EnerDel uses portion of federal stimulus grant to buy AeroVironment electric vehicle systems

EnerDel to buy 8 battery test systems

MONROVIA, Calif. — AeroVironment said Monday that automotive lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel will use a portion of its stimulus grant to buy eight AeroVironment advance electric vehicle power cycling and test systems.

The addition of AeroVironment’s 170 kilowatt ABC-170CE cyclers and its 250 kilowatt AV-900 heavy-duty cyclers will expand the advanced battery testing capabilities at EnerDel’s Indiana facilities.

Both test systems are programmed to simulate real driving conditions by repeatedly charging and discharging EnerDel’s hybrid and electric vehicle batteries to replicate actual operating conditions.

In August, EnerDel, a subsidiary of Ener1 Inc., received a $118.5 million grant from the government’s stimulus package enacted in February to expand its domestic manufacturing capacity.

AeroVironment Inc. designs and produces unmanned aircraft systems and efficient electric energy systems.

AeroVironment shares fell 21 cents to close earlier at $28.74. Ener1 shares finished up 23 cents, or 4 percent, at $5.86.