E-Mobility Benchmarking – Wallbox Portfolio
Wallboxes in Focus: How diverse are automotive manufacturers' portfolios?
Traditionally, the core competency of automotive manufacturers has been vehicle production – but with the growing market share of electric vehicles, more and more are expanding their portfolios to include wallboxes. In our E-Mobility Benchmarking, we compare these individual and complex charging solutions based on quantifiable criteria, highlighting which manufacturers stand out with a broad and diverse offering. We examine technical features, portfolio variety and strategic approaches to provide transparency on developments in this growing segment.
From vehicle to charging infrastructure – wallboxes as catalysts: automotive manufacturers move into the energy sector
As part of our E-Mobility Benchmarking series, we now turn the spotlight to a frequently overlooked yet critical component: the wallbox. While previous analyses focused on the electric vehicles themselves, we now shift our attention to the surrounding infrastructure – because for private users, the charging solution is just as important as the vehicle itself.
Many automotive manufacturers have already recognised the strategic relevance of this area and have expanded their product range to include proprietary wallboxes, complementing their EV offerings. This development underscores the increasing importance of delivering integrated, end-to-end e-mobility solutions.
Our analysis focuses on the wallbox portfolios of leading manufacturers, exploring three key questions:
- How many manufacturers have integrated wallboxes into their offering?
- How many different models are included in each portfolio?
- Which features and technical specifications are provided?
Why a future-proof wallbox strategy matters
Our analysis reveals how manufacturers can significantly strengthen their market position through a well-considered wallbox portfolio and the strategic prioritisation of key functionalities. Combining product diversity with innovation enables brands to position themselves precisely and secure long-term competitive advantages.
A brand’s interoperable ecosystem is proving to be an effective tool for strengthening customer loyalty and reaching new target groups. This creates lasting differentiation in an increasingly competitive market landscape.
Key success factors include:
- Portfolio expansion: A broad product range that meets diverse user needs helps solidify a strong market presence.
- Customer-focused solutions: Tailored charging options that address factors such as charging power, smart control and PV compatibility enhance customer satisfaction.
- Driving e-mobility adoption: Seamless charging experiences, supported by advanced features like automated load management and intuitive operation, increase acceptance and support the wider transition to electric mobility.
Who is investing in which technology?
Our analysis highlights which manufacturers include wallboxes in their product range. The offerings vary – from a single AC wallbox, an extended selection of AC charging stations, to manufacturers who have expanded their portfolio with DC or Fast-Charging DC wallboxes.
For the overall evaluation, we differentiate as follows:
- Technology coverage: The inclusion of AC, DC and Fast-Charging DC wallboxes is each weighted at 30% of the total score, reflecting the importance of broad technological coverage.
- Product diversity: The availability of multiple AC wallbox models contributes 10% to the total score, recognising the added value of a diversified AC product offering.
What makes a wallbox high-performing?
Our analysis focuses on key technical characteristics that shape the performance and user-friendliness of these charging stations. The evaluation is based on a wide range of technological aspects.
1. Communication and connectivity:
- EEBUS standard for cross-device communication
- OCPP 1.6 and 2.0 for standardised backend integration
2. Authentication and ease of use:
- RFID technology for secure identification
- Plug & Charge for automated recognition
3. Intelligent charging solutions:
- Bidirectional power transfer (BPT)
- Smart, dynamic load management
4. Charging capacity and speed:
- Number of available charging points
- Maximum charging power
5. Billing systems:
- MID-compliant metering
- Legally compliant billing
In the overall evaluation, Plug & Charge, bidirectional power transfer and maximum charging power receive 2.5 times the weighting to reflect their particular importance in delivering advanced charging solutions.
Plenty of room for growth and untapped potential
Our evaluation of the wallbox market highlights significant opportunities for innovation and growth. The key takeaways are:
- The median overall rating stands at just 30% of the possible 100%. This moderate market penetration is a clear sign that the current offerings are not yet fully developed.
- While some manufacturers do not offer wallboxes at all (0% rating), even the frontrunners reach only 60% fulfilment. This means that even market leaders have considerable room for improvement.
What these findings mean:
The results paint a picture of a market in transition. While the strategic importance of charging infrastructure is increasingly recognised, many manufacturers have yet to fully capitalise on the opportunities in this segment. Companies that take a proactive approach and strategically expand their wallbox offerings can gain a significant competitive advantage.
Two concepts compared
Our analysis reveals a clear divide between AC and DC charging solutions
AC dominance with nuances:
- 60% of manufacturers offer AC wallboxes – a clear sign of market maturity.
- However, only 35% provide more than one AC variant, indicating room for product diversification.
DC technology: a market in its infancy?
- Only 9% of manufacturers currently offer DC wallboxes, highlighting the early-stage development of this segment.
What these findings mean:
While AC charging solutions remain the industry standard, the potential of DC fast-charging stations remains largely untapped. Forward-thinking manufacturers who invest in DC technology early can secure a strong competitive advantage in the fast-charging market.
Which technologies are gaining ground?
Our analysis paints a diverse picture of the current market, highlighting both established technologies and emerging innovations:
1. Communication and Connectivity
- OCPP 1.6 is widely adopted (55%), while OCPP 2.0 is gaining ground (38%) – a clear trend towards networked systems.
- EEBUS is still in a niche position (27%) but showing increasing adoption.
2. Authentication and User Experience
- RFID technology dominates (68%), reinforcing its role as the de facto standard.
- Plug & Charge (27%) is attracting growing interest as a seamless charging solution.
3. Smart Charging Solutions
- 59% of manufacturers integrate intelligent charging, reflecting the rising importance of energy management.
- 31% also incorporate BPT (Bidirectional Power Transfer) in wallboxes, paving the way for V2X applications.
4. Charging Capacity and Speed
- 22kW charging power is the most common (50%), followed by 11kW (27%).
- Only 9% of manufacturers offer multi-user charging solutions, leaving room for further market expansion.
5. Billing Systems
- MID-compliant billing (36%) and legal metrology-compliant billing (18%) are gaining traction, particularly for public charging points.
What these findings mean:
The diversity of implemented technologies highlights strong market dynamics and a phase of rapid innovation and differentiation. Many features are not yet widely standardised, presenting significant opportunities for forward-thinking manufacturers.
Wallboxes - an overlooked opportuntiy?
Although vehicle charging plays a central role in user experience and customer confidence, our analysis reveals that many manufacturers still underestimate the potential of wallboxes. A strategic expansion of your portfolio could be the key to securing a decisive competitive advantage.
- Is your charging infrastructure offering future-proof?
- Which features should you prioritise to gain market share?
Together, we can explore your opportunities in the wallbox market and develop a tailored strategy.
We look forward to the exchange! Let’s discuss trends and strategies to shape the next stage of electromobility together.
Your contact at IE2S for wallbox solutions: Marcus Hipp
I am excited to share more about
our E-Mobility Benchmarking!
Feel free to reach out
for further information.
Managing Consultant