Shenzhen-based Topdon, recognized for its portfolio of automotive diagnostic instruments, lately entered into the EV charging enterprise with a 40-amp degree 2 EVSE known as the PulseQ. With an inexpensive beginning value of $449.00, we thought the PulseQ was value trying out. Due to this fact, we requested and have been despatched a unit to assessment.

We used the PulseQ to cost quite a lot of electrical autos for just a few weeks earlier than placing it via our standard testing procedures. We discovered that the PulseQ is an honest first providing from Topdon, however we did uncover some points and shortcomings that ought to be corrected and improved upon.

The PulseQ is out there with both a 16-foot (5 meters) or a 25-foot (7.6 meters) cable with the longer cable including $100 to the price for a retail value of $549.00. It could ship as much as 9.6 kW to the electrical car however the energy supply may be lowered via the PuluseQ app if it really works, however extra on that later. 

It has a sturdy NEMA 4 enclosure which protects the innards from blowing rain and snow, so it is appropriate for outside installations even in harsh local weather areas. Nonetheless, the cable failed our chilly climate deep freeze take a look at so we can’t suggest the unit for outside installations in areas the place the temperature steadily drops beneath freezing. In reality, the cable was certainly one of, if not the worst-performing cable we have encountered in our chilly climate testing. 

Chapters

• 1:09 The Topdon PulseQ’s key options
• 2:23 Unboxing
• 4:40 The PulseQ app
• 5:50 Set up & exhausting wiring
• 12:58 The cable deep freeze take a look at
• 16:42 The connector drop take a look at
• 18:19 Preliminary impressions, connector holster, energy supply, cable thickness & size
• 22:08 The automated restart take a look at
• 24:20 The PulseQ’s ChargerRater rating
• 28:02 Our private score and the ultimate rating
• 29:00 The PulseQ’s hits and misses

The PulseQ is security licensed and is UL listed, it is also Power Star licensed and comes with a three-year producer’s guarantee. 

Failures

Along with the poor chilly climate cable efficiency, the PulseQ failed our automated restart take a look at. The take a look at entails initiating a charging session with the EVSE and whereas it is actively charging, we flip off the circuit breaker to copy an influence outage. We then flip the breaker again on and as soon as the charger reboots, it ought to start to cost the EV once more. 

This take a look at is essential in case you might have a short lived energy outage whereas the automobile is charging, which is usually in a single day. You need the charger to start charging the car once more as soon as the ability is restored. Sadly, the PulseQ did not begin charging any of the autos we examined once more as soon as energy was restored, and we ran the take a look at with a Tesla Mannequin 3, a Ford F-150 Lightning, and a Rivian R1T.  

Moreover, we have been by no means in a position to join the PulseQ to the cellular app. After a number of makes an attempt, uninstalling and reinstalling the app and following the recommendation of our Topdon contacts, we decided that the unit was faulty, and could not pair with the app. You needn’t pair the charger with an app to make use of it, however when you purchase a wifi enabled sensible charger, odds are you intend to make use of these options. 

The PulseQ scored a complete of 88 on our points-based ChargerRater system, which interprets to 4.4 stars out of 5. We then supply our private rating and common the 2 for the ultimate score. We gave the PulseQ 3.5 stars out of 5 because of the three major issues/issues that we encountered. That provides the PulseQ the ultimate score of three.95 stars out of 5. 

We expect the PulseQ is an efficient first effort by Topdon, however there are some enhancements and refinements wanted earlier than we are able to add it to our really useful listing. We’ll maintain our eye on this newcomer to the EV charging area and assessment its new fashions as they turn out to be accessible.