Wallbox Pulsar Max vs Zaptec Go 2: Compact Charger or Future-Proof Pioneer?

The Compact Favourite vs the V2G Trailblazer

These two chargers sit within £8 of each other, both offer 7.4kW single-phase and 22kW three-phase charging, and both come with a reassuring 5-year warranty. On paper, they look like near-identical twins. In practice, they could hardly be more different.

The Wallbox Pulsar Max is one of the most established names in UK home charging — a compact, polished unit that has earned its place in countless "best charger" lists from the likes of T3, CarWow, and The EcoExperts, as noted by bestchargers.co.uk. The Zaptec Go 2, meanwhile, is a Scandinavian newcomer making waves as the UK's first V2G-ready AC home charger — a genuinely forward-looking proposition for anyone who believes vehicle-to-grid technology will reshape how we use energy at home.

If you're choosing between them, the real question is this: do you want a proven, beautifully compact charger that does everything you need today, or are you willing to invest in a charger that bets on tomorrow?

In a nutshell:

• Wallbox Pulsar Max (£699): The most compact charger on the market with voice control, tethered convenience, and a rock-solid 5-year warranty.
• Zaptec Go 2 (£707): The UK's first V2G-ready home charger with subscription-free 4G and a MID-approved energy meter for precise billing.

Spec Comparison

App, Connectivity and Smart Features

This is where the two chargers diverge most sharply. The Wallbox Pulsar Max connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, giving you access to the myWallbox app for scheduled charging, energy monitoring, and cost tracking. As electriccarguide.co.uk noted in their review of the Pulsar range, the app interface is intuitive with large buttons and clear visuals — it is genuinely pleasant to use. You also get voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, which is a nice touch if your home is already part of a smart ecosystem.

The Zaptec Go 2 takes a different approach. Its headline connectivity feature is subscription-free 4G, meaning it works straight out of the box without needing your home Wi-Fi signal to reach the driveway. If your charger is mounted far from your router — a common issue with detached garages or long driveways — this is a genuine practical advantage. The Zaptec app handles scheduling and monitoring, though it is more functional than flashy. Where the Go 2 really differentiates itself is OCPP 1.6J compliance, which means it can talk to third-party energy management platforms — useful if you are building a more sophisticated home energy setup.

Neither charger offers built-in smart tariff integration in the way that an Ohme does, so you will not get automatic scheduling based on Octopus Intelligent Go or Agile pricing without manual configuration. Both rely on you setting your own charging windows to capture off-peak rates — typically 00:30–04:30 on Octopus Go at around 7.5p/kWh, which would charge a typical 60kWh Tesla battery for roughly £4.50.

Solar Integration

Both chargers support solar charging, but they go about it differently. The Wallbox Pulsar Max uses its Eco-Smart feature to divert surplus solar energy into your EV. The catch? You need to purchase a separate Wallbox Power Meter to make it work, which adds to your total outlay. Once installed, it does the job well — wallbox.com highlights solar and home battery integration as a key selling point of the Pulsar Max range.

The Zaptec Go 2 takes an arguably more elegant approach: it can automatically switch between single-phase and three-phase charging to optimise solar self-consumption. This is a genuinely clever feature for homes with solar panels and three-phase supplies, as it means the charger can throttle down to lower power levels to match available solar generation without wasting grid electricity. For the majority of UK homes on single-phase, however, this advantage is less pronounced.

Build Quality and Design

The Wallbox Pulsar Max is, quite simply, tiny. At 198mm × 201mm × 99mm, it is one of the smallest home chargers you can buy — roughly the size of a hardback book. The RGB LED halo gives clear charging status at a glance, and it comes in six colour options if you want it to blend in (or stand out) on your wall. Crucially, it carries an IK10 impact resistance rating on top of its IP54 weatherproofing, meaning it can handle accidental knocks from car doors, footballs, or wheelie bins without complaint. As wallbox.com emphasises, it is designed to be unobtrusive and efficient.

The Zaptec Go 2 is also compact — lighter at 3.2 kg versus 4.2 kg — with clean Scandinavian design lines. It carries IP54 weatherproofing but lacks the IK10 impact rating, so it is slightly more vulnerable to physical knocks. Being untethered, there is no cable permanently attached, which gives it a cleaner look on the wall but means you will need to carry and plug in your own Type 2 cable each time. Some drivers prefer this flexibility (especially if you share the charger between vehicles with different cable lengths), while others find it a minor hassle on a cold, wet January evening.

Installation Considerations

Both chargers fall into the standard £400–600 installation bracket and are OZEV-approved, so eligible renters and flat owners can claim up to £350 off. Neither requires an earth rod thanks to built-in protection features, which simplifies installation and can save your electrician time.

The key installation difference is tethered versus untethered. The Pulsar Max comes with a 5-metre tethered Type 2 cable — you simply grab it and plug in. The Zaptec Go 2 requires you to supply your own cable. A decent 5-metre Type 2 cable will set you back £80–150, which effectively closes the £8 price gap and then some.

If your Wi-Fi does not reach your charging location, the Zaptec's built-in 4G is a significant installation advantage — no need for Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks.

Price and Value

At virtually identical prices, value comes down to what you prioritise. The Pulsar Max includes a tethered cable and voice control — tangible features you will use every day. The Zaptec Go 2 bundles in free 4G, a MID-approved energy meter, and V2G readiness — features that are either immediately useful (4G) or a long-term bet (V2G). Remember that the Go 2's untethered design means budgeting an extra £80–150 for a charging cable, pushing its true cost slightly higher.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Wallbox Pulsar Max if:

• You want the most compact charger possible for a tight driveway or small wall space
• You prefer tethered convenience — grab the cable and plug in, no fuss
• Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant appeals to you
• You want six colour options to match your home's exterior
• IK10 impact resistance matters (busy driveways, kids, tight parking)

Buy the Zaptec Go 2 if:

• V2G technology excites you and you want to be ready when it arrives in the UK
• Your charger location has poor Wi-Fi — the free 4G keeps you connected without extras
• You want a MID-approved energy meter for precise energy tracking and potential future billing
• You prefer an untethered socket for flexibility between multiple vehicles or cable lengths
• You are building a broader home energy system and value OCPP 1.6J compatibility

Our recommendation: For most UK Tesla owners today, the Wallbox Pulsar Max is the more practical choice. Its tethered cable, impossibly compact design, and proven app ecosystem make daily charging effortless. The IK10 impact rating and voice control are genuine everyday advantages, and the 5-year warranty matches the Zaptec pound for pound. However, if you are the kind of driver who thinks in five-year horizons — someone already running solar panels, eyeing a home battery, and genuinely interested in selling energy back to the grid — the Zaptec Go 2 is a fascinating proposition. Its V2G readiness and OCPP compliance could prove invaluable as the UK's energy landscape evolves. Just be aware you are paying a premium today for features that may not fully materialise for a few years yet.

Read our full Wallbox Pulsar Max review or Zaptec Go 2 review.

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