Bosch Makes Plugless EV Charging Affordable

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, an operation of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, announced an exclusive distribution and installation agreement with Evatran Group, Inc. to offer the Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System, the first commercially available wireless system. In addition, Bosch announced financing options for all offered electric vehicle charging stations and their installation. The announcements were made at the 2013 Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) Annual Conference, held June 10 – June 12 in Washington, D.C.

As part of Bosch’s continuing drive to bring affordable charging options to a growing EV market, including the recently announced $449 240V Bosch Power Max, the company now provides multiple payment options for its customers across its charging product line-up, including installation. Financing options announced today are:

• $0 down, same as cash loan with no monthly payments for 12 months if repaid in full in 12 months for charging stations with installations US$1,000 and above(1)

• $0 down, 5 year 2.99 per cent loan on charging stations with installations $3,500 and above(2)

“With the unveiling of the $449 Power Max last month, and now the financing options, Bosch offers an affordable 240V charging solution for every EV driver,” said Tanvir Arfi, president, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions and EDTA conference speaker. “The addition of the Plugless L2 System to our portfolio helps us provide our customers the most dynamic and innovative range of charging solutions available.”

Bosch will provide the complete installation solution for the Plugless L2 System. A Bosch-certified electrician will install the home infrastructure portion of the system, and Bosch Car Service centers will install the on-vehicle components. Bosch will coordinate the entire process and provide post-installation support as needed.

“We are thrilled to launch the first wireless charging system,” said Rebecca Hough, CEO and co-founder of Evatran, “Plugless L2 gives EV drivers a more convenient, reliable charging option. Working with Bosch’s existing network of certified electricians and 1,300+ Bosch Car Service centers across the U.S., combined with their industry-leading financing options, we’re bringing a game-changing charging solution to the EV market.”

The Plugless L2 System offers hands-free, automatic EV charging. Vehicle owners simply drive over the system’s floor-mounted Parking Pad and their vehicle begins charging.

The Plugless Level 2 EV Charging System includes the following components:

• Vehicle Adapter: Installed on the undercarriage of the user’s EV

• Control Panel: A wall-mounted enclosure that provides alignment guidance and diagnostic information, in addition to traditional charging station functions

• Parking Pad: A floor-mounted wireless charging transmitter

Bosch offers professional guidance for customers purchasing the Plugless L2 or other corded EV charging stations. Trained Vehicle Charging Advisors walk customers through a free on-site estimate, installation and inspection, and provide ongoing support including finding money-saving rebates offered by utility companies, government or vehicle manufacturers. Bosch installation services include a 3-year limited product warranty, all permitting and even filing rebate paperwork for a vehicle owner.

Arfi, an EDTA Board Member, will be speaking at the EDTA conference on Tuesday, June 11 in a session titled “Charging Networks.” He will join industry executives discussing the expansion of public charging for EVs and the potential of subscription-based services for drivers.

Hough will also speak at the conference on Wednesday, June 12 in a session titled “Off the Wall: Alternative Charging.” She will join industry executives for a discussion on emerging charging technologies for applications outside of the home and workplace.

More information on the Plugless L2, financing options and other Bosch Automotive Service Solutions EV charging stations and installation services can be found at www.pluginnow.com.