(February 16, 2012) MORRISVILLE, N.C. —Evatran, the developer of Plugless Power wireless recharging equipment for electric vehicles, will host a launch event for its Apollo Program on Feb. 23 in Richmond, Va., to increase awareness and demonstrate the capabilities of wireless charging for electric vehicles.

The Apollo Launch Program is an initiative started by Evatran to increase awareness of wireless charging technology. Through partnership with five electric vehicle industry leaders including Duke Energy, Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), and Hertz, the program follows participants as they trial wireless charging technology on their own electric vehicles.

Participants will test the wireless technology at their locations across the country for three months and provide feedback to Evatran. Installations focus on commercial partners who have the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Volt in their fleets. Evatran is working with Yazaki North America, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, to develop the prototypes for the trial.

The event will include comments from the governor of Virginia, announcement of the final set of Apollo Program participants, and a demonstration of the wireless charging technology on a Nissan Leaf. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles.

Thomas Hough, chief executive officer of Evatran, said, "This is an important moment in time for the electric vehicle. We believe that the widespread adoption of these cars requires enabling technologies, like Plugless Power, to come to market.

"Bringing these technologies to all electric vehicle owners, however, requires industry leaders to step forward to trial prototypes — we are excited to celebrate the involvement of these partners during our Apollo Launch Event."