AeroVironment, Milbank team up to make electric vehicle charging easier than ever
Milbank intends to offer a full range of AV charging stations to meet its customers’ diverse needs. When the PowerGen-branded line is launched this March, available chargers will include:
- MEVSE-RS Level 2 charging dock for home and business.
- Dual- and quad-port MEVSE-RS configurations that charge two and four EVs from a single utility connection.
- MEVSE-RS+ smart charging dock, which enables communication with the grid to turn drivers’ homes into grid-connected smart charging hubs.
- CHAdeMO-certified Level 3 DC EV50-PS and EV50-FS, which recharge vehicles in minutes instead of hours.
Basically, Milbank’s nationwide distribution network will allow it to reach a broad range of customers including those who reside in small communities that lack a charging infrastructure. Milbank envisions charging stations installed at homes, offices, retail complexes, fleet yard and even remote construction sites.
AeroVironment did not disclose pricing for any of the Milbank-branded charging stations, but, as we’ve witnessed before, the price of a Level 2 charger is often considerably less than the fees associated with installing it.
[Source: Milbank]
· Partnership extends EV charging infrastructure throughout the United States
· Provides access to AeroVironment EV charging solutions for major home improvement retailers serviced by Milbank
· Distribution network agreement includes formal training program for electrical contractors installing AeroVironment’s products
SAN DIEGO, Calif., DistribuTECH, Feb. 1, 2011 – Milbank Manufacturing Co. of Kansas City, Mo., announced today that it has selected AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)(NASDAQ: AVAV) of Monrovia, Calif., to provide AV’s electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to its customers – including utilities, developers, contractors, businesses, and consumers – through Milbank’s nationwide distribution network. The partnership enhances Milbank’s PowerGen™ line of renewable power solutions and furthers the expansion of EV charging infrastructure throughout the United States.
Milbank will offer several of AV’s EV charging station models to meet its customers’ diverse needs, including vehicle charging at the home, office, retail complex, fleet yard, or construction site. AV’s smart charging station is compatible with the Smart Grid and capable of interacting with utilities to help manage the potential impact of EVs on the electric grid. Milbank’s distribution network will give electrical contractors throughout the nation access to AV’s leading EV charging products to support all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. EV and hybrid-electric drivers will also gain access to these products through major home improvement retailers serviced by Milbank.
“AeroVironment has been continuously innovating in the electric vehicle space for decades,” said Lavon Winkler, President and CEO of Milbank. “We share a common vision with AeroVironment to provide an end-to-end solution that ensures complete peace of mind for EV drivers, so they can literally charge up and go.”
When the EV line is launched this spring, the company plans to feature a range of Milbank-branded charging solutions from AeroVironment:
* MEVSE-RS Level 2 charging dock for home and business
* Dual- and quad-port MEVSE-RS configurations that charge two and four EVs from a single utility connection
* MEVSE-RS+ smart charging dock, which enables communication with the grid to turn drivers’ homes into grid-connected smart charging hubs
* CHAdeMO-certified Level 3 DC EV50-PS and EV50-FS, which recharge vehicles in minutes instead of hours
The program will be supported by formal training held at the Milbank Institute of Training (MIT), the company’s training, UL certification, and research and development facility. Training will focus on all of Milbank’s renewable solutions, including EV charging, backup power systems, and small wind turbines.
“Milbank has been servicing the electric utility and wholesale distribution industries for more than 80 years,” said Tim Conver, chairman and chief executive officer of AeroVironment. “We’re honored to partner with a company with such a broad and loyal customer base and deep experience in the sustainability sector to complement our existing distribution channels. Combining Milbank’s extensive network in 50 states and AeroVironment’s EV charging leadership, this partnership will significantly expand access for Americans to charge their EVs anywhere, any time – and with proven and reliable solutions.”
About Milbank | Driving the Future of Power
Milbank builds solutions that move power for the residential, commercial, industrial, utility and transportation sectors. Milbank combines 80 years of expertise in electrical distribution with a commitment to develop and globally implement sustainable, integrated power solutions. Milbank’s portfolio includes electric metering systems, PowerGen™ wind and solar solutions, and portable power. A third-generation, family-owned business, Milbank Manufacturing Company is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, please visit www.milbankmfg.com or www.milbankpowergen.com.
About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
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). 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.
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