MIAMI BEACH, FL - Car Charging Group Inc. said it has entered into a pilot agreement with Icon Parking Systems, a parking services provider in Manhattan, to offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at select trial locations.

By creating an EV charging network for Icon's customers, Car Charging Group said it hopes to help smooth the transition of those NYC drivers switching to EVs.

"This partnership lays the groundwork in Manhattan to support the national rollout of electric automobiles on the way to dealer showrooms in late 2010 from manufacturers such as Tesla Motors, the Renault and Nissan alliance, General Motors, Ford and others," said Car Charging Group CEO Michael D. Farkas.

Car Charging Group plans to install Level II (240 volts) ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations, manufactured by Coulomb Technologies. Coulomb Technologies is an industry leader in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Through the aid of government tax incentives, subsidies, loan guarantees and grants, Car Charging provides EV charging stations at no charge to property owners and managers while retaining ownership. This approach gives drivers access to convenient charging locations, and also lets partners realize a percentage of the charging revenue generated.

"By partnering with Car Charging Group, we are poised to meet the increased demand from electric car owners while simultaneously working towards transportation solutions that are more sensitive to the environment," said Paul Regan, vice president of operations for Icon Parking Systems.

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Icon Parking Systems operates more than 200 parking facilities in Manhattan. Many of Icon's locations are in New York City's busiest commercial neighborhoods. Others can be found near famous New York City landmarks, and many are in residential areas throughout New York.

Last month, New York joined other cities -- including San Francisco, Austin and Detroit -- as part of a nationwide push to add infrastructure for plug-in cars by installing its first public EV charging station. According to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the city now has 6,000 alternative fuel vehicles in its fleet of 26,000 vehicles.

"Driving a vehicle with no engine and no exhaust is an attractive option to Americans, so we anticipate that the upcoming introduction of mainstream electric vehicles by major manufacturers will usher in the mass adoption of electric vehicles," said Brian Golomb, director of sales and marketing for Car Charging Group. "Access to charging stations outside of the home, at convenient locations like parking facilities, will make people more comfortable about investing in EVs and eliminate range anxiety fears."

An estimated 40 million plug-in electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Fisker Karma, Tesla Model S as well as many others, are expected to be on the road by 2030.

Car Charging Group launched its operations nationally in September of 2009 and is expanding its operations internationally. The company is based in Miami.

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