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ADAC tests car manufacturers' wallboxes - Hyundai wins.

The automobile club has identified significant differences in comfort and standby power consumption.

The ADAC tested the wall boxes of the vehicle manufacturers in 2023. | Photo: ADAC/Ralph Wagner
The ADAC tested the wall boxes of the vehicle manufacturers in 2023. | Photo: ADAC/Ralph Wagner
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von Dietmar Fund

Charging is no problem with wallboxes from eight car manufacturers, but their user convenience and standby power consumption vary greatly. If you don't need an app, you can get a reliable wallbox for as little as 500 euros. This is the conclusion reached by ADAC after all eight devices managed over 300 test charges without charging interruptions or other safety deficiencies.

 

The testers, however, included user convenience in their evaluation. Therefore, wallboxes that are controlled with an app performed better. The ADAC testers rated the Hyundai wallbox Pulsar Plus the best, which at 911 euros was one of the most expensive test candidates but, in their opinion, also offered the best app. With it, for example, the charging current can be precisely controlled and reduced when many other consumers are on the power grid. In second and third places were the models from Mercedes-Benz for 990 euros and the Peugeot ePro Full Wallbox for 899 euros. They were the only models in the test to offer connectivity with an integrated mobile modem and SIM card slot.

The low-cost wallboxes from Tesla (500 euros) and Volkswagen (569 euros) as well as the Volvo box for 999 euros landed in the lower ranks because they have no app. However, the Volkswagen wallbox marked the lower limit with 0.8 watts in standby mode, while the wallbox from Peugeot formed the upper limit with up to 5.7 watts.

 

 

Pleasant news: All eight wallboxes tested from car manufacturers achieved a good result according to ADAC. There were neither annoying charging interruptions – which could result in an uncharged car in the morning in the worst-case scenario – nor any issues in the safety tests.

However, there are significant differences in features and notable price differences. Those who can do without digital, app-based convenience features will find a well-functioning wallbox for as little as 500 euros.

Hyundai's box wins with an average score of 1.8

The victory, with a score of 1.8, goes to Hyundai's Pulsar Plus wallbox. For a price of 911 euros, buyers receive a ultra-compact wallbox that performs safely and reliably. This is complemented by the best app in the test field. For example, the charging current can be adjusted in real-time by the user – throttling it if the power consumption in the house is currently very high. A minor drawback of the Hyundai box is its power consumption in standby mode.

Following are the Mercedes-Benz wallbox and the Peugeot ePro Full. Both achieve an overall score of 1.9. They are the only models in the test that come with an integrated mobile modem including a SIM card slot, offering connectivity even where no LAN cable or Wi-Fi is available. The Peugeot wallbox additionally includes a SIM card and provides a display with information on current charging power, energy output, charging duration, and the status of connectivity. The very large casing is less appealing.

The BMW Wallbox Gen 3 and the Ford Connected wallbox each score 2.0. BMW's wallbox offers excellent cable management with a plug-in garage and an additional cable holder. Unfortunately, the app only connects to the wallbox via Bluetooth and offers little added value for the user. Here, the Ford device has much more to offer, as it can also be accessed via the web and can authorize charges via app. Additionally, other users can be authorized.

The Gen 3 Wall Connector from Tesla and the Volvo Garo Wallbox are deemed by ADAC to "master the basic virtues like reliability and safety," each even with AC and DC fault current protection. Moreover, the compactly built, attractively designed Tesla box costs just 500 euros, making it the cheapest option in the test. However, it lacks features, as there is nothing to mention apart from a button on the plug of the charging cable to conveniently open the charging flap of a Tesla vehicle.

Prices range from 500 to 999 euros

Here, the most expensive wallbox in the test, Volvo's, priced at 999 euros, has more to offer. For example, a highly accurate electricity meter. This can be easily replaced if it becomes defective, as can other internal components. Both wallboxes allow access via Wi-Fi to make settings through a web interface. Unfortunately, there is no smartphone app available.

The VW ID. Charger wallbox is the lowest in the test field but is almost as affordable as Tesla's box, costing just 569 euros. The VW box focuses on reliable and safe charging of electric cars, achieving a decent score of 2.2. Thus, it is far from a loser. If special features and convenience are desired, one can opt for the sister box, the ID. Charger Connect, which ADAC tested in 2021 and rated 2.1 back then. The ID. Charger Connect wallbox is currently offered by Volkswagen for 769 euros.

Attention: Major differences in standby power consumption!

ADAC identified significant differences between boxes in terms of standby power consumption. The Peugeot box had the highest consumption, totaling 49.9 kWh annually! For an electric car with a 50-kWh battery, that amounts to practically a full charge of wasted electricity. The VW ID. Charger wallbox performed best, losing only 7 kWh over the year. For context: According to the comparison portal Verivox, 30 to 50 kWh is roughly equivalent to what a computer, a Wi-Fi router, a television, or a satellite receiver consumes in standby mode per year.

What does this mean?

Rest assured: Among the car manufacturers' wallboxes, there were no weak performers, but there were significant differences in price and standby consumption. The entire test can be read on the ADAC website.

Translated automatically from German.
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