KRISTEN HELSEL

Vice president of EV solutions AeroVironment Inc.

Chosen because: Helsel, 47, is spearheading the efforts of California defense contractor AeroVironment to win share in the emerging EV charger market -- both 240-volt Level 2 chargers, which many EV owners are likely to use at home; and 480-volt Level 3 fast chargers, more likely to be used in public areas. In January 2010, Nissan North America selected AeroVironment to supply and install home charging stations for the Leaf sedan. Most recently, BMW designated AeroVironment as its preferred provider of charging equipment, accessories and installation services supporting the introduction of the BMW ActiveE EV this fall.

Quote: "Without Level 3, it's going to be hard to have wide adoption of electric vehicles. It's a key component."