AeroVironment to Deploy Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Hawaii

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has been selected by the state of Hawaii to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. 

Hawaii will have one of the nation’s first statewide public charging networks supporting EV drivers.

Under an $820,000 contract from the Hawaii EV Ready Grants Program, the company will provide up to 320 AeroVironment 240-volt EV charging docks throughout the islands. 

The company will partner with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to design and build public and semi-private charging stations at convenient locations including high-rise buildings, resorts and rental car facilities. 

AeroVironment is the official home charging-dock provider for the Nissan LEAF and co-developer of the first modern day electric vehicle, the GM Impact.  They’ve installed over 1,000 charging docks in 300 communities across 18 states since November 2010.

Hawaii offers residents rebates up to $4,500 when they purchase an EV and up to $500 when they install a home dock through the Hawaii EV Ready Rebate Program.  

"Wide use of electric vehicles will not only help reduce our fossil fuel dependence, it will make it easier to increase our use of renewable energy sources such as wind power and others, all contributing to our energy, economic and environmental security," said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president.   

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), University of Hawaii at Manoa will work with AeroVironment and Hawaiian Electric to collect data from chargers to analyze the impact of EVs and associated infrastructure on the power distribution grid.