Aerovironment win charging technology contract

Monrovia-based AeroVironment, which develops both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and also electric vehicle charging technology, said today that it has been selected by energy firm NRG Energy to develop a privately funded, comprehensive electric vehicle charging system. The two said that will provide products, services and payment plans aimed at making EVs practical for drivers, starting with the city of Houston. AeroVironment said it will supply, install, and support smart home and public overnight and fast charge stations in Houston, as part of a plan by NRG to install approximately $10M in Houston’s public charging infrastructure. AeroVironment did not say what the financial impact of the win would be on the firm. The company–which has a long history in the electric car industry–is the install partner for Nissan North America on its LEAF electric car. NRG Energy said it plans to install a minimum of 50, high-power fast charging stations by mid-2011 in the Houston area.