Industry Leaders to Trial Plugless Power™ Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Technology

WYTHEVILLE, Va., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evatran, the leading developer of wireless charging systems for electric vehicles, has signed contracts with six high-profile commercial participants to outfit their Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf models with pre-production Plugless Power wireless charging systems. The product trial, termed the Apollo Launch Program, aims to drive electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the United States through the launch of a convenient charging system for electric vehicles that removes the traditional hassles of plug-in cars. This trial, the first of its kind in the world, will help to establish the United States as the EV market leader.

Building on Evatran's first product trials around its Headquarters in Wytheville, Virginia and its prototype installation at Google's Mountain View campus in early 2011, this Program will follow market leaders from six industry segments as they trial Plugless Power systems on their own Volt and Leaf vehicles. Participants range from car rental agencies to corporate campuses to utility providers and installations will occur in locations across the United States. Participants will be asked to provide feedback on daily usage routines, user interfaces, and any additional functionality needed. This Program will culminate in a body of feedback for Evatran to incorporate into the production design of its aftermarket product line, launching towards the end of 2012.

Announcements regarding the participants of the Apollo Launch Program are planned for early January with installations beginning in February 2012. A second phase of the Program is planned for the third quarter of 2012 to include additional participants across the country.

"The Apollo Launch Program builds off Evatran's early prototype trials and provides evidence of the strong demand for a convenient recharging option for electric vehicles," said Tom Hough, co-founder and CEO of Plugless Power. "The commitment shown by these industry leaders truly establishes them as electric vehicle advocates who are dedicated to encouraging electric vehicle adoption across the country."

According to Hough, this trial is an important step in bringing the technology to individual EV owners, as well. Evatran is planning additional initiatives in 2012 to reach EV owners across the country and allow them to experience the ease of hands-free charging technology on their own cars. Hough said, "We want to show the world that the repetitive plug-in, unplug process doesn't have to be part of EV ownership; we want to tell the market that a better option is on the way."

Evatran and Yazaki North America have a Joint Development Agreement to develop and market Plugless Power technology to automotive manufacturers as a factory or dealership option. With joint resources, Evatran and Yazaki are developing the hands-free charging system to be used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Plugless Power™, developed by Evatran™, is the first electric vehicle (EV) charging system on the market to offer customers a simple way to charge their EVs with the ease of hands-free technology. Utilizing inductive power transfer, which has been used in electrical transformers for more than 100 years, Plugless Power streamlines the charging of electric vehicles by eliminating the cord and the plug. In addition to aftermarket distribution, Evatran is currently working with automotive manufacturers to integrate the Plugless Power technology into mass-market EVs as a factory or dealership option. For more information, visit www.pluglesspower.com.

About Yazaki

Yazaki Corporation is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions for vehicle applications. Yazaki produces electrical distribution systems, Vehicle Information Products, solid-state power centers, connection systems and electronics. Worldwide, the company employs nearly 200,000 people in 39 countries. Yazaki has been committed to the preservation of the environment for over 70 years. The company continues this commitment today through the development of advanced electric components for hybrid electric vehicles, the promotion of recycling and the efficient use of resources. For more information about Yazaki North America, Inc. and its vision for a greener tomorrow, log onto www.yazaki-na.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Hough
276.228.7911
[email protected]

SOURCE Evatran