News Press Releases

AeroVironment's New TurboDock Workplace and Commercial EV Charging Station Puts Control in the Palm of Drivers' Hands with Smartphone App

AVAV | January 15, 2015

AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and the preferred home charging solution supplier for five global automakers, today introduced TurboDock™ – a next-generation EV charging station for commercial and workplace settings that is controlled through a smartphone app. Out of the box, TurboDock charges at Level 1 (12 amps/120 volts), or at Level 2 (16 Amps/240 Volts), which will recharge EVs on a typical commute in less than four hours, making TurboDock ideal for commercial and workplace environments.

AeroVironment’s New TurboDock Workplace and Commercial EV Charging Station Puts Control in the Palm of Drivers’ Hands with Smartphone App (Photo: Business Wire)

TurboDock is packed with features specially designed to make it the ideal commercial and workplace charging solution. “TurboDock is the simple, quick and practical workplace charging system because it’s easy to install, easy to use, cost-effective and secure,” said Wahid Nawabi, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Efficient Energy Systems business segment. “The first-of-its-kind system puts Bluetooth-enabled smartphone access control of charging stations right at the fingertips of employers, landlords and property managers who need a better solution for meeting the charging demands of their EV-driving staff, tenants and patrons.

“Importantly,” Nawabi added, “TurboDock costs less to own and maintain.” Among its many cost-saving features, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity eliminates the need for costly dedicated cellular service, which can represent a savings of hundreds of dollars each year.

“Moreover, its modular design offers maximum flexibility,” Nawabi noted, explaining that TurboDock comes in two models, a pedestal unit that accommodates one to four chargers per location and a wall adapter that can be configured with one or two chargers per location. This modular design makes it easy to expand the number of chargers as needed over time.

TurboDock can be configured easily to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each operator. For example, an administrator can give one universal access code to all of their EV-driving users, assign each user their own unique access code or choose open access for all users. TurboDock makes switching between open access and access control quick and simple.

Benefits of using TurboDock in the workplace include enhanced employee productivity and satisfaction. When configured for 12 amp or 16 amp charging, TurboDock provides twice as many chargers with the same electrical service required for a 30 amp charging. More chargers mean increased productivity since TurboDock alleviates the need for EV-driving employees to move their vehicles during the workday so someone else can use the charger.

For multi-unit dwelling owners, TurboDock represents a value-added amenity to attract and retain tenants. Commercial property managers will benefit from the longer “staying time” TurboDock will afford their EV-driving patrons who will likely stay/shop longer while their vehicles recharge.

With fewer parts subject to damage or wearing out, TurboDock significantly improves uptime. TurboDock also eliminates the costs associated with managing access cards or key fobs. Additionally, TurboDock is upgradeable, allowing the addition of future options and next-generation software through the smartphone app.

TurboDock costs $1,299 (MSRP) for the charging module only and $1,798 (MSRP) for the charging module and mounting plate or pedestal. For more information, visit TurboDock.com.

About AeroVironment, Inc.

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces, supports and operates an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment’s comprehensive EV charging solutions include the portable, dual-charging (120/240V) TurboCord, EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, 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. The company’s electric-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems provide powerful actionable information to military, public safety and commercial personnel around the world through real-time, airborne imaging, sensing and communication. More information is available at www.avinc.com and www.evsolutions.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For additional media and information, please follow us at:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AeroVironment-Inc/91762492182
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aerovironment
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AeroVironmentInc
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100557642515390130818/posts