Best Portable Ev Car Charger – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine this: You’re on a road trip, miles from home, and your electric car’s battery is getting low. You start to worry. Where can you find a charger? Will it work? This is a common fear for many electric car owners. Choosing the right portable EV charger can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. You want something reliable, easy to use, and good for your car, but the choices can be overwhelming.

That’s where this blog post comes in! We understand the stress of finding a portable EV charger that fits your needs. We’re here to make it simple. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, the questions to ask, and the features that really matter. We’ll break down the jargon and help you pick a charger that gives you peace of mind on every journey.

So, get ready to power up your knowledge. Let’s dive into the world of portable EV chargers and find the perfect one for you!

Our Top 5 Portable Ev Car Charger Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Portable Ev Car Charger Detailed Reviews

1. Level 1&2 EV Charger 32Amp 110V-240V with 20FT Cable

Level 1&2 EV Charger 32Amp 110V-240V with 20FT Cable, Portable Home Charger NEMA 14-50 5-15 Plug for All SAE J1772 Electric Cars

Rating: 9.2/10

This Level 1&2 EV Charger 32Amp 110V-240V with 20FT Cable, Portable Home Charger NEMA 14-50 5-15 Plug for All SAE J1772 Electric Cars offers flexible and fast charging for your electric vehicle.

What We Like:

  • It’s a 2-in-1 charger, working as both a Level 1 and Level 2 charger.
  • You can adjust the amperage to 16 or 32 amps for customized charging.
  • With the NEMA 14-50 plug, it charges up to 6 times faster than a standard Level 1 charger, giving you about 24 miles of range in just one hour at 240V.
  • The NEMA 5-15 adapter lets you use it with a regular 110V outlet for Level 1 charging.
  • The clear LED screen shows important charging information like current, voltage, and how much energy you’ve used.
  • It’s portable and easy to take with you, and the 20-foot cable gives you plenty of reach.
  • Built-in safety features like leakage, overcharge, and under-voltage protection keep you and your car safe.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The charging speed at Level 1 (110V) is still relatively slow compared to Level 2.
  • While portable, the control box might be a bit bulky for some smaller vehicles.

This charger is a great option for EV owners who want speed and flexibility. It offers a solid balance of features for both everyday charging and faster top-ups.

2. 2025 Upgraded Level 1&2 Portable EV Charger

2025 Upgraded Level 1&2 Portable EV Charger, 8-16Amp Adjustable Current & Timer, 110V–240V, NEMA 5-15 & 6-20 Plug, 21Ft EV Charging Cable, J1772 Electric Car Charger for All PHEV/EV Charging Cord

Rating: 8.6/10

The 2025 Raylix Upgraded Level 1 & 2 Portable EV Charger is a smart and versatile solution for charging your electric vehicle. It offers adjustable charging speeds and a timer to fit your schedule. This charger works with all J1772 EVs and PHEVs, making it a great choice for many car owners. You can charge anywhere, anytime, thanks to its flexible plug options.

What We Like:

  • Smart charging with adjustable current (8A to 16A) and a 1-12 hour timer helps you save money and charge when it’s best for you.
  • It works with all electric cars and plug-in hybrids that use the J1772 connector, so it’s very compatible.
  • Charges up to 4 times faster than a basic 8A charger, getting your car ready quicker.
  • You can use it with both NEMA 5-15 (standard home outlet) and NEMA 6-20 outlets for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
  • The bright color display shows you important charging info like voltage, current, and temperature at a glance.
  • Built with safety in mind, it has protection against overheating, overvoltage, and overcurrent, and is water and flame resistant.
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty and helpful customer support.

What Could Be Improved:

  • When using a standard 5-15 outlet, the charger automatically limits the current to 12A for safety, which might be slower than some users expect.

This charger offers a great balance of smart features, speed, and safety, making it a reliable choice for most EV owners.

3. AIMILER Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger(WIFI APP/Plug-play)

AIMILER Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger(WIFI APP/Plug-play), 32A, 25ft Cable ETL Certified, 220V-240V NEMA 14-50P Plug EVSE w/ J1772 Connector, Portable EV Car Charging Stations for Home Level 2

Rating: 8.7/10

The AIMILER Level 2 EV Charger offers a fast and smart way to charge your electric vehicle at home. It’s designed for convenience with a plug-and-play setup and a handy Wi-Fi app for remote control. This charger is built with safety in mind, boasting ETL certification and several built-in protection features, making it a reliable choice for your EV charging needs.

What We Like:

  • Fast Charging: It charges up to 6 times faster than Level 1 chargers, getting your EV ready to go quickly.
  • Smart App Control: The Wi-Fi app lets you schedule charging, track your usage, and get notifications, all from your phone.
  • Adjustable Amperage: You can choose between 16A, 24A, or 32A charging speeds to match your circuit breaker and needs.
  • Wide Compatibility: The J1772 connector works with most EVs and PHEVs in North America (Tesla vehicles need an adapter).
  • Safe and Durable: ETL certified, it has built-in safety features and a tough, 25ft charging cable.
  • Easy to Use: The smart touch screen displays important charging info, and it’s plug-and-play with no extra GFCI breaker needed.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Tesla/NACS Adapter Needed: Tesla owners and those with NACS connectors will need to buy an additional adapter.
  • Wi-Fi Setup: Initial Wi-Fi connection requires a 2.4 GHz network, which might be a small hurdle for some.
  • Adapter Clarity: The product description mentions adapters, but it’s important to note that a specific EV adapter cable is needed for 110-120V use, not a standard RV adapter.

This AIMILER Level 2 EV Charger provides a powerful, smart, and safe charging solution for most electric vehicle owners. Its user-friendly app and adjustable settings make it a convenient addition to any home.

4. ELEGRP Level 1/2 EV Charger

ELEGRP Level 1/2 EV Charger, 16 Amp, Portable J1772 Electric Car Charger, 25FT Cable, NEMA 6-20 & 5-15 Adapter, 110V-240V for BEVs/PHEVs, PBE & LRC Technology

Rating: 9.3/10

The ELEGRP Level 1/2 EV Charger is a versatile and safe charging solution for your electric vehicle. It offers both Level 1 and Level 2 charging options, making it adaptable to different power sources. Its robust design and advanced safety features provide peace of mind, whether you’re charging at home or on the go.

What We Like:

  • It offers flexible charging with both Level 1 (110V) and Level 2 (240V) capabilities, so you can use it with standard outlets or faster charging stations.
  • The charger uses ELEGRP’s PBE and LCR technologies for reliable safety and efficient charging, protecting your car and home.
  • It’s built to last with a durable, weatherproof design that can handle extreme temperatures and frequent use.
  • The 25-foot cable provides plenty of reach, and it comes with a convenient carry bag for easy transport.
  • It’s universally compatible with all J1772 EVs and PHEVs, including many popular brands.
  • ELEGRP provides excellent customer support and a generous 2-year warranty for added confidence.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The NEMA 6-20 adapter is included, but if your 240V outlet is a different type, you might need to purchase an additional adapter.
  • For Tesla owners, a separate J1772-to-NACS adapter is required, which is not included with the charger.

This ELEGRP EV charger is a well-rounded choice for most electric vehicle owners, offering safety, flexibility, and durability.

5. bokman Portable Level 2 & Level 1 EV Charger (240V

bokman Portable Level 2 & Level 1 EV Charger (240V, 16A), 20ft Cable and NEMA 6-20 Plug and NEMA 5-15 Adapter for Household Socket, Current Adjustable 6-16Amp (J1772 Connector)

Rating: 9.5/10

The bokman Portable Level 2 & Level 1 EV Charger is a versatile charging solution for your electric vehicle. It works with both 240V and 120V outlets, making it adaptable for various situations. This charger is designed to be easy to carry and use, whether you’re at home or on the go.

What We Like:

  • It’s super portable and comes with a handy carry bag, a cable holder, and even a microfiber towel. The 20ft cable stays flexible even in cold weather, which is great for road trips or if you live in an apartment.
  • You can adjust the charging speed from 6 to 16 amps to match your home’s electrical system. Plus, you can set it to start charging later, so you can take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
  • Safety is a big deal with this charger. It has built-in protections against overheating, overvoltage, and ground faults. It’s also built tough, able to survive drops and even a car driving over it!
  • It works with all EVs that have a J1772 connector. You can use it with a 240V outlet for faster Level 2 charging or with a regular 120V household outlet using the included adapter for Level 1 charging.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it’s adaptable, some users might prefer a longer cable for more flexibility in parking situations.
  • The current adjustment is done with a button. A digital display showing the selected amperage might offer a clearer confirmation for some users.

This bokman EV charger offers excellent flexibility and safety for charging your electric vehicle. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and portable charging option.

Your Guide to Portable EV Car Chargers

Thinking about getting a portable EV car charger? They’re super handy for keeping your electric car powered up, especially when you’re on the go. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.

Why You Need a Portable EV Charger

Portable chargers, sometimes called Level 1 chargers, plug into a regular wall outlet. They’re perfect for topping up your battery overnight at home or when you’re visiting friends and family. They are a great backup if you can’t find a public charging station.

Key Features to Look For

Adjustable Amperage

Some chargers let you choose how much power they use. This is important because not all outlets can handle a lot of power. You can often set it to 8 amps, 10 amps, or 12 amps. Lower amps are safer for older outlets.

Long Cable Length

A longer cable gives you more flexibility. You might need it to reach your car from a faraway outlet. Look for cables that are at least 15 feet long.

Durable and Weatherproof Design

Your charger might be used outdoors. It should be tough and able to handle rain, snow, and dust. Look for an IP rating, like IP55 or higher, to know how well it’s protected.

Safety Certifications

Make sure the charger has safety approvals like UL or ETL. These certifications mean the charger has been tested and is safe to use.

Indicator Lights

Lights that show the charging status are helpful. They tell you if the charger is plugged in, charging, or if there’s an error.

Important Materials

The cable is usually made of strong rubber or PVC. This keeps the wires inside safe. The plug and the charger’s body are often made of tough plastic that can resist damage.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Good Quality Materials

Chargers made with high-quality materials last longer. They are less likely to break or overheat.

Solid Construction

A charger that feels sturdy and well-built is a good sign. Loose parts or a flimsy feel can mean lower quality.

Brand Reputation

Well-known brands often make reliable products. They usually offer better customer support too.

Cheap Price

Sometimes, a very low price can mean the charger isn’t made with the best parts. It might not be as safe or last as long.

User Experience and Use Cases

Using a portable charger is usually very simple. You just plug it into a wall outlet and then plug the other end into your car. It’s like charging your phone, but for your car!

  • Home Charging: This is the most common use. Plug it in overnight, and wake up to a charged battery.
  • Travel: If you’re staying with family or friends, you can bring your charger. You can charge your car while you visit.
  • Backup Charging: If you can’t find a public charger, your portable charger is a lifesaver.
  • Workplace Charging: If your job has an outlet you can use, you can charge your car during the workday.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between a portable EV charger and a home charging station?

A: A portable charger plugs into a regular wall outlet (Level 1 charging). A home charging station (Level 2 charger) needs a special electrical setup and charges much faster.

Q: How fast can a portable EV charger charge my car?

A: Portable chargers are slower. They add about 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. It can take a full day or more to charge a completely dead battery.

Q: Can I use any extension cord with my portable EV charger?

A: No, you should not use regular extension cords. They can overheat and cause a fire. If you need more length, buy a heavy-duty extension cord designed for EV charging.

Q: Are portable EV chargers safe to use in the rain?

A: Many portable chargers are weatherproof, but always check the product’s specifications. Never submerge the charger in water.

Q: What does “adjustable amperage” mean?

A: It means you can choose how much electrical power the charger uses. You can often set it lower for older or less powerful outlets.

Q: How long should the cable be?

A: A longer cable, like 15-25 feet, gives you more options for where to plug in.

Q: What is an IP rating?

A: An IP rating tells you how well the charger is protected against dust and water. A higher number means better protection.

Q: Do I need a special outlet for a portable EV charger?

A: No, portable chargers are designed to plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet.

Q: How do I know if the charger is working correctly?

A: Most chargers have indicator lights that show the charging status. Check the manual for what each light means.

Q: Where can I buy a portable EV charger?

A: You can find them online from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from EV charger manufacturers.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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