WallBox Vs JuiceBox: Who Did We Pick?
The WallBox Pulsar and Enel X JuiceBox are well-known home smart chargers, but which should you choose? They are both around the same price, with the WallBox only slightly cheaper, both offer Level 2 charging, and they are both Wi-fi and app-enabled – so this will be a tight decision.
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🦅 Our Pick
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Pros:
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Pros:
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- Connect to WiFi and Bluetooth
- Charge multiple EVs simultaneously
- Vehicle 2 grid capability
- Built-In WiFi
- Compatible With Home Devices
- Made in the USA
But let’s dive into this a little further! We’ll compare and contrast these two charging systems and examine all the elements so you can make the best choice for your home EV charging station.
We’ll look at what they have in common and consider cable lengths, amperage charging options, features, safety standards, and durability.
Ultimately, the recommendation comes down to which one we believe would be the best EV charger for you.
Price Comparison
For many people looking at home charging units, their first consideration is often the price. Unlike more expensive home EV charging systems like the
These are both excellent options for investment, and while not as pricey as the Chargepoint at almost $900, they offer solid value and performance.
The WallBox sells for $649 for the 40-amp version and $699 for the 48-amp model, while the JuiceBox is priced at $699 for the 40-amp version and $669 for the 32 Amp version.
Verdict: It’s a tie, 0️⃣ – 0️⃣
Charging Power
The Pulsar has the portable or plug-in model rated at 40 amps and the 48-amp version, which needs to be hardwired.
These are both level 2 chargers and come standard with the SAE J1772 connector so that you can use it for all EVs available in the USA.
The 40amp model uses the NEMA 14-50 outlet, so if you rent and need to move later, this is a good option over the higher-rated 48-amp hardwired model.
The JuiceBox is also available in plug-in and hardwired versions, offering both the NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 outlets and being available in a 32-amp version and the hardwired 48-amp version.
The hardwired models of each will require a 50-amp 240V supply, and a qualified electrician must do this to ensure they comply with the necessary safety standards.
Each model offers multiple charging options, but the 40-amp Pulsar would have a slightly faster charging time than the 32-amp JuiceBox option, so if you need to charge more than one EV using a plug-in version, the Pulsar would have a slight edge over the JuiceBox.
Remember that a certified installer must install these units to meet the mandatory compliance and safety standards.
Verdict: It’s another tie, 0️⃣ – 0️⃣
Charging Speed
A level 2 charger will always be more powerful and charge faster than the level 1 charger supplied with your car.
The Juice Box Level 2 charger will add between 16 and 60 miles per hour of charging, while the Pulsar adds 30 to 35 miles per hour.
The hardwired 48-amp models will deliver around 11.5 kilowatts of charging power, ensuring your EV gets to optimum capacity quickly.
The lower amperage models will not charge as fast as the 48-amp hardwired versions, but if you are not traveling long distances and need a medial charge overnight, then the 32-amp or 40-amp versions will work sufficiently.
Remember, if you don’t own your home or residence, you would probably opt for the plug-in mobile chargers rather than the hardwired installation.
Verdict: It’s another tie, 0️⃣ – 0️⃣. AGAIN!
Weatherproof IP Rating
If you plan to have your EV charger outdoors, you need to consider which has the higher IP rating. This determines the level of water- and weatherproofing each unit is rated at, and here, the JuiceBox is the winner.
It carries an IP rating of 66 against Enel X’s IP rating of 54, one of the highest. Remember that these units have high amperage and voltage, so if your unit is exposed to weather, you must opt for a higher level of protection.
The IP 54 rating protects against dust particles, debris, and water droplets or spray. Still, this enclosure is not waterproof or heavily resistant to fast-moving particles, as you may find in high winds.
Under the IP scale, the number five indicates that the enclosure is not dust-proof but will protect against most dust ingress. In contrast, the number 6 in this position would show complete protection against dust ingression.
If you live in a dry area prone to dust and sand particles, then the IP54 rating would not be advisable.
The second number in the IP rating for the JuiceBox is 4, which indicates that water splashed against the enclosure from any direction would not cause any damage. Still, water sprayed from a small or large jet at the enclosure would not be prevented from entering.
The WallBox’s 6 rating for liquid ingression indicates that water from a high-pressure source can be directed against the enclosure from any direction and would not be able to enter the enclosure.
If you struggle between the two, I would always recommend any electrical enclosure with a higher IP rating, especially 66 and higher.
Even if the charger is indoors, having a higher IP rating provides greater peace of mind considering that the current and voltage would be double that of the standard domestic outlet.
Water or dust entering this charging unit could prove disastrous and create a short, which could damage both the vehicle and the charger and will certainly contribute to a lesser life span.
However, this is only valid if you intend to install the charging unit outdoors or in an area potentially exposed to the weather.
For example, if your installation is in your garage, then the IP rating of 54 is sufficient in terms of safety and performance.
Verdict: It’s a win for the WallBox Pulsar 1️⃣ – 0️⃣.
- Connect to WiFi and Bluetooth
- Charge multiple EVs simultaneously
- Level 2 charges 7 times faster than 120v
- Lacks customer support
Cable Length & Weight
As far as the cable length goes, they are both tied at 25 ft, and this is more than enough to span the gap between the EV charging port and the charging point.
As far as the weight goes, the WallBox weighs 18.2 pounds for the 40-amp model and 20,9 pounds for the 48-amp hardwired version. You should know that this unit does not come with mounting or cable-racking components.
The JuiceBox is lighter at 15 pounds but comes with a quick-release mounting bracket, so the scales tip in favor of this charger.
While a 5lb difference is negligible in mounting weight, the supplied mounting bracket means you don’t have to buy a bracket separately as you would need for the WallBox.
Verdict: That’s a point for the JuiceBox 1️⃣ – 1️⃣.
Connectivity And Smart Features
It’s almost taken for granted that smart EV chargers have their respective apps and come with Wi-Fi connectivity, both of which offer this. In addition, each can be connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Still, the Wall Box has Bluetooth, while the Juice Box does not, so if your internet connection is a little unstable, the WallBox would be a better option.
The apps on any smartphone allow you to start or stop charging remotely and monitor charging levels and consumption.
Another great feature is the ‘optimum charging period’ feature which will enable you to set your charging times to coincide with off-peak electricity tariffs, saving you money.
The apps also allow you to activate and monitor power-sharing using multiple chargers on the same circuit. This is a valuable feature for households with two EVs, and it works by charging the different EVs at a lower rate without exceeding your consumption.
Verdict: That’s another point for the WallBox 2️⃣ – 1️⃣.
Solar Charging
Like other premium home EV charging brands, the Pulsar has one feature that the JuiceBox does not offer: solar charging. So, where you have a home PV installation, you can connect the WallBox to your solar panels and enjoy free EV Charging.
The feature on the app allows for a mix of grid and solar charging as well as full renewable, so you can use your home PV system during the day if the house power demands are not high and then switch to the grid overnight to avoid exhausting your PV batteries.
Overall, the Pulsar would take the honors in this category as it offers Bluetooth and solar charging, while the JuiceBox does not.
Verdict: WallBox wins here 3️⃣ – 1️⃣.
Which EV Charger Looks Better
Aesthetics are a question of personal taste, and the focus with EV chargers should be on performance rather than looks, but since we are examining all the angles, let’s look at this aspect as well.
The WallBox comes with a grey box within the outer black box with the LED indicators placed between each one and is stylish with the green LED display. The charging cable is also black, so if you prefer black and grey, the WallBox will dress to match!
The Enel X is an elegant, sleek design with a white box and black cable with a white charging connector, and this would be matched to a white electric vehicle if that’s what you have. But, like most other features, they are very similar, and only your color preference would matter here.
Verdict: JuiceBox gets another win 3️⃣ – 2️⃣.
FAQs
Can The WallBox Pulsar And Enel X JuiceBox Charge Tesla?
The good news for Tesla owners is that both the WallBox and the JuiceBox can charge your electric car.
You need to buy a NEMA 14-50 adaptor and use the Tesla Mobile connector supplied with your Tesla EV. Attaching the NEMA adaptor to the charger will allow you to use either of these units for your Tesla.
Does The Federal Tax Credit Apply To Both Chargers?
Even though the original tax credit expired in December of 2021, the Inflation Reduction Act’s Alternative Fuel Refueling Property tax credit extends to December 31, 2032, so each of these chargers would be eligible for the tax credit.
This is a 30% once-off credit to a maximum of $1000, and the new extension applies the credit to bidirectional EV chargers as well; plus, the existing tax credit of 30% for installing a home PV system can make your migration to renewable that much sweeter!
The Winner: WallBox vs JuiceBox
Verdict: The WallBox Pular wins over the JuiceBox by a score of 3️⃣ – 2️⃣.
These two are closely matched, but I would have to go with the WallBox Pulsar. It has solar PV charging capacity and Bluetooth, while the Juicebox has neither, but it does have the mounting bracket included, which the Wall Box does not.
The dealbreaker for me is the IP rating, as I feel safer with greater protection with high-voltage devices like these EV chargers, and the Pulsar wins that battle, hands down.
All left to do now is to go out and buy one and enjoy years of hassle-free charging on all your electric vehicles.
