Wallbox Pulsar Plus vs Emporia EV Charger Level 2 — Which EV Charger Is Better?
Quick verdict: The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall — it delivers better value at $459 with equal or better charging speed. The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is worth considering if you prefer the Wallbox ecosystem.
At a Glance
| Feature | Wallbox Pulsar Plus | Emporia EV Charger Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649 | $459 |
| Max Power | 48A / 11.5kW | 48A / 11.5kW |
| Connector | J1772 | J1772 |
| Cord Length | 25ft | 24ft |
| WiFi/App | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Rated | Yes (NEMA 3R) | Yes (NEMA 3R) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| UL Listed | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per kW | $56/kW | $40/kW |
Charging Speed
Both chargers deliver identical charging speed at 11.5kW (48A). In practice, this means:
| Vehicle Battery | Wallbox Time | Emporia Time |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model 3) | 5.2 hrs | 5.2 hrs |
| 75 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model Y) | 6.5 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| 100 kWh (e.g., Tesla Model S) | 8.7 hrs | 8.7 hrs |
Since both chargers deliver the same power, charging time is identical. The decision comes down to features and price.
Important: Most EVs have an onboard charger that caps AC charging speed (typically 11-11.5 kW). If your car maxes out at 11 kW, both chargers will charge at the same rate regardless.
Build Quality & Installation
Wallbox Pulsar Plus:
- Mounting: Hardwired only — requires an electrician
- Cord: 25ft — excellent reach for most garages
- Outdoor: Rated NEMA 3R — install it in a driveway or carport
- Warranty: 3 years
Emporia EV Charger Level 2:
- Mounting: Plug-in (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired
- Cord: 24ft — good reach for most setups
- Outdoor: Rated NEMA 3R — install it in a driveway or carport
- Warranty: 3 years
Edge: Emporia. The plug-in option means easier DIY installation if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet. The Wallbox requires an electrician for hardwired installation.
Smart Features
Both chargers offer WiFi connectivity and app control. Here is how the smart features compare:
| Feature | Wallbox | Emporia |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Load Management | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | Yes (via app) | Yes (via app) |
Price & Value
| Metric | Wallbox Pulsar Plus | Emporia EV Charger Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649 | $459 |
| Cost per kW | $56 | $40 |
| Cost per amp | $14 | $10 |
The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 offers better value at $40/kW versus $56/kW. It is also $190 cheaper outright.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Wallbox Pulsar Plus if you:
- Want the Wallbox brand ecosystem
- Value app control, scheduling, and energy tracking
- Need outdoor installation capability
- Are comfortable with hardwired-only installation
Buy the Emporia EV Charger Level 2 if you:
- Want to spend less upfront
- Value app control, scheduling, and energy tracking
- Need outdoor installation capability
- Are OK with 24ft of cord reach
Frequently Asked Questions
Which charger is better overall, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus or Emporia EV Charger Level 2? Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall for most buyers. It offers better value per kW of charging power at $459.
Can I use either charger with any EV? Yes. Both use J1772 connectors, which are compatible with all non-Tesla EVs. Tesla owners need a J1772-to-NACS adapter.
Do I need an electrician to install these chargers? The Emporia can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet or be hardwired. The Wallbox requires hardwired installation by an electrician.
Is the price difference worth it? The $190 price difference makes the Emporia more attractive for budget-conscious buyers. The Wallbox justifies the premium with brand reputation and build quality.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Which charger is better, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus or Emporia EV Charger Level 2?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The Emporia EV Charger Level 2 wins overall for most buyers at $459."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I use either charger with any EV?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Both chargers use standard connectors compatible with most EVs. Check your vehicle's connector type before purchasing."
}
}
]
}