MONROVIA, Calif., - May 9, 2013 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced its selection by Ford Motor Company as the preferred installation partner and authorized charging station supplier for the Ford Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in electric vehicles.  Ford plug-in customers can now purchase a Ford-approved 240-volt charger and schedule a turnkey professional installation with a single telephone call to AeroVironment at 1 (888) 219-6747.  Soon customers will also have a web-based option for ordering their home charging package or purchasing their charging station.

AeroVironment brings extensive experience in plug-in electric vehicle charging solutions to Ford, with more than 11,000 charging stations deployed across North America. In addition to charging hardware, the company also offers the convenience of turnkey, professional installation performed by its nationwide network of certified installers and supported by a three-year onsite parts and labor warranty.  Many customers will have the opportunity to schedule a charging station installation in a single visit, without the need for a preliminary site consultation, depending on local regulations and the layout of their property.

“AeroVironment looks forward to delivering a complete home charging solution to Ford plug-in customers so they can enjoy the benefits and convenience of faster charging and cleaner driving,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems business segment.  “Turning home garages into electric vehicle refueling stations with a single telephone call is one of several ways we work with transportation leaders like Ford to make it easy for drivers to enjoy the benefits of plug-in electric vehicles.”

AeroVironment’s 240-volt home charging package gives plug-in drivers more time and freedom.  Ford’s plug-in hybrid models, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi, will recharge in 2.5 hours, giving drivers another 21 miles of all-electric driving.  The Focus Electric will be ready for 76 miles of all-electric driving in less than 4 hours.  By comparison, charging the Focus Electric from a standard 120-volt wall outlet can require 18 to 20 hours for a full recharge.

###

About AeroVironment 
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  http://www.avinc.com/ and  http://www.evsolutions.com/.

Additional AeroVironment News:  http://avinc.com/resources/news/ ?AeroVironment Media Gallery: http://avinc.com/media_gallery/ev_charging/ ?Like us: www.facebook.com/pages/AeroVironmentEV/165341556870732 ?Follow us: www.twitter.com/AeroVironmentEV

Contact:

AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin
+1 (626) 357-9983
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mark Boyer

For AeroVironment, Inc.
+1 (310) 229-5956
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.