Oregon DOT chooses AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) for Level 3 fast EV charging stations

This also not the first time AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has been chosen to install its charging stations. Before this announcement, it was TXU Energy in Texas; and before that it was NRG Energy, the state of Hawaii, plus the BMW Group. Now drivers along the I-5 corridor from the California state line to the Willamette Valley will be able to charge their electric vehicles in minutes using AeroVironment's technology..

In case you missed it, AeroVironment news releases over the past several months revealed it was selected to provide charging stations for the Nissan LEAF and BMW ActiveE, and was co-developer of the first modern day EV. No doubt a resume like that made the company the obvious choice to install the fast charging stations along a 150-mile span of the I-5. The stations will be placed at convenient locations and will allow drivers to recharge their electric vehicles from a fully-discharged state in less than 30 minutes.

For the record, fast charging is not available in home communities labeled as residential simply because of the limit on available power. In other words, homes are limited to Level 2 charging with 240-volt service. Fast charging requires 480-volt 3-phase; and that is only available in areas zoned commercial.

In addition to 480-volt fast charging stations, AeroVironment also provides J-1772 compliant 240-volt Level 2 charging stations, installation and support services and data communications network services. More than 2,000 AeroVironment Level 2 charging stations have been installed in 21 U.S. states since late 2010.

Nonetheless, the goal is to mirror the way drivers currently use gasoline stations. AeroVironment’s Level 3 fast charging stations deliver high-power, DC charging for EV drivers with very little time to spare.

The fast charging stations are CHAdeMO compliant, meaning that they are compatible with fast-charge capable EV models such as the Nissan LEAF. The company’s proprietary charging system is based on proven technology that has made AeroVironment a leading provider of heavy-duty EV fast chargers, supporting some of the most demanding supply chains in the world.

“Fast charging stations along high-traffic transportation corridors will help make driving electric vehicles between communities a viable option for Oregonians,” said Art James, project director with the Oregon Department of Transportation. “The state of Oregon is committed to providing EV drivers with practical, safe and reliable EV recharging infrastructure, which is why we selected AeroVironment as one of our partners. AeroVironment secured this contract for the southern leg of the ‘EV Green Highway’ project by demonstrating its support, customer service, and price and value.”

AeroVironment will analyze driving distances, common destinations, vehicle range and other factors in its selection of the EV fast charging sites at eight interchanges identified by ODOT (Oregon Dept of Transportation) along a 150-mile segment of the I-5 in Southern Oregon. The company is also experienced in working with utilities and will collaborate with local utilities to prepare for the deployment.

The company anticipates installing the fast charging stations along Oregon’s “Green Highway” by the end of this fall. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awarded through the State Energy Program (SEP). The U.S. Department of Energy administers the funds, approves the projects and reviews the state’s progress.

More 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 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 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 and www.evsolutions.com.

[Image Source: Courtesy of AeroVironment]

Full Disclosure: At time of publication, Sherosky, creator of the auto sector charts for TN, is neither long or short with the mentioned stocks, though positions can change at any time. None of the information in this article constitutes a recommendation, but an opinion.

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About the Reporter: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks, futures and writes articles, books and ebooks like, "Perfecting Corporate Character," "Awaken Your Speculator Mind", and "Millennial World Order" via authorfrank.com. He may be contacted here by email: [email protected]

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Additional Reading:
AeroVironment chosen by TXU Energy to deploy EV charging stations
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