AeroVironment Unveils New PosiCharge(TM) Fast Charge and Opportunity Charge Systems and Accessories
LP Meter Eases Conversion of Propane Trucks to Electric Power
CHICAGO, at ProMat, Jan. 12, 2009 - AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV), the leading supplier of industrial fast charge systems in North America, today unveiled a series of new PosiCharge(TM)fast charge systems, accessories and opportunity charge systems for industrial electric vehicles, including the LP Meter, a data collection device that eases the conversion of propane trucks to electric power.
"Our customers continue to be at the forefront of adopting clean technologies such as electric vehicle fast charge systems to improve their productivity and the environment," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of AV's Efficient Energy Systems. "The new PosiCharge LP Meter and the intelligent battery charging systems and accessories that we're unveiling today will help customers operate their factories and distribution centers more productively, safely and efficiently."
Bissonette said that AV focuses on building intelligent fast charge systems with a common architecture that seamlessly interact to increase fleet productivity, lower operating costs and provide actionable data and insights into operations. PosiCharge systems are completely automated, hands-free fast chargers that require minimal training for electric industrial vehicle drivers. "There are no settings to learn and no buttons to push, so training can be accomplished in minutes," he said.
New Line of PosiCharge(TM)Fast Charge Systems
The new DVS (Dual Vehicle System) line of PosiCharge dual-port fast charge systems was developed to power the hardest working electric vehicles in operations running two or more heavy duty shifts. These new dual port systems reduce electrical infrastructure installation costs and are best suited for locations where trucks are parked in pairs. The DVS line offers a broad power range and multi-voltage flexibility, ideal for many electric vehicle material handling operations. AV's integrated smart battery technology allows all PosiCharge fast charge systems to select the right charge profile automatically based on battery brand, configuration, temperature and state of charge. Another new addition to AV's fast charge systems line is the single port SVS50, the premium intelligent charging system for lower duty vehicles.
New Fast Charge Tools and Accessories
New to the growing PosiCharge forklift and battery toolkit is the LP Meter, an innovative tool which measures, analyzes and converts liquid propane fuel consumption data to electricity usage data in order to enable the successful and accurate conversion to electric material handling vehicles. The PosiCharge Plug-n-Charge, is a device that is installed onto the vehicle and eliminates the need to modify the truck and battery for fast charging. Its user-friendly design makes it possible for a lift truck operator to charge an electric vehicle without disconnecting the battery from the truck.
New Line of Opportunity Charge Systems
Complementing its high current fast charge system product line, AeroVironment introduces the eSVS opportunity charger line to provide a total fleet solution. Optimized for safety, run time and battery life, the eSVS features gassing control, equalization and anti-arcing safeguards and is best suited for low usage electric vehicles in single and light duty double shifts. The eSVS is available in 3, 5, 8 10, 15, and 20 kilowatt power levels.
About PosiCharge(TM)
PosiCharge fast charge systems allow users to eliminate battery swapping, thereby recovering run time, enhancing productivity, optimizing assets, and improving worker safety. PosiCharge systems fast charge each battery in the vehicle during scheduled breaks, so the battery never leaves the vehicle. The result is instant productivity improvement, a cleaner and safer work environment, and a streamlined workflow that no longer stops for battery changing. With proprietary technology that safeguards batteries by customizing each charge, PosiCharge systems can actually extend a battery's useful life compared to traditional charging solutions, further optimizing operations. PosiCharge has been supporting high-velocity Fortune and Global 500 facilities for more than six years. For more information about PosiCharge, please visit www.posicharge.com.
About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
Building on a history of technological innovation, AV 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 hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Commercial and governmental entities use AV's clean transportation solutions such as electric vehicle test systems and electric vehicle fast charge systems, as well as its clean energy solutions such as Architectural Wind. More information about AV is available at www.avinc.com.
Contact:
AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin
+1 (626) 357-9983
pr@avinc.com
Lisa Horiuchi Heiberg
AeroVironment Efficient Energy Systems
+1 (626) 357-9983
heiberg@avinc.com
