AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) has joined forces with NRG Energy, Inc. to bring the first privately funded, comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging "ecosystem" to drivers in America's fourth largest city. The ecosystem is an integrated network of products, services and payment plans that helps make EVs practical for drivers. AV is the exclusive provider of home and public charging systems, installation services, energy usage monitoring and payment and subscription solutions in support of the Houston ecosystem, which can be deployed as a practical, integrated model in cities throughout North America.
In addition to supplying, installing, and supporting smart home and public overnight and fast charging stations, AV will also provide the integrated data collection, communication and analysis systems that will power NRG's eVgosmnetwork. NRG plans to invest approximately $10 million in Houston's public charging infrastructure, including installing a minimum of 50 high-powered fast charging stations by mid-2011. The eVgo charging network will give Houston's EV drivers ready access to charging stations along major freeways, in key shopping and business districts, at popular retailers, and in multi-family community and workplace parking areas within 25 miles or more of city center.