ADAC Wallbox Test: Delta AC Max in the Lead - the Cheapest is also the Best

The automobile club ADAC has once again tested wall boxes and examined ten systems from the entry-level segment between 199 and 499 euros. The wall boxes were tested in the categories of safety, features, functionality, and apps. Over 900 charging attempts were carried out with five different electric cars (Opel Corsa-e, Renault Megane e-Tech, Tesla Model Y, VW e-up!, and VW ID.3), with no single charging interruption occurring. In terms of safety, all models were convincing, as the built-in residual current circuit breakers functioned properly according to the standards.

In the end, the Delta AC MAX Basic came out on top, which, at 199 euros, is also the cheapest wall box in the test and collected the most points with an overall score of 1.7. It impressed the testers with its compact design, easy operation, and sensible features such as authorization, electricity meter, and control via app. Its downside: the app only connects via Bluetooth to the user's smartphone, so the user must be near the wall box.

High Standby Consumption Can Hit the Budget

In second place is the EM2GO AC Wallbox 11 kW, available from 449 euros (rating 1.8). It also scores well but loses points due to its high standby consumption. Close behind in third place is the Ultimate Speed Wallbox 11 kW (from 369 euros, rating 1.9), available at the discount retailer LIDL. Although it lacks an app and connectivity, the wallbox impresses with reliable charging functionality and ease of use. Priced at 499 euros, the Sungrow 11kW EV Charger is the most expensive wallbox in the test but also offers the best features, placing it fourth.

The lowest-ranked are the Webasto Pure II and the Vestel EVC04-AC11-T2P, both with an overall rating of 2.4. They are minimally equipped and only offer an authorization function to start the charging process; app and network connectivity are otherwise lacking. Additionally, the Webasto has high standby consumption. However, they impress with safe and reliable charging as well as good cable management featuring a plug garage.

In times of constantly rising electricity costs, consumers should also keep an eye on the power consumption of wallboxes, as the chargers spend a large portion of time in standby mode. Especially here, there are sometimes considerable differences, as the measurements in the test have shown. For example, the standby consumption of the wallbox from Pracht is twelve times higher than that of the most economical wallbox in the test field, the ABL eMH1.