AeroVironment's Portable TurboCord Dual Plug-In EV Charger Named Finalist for Prestigious PACE Award

Awards honor superior innovation, technological achievement and business performance among automotive suppliers

TurboCord Dual can charge nearly three times faster than standard cordsets – less than three hours for plug-in hybrids and less than six hours for full battery electrics

SIMI VALLEY, CA -- January 14, 2016: AeroVironment, Inc. , a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and the preferred charging solution supplier for seven global automakers, today announced its TurboCord™ Dual plug-in EV charger has been named as a finalist for the 2016 Automotive News PACE Awards.

Only suppliers with a production commitment from an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) qualify for PACE Award consideration. Volvo selected AeroVironment’s TurboCord Dual earlier this year to be included as standard equipment in the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.

Volvo’s selection of AeroVironment’s TurboCord Dual was based on its ability to deliver unmatched charging versatility – as well as its powerful and light, yet durable nature. The smallest and first UL-listed, dual voltage Level 1 and Level 2 (120V / 240V) charging cordset on the market, the innovative TurboCord Dual is an elegant fit with the luxurious Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, which is powered by both a supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine and a rear axle electric motor. The Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine is the first plug-in hybrid to offer a UL listed 240-volt Level 2 charging as part of its standard package. With TurboCord inside, Volvo drivers can conveniently and easily maximize their electric driving range. At 240-volt Level 2 charging, TurboCord Dual can fully charge the Volvo XC90 in as little as 2.5 hours versus seven hours with a normal Level 1 cordset that comes with other EVs.

“More plug-in drivers are choosing TurboCord Dual for its convenience and versatility, and with its selection by Volvo and nomination for the PACE Award there is even more evidence that TurboCord Dual is making an impact,” said Ken Karklin, general manager, efficient energy systems for AeroVironment. “TurboCord Dual is a remarkably flexible and powerful portable charging solution, and is setting a new standard for fast, dependable EV charging that is both convenient and easy for drivers.”

The Automotive News PACE awards program, now in its 22nd year, honors suppliers' innovations in products, information technology, manufacturing processes and capital equipment. Recognized around the world as a benchmark for innovation, the awards are regarded as the Oscars of the automotive components industry, and are awarded to technologies that offer superior innovation, technological achievement and business performance among automotive suppliers.

Award winners will be announced April 11 at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, kicking off SAE World Congress week.

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