Company: Evatran Group, Inc, Wytheville, VA USA
Company Description: Formed by the company formally known as MTC Transformers, a leading provider of high-quality, precision-engineered transformers and rewind servicesPlugless Power solutions, manufactured by Evatran™, are the first electric vehicle (EV) charging systems on the market that offer a simple way to charge EVs with the ease of hands-free technology.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Most Innovative Company of the Year – More Than 10 Employees

Nomination Title: Evatran Plugless Power

Describe for the judges the innovations and accomplishments of the nominated organization since the beginning of July last year (up to 525 words):

Founded in 2010, Evatran is a startup company with a game-changing innovative technology to wirelessly recharge electric and hybrid electric vehicles. CEO Rebecca Hough, working with her dad the founder of Virginia based MTC Transformers , developed the plugless power system, raised capital from investors and government grants, and in 2013, launched the first consumer product to change the way EV cars are charged.

The system uses the same inductive power transfer technology that charges electric toothbrushes and is a safe, worry free alternative to having to remember to plug in your vehicle every night. Hough believes that the new technology will greatly improve the adoption of electric vehicles.

Evatran’s Plugless Power system comes with a tower, a parking block, and a small adapter that attaches to practically any EV. When the car is parked on the block, charging commences through the alignment of magnetic coils in the block to those in the adapter. What results is a powerful magnetic field that is able to kickstart an electrical current that then flows into the adapter and charges the car battery.

Induction charging offers many benefits over a corded charging system:

• Less prone to vandalism as it is not on the street but in one’s garage or driveway
• Safer for the user when recharging
• More convenient for the user as it sets up to charge automatically when parking the car
• Can become part of a dynamic, on the move charging system which the Obama administration and vehicle manufacturers are exploring with Evatran.

After the prototype plugless power system was developed, Hough and Evatran launched their own Apollo Launch Program in 2012 to test the device in real world environments with early adopters including Google, Hertz, Duke Energy and Clemson University. Each used the device and provided feedback on design, power and usage issues.

Evatran used the insights and feedback and in 2013 launched the second phase of the Apollo launch with an improved production grade device which was later introduced in 2013 for consumers. Initially the device is available for Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt owners, but Hough and her team are working with OEM manufacturers, auto manufacturers and DOE contracts to further develop the system which Hough says will be part of an integrated OEM system by 2015 and will one day be integrated into road beds for dynamic charging on the go.

To launch the PlugLess Power L2 aftermarket product, Evatran entered into exclusive agreements with better known Bosch and Sears to distribute and install the new systems. In spite of a relatively high initial price compared to Bosch’s corded power systems, and little to no marketing, Evatran received hundreds of preorders from people who heard about and wanted it. Hough predicts sales of about 2,000 units this year for the approximately $3,000 device.

With numerous accolades and recognitions for its innovations, management and smart strategies, Hough believes this is the first step in an evolution that will lead to a lower cost product that is more widely available, leading to greater adoption of electric vehicles and maybe the end of gas stations as we know them. Using 100 year old technology, the innovative

Provide a brief biography of the person or persons who lead the nominated company (up to 125 words):

Rebecca Hough is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer for Evatran. Rebecca, the daughter of Tom Hough, currently sets Evatran’s strategic direction and oversees all of Evatran’s day-to-day operations. In this position, Rebecca has spearheaded strategic partnership development including the company’s relationships with Google, Sears and Yazaki North America. She has led the development of the Company’s go-to-market strategy and developed marketing initiatives including the Company’s social media strategy and customer reservation program.

Prior to joining Evatran, Rebecca was a management consultant with Kurt Salmon Associates out of New York City, consulting on projects in the retail and consumer products sectors. Graduating from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, Rebecca earned a B.S. in Commerce with concentrations in Finance and Management.

The CEO (or other principal manager) of this company is a woman, and at least 40% of the management team is comprised of women.