The main focus of our products is portable EV chargers and we have become the experts in portable EV chargers in the U.S. (we have a similar business in the UK) and have been in the portable EV charging world for several years. We have the largest range of portable EV chargers with different charging speeds and plug types to suit your needs. We created this FAQ on portable EV chargers to help you determine the best option.
We created this FAQ to help EV owners with a new or those looking for a replacement EV charger find the best option.
Do I have to use the manufacturer’s portable EV charger? No. Cars accept any EV chargers irrespective of source. Many car manufacturers in fact recommend the use of 3rd party or the purchase of more powerful level 2 EV chargers
What is a portable EV charger? It is a smaller footprint, lighter and not affixed to a wall. It can be moved if you your circumstance change or you seek to charge from a different location.
Is a portable EV charger as fast as a fixed wallbox plug-in EV charger? Yes, both offer maximum charging speeds of 40amp or 9.6 kWh
Are portable EV chargers available as level 1 (slower) or level 2 (faster) EV chargers? Yes, portable EV chargers are available as 120-volt level 1 or 240 volt level 2 EV Chargers
What are the downsides of portable EV chargers? They generally cannot be hardwired directly into the circuit breaker so a 48 amp charge is not possible. Most are not ‘smart’ providing charging data or connectivity, but most car manufacturers provide that via their app
Can portable EV chargers be used in the rain? Yes, most portable EV chargers have an IP66 or IP67 waterproof rating. The connector head that plugs into your car is IP55 and that is the weakest electrical link. We recommend magnetic or other waterproofing of the charger head to prevent water ingress.
What are the main advantages of portable EV chargers?
- Generally a smaller footprint
- Longer EV charging cables
- Flexibility to move more easily (if you rent, plan to move, stay at other residences)
- No direct hardwiring into the circuit breaker required and so easier to relocate
- Simpler EV charging solution
How much driving range per hour of charging can a portable EV charger provide?
- NEMA 5-15 (residential plug type) 6-8 miles per hour of charging
- NEMA 14-30 (electric dryer plug type) Up to 15 miles per hour of charging
