SYSCO Food Services 3-Year ''Fast Charge'' Results In; Independent Tests Exceed Warranty Expectations

Business Wire, Oct 5, 2005

LAS VEGAS & MONROVIA, Calif. -- E-Wire--SYSCO Food Services, longtime users of PosiCharge(R) fast charge systems for electric forklifts, today announced the results of its third fast-charge audit in 36 months. The ongoing test has been managed by an independent third party and performed on a battery powered solely by PosiCharge fast charge systems.

The 36V 1000Ah Deka battery has been dedicated to a single heavy-use reach truck and has been used in both dry and cold areas of one of SYSCO Food Services' state-of-the-art operating companies located in Las Vegas. The test shows that the battery has retained over 92 percent of its rated capacity while working multiple shifts, 6 days a week, for almost 3 years. A recent letter from the independent auditor stated that though the battery is no longer under East Penn's 3-year fast charge warranty, SYSCO "should see many months to even years of continued battery performance."

"This is a significant milestone for the fast charge industry," says Pat Dellario, vice president and general manager of PosiCharge. "Typical fast charge warranties cover batteries for only three years. This latest audit further substantiates our ability to outlast standard warranties with the use of closed loop current, voltage and temperature control. Fast charged batteries can work harder and last longer than their single-shift counterparts."

With fast charging gaining widespread acceptance as an effective charge regimen for multi-shift industrial electric forklifts, Dellario notes that selecting the right system can mean the difference between yielding positive and negative ROI. "Battery manufacturers are careful only to warrant batteries charged by reliable fast charge systems," he says. "Real-time field tests like this one will go a long way towards helping end users recognize fast charge brands that deliver demonstrated results, both in terms of extended run time and longer battery life."

About SYSCO Food Services, Inc.

SYSCO is the largest foodservice marketing and distribution organization in North America. The company's 150 distribution locations in the United States and Canada provide food and related products and services to approximately 400,000 restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers throughout the United States and Canada. For the fiscal year 2004 that ended July 3, 2004, the company reported sales of $29.3 billion and net earnings of $907.2 million. For more information about SYSCO visit the company's home page at www.sysco.com.

About PosiCharge

PosiCharge fast charge systems allow users to eliminate the battery room and all the challenges that go with it - including run time issues, reduced battery capacity, infrastructure cost, lost productivity, worker injury and excess battery inventories. PosiCharge fast charges each battery in the vehicle during short breaks, lunches, and shift changes, so the battery never leaves the vehicle. The result is instant productivity improvements and no workflow interruptions for battery changing. With a proprietary system that safeguards batteries by measuring temperature and customizing each charge, PosiCharge can actually extend the useful life of a battery. For years, PosiCharge has been keeping fleets running in some of the hardest-working Fortune and Global 500 plants and distribution centers in the country. PosiCharge is an AeroVironment, Inc. business. More information can be found at www.posicharge.com.

About AeroVironment Inc.

AeroVironment develops innovative technology for energy efficient systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and leverages its intellectual property base into breakthrough commercial ventures. AeroVironment (www.aerovironment.com) was founded in 1971, and its Monrovia, California headquarters is home to more than 200 engineers, physicists and business managers specializing in cutting-edge research and development, new venture development, manufacturing and marketing.