TUV SUD America Expands Battery Testing Services

TUV SUD America Expands Battery Testing Services

Auburn Hills, Michigan – December 3, 2009 – TÜV SÜD America Inc., a global testing and certification firm, has increased the scope of the Battery Testing services it provides. Two sites are involved in this expansion, Auburn Hills and Holland, Michigan. Both locations will see additional investments in 2009 and early 2010. With the addition of advanced battery cyclers from AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), TÜV SÜD America will provide its customers with battery testing and simulation services on a global scale. Since the 1990s, AeroVironment has supplied EV and electric system test equipment to electric vehicle, fuel cell, and battery manufacturers around the world.

Batteries are critical components for the success of energy storage systems. Automotive, solar, wind, portable power, and grid stabilization applications are all driving the development and production of alternative energy storage solutions. These projects are critical to the future of how the world will be powered. Today, new technology is being developed for electric, hybrid, plug- in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. Many automakers and suppliers are facing new safety standards and test methods as these vehicles are being developed. TÜV SÜD provides an array of testing and engineering services to support e-mobility and stationary power programs. TÜV SÜD has ten testing locations across North America, with three Michigan locations specializing in automotive, mechanical, and electrical testing. The Michigan facilities alone include fifteen vibration systems, fifty-five environmental chambers, and five EMC chambers which are available to test batteries and other products. TÜV has now added the capability to perform abuse, durability, and life cycle testing for battery systems, including, but not limited to:

· FreedomCar Battery Durability and Abuse Testing

· UNDOT- Transportation of Dangerous Goods

· SAE J 2464 Rechargeable Energy Storage System Safety and Abuse Testing

“Battery safety is essential for vehicles with electric drives. Various aspects of functional, chemical, and electrical safety need to be considered,” states Steve Dykstra, Vice President, Testing, TÜV SÜD America Inc. “TÜV SÜD is a global partner for vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. We are pleased to add to our capabilities to better serve our customers as they develop safe and dependable products.”

For more information on TÜV SÜD America’s Battery Testing capabilities, visit http://tuvamerica.com/services/battery.cfm.

For more information on AeroVironment Inc. Power Cycling and Test Systems, visit http://avinc.com/ev­_test.

About TÜV SÜD America Inc.

TÜV SÜD America Inc. is a leading globally recognized testing and certification organization. TÜV SÜD America’s Auditing Division provides management system certification services to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS9100, AS9120, ISO 13485, TL 9000, Safe Quality Food (SQF), ISO 22000, and more. The Testing Division offers Electrical and Mechanical Product Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, Environmental Testing, NRTL and SCC certification, CE Marking assistance, Restricted Substance Services, International Compliance Services, and more. The company’s Industry Division offers a full suite of services for pressure equipment manufacturers and materials producers exporting products to the European Community. Globally, TÜV SÜD has over $1.5 billion sales and 14,000 employees at more than 600 locations worldwide. For more information please visit www.TUVamerica.com.

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)

Building on a history of technological innovation, AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Commercial and government entities use AV’s clean transportation solutions such as power cycling and test systems and electric vehicle fast charge systems. More information about AV is available at www.avinc.com.

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