Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 EV Charging Station Review

The Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 is a high-powered 48-amp compact smart-charger for electric vehicles that is stylish and comes packed with features. It has a long 25-foot cord and must be hard-wired to deliver the full 48-amps.
Check out our Pulsar Plus 48-amp review article: evchargingstations.com/charge...
This video is powered by Qmerit, North America’s leading provider of installation services for EV charging, home energy storage, and other electrification technologies.
See how Qmerit is making the energy transition easy for home and business owners: qmerit.com/ev/charge/
We thoroughly tested out the Pulsar Plus 48 with a variety of electric vehicles and offer this comprehensive video review. We previously reviewed the Pulsar Plus 40-amp version. You can view that review here: • Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40...
Order the Pulsar Plus 48 on Amazon: amzn.to/3C9aB1O
0:00 Intro
1:45 Unboxing
3:15 Inspecting the connector
4:52 Mounting advice
7:18 Installation
10:32 Cable deep freeze test
14:06 Pulsar Plus 48 competitors
18:50 Smart charging features
23:47 Extreme weather dunk test
25:43 Smartphone app overview
29:00 Our rating
33:30 Outro
Interested in the other EV charging stations we mention in the video? You can order them here:
Emporia 48-amp: amzn.to/3EgDRGS
Enel X JuiceBox: amzn.to/3UR55Lk
ChargePoint Home Flex: amzn.to/2V3Ye79
Pulsar Plus 48: amzn.to/3C9aB1O
Electrify America HomeStation: amzn.to/3Kc7qvo
Autel MaxiCharger W/Remote Holster: amzn.to/3Guraeh
Autel Maxicharger W/Integrated Holster: amzn.to/3TVd20G
Note: We do get a small commission from sales generated from the links above.

[@RacinJason]

Thought I'd post an update after owning a Wallbox unit for 6 months. When it's working, it charges fine, and I like the flexibility of the cord. The app is nice, but it seems to require a strong wifi connection whenever it needs to be updated with new software. I have a wifi extender, but it usually isn't enough. I finally found that making my phone a hotspot gave me the best results. The bad news, I'm on my 3rd unit now, after sending the first 2 back, due to non repairable failures that result in a red ring being displayed. Their customer service and tech has been great so far, and they've sent me new units after they were unable help me repair the unit over the phone. It usually takes a 1-2 weeks to get the new one, which would be a huge problem if I didn't have a backup Ford mobile charger. I'm not sure if this is just bad luck, or something else is going on, but I'm a little worried that this may continue to be a problem. At least the company has been standing behind their product so far. I can always get someone one the phone.

[@louisstefanelli2447]

Mr. Moloughney… you may be the premier reviewer in this field !!!

[@johnpoldo8817]

Clearly, Mr Moloughney is hands-down the premier reviewer and authority on chargers, a.k.a. EVSE, and charging electric vehicles. Watch his informative videos on how long it takes to add 100 or 200 miles to your favorite model EV.

[@berthogendoorn2133]

as always Tom love your reviews!!!

[@tonys9413]

Thanks Tom, as always!

[@myjunkmail2880]

Well it's been 1 yr after reviewing the WB Plus and no major problems. This year we have run into a small issue. Our WB Plus is outside the house facing West (the sun) in South Fla . This was the reason we purchased this unit because of NEMA 4 rating. This year we ran into an issue were the unit was stating ready to charge (Green Halo). But it could not communicate with our ID4. After testing and resetting several times. We notice once the sun went down the charger work great. I guess being install in on the West side of the house The South Fla sun was over heating the WB Plus. The fix was too built a small canopy to provide shade during the day. The cost was about $20 to purchase reflect insulation material a 4" long PVC and some Stainless Steel screws. Since the canopy been built providing shade everything been work great.

[@im4udevco]

I got the Pulsar 40 plus based on your review in anticipation of getting my R1S which is a great one. I agree with you about changing the connector and they should not sacrifice quality for a few more bucks. People notice these small differences and I may not recommend the 48A version to anyone asking for my opinion. Given the space and location in my garage, the Pulsar 40 plus was the one that fit the bill. As always, love your channel and keep it up.

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Great video, this video is getting me prepared for my ev within a few months thank you!

[@CryptoJoeTrading]

Great video thanks Tom

[@mrdsn189]

Thanks, Tom!

[@johnpetrella207]

Another good review. 🙏🏻 Will you be doing the Rivian Unit this year ? It would be great to see how it compares to the others you have reviewed.

[@Corvette1658]

Awesome we have the Wallbox Pulser Plus 48 amp charger for my dads 2023 Kia Niro EV. It will fully charge the car anywhere between 4 to 6 hours.

[@johnpoldo8817]

Tom, great video as always. It’s a shame this new EVSE doesn’t offer software for multiple user accounts like the Enel-X. Why does the NEC prohibit attaching a 60 amp range pig-tail to 48 amp chargers? We put one on our electric range which can run for many hours similar to EV charging. Often NEC appears capricious or irrational.

[@vroooom]

Tom any further info on the Quasar with CCS they announced at CES? Very interesting product. I envy the F150 Lightning owners who will be able to use their big batteries for their homes while the rest of us can’t!

[@ajayalexmathew]

Tom I bought a Wallbox pulsar plus after seeing your review. I was wondering at what amps should I set the charger for my Ionic 5.

[@johnpetrella207]

Hi Tom, please consider reviewing smart EVSEs that are connected to a grid tie system that will enable an EV to charge when the PV panels are are producing more than what is needed to provide power to the home. In other words, charging and EV with “free” power that would other wise be sent to the grid. I have found Zappi and Wall Box (which needs an additional meter). Thanks for your level headed reviews and congrats on the Ford Lightening.

[@NicolasRaimo]

am suprised how diffrent the pulsar plus unit i tested here in UK looks to US version

[@rubenharris9241]

Tom, I live in the Northeast of the US but will be doing my charging in my garage. Despite the cold temps we experience outside, the garage averages 20-30 degrees at the coldest point of winter. Your cold weather test goes well below that. Do you believe there will be a difference in the cold weather performance of the cable if its cold but not at the extreme level of the test?

[@speedbump0619]

I'm struggling to find any reviews on the Emporia Smart Home EV Charger. Will you be reviewing this unit at some point in the (near) future?

[@Jacob1982able]

I recently purchased a 2023 Volvo S60 recharge plug-in hybrid. It came with a 110 cord and takes a very long time to charge. I am looking at the Wallbox charger to add to my home. Would you recommend the 40V or the 48V for this particular vehicle since it’s not a full EV? On a full charge, the car gets 43 miles of range.

[@bigjack79]

Is there any safety reason to not being able to use Nema 14-60 plug for full 48 amps.

[@JohnGeorgeBauerBuis]

Hmm, I wonder if supply chain problems are to blame for the change in connector. Hopefully they will revert to the previous version.

[@Electricology]

So weird. I've looked at 5 videos, the website, the online training, amazon and cannot find any instruction manuals or information regarding if the 48A hardwire needs the neutral for NA installations.

[@Kamov91]

hi Tom, wondering if you will review the Siemens VersiCharge 3 line of EVSEs in an upcoming video?

[@michaelsiri3496]

Hey good day to you, please needs you let me know the best and reasonable charger for f150 lightning SR?

[@diegomedinaf]

Thanks for your channel, I literally just watched most of your videos.... I am getting my first EV in about 10 days, and on the market for a charger, going with a 48AMP and will do a hard wired config, not with a plug here comes the question.... Between the Wallbox 48 and the JuiceBox 48 Hardwired which of the 2 have a better buck for the money.... I know the JuiceBox 48 Hardwired is more $$ than wallbox but I want to buy the best possible overall. You being the expert, what would be your go to between those 2?

[@hjc0706]

what is the awg of the cable on the 48amp wallbox? mine came with 8awg cable and I thought 8awg was rated for 40 amps?

[@atorres157]

Tom, I am installing my Pulsar Plus outside and noticed when you did the hose test your unit was mounted on pedestal. If possible, can tell us where you purchased it? I am having a tough time finding one.

[@jonfleming3580]

Tom, do you still suggest the 40 over the 48 if you are charging the F-150 Lighting ER? I found a demo vehicle and didn't get the charge station pro. Thanks Jon

[@davidmead2204]

One note for how the power sharing is done between the Pulsar Plus units and the Enel X units is that the Pulsar Plus (both 40 and 48 models) have you run a wire between the units, whereas the Enel X have it set up via WiFi. Whether this is a plus or a minus will depend on who is buying it for that feature. I will say that I have an old JuiceBox Pro 40 from when it was still EVmotorWorks that is still going strong since 2017 without an issue

[@stephenyu8133]

While the Enel X units can power share though WiFi, they are cloud-dependent. If the Enel X servers are down, then power sharing feature basically stops working (falls back to 6 amp charging). Meanwhile, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus units can power share without an internet connection, but require a hardwired connection between the units.

[@scotthall1381]

@@stephenyu8133 plus since you are already running wire between the units running an Ethernet Cable with is not much more work.

[@emtbwulf9215]

The problem with rubberized components is that after alittle time they start to brake down and get sticky.

[@KineticEV]

I live in Northern Virginia and from time to time in the winter we can get some pretty cold weather or the occasional freezing rain or blizzard. I had high hopes for the freezer test with this unit. You would think that they would have watched your video or even consulted with you on the new one. Heck, I'd settle for them buy the competitor's units to reverse engineer to make theirs better. I'm looking to take delivery of my Model Y next June and I will be parking outside. I was looking for a small, unobtrusive but powerful unit enough to power my Model Y and I'm glad I took the time to go back and watch your videos because it looks like the Charge Point Flex is the overall winner for my needs. Since the outside of my house is siding I don't want tochave to mount two separate pieces so the all in one plus the flexibility of the cable in extreme cold temps is perfect and it doesn't cost that much more than the others.

[@andrewwinger3355]

Hello Tom live your videos. I plan to get a Tesla soon and another ev in the next year. Not sure what second ev will be. What wall charger would you recommend? Thanks

[@nicolascorona-martinez3153]

Do all charges have federal incentive, i did research this one qualify for 1000 credit rebate in my state

[@flyguy-pb5sx]

Tom can you confirm whether the wall box pulsar plus is the same charger that Rivian is offering to sell to its customers? Rivian’s charger claims to be 11.5 Kw as well… In the Rivian forums this seems to be what some think is the case and I was wondering if you can confirm or deny it? Lastly, are there any chargers that support V2H yet other than the one Ford has for the F150? Thank you so much, keep up the good reviews!

[@ramonduverge4112]

I'm considering buying the Ford f-150 Lightning which charger would you recommend for charging at home

[@jeromewaites5364]

Where did you get the charging pedestal and one of your videos that you had the wall box mounted on do you have a link?

[@barryw9473]

Thanks, Tom! I agree 40 amps is plenty for most people. Why are J1772 connectors so rarely built with a metal locking pin?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I don't know exactly why. Maybe poor foresight, maybe to save a few cents?

[@cali-electro-dad]

Please revisit the Pulsar Plus WITH the added sercice meter! WallBox now can be added to almost ANY system without a service upgrade OR it can ensure that any excess solar power your how produces goes to you car BEFORE you start sending it back to the utility. True solar charging is now as simple as a $300 accessory.

[@roxannepeterson5861]

Are you partial to plug in chargers as opposed to hardwired? If so Why?

[@vb7guy]

Great video Tom. it's hard to choose between ChargePoint home flex or this pulsar plus 48. if i go with hardwire unit and have 50Amp circuit. Is it safe to go all the way up to 48Amp. Should i still need to stick 80% rule when hardwired?

[@chevalde31]

48 A direct connection really need a 60A input breaker to comply with the 80% rule

[@gladez5042]

how does it compare with the emporia EV charger? Are you planning to review the Emporia charger?

[@TristanChambers]

Thanks!

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thank you!

[@bwest-yq3uc]

I thought some station chargers had a longer cord than 25ft. I need one that will work outside the garage or around the side of the house under the carport. I do not want to buy several chargers.

[@thomashughes6807]

The all plastic connector may be better in Florida if the unit is installed outside. Rubber coats degrade after several months in Florida. The rubber becomes very sticky. Does anyone have any comments or concerns about the rubber connector in Florida?

[@dansullivan6787]

Isn't the maximum charging rate limited by the internal charger in the car? My Taycan has a 9.6KW AC charger so wouldn't the maximum charge rate from the Pulsar Plus 48 be limited to 40 Amps? Thanks for your videos!

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Yes, the car always determines the maximum it takes in. But the EVSE can only supply up to its maximum rating. So if your car can only take in 9.6 kW, then that would be the maximum it will call for.

[@carmelasurban878]

Does it have a back cover?

[@Dactylonian]

Tom, I have really been enjoying your videos as I try to educate myself on EVSE and “chargers”. For this particular box, how does it get a -2 score in the Removability category when it looks like the worst rating possible is -1?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Good catch!. That should have been 0, not -2. I have a new video coming out next week that will have the updated ChargerRater for this and other chargers, as I have changed the scoring a little.

[@just4therecord]

One thing about rubbery type material, over time they turn sticky and oily feeling due to humidity and heat

[@raystetkiewicz846]

Tom. We've previously discussed the ground fault nuisance tripping issue with EVSE. Do you give the Wallbox 40 higher marks because of portability and that it doesn't have ground fault protection built in. Thus it avoids the tripping issue? Also, forgive me for not knowing this but do you have all your Charger Ratings in a one table comparative format?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

The unit does have built in GFCI protection, Ray. I've been using it along with a GFCI breaker and haven't had any nuisance tripping - yet at least. I'm working on a website that will have tables and charts with all the data from the different charging stations that I've reviewed.

[@raystetkiewicz846]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Hi Tom. Are you any closer to your website completion with those tables and charts for the charging station reviews? Tough to keep up in this very fast moving EV landscape!

[@henrysamek9211]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney You should not have a GFCI breaker backing up an "EVSE" device with a built in GFCI unit!

[@raystetkiewicz846]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Hi Tom. I found your Charger Comparison Guide and have been supplying it to all my customers. Thanks for putting that together and for EVerything you do!

[@ronfischer191]

great as always, im in Canada though and that cable is a non starter

[@philippesteindl3356]

Do any wallbox cables work nicely and bendy when freezing?

[@nxtiak]

Did you watch the video? The ChargePoint Home Flex has the best flexible cable when frozen.

[@d3xbot]

Quick question - are you hands-on with Electrify America's HomeStation level 2 charger?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I just received it and will be doing the review next.

[@d3xbot]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Awesome! I can't wait to see how it compares :)

[@berthogendoorn2133]

I have a Kia Soul EV 2019 30KW it does NOT have the ability to manage the charge level on either DC or AC, so I had to buy a smart wi/fi enabled Juice box so I can set the charge level on recharging, and also has the benefit to reduce the KW output so the charging session can go all night keeping the battery warm and ready to drive in the morning. Only problem with the Juice box is on power fail and restart, it loses the current charging status which would charge to 100%

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Hmm. You must set it to charge for a specific period of time, right? Because the JuiceBox cannot know the vehicle's state of charge

[@berthogendoorn2133]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Hi Tom, you just set the app to what the current charge status is and what you want it to end, it is typically 5-7% accurate with the end charge as the charge rates are vehicle specific. Juicebox has a database of vehicles with the specifics of the battery and the AC charge rate.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

@@berthogendoorn2133 OK, that makes sense, because I know it cannot know the SOC. The J1772 protocol doesn't allow the EVSE to communicate the SOC from the vehicle, only DC fast charging does.

[@LV-xe9mx]

Tom - THANKS for your collection of probably the BEST "reviews" anywhere on the interwebs on EV chargers. Have you done a review of the Emporia Energy Smart Level 2? (I did try and search the channel but....) Anyway, just ordered one and will have it by end of the week to charge our brandie-new EV6 (psyched much?) Price and features seem to not be beat and Empavia "support" and "customer service" look to be first rate (if amazoon "reviews" can be believed) - we'll see and will report back. "issues" for us were: existing 50 amp has NEMA 6-50r and many units are 14-50. Some available (as you know) in either 6=50 OR 14-50 or hardwire but since 6-50 is for the welder and electrician told us when SHE (LOL) installed it that "best" for that use does not require a neutral (something about garage being a sub-panel) that's what we've got. She suggested a 6-50p to 14-50R "adapter" patch cord - so that's what we'll try first.

[@DialM4Microcontrollr]

Tom, Great review! Please look at the 85 score calculation again. Using your own chart/ratings, if a device is PowerShare capable, it should add 5 points. On the chart, you have 1 point listed ! This should be 5 which would change the 85 grand total to 89 points. Thanks again, this is a great way for people like me to compare the home chargers.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Good catch. The score is actually correct. That graphic should say +1. My video editor that put those graphics together made a mistake there. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@bootchoo96]

Can the Wallbox be locked physically? It's going to be outside

[@ClaytonAndersen]

I bought the pulsar plus 40A due to your review and love it. But I do think my favorite part is the connector, so given that they have downgraded the best feature I may not recommend Wallbox to friends anymore.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I spoke to Wallbox. The 40-amp version still used the same connector. they needed to source a new connector for the 48-amp version because it delivers more power.

[@ClaytonAndersen]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney oh ok, thanks for following up on that. I appreciate it

[@blazein210]

@@ClaytonAndersen update review on the 40A good sir? Thinking about offering to my clients down south. Thanks!

[@leonparsons13]

Wallbox have software problems and I regret buying mine. My new Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40-amp charger was installed by a Qmeret certified electrician and due to bad software, it took numerous calls over almost two weeks to just charge my EV. Still some features don’t work. At the prices Wallbox charges you should not be beta testing their products. If it wasn’t a hardwired installation I would return the charger.

[@markmcmillan1075]

I am having a terrible experience with the 48A WALLBOX. I live in the Presidio of San Francisco. Tenants are required to use the licensed electricians on staff. The directions on the latest model were not clear to my licensed electrician with 20 years experience. The manual is confusing and not clear because they rushed it to market. The unit started working and then stopped night 1. Wallbox support went immediately to “you did it wrong” and you are out of warranty. My electrician hooked up a plug first rather than hard-wired version (the instructions are confusing and no warnings about this step). This device is fragile and has been rushed to market. The Presidio is considering banning this unit from 2,000 homes in San Francisco. There was zero accountability or compassion from Wallbox. Not impressed.

[@danroot51]

I am contemplating a purchase of the Pulsar Plus 48A, but I don't understand anything about the above issue you describe to know if it should be a concern. Like, what precisely was confusing and what does "stopped working" mean? I also don't get that the electrician would have NOT hardwired the unit. If it's a 48A version of the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, it doesn't *include* a plug, right?

[@jmangus83]

The. Chargepoint home flex is not capable of 48a per NEC code. You need a 60a breaker and 4awg to be able to draw 48a continuous, which is the 80% standard. It only accepts 6awg wire which only flows 55 amps safely and would use a 50amp breaker for a 40a continuous. The chargepoint home flex is falsely advertised. It is a 40a max charger if wired per code.

[@blazein210]

Best ev charger at the moment in your opinion if not the 40A?

[@jmangus83]

@@blazein210 if you want a true 48a,the wallbox pulsar is a great option. If it were me, I'd just get a 40a wallbox pulsar, you're saving over a hundred dollars, it is an easier install as it comes with a plug, can run on 6awg which is cheaper to run, still charges fast at 9.6kwh which is more than enough to fully charge overnight,

[@slazaruk]

@@jmangus83 To confirm, can the wallbox pulsar plus 48a accept 4 AWG? I thought I saw the biggest it can accept in the terminals is 6 awg

[@jmangus83]

@@slazaruk yes. It does accept 4awg. Ive installed the wall box 48a in my sister’s house with 4awg

[@GregHassler]

The mobile app for this unit has atrocious reviews.

[@cali-electro-dad]

NEC article 625.40 would like a word with you Tom. While power sharing or load splitting or whatever you want to call it is an awsome, dare I say, soon to be critical feature, it is a mistake to say "multiple chargers can use the same circuit". Each charger requires a separate circuit and breaker now. You're not allowed to tap multiple chargers into one circuit anymore.

[@TechnicalLee]

Now read 625.42 which allows load management for simultaneous charging. The EVSEs have to be hardwired to be in compliance with 625.40, but multiple EVSEs with load management can share a single branch circuit this way.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I'm pretty sure you still can as long as you use a load management system. If not, the inspectors need to be better informed because there are a LOT of electricians doing so today in MUDs and passing inspection.

[@cali-electro-dad]

@@TechnicalLee Nothing in 625.40 requires hard wiring, and plug in Pulsar Plus' an Juice Boxes are just as capable of power sharing, but I personally always hard wire when power sharing cuz... duh. Yes, load management allows you not to exceed the ampacity of your feeder and/or service rating, but per the letter of the code each EVSE needs it own breaker and brach circuit. This is why Tesla changed their install instructions for load splitting in 2020. 625.42 is not an exception to 625.40.

[@cali-electro-dad]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Since the 2017 NEC if you are going to use your one 60A EV circ to do load splitting/power sharing you need to turn that first branch circuit into a feeder by adding a load center and putting your two EV chargers on their own circuits, or run a second one from the first panel. One branch circuit and OCPD per EVSE, full stop.

[@johnpoldo8817]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney I think MUDS is a typo error for MDUs or multi-dwelling units. MDUs are condominiums, apartments, timeshares, resorts, and some HOA’s

[@puppet-head]

That front camera needs a pixel refill.

[@user-oo3uj5ku9r]

Cries using a Gen 1 Orange 3.3 kW Voltec Charger 🥲🥲🥲