The EVSE-RS charger is equipped with a SAE J1772 coupler and its housing is sealed, making it certified for both indoor and outdoor use and compatible with all SAE J1772-compliant plug-in vehicles.
The Smart Charging Dock was designed to be easy to incorporate into the monitoring systems of utility companies and can communicate wirelessly with the grid. These features allow the charger to determine the optimum charging times to manage demand.
AeroVironment’s Smart Charging Dock costs approximately $700 and installation fees run between $1,000-2,000, depending on the home wiring setup. Check out the complete press release after the break.
[Source: AeroVironment]
• Chargers wirelessly communicate with grid to create “smart refueling” hubs
• Open architecture ensures interoperability with utility systems nationwide
MONROVIA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2011 – AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that it has begun shipping and installing its UL-listed single-family and multi-unit residential Smart Charging Dock (model EVSE-RS+). Designed with an open architecture to ensure interoperability with the thousands of individual utilities nationwide, the grid-connected system charges electric and plug-in electric hybrid cars by turning drivers’ homes into convenient, smart refueling hubs.
“Our Smart Charging Dock is designed to flex with the needs of utilities and drivers,” said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of Efficient Energy Systems at AeroVironment. “The open architecture ensures that utilities will be able to incorporate it easily into their own monitoring systems. It also communicates wirelessly with the grid and provides feedback that helps determine the optimum charging times to effectively manage demand on the grid.”
AeroVironment designed its Smart Charging Dock and supporting software to integrate easily with a utility’s IT network over various communication methods, including GPRS (cellular), Ethernet, WiFi and ZigBee. The charging system enables communication with the utility to allow for easy monitoring of energy use, troubleshooting and data analysis to help optimize the grid. Utilities can then assess charging patterns and proactively manage the needs of electric vehicles on the utility’s generation and distribution systems. Utilities will ultimately be able to aggregate collected data for a global view of EV energy usage and user habits.
The company recently announced that it would be providing and installing the charging systems and data network for the nation’s first privately-funded EV charging “ecosystem” in Houston for New Jersey-based NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), an example of how AeroVironment collaboratively supports an energy company and its EV-driving customer base. AeroVironment is working closely with NRG Energy to ensure that its charging hardware and software work seamlessly with the company’s management system, allowing for grid optimization, CO2 footprint data, and energy consumption reports.
AeroVironment’s Smart Charging Dock can charge an electric or plug-in hybrid car automatically or be pre-programmed by a utility or driver for optimal power draw so that the car charges when energy costs are lowest. EVSE-RS+ is designed to be compatible with all SAE J1772-compliant electric car models from major automakers.
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About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
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 more than 15,000 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.
