Bosch Automotive Old Style Bosch EL-51254-A Level 2 EV Charger

After installing solar panels on our home, our SCE bill has remained negative every month (avg -$55 per month) as we are producing more electric than what we use. With surplus from the Sun, we decided to replace our 2010 Prius with a plug-in hybrid. After much research, we purchased a Ford C-Max Energi which runs about 21 miles per charge. One common factor with all dealerships we visited, none of their plug-in hybrids were charged and none of the dealers knew anything about a Level II charger for the home. We were either given no information or referred to a website.The Level II charger with “Ford” name on it was priced at $1,750, plus installation. Further research showed much better pricing and better designed solutions from GE and Bosch (both available on Amazon). We decided on the Bosch EL-51254 due to its smaller size, 30Amps, and the 25 foot charging cord. A longer cord allowed the Bosch unit to serve both parking spaces in our garage (yes, we will have two plug-ins within 5-years).Normal 110v plug-in takes about 8.5 hours for the C-Max Energi to go from 0 to full charge. With the Bosch EL-51254, it takes no more than 1hr & 50mins…this was the longest charge time recorded after batteries showed 0 charge. This short charging time has allowed us to charge two or three times a day during busy weekend local driving. Two months of usage has resulted in $10 effect on SCE bill, we now are averaging -$45 instead of -$55. Technically, the $10 effect is not necessarily just the electric vehicle since this represents all changes in our home usage and solar production at that time of billing but it gives a real world picture for the average home owner.The benefit of purchasing from Amazon also needs to be understood. Before going to Amazon, I was referred to Bosch direct by one of the dealers. Working with Bosch directly resulted in a bid from Bosch for the EL-51245 which is their cheapest unit, providing only 16Amps and a 12 foot cord; Bosch direct price was $1,577.46, including installation. Amazon price for the top-of-the-line EL-51254 was $713.74, installation by our local electrician was $225 and took only 1hr. This speaks for its self regarding the benefit of purchasing from AmazonThe Bosch EL-51254 is a beautiful, small unit that looks like it is from a Star Wars movie set. Installation by our electrician confirmed that it was very easy and was completed in under 1hr. The unit bonds perfectly with the C-Max Energi; car charging gage matches Bosch charging indicator and both units communicate perfectly together. Leaving the car plugged-in overnight allows our C-Max Energi to prepare the cabin temperature each morning for the commute to Metro Link. Two months of usage has been 100% flawless. We highly recommend the Bosch EL-51254 to anyone needing a Level II EV Charger at 30amps. The 25 foot charging cord is a plus for multiple cars or allowing a guest to charge in the drive way. Go solar, go EV for you and for the world.

I bought this to install in my condo garage, which was equipped with a NEMA 6-50 plug. It was one of the few charging stations with a down-oriented cable which I needed because the receptacle enclosure's opening was on the bottom rather than the top. Therefore, the typical charging station which is mounted above the receptacle wouldn't work.It can deliver enough power to max out the Leaf Plus' 6.6kw charger; this means that I can charge at just over 10% per hour. The charging plug has the usual security hole on the locking trigger, where I have a small 3/16" padlock to prevent others from removing/using the charger.My only minor gripes are as follows:-The charging plug should really come with a protective silicone/rubber cover for when it's not in use, like the OEM Nissan EVSE. While I have installed it indoors and the manufacturer has guaranteed a certain level of resistance to dirt/water, having that extra protection would be nice.-The bracket for the 25' charging cord is designed in such a way that the upper half is not flush with the wall and therefore stays in its place simply because the lower mounting screw keeps the bottom half tightly against the wall. However, if this screw were to loosen, then the bracket could flap back and forth. I don't know if this is by design, but it doesn't really make any sense to me. It does not impede the overall functionality materially. Maybe a better quality bracket with a holster for the plug would address both my minor concerns.These should not detract from the fact that this EVSE is powerful for its size and has so far delivered for me! I would recommend as a very good Level 2 charging station that is compact and easy to install.

Purchased the Bosch EL-51254 Power Max 30 Amp Electric Vehicle Charging Station with 25' Cord in November of 2014. The device worked fine for 3 years, then suddenly stopped working. I suspect an issue with the hose, however I cannot get a recommended qualified repair person to come out and repair. I've tried reaching out to Bosch via email, their website as well as phone. I've been passed around the company-- it seems they have no idea how to service my request. Each time on the phone (now 3 times due to confusion on where to send me) I start with an initial wait in line that takes 7 minutes just to talk to someone. Unfortunately I paid a premium price for this device based on perceived quality and service. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for an EV charger today.

Not aware of any different plug for a 2013 Volt, but this charger is not fitting... wife ran over the factory volt charger so I bought this one. But it won't fit... well... it fits... but the top latch doesn't close which is preventing it from charging... not sure what to do...Bosch - any suggestions?*** IMPORTANT UPDATE ***I've updated the review to 5 stars and I'm leaving it there just in case anyone has a similar (unfortunate) experience... which incidentally had nothing to do with Bosch. Turns out my previous charger had partially melted and created a unique "key"... with which only it could "mate". So when I tried to plug the new Bosch charger it wouldn't fully seat/latch... and that prevented it from charging. I grabbed a flashlight and a small flathead INSULATED screwdriver and removed the carbon/melted plastic build up. Charger fits perfectly now! 5 stars!

Facile a utiliser, excellent rapport qualité/prix