Wallbox Pulsar Plus review: A fair-weather, smart, and compact EV charger

Most electric vehicle (EV) chargers quietly do their job without much fuss. The Wallbox Pulsar Plus does that too, but it also packs a surprising amount of tech into a very small box. 

Wallbox offers two Pulsar Plus models: the 40 and the 48. Both versions connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, work with a well-designed app, and come in one of the most compact enclosures on the market. They also share the same notable downside: The cable seriously struggles in extreme cold. 

EV charging expert and EnergySage partner Tom Moloughney put both models through his review process, which includes a month of real-world use and his usual battery of stress tests. The Pulsar Plus 40 (plug-in, $749) earned an 82 out of 100, or 4.1 stars. The Pulsar Plus 48 (hardwired only, $800) scored an 81 out of 100, or 4.05 stars—losing points mainly because it’s pricier than many comparable chargers and the connector isn’t quite as nice.

For homeowners in mild climates who want a compact charger with strong smart features and reliable day-to-day performance, the Pulsar Plus lineup is a solid option. If your priority is maximum charging power for the price—or a cable that can handle sub-zero temps—we suggest you look elsewhere.

The Pulsar Plus lineup offers two paths to the same core experience: the 40-amp plug-in model for flexibility and the 48-amp hardwired model for maximum power. Both are compact, run on the Wallbox app, and support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and either J1772 or NACS connectors.

We partnered with Tom to evaluate both Pulsar Plus models using his 100-point ChargerRater, which scores home EV chargers across cost and value, power and build, testing, and smart features.

• The Pulsar Plus 40 scored 82/100, or 4.1 stars. Its smart features shined, but its premium price dragged down the cost and value category compared with other chargers.

• The Pulsar Plus 48 earned 81/100, or 4.05 stars. It did well for rain protection and intelligence, but lost points on cost, connector quality, and value.

Wallbox Pulsar Plus vs. other top home chargers

You want a smart charging experience without the bulk

If you want smart charging without bolting a giant plastic brick to your garage wall, either Wallbox charger will fit the bill. The Pulsar Plus lineup is among the most compact Level 2 chargers on the market, and its smart features are top-tier. 

The Wallbox app lets you track charging history, schedule sessions around cheaper overnight electricity rates, monitor power draw in real time, and remotely lock the unit to prevent unauthorized use. 

You live in an area with heavy rainfall 

Both Pulsar Plus models carry a NEMA 4 rating, which means they're sealed against direct, sustained rainfall—stronger protection than the NEMA 3R rating found on chargers like the Tesla Universal Wall Connector or ChargePoint Home Flex. Tom confirmed this on the 48-amp model with a submersion test: After dunking the unit in a bucket of water to simulate a soaking rainstorm, the inside was completely dry. If you're planning an outdoor EV charger installation in a wet climate, both models are well-suited.

You have two EVs at home

Both Pulsar Plus models support power sharing, allowing multiple units to run on a single circuit and balance the load. This can save you serious space and money if you have two EVs under one roof.

You live somewhere with harsh winters

The freeze tests were brutal. At -13°F, the Pulsar Plus 40’s cable was too stiff to coil, and at -5°F, Tom gave up trying to unwind the Pulsar Plus 48 entirely. For anyone charging in cold weather, that’s a real problem. By contrast, the ChargePoint Home Flex stayed flexible after 14 hours at -18°F, making it a much better fit for cold climates.

You want maximum value per dollar

Both Pulsar Plus models carry a price premium that’s hard to justify on performance alone. The 40-amp model goes for $749—about $270 more than the Grizzl-E Ultimate 48A, which scored the same 88/100 on Tom’s ChargerRater. The 48-amp Pulsar Plus costs $300 more than the Grizzl-E, yet scored seven points lower. If you don’t need Wallbox’s app ecosystem or extra smart features, there are cheaper chargers that match, or even exceed, its output.

The Wallbox Pulsar Plus lineup stands out for strong smart features, thoughtful design, and NEMA 4 weather protection. For homeowners in moderate climates, either model delivers a capable, well-connected charging experience through a polished app. The 40-amp plug-in model is portable, while the 48-amp hardwired model adds output and extra outdoor durability for permanent installs.

That said, the cables don’t handle cold weather well, and both models carry a price premium worth weighing against alternatives. Still, for the right homeowner in the right climate, the Pulsar Plus can be a great choice. 

As always, the charger is only part of the equation. What you'll pay for an EV charger installation depends on your panel capacity, wiring distance, and local labor rates. Getting quotes from licensed electricians is the best way to understand your true total cost.