The Wallbox Pulsar Max is one of the most compact smart home chargers on the market, measuring 198 x 201 x 99 mm and roughly the size of a hardback book. It starts at around £496 for the unit and is available in 7.4 kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase. Key strengths include its IK10 impact resistance rating (notably tougher than the predecessor Pulsar Plus), a solid 5-year warranty, and Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. Its limitations are a lack of solar divert mode and no native Octopus Intelligent Go API integration.
Price and variants
| Option | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Wallbox Pulsar Max unit (7.4 kW) | ~£496 |
| Installation | £400-£600 |
| Total installed | ~£896-£1,096 |
| Three-phase 22 kW variant | Higher; confirm via retailer |
The standard UK model is the 7.4 kW single-phase version. A 22 kW three-phase variant is available for properties with three-phase supply; confirm current pricing with your installer or retailer.
Tethered 5 m cable is the most common UK configuration. An untethered socket version is also available for those who prefer to carry a Type 2 cable.
Wallbox pricing has moved more than once in the past 12 months. Confirm the current figure with your retailer on the day of purchase.
Design and build
The Pulsar Max’s most immediately striking feature is its size. At 198 x 201 x 99 mm, it is smaller than most competing chargers and can be mounted in tighter spaces without the visual bulk of a larger unit.
The IK10 impact resistance rating is a meaningful upgrade from the IK08 rating on the previous Pulsar Plus. IK10 means the enclosure can withstand an impact of 20 joules, which is relevant for garage installations where the charger might be knocked by a trolley or car door. Most competing chargers in the same price bracket are rated IK08 or lower.
IP55 weather resistance covers the unit against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. This is a solid outdoor rating for a wall-mounted unit and is appropriate for UK weather conditions.
The overall aesthetic is clean and modern. The Pulsar Max is available in a white finish as standard, with a smooth front panel and a small LED status indicator strip.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power output | 7.4 kW (single-phase, 110/230 V ±10%) |
| Three-phase variant | 22 kW (400 V ±10%) |
| Maximum current | 32 A |
| Protocol | OCPP 1.6 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (standard) |
| Weather resistance | IP55 |
| Impact resistance | IK10 |
| Voice assistant | Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Warranty | 5 years |
The 32 A maximum current matches the standard UK single-phase charger ceiling. Three-phase at 22 kW requires a separate variant and a three-phase supply; there is no software mode that unlocks 22 kW on the single-phase version.
Smart features and app
The Pulsar Max uses the myWallbox app for scheduling, session monitoring, and energy management. The app is well-regarded for usability and provides:
- Charging session scheduling
- Real-time monitoring of power draw and energy delivered
- Session history and monthly energy summaries
- Power Boost: dynamic load balancing that monitors household current draw and reduces the charger’s output to protect the main fuse during high-demand periods
Power Boost is one of the more capable load balancing systems on the UK market. It uses a current transformer (CT clamp) on your main supply to track real-time household demand, then adjusts the charger output dynamically. This allows the charger to run at close to full output when the house is quiet and reduce automatically when demand spikes.
Alexa and Google Assistant integration is available via the myWallbox skill/action. You can ask your voice assistant to start and stop charging, check status, and set schedules.
Octopus Intelligent Go note: The Pulsar Max does not have a direct API integration with Octopus Intelligent Go. It relies on manual scheduling via the myWallbox app to align charging with Intelligent Go’s off-peak windows. This is a practical limitation compared with the Ohme Home Pro, which has a native Intelligent Go integration that handles scheduling automatically. For Octopus Go (with fixed off-peak hours), scheduling via the app works perfectly well.
For context on smart tariff EV charging and how app scheduling compares with API integration, see our EV tariff guides.
Charging performance
In standard use, the Pulsar Max consistently delivers its rated 7.4 kW output on a single-phase UK supply. On a typical EV consuming 4 miles per kWh, that adds approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour.
The 22 kW three-phase variant delivers full 22 kW output on a three-phase supply to compatible EVs (Renault Zoe R135, BYD Atto 3, etc.). Most popular UK EVs including Tesla Model 3/Y, BMW i4, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 cap at 11 kW on three-phase.
For a detailed breakdown of charging speeds by charger output and car type, see our home EV charging speed guide.
Warranty
The Wallbox Pulsar Max comes with a 5-year warranty. This is strong for the price point and puts it above most budget and mid-market competitors. The only mainstream UK home charger with a longer warranty is the Andersen A2 at 7 years.
The 5-year term covers parts and labour and is backed by Wallbox UK.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One of the most compact smart home chargers on the UK market
- IK10 impact resistance: noticeably tougher than most competitors
- 5-year warranty, second-longest in UK mainstream
- 22 kW three-phase variant available
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice integration
- Power Boost load balancing is well-implemented
Cons
- No dedicated solar divert mode
- No native Octopus Intelligent Go API; scheduling required
- No Ethernet connection (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth only)
- Pricing has shifted; verify current figure before purchasing
How it compares
| Charger | Price (unit) | Warranty | Solar divert | Octopus Intelligent Go | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallbox Pulsar Max | ~£496 | 5 years | No | Scheduling only | IK10, compact |
| Andersen A2 | £1,199 | 7 years | Yes | Yes | Premium, hidden cable |
| Ohme Home Pro | ~£400 | 3 years | Via scheduling | Native API | Best for Intelligent Go |
| Rolec EVO | ~£449 | 5 years | Yes | Scheduling | Solar divert standard |
| EO Mini Pro 3 | Mid-market | 3 years | No | Scheduling | Smallest footprint |
The Pulsar Max sits in a strong position for buyers who want a compact, tough smart charger at a fair price without needing solar divert. For solar-first homes, the Rolec EVO adds solar divert at a similar price point. For Octopus Intelligent Go power users, the Ohme Home Pro is the specialist choice.
Verdict: who the Wallbox Pulsar Max is for
Best for:
- Buyers wanting compact, rugged smart charging at a mid-market price
- Garages or parking areas where impact resistance matters
- Buyers who value a long warranty without paying Andersen A2 prices
Skip if:
- You have solar panels and want real-time surplus divert
- You use Octopus Intelligent Go and want fully automatic scheduling without app management
See how every home EV charger we review compares for a full market view.
Key Takeaways
- Wallbox Pulsar Max starts at around £496; typically £896 to £1,096 fully installed
- One of the most compact mainstream smart chargers in the UK at 198 x 201 x 99 mm, with IK10 impact resistance
- Available in 7.4 kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase
- 5-year warranty, the second-longest in the UK mainstream after Andersen’s 7 years
- No dedicated solar divert; no native Octopus Intelligent Go API, scheduling required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wallbox Pulsar Max worth it?
Yes, for buyers wanting compact, tough smart charging at a fair mid-market price. The IK10 rating is a genuine differentiator for garage installs, and the 5-year warranty is strong. If you need solar divert or native Octopus Intelligent Go integration, look at the Rolec EVO or Ohme Home Pro respectively.
Does the Pulsar Max work with Octopus Go?
Yes, via scheduling in the myWallbox app. You set the start time to align with your off-peak window. This works well for Octopus Go and Economy 7 with fixed off-peak hours. For Octopus Intelligent Go, which has variable smart-scheduled sessions, the Pulsar Max cannot receive the automatic API instruction that the Ohme Home Pro can; you manage scheduling manually.
Can the Pulsar Max charge at 22 kW?
Yes, via the separate 22 kW three-phase product variant, on a three-phase supply. The standard single-phase Pulsar Max delivers 7.4 kW.
Is the Pulsar Max waterproof?
Yes. IP55 rated, which means dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. Combined with IK10 impact resistance, it is one of the more robust home charger enclosures in the mid-market.
Does the OZEV grant apply to the Pulsar Max?
Yes, when installed by an OZEV-approved installer. From 1 April 2026, the £500 per socket grant applies to renters and flat owners only; homeowners are not eligible.
Useful Resources
Wallbox — Pulsar Max product page https://wallbox.com/en_uk/blog/top-reason-to-choose-ev-home-charger-pulsar-max
Wallbox Support — Pulsar Max datasheet PDF https://support.wallbox.com/wp-content/uploads/ht_kb/2023/05/EN_20230428_DS_PulsarMax.pdf
teslacharger.co.uk — Wallbox Pulsar Max UK review https://teslacharger.co.uk/chargers/wallbox-pulsar-max/