to make sure people are educated and comfortable in how to charge their EVs, and also to aid in their proliferation, Hensel says.

With that in mind, the company knows home-charging overnight with a 220V line, which takes about eight hours, is unlikely to please many car buyers who are used to quickly refueling their gas-powered vehicles.

A recent study from consulting-firm Accenture reveals 50%-72% of respondents, depending on their country of origin, want to be able to charge an EV in under 20 minutes.

“We’re not going to ever be able to do that with a (home charger),” Hensel says.

With that in mind, AV is chairing the SAE committee on creating a standard for 480V, level 3, DC fast chargers.

“A quick resolution of that will be important to the ultimate success of EVs,” Hensel says, noting she has seen an increased interest in DC charging by the auto industry.

Source: Wards Auto