We turned 20 on April 11, 2026! From our first big idea to today’s innovations in the power solutions space, this milestone is all about the people who made it possible—our employees, partners and customers, like you. Read on for a recap of two decades of progress and how we’re looking ahead to the next chapter.
Here’s a little bit about who we are and how we got started:
Founded by Thomas Evans in 2006 in Davenport, Iowa, American Power Systems, Inc. specializes in the innovation and custom crafting of power conversion and distribution systems for armored, security, commercial, marine, and purpose-built specialty vehicles like luxury motor coaches and RVs.
APS was created to fulfill a growing need for high power alternatives for a wide range of vehicles and environments. APS products include high output alternators, custom alternator brackets and dual alternator bracket kits, DC-DC boost converters, DC-DC step down converters, high idle switches, and more.
Quickly gaining a worldwide reputation for quality, innovation and expertise, APS has become the trusted partner of a variety of governmental agencies and other companies to power armored, light tactical vehicles and other nonstandard commercial vehicles (NSCV) around the globe, including for clients such as US Dept. of State, US Dept. of Defense, US SOCOM (US Special Operations Command), the Secret Service and the Australian Ministry of Defence. In fact, APS is an approved power upgrade provider for the US Army, US SOCOM, and the US Department of State, where our products have been classified as “life-saving equipment.”
Over the past 20 years we’ve grown from a one-person business to a multi-million-dollar corporation with products on more than 10,000 vehicles across multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Australia.
Here are a few company highlights from our history:
2026 (February): APS unveils a dual alternator bracket for the Nissan Patrol in Saudi Arabia at the World Defense Show, a biennial global defense exhibition with more than 106,000 visitors and 700 exhibitors representing 76+ countries to showcase innovations across air, land, sea, space, and security.
2025 (June): APS releases a dual alternator bracket kit for the popular LC300 with a 3.3L diesel engine. With the product launch, APS now offers dual alternator brackets for 2022 and newer 3.3L diesel and 3.5L gas versions, alongside high output alternators and high-idle kits.
2025 (April): APS launches its next-generation Ultra Performance at Idle (UPI) high-output alternator series, providing more output across the board at both lower and upper RPM. In addition, the increased power output at lower RPM means faster charging capability at lower speeds, including at idle.
2025 (February): APS releases a second dual alternator kit option for adding secondary power to the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3L gas and highlights it to the international defense community at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
2025 (January): Frenchman Sébastien Simon takes 3rd place in the prestigious Vendée Globe solo round-the-world sailing race equipped with an APS high output alternator powering his IMOCA 60 Groupe Dubreuil.
2024 (September): APS achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification, a designation that points to audited, repeatable processes for meeting quality requirements that reduces variation, improves traceability, and supports strong field performance.
2024 (September): American Power Systems, Inc. adds high idle controllers for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 with 3.3L diesel and 3.5L gas engines.
2024 (June): APS unveils a dual alternator kit for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5L gas at June’s Eurosatory, the international land and airland defense and security exhibition in Paris.
2024 (August): National security innovator Battelle honors American Power Systems as Its 2023 Small Business Supplier of the Year.
2024 (July): APS receives its second seven-year government sub-contract for non-standard commercial vehicles (NSCV) with Battelle.
2023 (October): Under the guidance of our expert marine partners at Ocean Planet Energy, APS supports skipper Ronnie Simpson with products for his racing yacht in the Global Solo Challenge, a single-handed non-stop sailing race around the world.
2023 (July): American Power Systems, Inc. adds 60- and 90-amp models to its lower turn-on RPM alternator series
2023 (March): APS develops a new series of low-RPM alternators ideal for those needing to fully charge secondary power banks in less time, even while idling.
2022 (November): In November American Power Systems, Inc., launches four high-output alternator upgrades for Toyota’s all-new Land Cruiser 300.
2022 (September): APS participates in a trade mission to Southeast Asia organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s International Trade Office.
2021 (March): APS unveils two new high output alternator upgrades for the Nissan Patrol, an SUV known for its performance in demanding environments.
2020 (March): APS is recognized as Exporter of the Year by the Small Business Administration for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska (SBA Region 7). APS remains continuously open during the pandemic as part of both emergency services and the defense industrial base per Department of Homeland Security guidance.
2020 (February): APS participates in trade mission to Mexico organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s International Trade Office.
2019 (April): APS responds to Toyota’s changes to its Hilux 2.4L and 2.8L diesel models by developing all-new power solutions upgrades for operators, including OE replacement alternators, secondary alternators, brackets, high idle controllers and converters. The Hilux is considered one of the most relied-upon consumer vehicles for non-standard use around the world.
2019 (February): APS introduces its advanced alternator regulator, the APS-500, to the international defense community at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
2019 (January): APS releases a 48-volt alternator solution for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter N62 accessory bracket in 2019, and it continues to be an often-sought solution for those building on the popular van chassis.
2018 (April): APS participates in a trade mission to Sub-Saharan Africa organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s International Trade Office
2018 (August): APS President & CEO Amy Lank is appointed to the Iowa Industry Advisory Council at the Center for Research and Service at Iowa State University (CIRAS).
2018 (June): APS introduces its automotive-grade lithium-ion storage solution at Eurosatory, an international land and airland defense and security exhibition in Paris.
2018 (May): APS collaborates with Polaris Industries, Defense Division, to upfit DAGOR®, an ultralight tactical vehicle used for special operations, with a secondary power system. The system includes a high-output alternator; dual-alternator bracket; 28-volt external regulator; and high-idle controller.
2018 (January): APS announces the Thomas K. Evans Memorial Scholarship in memory of the company’s late founder. Over the next several years APS awards $40,000 to Quad-City area graduates planning to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Named for APS founder Thomas K. Evans, the scholarship honors his legacy of creativity, generosity and commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM innovators.
2017 (November): APS President & CEO Amy Lank receives the annual award for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership from the Technology Association of Iowa.
2017 (May): APS launches its new High Performance at Idle (HPI) high-output alternator series. Power solutions include increased 12V power and the ability to provide 12V and 24V power on the same vehicle.
2017 (January): APS large-case, high output alternators are used on Hugo Boss, a top-tier racing yacht expertly sailed by Briton Alex Thomson to take second place in the 2016-2017 Vendee Globe race.
2016 (July): APS receives first seven-year government sub-contract for non-standard commercial vehicles (NSCV) with Battelle.
2016 (June): APS collaborates with Pratt & Miller, a US-based R&D firm with extensive defense sector experience, on electrical systems requirements for a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 outfitted with an unmanned weapon system.
2014 (July): APS receives first sub-contract for vehicle power solution upgrades with Lockheed Martin.
2009 (May): APS moves to its current location at 426 W. 2nd Street in Davenport. The new location allows for expansion of services and production space.
2007 (October) APS releases a new line of dual redundant alternators for the 12- and 24-volt tour bus markets.
2006 (April): American Power Systems, Inc. is established on April 11 and operates from a facility at 3750 West River Drive in Davenport, Iowa. At its founding, APS specializes mainly in alternators and power system upgrades for motor coaches, RVs, custom built buses, fire engines and lift trucks, work trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, limousines, military and other heavy-duty applications.
