Evolve USA Charging Corporation will be solely responsible for new sales, service and the development of electric vehicle charging Systems for both residential and commercial applications.

Evolve will also be responsible for administration of the recently agreed upon Asset Purchase Agreement of the Chicago Grant Agreement.

The company said that initially, upon court approval Evolve will begin operations with a network of owned and operated units that consist of 142 Level II chargers and 26 Level III DC fast chargers within the Chicago market.

Evolve will also focus on expanding its number of units with additional acquisitions and the development of new locations.

JNS expects that Evolve’s business model will allow Evolve USA Charging Corporation to own, operate and maintain a network of EV Charging Stations throughout the Chicagoland area by entering into shared revenue agreements with the owners of desired properties.

Evolve is proceeding with securing exclusive locations strategically placed within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and in conjunction with targeted areas for our initial launch of our Electric Vehicle Charging Station infrastructure.

“The company believes that EV Charging Stations offer an excellent opportunity for revenue growth as more and more consumers seek alternatives to oil dependency and environmentally friendly options,” stated Brian Howe, Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Howe also stated, “With more and more automobile manufacturers developing electric vehicles and the cost of such vehicles coming down the need for charging stations will only increase. JNS based upon its years of experience in the electrical industry is poised and ready to seize this opportunity.”

The post Evolve USA New Kid On The Block In Car Charging Landscape appeared first on HybridCars.com.

According to Kia, the Cross GT seamlessly melds high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment.

While purely a concept, the Cross GT does reveal Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento.

“The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective,” noted Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation president and global chief of design.  “It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-drive luxury saloon.  The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover.”

The Cross GT is based on Kia’s rear-drive GT-chassis and has short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture. But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability.

The Cross GT is powered by what Kia calls an efficient hybrid powertrain that looks to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint. Starting with the company’s 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the concept adds an evolution of Kia’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and the transmission.

The electric motor is packaged under the rear floor.  Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 pound-foot of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles – sufficient according to Kia to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency.

While strictly a concept powertrain, Kia’s hybrid technology, combined with all-wheel drive are ideas that Kia said may one day find their way into a production vehicle.

At 122.0 inches, the Cross GT’s wheelbase is longer than Sorento’s by 15.7 inches, and its overall length of 192.8 inches is 8.4 inches greater than the Sorento. Still compared to the Sorento, the 79.1-inch width is 4.9 inches wider, but the Cross GT’s overall height of 65.3 inches is actually 1.6 inches shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs.

The Cross GT has dual rear-hinged doors, more commonly referred to as “suicide” doors.  The unique configuration allows for easy access to the rear bucket seats.

The cargo compartment is accessed through a “clam shell” design that incorporates a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate.

The post Hybrid-Powered Kia Cross GT Concept CUV Unveiled At Chicago Auto Show appeared first on HybridCars.com.

GM said this Cruze diesel is featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.

The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be built in Lordstown, Ohio.

Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has an estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway.

“Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it’s driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country  in a clean turbo diesel,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 258 pound-foot pf torque, which will result in a 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower and 258 pound-foot pf torque

According to GM, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Perry. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

The Diesel Cruze will have a starting MSRP of $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees).

It looks like the Cruze Diesel will be a high-trim only car as GM says it will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Leather-appointed seating will be part of the Cruze diesel interior equipment.

Other standard features will include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”

GM has sold nearly 2 million Chevrolet Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010.

GM is no stranger to diesel engines in passenger cars as it has produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including the Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.

The post 42 MPG Cruze Diesel Coming This Summer appeared first on HybridCars.com.