Wallbox Vs ChargePoint: What’s the difference?
Do you ever feel confused between Wallbox and ChargePoint for your EV charging solutions? Selecting a suitable charging solution can be an agonizing task. You may encounter compatibility problems that will add up to your frustration.
Fear not! A clearer solution awaits. Discover their differences, compare your requirements, and find a charging partner that suits your needs best. Let us look at the network of options and ensure your electric car is charged without a hitch.
While comparing wallbox and chargepoint, you should also pay attention to how to buy the right dc charging station.
Sr. No. | Feature | Wallbox | ChargePoint |
1 | Company Focus | Home, Business, Public Chargers | Home, Business Chargers & Software |
2 | Year Established | 2015 | 2007 |
3 | Product Range | Offers chargers for all (Home, Business, Public) | Focuses on Home & Business chargers, with software solutions |
4 | Smart Features Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (optional), Alexa, Google Assistant | Wi-Fi, Alexa |
5 | Outdoor Suitability | NEMA Type 4 – Watertight & Dust Resistant | NEMA 3R – Weatherproof (needs additional installation for outdoors) |
6 | Max Power Output (Home Charger) | 11.5 kW (Pulsar Plus 48 amp) | 12 kW (Home Flex) |
Background Information
1. Overview of Wallbox
Company History and Background
Born in Spain in 2015, Wallbox provides EV charging solutions for electric vehicles. At the onset, the company concentrated on residential charging, soon branching out to commercial and public charging. By placing innovation and sustainability as its core values, Wallbox has eventually emerged as one of the key players in the EV charging market.
Product Offerings and Features
Wallbox has developed various charging solutions designed to cater to different needs. Their products include home charging stations, Pulsar Plus and Commander, with smart functions enabling Wi-Fi networking and mobile app integration. Wallbox offers scalable charging solutions for commercial and public spaces with advanced management functionalities that provide efficient and reliable charging for EV fleets.
Customer Base and Market Presence
Wallbox is a multinational company in more than 60 countries and is recognized as a pioneer in EV charging technology at a global level. Homeowners, businesses, and municipalities already trust their products; thus, their market is the area of sustainable transportation solutions, which is rapidly growing. The customer base of WallBox ranges from home EV owners to businesses and government agencies, as the product is simple and flexible to use.
2. Overview of ChargePoint
Company History and Background
ChargePoint originated in 2007 and is one of the earliest players in the EV charging sector. Aiming at the United States first, the company has actively moved into the international market, offering complete charging solutions for electric vehicles.
With the objectives of a wide Charging network, ChargePoint has been actively participating in the promotion of electric mobility across the world.
Product Offerings and Features
ChargePoint provides a wide range of EV charging solutions to accommodate various scenarios. Their products, from home charging stations to workplace and public charging solutions, are popular for their reliability, convenience and advanced features.
ChargePoint network integrates smart capabilities such as remote monitoring, payment processing, and network integration that offer a smooth charging experience to the clients.
Customer Base and Market Presence
Being one of the largest EV charging networks in the world, ChargePoint operates with a solid market presence in North America, Europe, and even beyond. Their stations are deployed throughout residential neighborhoods, commercial properties, and public places to help cater to the diversified needs of EV drivers.
ChargePoint’s customer base ranges from individual EV owners to businesses, utilities and transportation authorities, all of whom show that ChargePoint’s charging infrastructure is widely used and trusted.
Wallbox vs ChargePoint: An Overview of Their EV Chargers
Both Wallbox and ChargePoint are leading players supplying a wide range of products for both home and business purposes. Among other products, we will look at the EV charger products they make, including their features and specifications so that you can make the right choice.
1. Wallbox: Streamlined Charging Solutions
The Wallbox is proud of manufacturing beautiful, easy-to-use EV chargers with various choices to meet different requirements and budgets. These products are
Pulsar Series: Wallbox’s most popular home charging model is famous for its small dimensions and intelligent design. undefined
Pulsar Plus: The smart charger has Wi-Fi connectivity (optional) and is compatible with the Wallbox app, allowing for remote monitoring and scheduling. It claims to have a maximum power output of 11.5 kW (48 amp version) for fast charging.
Pulsar Max: This one is an entry-level model with Bluetooth connectivity and without Wi-Fi and app integration. It provides a power output of 7.4 (32 amp).
Copper SB: This is a budget-friendly choice for home use, with a maximum power of 4.6 kW (20 amp) and basic functionalities. It doesn’t have intelligent functions or app compatibility.
Commander 2: This is a heavy-duty one that can be used for commercial applications. It offers power outputs varying from 7.4 kW to 22 kW (32 to 90 amp) and is thus appropriate for a business with an electric fleet. It also comes with additional features, such as power sharing for managing multiple charging stations.
Quasar 2 & Supernova: These include Wallbox’s DC fast chargers for the public charging infrastructure. They can charge faster than the Level 2 AC chargers but cannot be used in homes.
2. Features and Specs
The following table offers insights into the key facts on different Wallbox EV chargers:
Sr. No. | Model | Power Output (kW) | Amps | Smart Features (App Connectivity) | Outdoor Suitability |
1 | Pulsar Plus (48 amp) | 11.5 | 48 | Yes (Optional Wi-Fi) | NEMA Type 4 (Watertight & Dust Resistant) |
2 | Pulsar Plus (32 amp) | 7.4 | 32 | Yes (Optional Wi-Fi) | NEMA Type 4 (Watertight & Dust Resistant) |
3 | Pulsar Max | 7.4 | 32 | Yes (Bluetooth) | NEMA Type 4 (Watertight & Dust Resistant) |
4 | Copper SB | 4.6 | 20 | No | NEMA Type 4 (Watertight & Dust Resistant) |
3. ChargePoint: Power and Connectivity
ChargePoint has a range of AC Level 2 chargers for home and business use. It seems to be focusing on smart features and network connectivity. Let’s delve into a key offering:
Home Flex: ChargePoint’s flagship home charging station, a model known for its power output and smart features. undefined
Hardwired: This model is spliced into your home’s electrical system with a maximum power output of 50 amps (up to 12 kW), offering the fastest charging speeds.
NEMA 6-50 Plug: This model is compatible with the separate 240V outlet with a NEMA 6-50 receptacle and provides a maximum power output of 40 amps (9.6 kW).
Flex Charging Pedestal: This is a top-grade version of the Home Flex intended for outdoor commercial purposes. It provides similar power outputs and options, along with a rainproof shell.
4. Features and Specs
Uncover insights on the key ChargePoint products in the table below:
Sr. No. | Model | Power Output (kW) | Amps | Configuration | Smart Features (App Connectivity) | Outdoor Suitability |
1 | Home Flex (Hardwired) | Up to 12 | Up to 50 | Hardwired | Yes | Yes (Weatherproof enclosure) |
2 | Home Flex (NEMA 6-50 Plug) | Up to 9.6 | Up to 40 | Plugs into an existing 240V outlet | Yes | Requires additional weatherproof installation outdoors |
Differences: Wallbox vs ChargePoint
Get insights on the key differences between the ChargePoint and Wallbox in the following section:
1. Connectivity Features
The Pulsar Plus and Home Flex are equipped with smart features. Yet, Wallbox has Bluetooth connectivity and Google Assistant integration, in addition to what Amazon Alexa offers.
2. Outdoor Installation
Regarding outdoor EV charger installation, Wallbox is the best option. ChargePoint Home Flex has only weatherproof protection, while Wallbox Pulsar Plus is NEMA Type 4 rated, perfect for an outdoor setup without an outlet.
3. Aesthetics and Accessories
Wallbox’s design is boxy but remains sleek, and ChargePoint Home Flex is a rounded rectangle. ChargePoint has a built-in cable rack, while Pulsar Plus lacks the feature. You can buy a separate cable holster.
4. Charging Cable Length
The Wallbox has a 25-foot longer charging cable than ChargePoint’s, which is only 23 feet long.
5. Power-Sharing Options
You can set up two Pulsar Plus units on the same circuit to divide the power between two EVs. ChargePoint Home Flex requires each unit to have its dedicated circuit.
6. Security Features
With Wallbox, you can unlock and lock the Pulsar Plus via the Wallbox app. The security of ChargePoint is based on the scheduling of charging or remote monitoring through their app.
7. Solar Charging Capability
You can charge your EV at the Pulsar Plus, using energy from the solar panels. The Eco-Smart Solar EV charging mode allows for switching between renewables, a combination of greens and grids, or solely grid electricity.
What is better, ChargePoint Home Flex or Wallbox Pulsar Plus?
Both options cost the same and can claim the same benefits and subsidies. Accordingly, your financial contribution is all the same whether you use Chargepoint or Wallbox for home charging.
These models utilize a smart charging feature that allows you to schedule the charging session with lower electricity rates. If a connection to Google Assistant is vital for you, the Pulsar Plus is the device for you since ChargePoint only allows Amazon Alexa connectivity.
However, we should also note that the $649 40 amp Pulsar Plus costs $50 less than the $699 ChargePoint.
Now that we have discussed pricing, both are a good choice. Your decision will depend on which features you consider the most important for your EV charging environment.
For example, ChargePoint is the right choice if you insist on a higher power and don’t want a hardwired EV charger. However, in the case of power-sharing for a two-EV home and having the charger outside, Wallbox becomes the best choice.
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