'Das beste oder nichts'?: The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox EV charger is very premium, but is it also worth your consideration?
- Mario de Vries
- Feb 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Over the past few years, the legendary car maker from Stuttgart has earned a spot on the global stage when it comes to premium EVs with the EQB as my personal favourite when it comes to function and appearance.
Their build quality is top-notch, as are their prices of course. When it comes to EV charging, Mercedes-Benz developed their own solution: the Wallbox. It is very much premium, but in the wide landscape of EV charging solutions, the Wallbox Mercedes-Benz EV charger worth your consideration?
Design
First off, let's talk about the stunning design of the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox. Following the design cues of their current model lineup and specifically 'Benz' dashboards and cockpit features, the Wallbox feels very premium. One of its big advantages is its integration with the Mercedes me connect app. With this app, you can track your home and public charging history, enable access protection, and even share access to your Wallbox, if for example your spouse or neighbor drives a 'Benz' too. Plus, you can keep an eye on off-peak and peak electricity rates, allowing you to charge at the most favorable times. Though, it's questionable whether the average Mercedes driver would be so very much concerned about that.
To comply with national subsidy schemes which some countries offer, if applicable, the maximum charging capacity during installation can be reduced to 11 kW by a qualified electrician. In Germany, for example, the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox comes with a permanently connected six-meter charging cable with a type 2 plug.
The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox charges all current and future electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from Mercedes-Benz using the universal type 2 connector according to the IEC 61851-1 standard. Of course, electric vehicles from other manufacturers can also be charged.
Availability and Price
The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is available from April 2022 in most European countries as well as the US. In some markets, it is also gradually available online in the Mercedes-Benz Shop. Selected installation partners will also offer the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox. The recommended retail price in most European countries is €990 (including 19% VAT) for the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox, and $1,250 in the United States (excluding installation).
Conclusion
You might be a successful businesswoman paying for an EQS at a Mercedes-Benz dealer with your regular debit card on a weekday, but most of you will lease an electric 'Benz' or drive one provided by your employer. In that case, you're likely bound to a contract for a few years. Therefore, despite its premium quality, the Mercedes Wallbox probably isn't worth the $1250 investment.
Additionally, your employer may have charging facilities in the parking garage, meaning you'll only need to charge your car at home occasionally. This is the most important consideration you'll have to make. And except for those who actually own their Mercedes-Benz, we see a 'regular' level 2 charger as the most logical choice.
The Enel Juicebox offers the same functionality, is ready for the Internet of Things, equally premium and with a price starting at $489 is this the (far) more sensible option. And besides, we like the name 'juicebox' don't we?
