Cross CA/US border purchasing experience

[Lester Green]

EDIT ******************
This thread has taken an interesting turn. I should have been more specific in my original post, so I am editing now to ensure clarity. I apologize for the confusion. A2ZEV is being extra flexible and allowing me to ship back on my upcoming trip to Canada to save a significant amount of shipping cost.

That said, I am still concerned about purchasing items across borders as that adds a significant amount of complexity if anything needs to be returned. The current political climate is causing unnecessary complexity if expectations are not met.

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[MountainBikeDude]

Your experience with A2Z is very abnormal. A2Z in my own experience has been solid, stood by their early NACS-CCS adapter by giving purchasers a brand new, updated adapter for free.

Further to that, the build quality of their products is top notch, and in my opinion, well designed. I just came off a 4700km road trip and the adapter performed flawlessly, every time.

There are tons of other adapters out there, and can't speak to their quality, but with anything traveling cross borders these days, expect some kind of BS one side of it or the other.

 

[Lester Green]

My experience is based mostly on the fact that I am based in the US and A2ZEV is in Canada. US buyers may experience customer service issues. A 14 day return window is also very short.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I've had an A2Z NACS to J1772 adapter for a few years, works great, had some questions up front about use with a Wrangler 4xe, CS was stellar.

BTW, I believe you mean A2ZEV NACS to J1772 CCS adapter (aka, the "Typhoon"), which I was curious about your size comparison.

The Lenz is 6 x 4.75 x 2.8 In and the A2Z is 7 x 5 x 3 In so I guess it is technically smaller but I think " significantly smaller" is a bit of a stretch

If I were to go aftermarket NACS<>CCS, I'd definitely opt for the A2Z

(Additional options are always great though)

 

[Aardvark]

I can only speak to my experience. Both A2Z products and customer service have been outstanding. When they initiated a voluntary recall of their first generation adapter out of an abundance of caution, it took less than 24 hours to have my application and proof of purchase reviewed. I had my replacement, at no cost, a week later.

The NACS to CCS adapter has worked flawlessly.

I have been very happy with this company.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I wanted to let all US buyers about the poor experience I had with A2ZEV. I want to note that the customer service person I worked with was courteous, but incredibly unhelpful. They have a very short 14 day return period and if you live in the US, it will cost you close to 50% the cost of the adapter to return. I strongly suggest no people from the US purchase from A2ZEV. Also of note, the A2ZEV NACS to J1772 adapter for level 2 chargers is huge compared to the Lenz adapter. Plus, the Lenz adapter is significantly smaller. I can't find any evidence, but I believe the Lenz adapter is the same one that Tesla builds into their universal charger.

What's the reason for returning? Usually if it's a defective product, the retailer picks up the tab. And @A2ZEV has always done so in such scenarios. When they recalled the original DCFC adapter, they even went out of their way to take care of those who acquired theirs second-hand.

First time mailing items across national borders? It's never as low as domestic postage. Especially now if customs fees are involved. A2Z is and was never responsible for postage/parcel fees. Nor were they ever responsible for import/export fees that seemingly change monthly/weekly/daily. A2Z does not set shipping rates. Your complaint has nothing to do with them.

Lenz who? Seriously. Who are they? Where are they based? Do you have experience getting a hold of them and try to initiate a return? If you don't have any data, any attempt at a comparison is meaningless. While it might be smaller, it's not like the A2Z adapter is so much bigger that it's difficult to use. And, have you wondered why the Lenz is smaller? Does it have the same robust, well-engineered internals that meet or exceed UL specifications? Does it have the same safeguards built into it to ensure the least possible risk to life and property?

The A2Z adapter, and other tried and true, reputable adapters are substantial for a reason. The cheap adapters are cheap for a reason. Use your head before you lose it.

 

[lefkonj]

I wouldn't buy an adapter from anyone else other than the OEM car company right now. Had a great experience with A2Z, no one should shy away from them.

EDIT: Based on the update you provided that you are buying from Canada I want to apologize for the chaos our Government is causing. There is no excuse and it sucks.

 

[Gurule92]

I've been looking for a good replacement adapter for my j1772 adapter. I'll keep this in mind.

My lectron one doesn't let me run full speed charge, it's gets too hot.

 

[LivingInKaos]

Your experience is abnormal to say the least. A2Z has gone out of their way to do right by their customers from day 1.

If you are returning because you just want to return it, no fault of A2z, then the return window and shipping should have been something you considered at the time of purchase, not after.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

I always go OEM. That said, whenever I buy something like this, I use my Amex. This way, if something like this comes up, Amex handles it all. They have always come through for me.

 

[seanocono]

I want to buy a new NACS to J1772 adapter to replace my old Lectron as I just don't trust it.

I was looking at A2Z and Tesla Tap, and was hoping A2Z's adapter would become UL certified as I know they've been working through that process for some time.

Glad to see so many owners share their positive experience with A2Z.

 

[Lester Green]

I'm not questioning the quality of the A2ZE, just their return window and the difficultly returning to the Canada from the US. That said, their customer service has been courteous and they are now trying to work with me on a return.

I don't know a lot about Lenz. They are based in California. FWIW, I tested it once and it worked. Also, their reviews are generally very good.
LENZ NACS to J1772 Gen 2 Charging Adapter (Most Compact in its Class)

 

[seanocono]

I always go OEM. That said, whenever I buy something like this, I use my Amex. This way, if something like this comes up, Amex handles it all. They have always come through for me.

There are no OEM NACS to J1772 adapters that I am aware of.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I've been looking for a good replacement adapter for my j1772 adapter. I'll keep this in mind.

My lectron one doesn't let me run full speed charge, it's gets too hot.

Aside from shipping time and cost, there is nothing else to be concerned about with A2Z's adapters. They are well engineered and well made. And A2Z stand behind their products. If you search you'll find many reviews saying their Lectron AC adapter failed or started to act up after 1 year. The other one that is often recommended (besides A2Z Stellar) is the much more expensive TeslaTap Mini.

 

[LivingInKaos]

ALSO, the return policy states you have 14 days to request a return from the day you receive it. Nothing about shipping times slow this down.

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