Jun. 3--Monrovia-based AeroVironment has partnered with the District of Columbia and automaker Nissan to bring hundreds of electric cars and charging stations to the city.

The partnership could open up new markets for the company, depending on the success of a burgeoning green movement being pushed by President Barack Obama's administration and federal stimulus dollars.

"We think our technology can be a crucial element in making electric vehicles practical and effective," said Steve Gitlin, AV's director of marketing strategy.

That technology hinges on the company's energy efficient technologies and clean transportation systems.

Its PosiCharge EV fast-charge systems enable thousands of industrial and specialty electrical vehicles to perform more efficiently and cleaner.

AeroVironment touts the technology as a way "to create the infrastructure to make the next generation of passenger and utility electric vehicles a reality."

The technology grew out of the firm's work with GM in developing a modern electric car in 1989.

AeroVironment developed the PosiCharge system to increase the range of battery packs for the car, which was called the Impact. Despite GM's bankruptcy on Monday, it is still developing its new electric car, the Chevy Volt, using AeroVironment's testing systems.

Playing off its success, along with others on the defense and commercial side, AeroVironment hopes its partnership with D.C. and several

others areas including Ohio, means they are on the cusp of cashing in on the green movement.

The plan in D.C. -- funded by a mix of budget and federal stimulus dollars -- is to create a network of charging stations that would serve the city's fleet of electric vehicles, provided by Nissan and the public. It's not a new concept, said District Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein.

"The D.C. difference is that we want to make a stronger statement for consumers and businesses to realize that this is real, they can make a change from gas to electric, and will not have to worry about where to charge their car," he said in a statement.

Work on the network could begin as early as 2010.

The project bodes well for AeroVironment, observers said.

"I think it's a significant nod of approval for their product," said Michael S. Lewis, senior vice president for equity research at BB&T Capital Markets. "There are many providers and various competitors out there. For AeroVironment to get in on this opportunity is important."

It opens the company up for similar opportunities in other areas. If it's successful, other cities would view the D.C. example as a measure of success, Lewis said.

AeroVironment is one of several local companies well-poised to benefit from pieces of the $787 billion in stimulus money.

Engineering firms such as Tetra Tech and Jacobs Engineering Group -- both in Pasadena -- are also looking to get a foothold on infrastructure projects.

ryan.carter@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, ext. 2720

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