Evatran’s Plugless TM Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System is a clear leader in the wireless EV charging realm. I’ve been...
Evatran’s PluglessTM Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System is a clear leader in the wireless EV charging realm. I’ve been following the technology for years, and there aren’t many that are competing with it. Now, Bosch is helping to get the wireless charger out to more people through a distribution and installation agreement with Evatran. Good to hear. The one thing not mentioned in the news release or video below is that wireless charging is actually a bit less efficient than wired charging, so a little more electricity is used. From what I’ve read, it’s a pretty minimal amount, but it can add up over time. To go wireless or not really depends on how much you value the added convenience over energy (and financial) efficiency. But anyway, here’s the news release from Monday (video added):
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bosch
Automotive Service Solutions, an operation of Bosch Automotive
Aftermarket, one of the leading providers of vehicle diagnostics,
workshop equipment, software and charging solutions for the global
automotive market, today announced an exclusive distribution and
installation agreement with Evatran Group, Inc. to offer the PluglessTM 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 $1,000 and above(1)
- $0 down, 5 year 2.99% 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.
Bosch will begin taking advance orders today; customers can call
877-805-3873 to place an order. The Plugless L2 System will begin
shipping in early July, with initial customers receiving their charging
station in mid to late July.
More information on the Plugless L2, financing options and other
Bosch Automotive Service Solutions EV charging stations and installation
services can be found atwww.pluginnow.com.
Disclaimer:
Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 Brickyard Rd. Suite 600, Salt
Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. (1)
Repayment terms on 12 months same as cash vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 16.82% fixed APR. (2) Repayment term is 60 months. 2.99% fixed APR. The first monthly payment will be due 30 days after the loan closes. Maximum loan amount is $55,000. All rates effective June 1, 2013 and subject to change.
About Bosch:
The Automotive Aftermarket division (AA) provides the aftermarket
and repair shops worldwide with a complete range of diagnostic and
repair shop equipment and a wide range of spare parts – from new and
exchange parts to repair solutions – for passenger cars and commercial
vehicles. Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original
equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and
manufactured in-house. More than 17,000 associates in 150 countries, as
well as a global logistics network, ensure that some 650,000 different
spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its “Automotive
Service Solutions” operations, AA supplies testing and repair-shop
technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information
services. In addition, the division is responsible for the “Bosch
Service” repair-shop franchise, one of the world’s largest independent
chains of repair-shops, with some 16,000 franchises. In addition, AA is
responsible for more than 600 “AutoCrew” partners. Additional
information can be accessed at www.bosch-automotive.com.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and
services. In fiscal 2012, its roughly 306,000 associates generated sales
of $67.5 billion. Since the beginning of 2013, its operations have been
divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial
Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The
Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries
and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service
partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150
countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network
is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some $6.1 billion for
research and development in 2012, and applied for nearly 4,800 patents
worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to
fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions
which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company
offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Further
information is available at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com.
In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and
markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products,
industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and
communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household
appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software
solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs
nearly 24,600 associates in more than 100 locations, with consolidated
sales of $10.6 billion in fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.
About Evatran:
The Plugless™ Level 2 EV Charging System, developed by Evatran™,
is the first electric vehicle (EV) charging system on the market to
offer customers a simple way to charge their EVs with the ease of
wireless technology. In addition to aftermarket distribution, Evatran is
currently working with automotive manufacturers to integrate Plugless
Technology into mass-market EVs for launch by 2015. The Company is
currently working with Oak Ridge National Lab on a three-year DOE grant
to integrate high power wireless charging technology into production
electric vehicles. Evatran has signed installation and distribution
agreements with Bosch Automotive Service Solutions and Sears Home
Services to support the installation of the Plugless Level 2 EV Charging
System nationwide. The Apollo Launch Program, an initiative started by
Evatran in 2012, follows industry leaders Duke Energy, Clemson
University, LADWP, Google, the City of Sacramento, EDTA, DTE Energy, the
City of Raleigh and the Hertz Corporation, as they trial Plugless
Technology on their own EVs. To learn more about Plugless L2 or to
reserve a wireless charging system for your own EV, visit www.pluglesspower.com.
