Wallbox Pulsar Plus EV Charger Unboxing, Installation And First Impressions

[@arnecarlsson9740]

Very thorough and objective first impressions. Tom always show all features and how it compares to other chargers. Also the tips how to mount the wall outlet is very valuable! Great job again Tom!

[@owenstv]

Best channel for reviews!!

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thank you, Mike - that's my goal!

[@jose3965]

Totally agree!

[@johnpetrella207]

Tom, another great first impression video. 👍

[@EddieHaskell97]

Thank you for this review, well done! I just ordered a Wallbox Pulsar Plus for my new Mach-E just now because of it! (Though the ChargePoint Home Flex was a close contender.) Thanks again!

[@TinkerTry]

Great work Tom, simple, no-nonsense video (that's a compliment)!

[@classiccorvetteguide9147]

Thank you for the review. I just secured my Fisker Ocean Extreme Build configuration and should receive it soon in Florida. I am going to buy the Wallbox pulsar plus!

[@cesartrujillo4190]

So smart. So easy to watch. Another great first look.

[@njgtfyuaiu]

I have one of these over here in the UK - works great, small, unintrusive, and no need for earthing rod. PS: I did not know you you had your own channel! Subscribed. EDIT: The one you have in this video looks larger than the one I have.

[@kathanzia]

A nema 14-50 outlet,currently being used for charging a Tesla be used to plug in wall box cable end.

[@billhession6230]

Looks like a good unit on a first look. Easy installation for sure.

[@mike393000]

Just ordered one!! Watched your hardwired video on this one and decided to go with the outlet. I might want to try a different one sometime in the future. I wanted the chargepoint flex but they are all back ordered. I came to this video right now to see if the plug hanging down needed an inverted outlet or not... Looks like NOT, just normal install with ground down... . Thanks for the detail in the video!! I have an electrician coming today for an estimate.

[@andrewfleming9980]

One thing that I like about this unit is the ability to "lock" the unit from charging. This is a great feature for people installing in more public locations. Also, you can have multiple users assigned to the unit, and see the amount of energy each is using. Great for roommates etc.

[@tonys9413]

A good value for a compact, 25’ charge cable, full featured intelligent EVSE. Looking forward to a full review, including resuming charging after a power outage.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Yup, that will be one of the tests for sure.

[@johnshahan8122]

I had to use 1/4" toggle bolts to mount Wall Box unit after included wall plugs pulled out from sheet rock wall.

[@StevenGrant_Photographer]

Yah ours came missing the mounting plate @wallbox

[@GregHassler]

You can install a ground-up outlet, just put it next to the mounting location. The cable bending around isn't an issue. Ground-up is the accepted standard (it's safer).

[@PiotrNowobilski-sd5tx]

Great suggestion, thanks. Worked perfectly. Would not have purchased without this helpful hint. A lot easier and safer than rotating my outlet 180 degrees.

[@johndean7370]

Thanks Tom. Good overview of the charger.

[@jarin40]

Can you do a review on emporia ev charger please

[@breal7808]

What’s the advantage of using these devices vs plugging straight in to a 220 outlet from the car? Is it just about scheduling the charge times?

[@barryw9473]

Tom, great video, as always. Do you have a website with your EVSE rating chart?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Not yet. Working on it.

[@DaNte710-o5g]

Help! Wallbox vs Ea home station. Amazon have them same price Wich one should I get?

[@mrdsn189]

Thanks, Tom!

[@KeithBorden]

I really appreciate your reviews. I notice that you have a flo home charger on the wall. Have you done a review for it?

[@johnpoldo8817]

Hey Tom, great video! Could this be the first EVSE on the market to offer a direct billing app for multiple users? Millions of EV enthusiasts live in condominiums /apartments, but can't charge at home due to this problem. Tesla is developing a solution using its WC, but there's no launch date.

[@fullyelectric]

Tom, that’s a awesome little unit, great first look review! More please ... that little unit may even be a good replacement mobile unit if it has the ability to adjust the amps via app (no dip switch etc..) So can you set the max amps draw from the app? also is the unit directly controlled over WiFi P2P or is it cloud connected like ChargePoint home?

[@wallboxnorthamerica4929]

Using the myWallbox app, you can adjust the power draw from 6A up to the max rating. Pulsar Plus has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the smart functions from whichever connection is most convenient to you. Also, the smart functions are managed onboard, not the cloud, so you do not need an active Internet connection to access the smart features (scheduled charging, lock/unlock, charge data, etc.). For hardwire installations on lower power circuits, there is a current selector switch inside the unit that can set a lower maximum power draw to ensure the equipment does not exceed the rating of the connected circuit.

[@markmcintosh7095]

Nice review.

[@DaveCronberger]

Have you published a video of the Bosch EVSE? Don't find one. Nice review of the Wallbox.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Not yet, but I will.

[@DaveCronberger]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Great, Oh and thanks for the guidance on plug position. About to the electrician out to install for a 40 amp EVSE.

[@johnshahan8122]

You need to rotate your 120v outlet on your wall per NEC code. Good review.

[@GregHassler]

Code doesn't specify plug direction.

[@rogerdmello1095]

Why do you need to mount it at eye level? Is there something other than the light to see?

[@GregHassler]

No, it can be mounted at any height. There's no interaction on the unit itself so it doesn't really matter for accessibility, you just want to be able to see it well for the status may have been Tom's point.

[@Bubbz2024]

Hey Tom, maybe I missed it In the video somewhere but is the wall box pulsar Plus 40 amp GFCI equipped? I looked at the online installation manual and it doesn't have anything about it in the specs or anywhere on installing it. Thanks

[@Mobile_Dom]

oh wow, thats tiny! not quite EO Mini Pro tiny, but has a lot more power to it too

[@WatIsLove]

I think when we are talking about the 'hardware' we should see and understand the electrical devices inside the box.. Agree?

[@stevenbrier1602]

Hi Tom: Does this support OCPP? My utility gives discounts and rebates if I set up OCPP equipment and register it with the utility. This unit looks as if it meets my other needs. OCPP would be nice. Thanks, Steven

[@brianstevenson9967]

I would imagine it is the same as the UK version in most ways. It does have the capability of delayed charging for variations in Utility Company energy rates. The times can be set by the cell phone app or, if your car is capable of setting the charge times itself the unit can utilise that settings.

[@anavrin761520]

Does it require a wifi connection to work? Or can you charge without wifi?

[@Lynyrd_Evnyrd]

Do you happen to know if it’s energy star certified? My utility offers a $250 rebate on those chargers. At first glance, this charger ticks a lot of boxes. Power sharing, smart scheduling, weatherized and a nice long cable. Also, I’m excited to see their Quasar charger when it’s finally released. I wonder if they still intend to go forward with using Chademo for that considering Nissan is moving to CCS.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I'll find out and include that in the full review in 3-4 weeks.

[@chuckm260]

@Tom Moloughney - Nice job, Tom! Great info! One of my concerns with a just released product is reliability. I typically like to read user reviews, so I'm certainly looking forward to yours, unfortunately however it does not sound like it will be before the Feb 28th deadline to get the discount. Please consider including in your review more on the myWallbox app. Currently the Android version of the app has no reviews. E.g. how well does the charger/app integrate or work with special time-of-use reduced electric rate programs? In other words, my local electric company provides a variable rate. Some EVSEs (or perhaps it's the software in the EV? (newbie here)) will activate charging when the electric rates are most optimal (cheapest) versus some preset time of day. Another thing I wonder about is how good or bad is Wallbox support if and when problems arise or to just answer questions. BTW, any news on when the Wallbox Quasar (bidirectional charger also allows V2G / V2H) will be available and the cost? Ballpark is fine.

[@jamese.gulyard8897]

Is it an exterior unit as well

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Yes, I mention that it's NEMA-4 rated for extreme outdoor weather.

[@frankf7986]

Hi Tom. You've obviously rated lots of chargers to date. What are your top 3 recommended chargers? Or do you have a list of all the chargers you've rated and how they scored? Also, a general question: what's the best way to control what time of day your car charges?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

It really depends on how much power you want and what features you want/need. A great low-cost non-smart unit is the Grizzl-W and the ChargePoint Home Flex and Enel-X JuiceBox are two of the top high-end smart chargers, but this offering from WallBox is very good also. I prefer controlling the time through an app if it's a smart-charger. Otherwise, most EVs allow you to set in in the car, but I do prefer doing it through the charger if you have that ability.

[@frankf7986]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Thanks Tom. I have a 50A circuit so it will be a 40A unit. I currently have a Clipper Creek Charger, my second one, I still have the first one but the button on the nozzle stopped working so I had to get a whole new unit. CC told me to fix it would cost like $300. BTW, you're welcome to it if you want it. Anyway what I don't like about these CC units is you can't control when you charge; I guess they're not so smart. I should have gotten one of the smart ones you recommend. I'm actually thinking of getting a Tesla so I won't need one at all, correct? Tesla's come with their own 240V charger right? I assume you control the charging times from the Tesla.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

@@frankf7986 Yes, Frank. Tesla vehicles come with a 32-amp mobile connector that you can use to charge daily. You would just need to install a NEMA14-50 outlet on your existing circuit (or a NEMA 6-50). You will then control the charging times in the car itself.

[@frankf7986]

Tom Moloughney I already have the 14-50 outlet, the only thing is I'm trying to get my wife to purchase the new ID.4 so we would have to share it. I guess I can purchase one of those splitters you reviewed recently but it seems expensive. Would it be cheaper to just install another outlet? But that wouldn't resolve the need to balance the power delivery between the 2 outlets, right? Any suggestions or recommendations if we add the second EV?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

@@frankf7986 At first, just use the one charger. You won't have to both plug in every night, just take turns charging. Both EVs don't need to be charged to 100% every day. You don't get gasoline every day, right? 😀

[@michaelrubin408]

Hey Tom, Are there any safety issues with the 14-50 as opposed to the Tesla Wall charger?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Not if you have the 14-50 outlet properly installed with the right size wire.

[@michaelrubin408]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Thanks for your quick response and your content.

[@johnpoldo8817]

I have installed 2 - nema 14-50 outlets and there are numerous horror stories on TMC forum. There are two quality levels for the receptacle. A $6 version from Home Depot is only good for a handful of insertions/removals, and when exceeded, it overheats. If you invest about $50, there’s a premium model good for hundreds of insertions.

[@Rayvalvella]

Tom we going to be moving into a newly built concrete steel stud condo building at years end, our unit is on the eigth floor and our two parking spots are one level underground under the building itself. Is there a wall charger with wi fi that will still be able to communicate with our phones via wi if through all that steel and concrete at that distance from our unit? What would you recommend, we are looking at a Tesla Model 3 for a vehicle.

[@ralanham76]

80 feet (typically 10ft a floor) is ok for wifi in open air, but 8 levels of concrete probably not. Is there going to building public WiFi? My evse juicebox can be on any wifi and still connect to app on phone. There's just a small delay normally 1minute.

[@Rayvalvella]

There must be a unit designed to work in high rise buildings and underground parking garages????

[@johnpoldo8817]

I also live in a high rise condominium and it presents great challenges for EV charging. Its unlikely your electric meter and power distribution is anywhere close to assigned or available parking spot. Electrician wiring cost could run several thousand $. You need EV source equipment (incorrectly called charger) connecting to the closest available power in garage and either install a separate usage meter or find source equipment capable of direct billing to user. A 100A meter is under $30. Your condo association will not give you free power. I am sitting on the edge of my seat for expert Tom to review a EVSE with direct billing. As for WiFi in garage, check if common area wifi is available. I've installed garage wifi for numerous EV clients and over 5000 condos. Pleased to advise via PM.

[@Rayvalvella]

Power supply and metering is not an issue, its a new build so a power source and dedicated metering is a building amenity , for $2000. The problemI am anticipating is a wifi signal from the parking spot to the unit eight floors above through all the concrete and steel framing?

[@Rayvalvella]

@@johnpoldo8817 how would you install garage wifi, what exactly is that?

[@hk3mcm]

Thanks for the information, it is possible to install it outside it is waterproof Thank you

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Yes, please watch my full review video for the Pulsar Plus that I just posted - you'll see I talk about that a lot there.

[@maximocunillera3608]

Excellent

[@achow617]

Tom, do you know how much is the 48 Amps version?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

I'll find out. I see it's not available on the website just yet. I'll include that in my full review.

[@wallboxnorthamerica4929]

The 48A Pulsar Plus will be available this spring for $699.

[@darknight2628]

HI tom! Loove your videos. One of the best in regards to EVs period! I had some questions to ask you in regards to the Tesla M3 battery. Wondering if you had an email address where I could send my question. Much appreciated!

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

You can send it to [e-mail]

[@tinujatinpatel]

The most important question never answered. Which is more efficient. Level 1 charging or level 2 ? So far no one has answered it.

[@wrldnel5200]

Level 1 is

[@GregHassler]

Level 2 is more efficient, above answer is incorrect.

[@wrldnel5200]

@@GregHassler if you say so

[@vivekbaluja3166]

Bag holding this $WBX - dang it.

[@pennysmith2012]

What u mean

[@pennysmith2012]

You get caught buying the news ?

[@ChuckJ1944]

Tom: Which box lets the car power the home also.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

That's the Wallbox Quasar. It's not available in the US. Once it is, I'll get one to review.

[@ChuckJ1944]

Fantastic!

[@Mark_B544]

You’ve so many, can you send me one of them please 😉

[@zhan711]

Can we hardwire this unit? Their literature is ambiguous.

[@tedshep]

In the video he said there’s a 48 amp version that is meant to be hardwired.

[@boojing617]

You can hardwire the Wallbox I have mine installed by certified electrician.

[@wallboxnorthamerica4929]

Hi Ziggy! The Pulsar Plus 40A comes with the NEMA 14-50P cable already installed, however this can easily be removed for hardwire installations. The Pulsar Plus has the option to allow for conduit connections from behind or underneath the charger housing. The 48A model (coming this spring) will be hardwired-only.

[@amangoyal1288]

really bad cable management system

[@GregHassler]

How so, it has two cable management options. You only need one. Buy a third party option to suit your needs if you need more.