Another stellar program was presented Friday when,  Kristen Helsel, V.P., EVSolutions, discussed the latest news from AeroVironment, Inc.  Headquartered on Huntington drive in Monrovia, the company develops and produces unmanned aircraft systems and efficient electric energy technologies such as electric vehicle refueling stations.  AeroVironment has partnered with Nissan Motors to develop a way for customers who purchase a new electric vehicle called the Leaf, to refuel (charge) at home.  It requires a 240V direct connection called a refueling station, but once installed it can recharge the new Leaf in eight hours allowing the owner to drive up to 100 miles on a full charge.  Since the average daily commute is 40 miles, that insures drivers will get to and from their destinations with ease.  Kristen is responsible for electric vehicle efficient energy systems and says that this type of refueling is now standardized in the U.S., and we should see recharging stations rapidly growing all over the country.  AeroVironment is no stranger to electric vehicles.  In 1989, General Motors asked them to help develop the first modern electric vehicle, which was introduced in 1996 called the EV-1.  The Toyota Prius was next in 1997, the rest is history; our quest for independence from oil had begun. 

Today Hybrid vehicles are commonplace and several automakers will launch plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in the next few years, most needing a refueling station at home, work, malls, municipal centers, airports, etc.  AeroVironment has developed what they call “fast charging” stations to be used in public places like rest stops and along well-traveled public highways.  These “quick-charge” stations provide refueling to the vehicle in as little as twenty-six minutes.  A recent L.A. Times article noted that 100 refueling stations are under construction in seven cities in South Carolina because of a state grant, just in time for the rollout of the Ford Focus, Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt. 

 Did you know?  I’ll bet you didn’t! AeroVironment makes an unmanned aircraft, handheld and launched by a single soldier in the field, which can fly over the next mountain ridge or terrain with a camera on board.  It is called the Puma AE (All Environment) and is designed for land and maritime operations.  It is described as a lightweight digitally stabilized, gimbaled payload, which allows the operator to keep eyes on the target.  The aircraft carries both electro-optical and infrared cameras on board and has a communication range of 15 km and a maximum flight time of two hours.  It was developed for both military and civilian use.  Wow!  High Tech at its best.

Pat Dolphin