Electric vehicles are beginning to hit the road a little more frequently these days. If you happen to be among the happy drivers, you’ll agree that life is indeed becoming easier. However, there’s one potential problem with electric vehicles.
If you are not so keen on the charging process, your day can be ruined very easily. This happens when you’re rushing to work but can’t charge your EV simply because of unnecessary problems like the port of the charger isn’t compatibl ith your car’s or the charger taking too long to complete a charge.
There are more potential problems that you could face when you’re not well-versed with portable EV chargers. Just like the example of a USB cable, some EVs will require special chargers to keep the process fast and seamless. Another thing, EVs are far from being wished away. Mega companies are announcing their EV pledges while others share publicly their EV budgetsas governments announce their intentions to go electric.
TTThat makes you want to know all about these vehicles and their charging requirements in equal meauasrebefore they take a stronger footprint in our transport systems. Here are your top 5 portable EV chargers for 2023.
List of Top 5 Portable EV Chargers
1. VEVOR Level 2 EV Chargers
VEVOR 32 Amp level 2 portable EV charger is among the best EV chargers you’ll find in the market. The charger is first off popular for its effortless and quick charging abilities. If you have used an 8A level 1 EV charger, you’d be mind blown at the speed of VEVOR’s EV charger. Being 8 times faster, the VEVOR level 2 charger is everything you need when time is limited. Good thing, the charger with a 14-50 plug could be adjusted to different amperages such as 10A, 16A, 20A, 24A, up to 32A.
While EVs are loved for their cost-effectiveness, smaller carbon footprint, and convenience in transport, things can turn tragic if even one aspect involved in charging is not protected. This is why VEVOR has doubled down on protection. With a UL-certified EV connector and cable, the charger has an IP66 control box as well as an IP54 EV connector that ensures your car’s safety when charging. With CE certification, you’re sure that usage of a VEVOR level 2 EV portable charger is free of under voltage, leakage, overcharge, overheating, over-voltage, and over-current problems, besides being safe from lighting.
The portable charger comes with LED indicator lights and a real-time data screen that help you to keep track of the charger’s working conditions. With the data screen, you’re able to determine the charger’s charging voltage, power, and amperage, at any given time.
Besides being highly portable and easy to store, this superior charger’s installation and usage are very easy. With a NEMA 14-50 outlet, you can easily plug in your 25 ft long charger and transfer the power to your vehicle without much hassle. One unique spec of the VEVOR level 2 EV charger is its universal usability. The charger could also power your plug-in hybrid vehicle that falls within the J1772 standard. Hence, long-distance travel wouldn’t be a problem.With VEVOR, you don’t have to worry about the price because you have a chance to save $100. Simply sign up for VEVOR MONTHLYDY PROECIS and post your DIY products to stand a chance to win $100 coupons. This offer is valid for all products including the VEVOR level 2 EV charger.
2. Lectron Level 2 Portable EV Charger
Lectron has designed its level 2 portable charger with all you will ever need in an EV charger. Being in the second tier, the charger makes it very easy and fast to power up your vehicle. The charger’s excellent build allows it to be used anywhere including at home. Its cable features a length of 21 feet while its small, sturdy size makes its storage and portability very convenient.
Speaking of its compatibility, the charger goes with not only many electric vehicles across the world but also anyplug-in hybridacarsthatare standardized by J1772.
The charger is ideal for both people with EV charging in their homes and people with two or more electric vehiclels.
3. Morec Level 2 EV Charger
Morec level 2 EV charger is known for its super-fast charging features. You now have a 32 Amp charging device that reduces your charging period 6 times than when using a level 1 charger. The charger allows you to park your car 26 feet away and power it up very comfortably. You don’t need to worry about the cable’s longevity as it is made of durable, strong ABS that also comes into play when safety is considered.
You’re generally safe from overcurrent, overvoltage, leakage, and overheating.The charger also features a large LCD screen that showcases the charger’s current working conditions.
Whether you own two electric vehicles or an SAE J1772 standardized vehicle, this charger will come in handy.
4. BougeRV Level 1-2 Portable EV Charger
BougeRV portable EV charger comes in a sturdy, hard case that allows you to safely store it or carry it around without jeopardizing its state. The charger serves you all the good at a budget-friendly cost. It is applicable for both indoor and outdoor charging, a process that is generally safe, easy, and fast. You’re now able to take 3 times shorter charging periods than you would when using a 110V EV charger because of this 240V charger.
Its very strong ABS and very sturdy cable fall under IP55 waterproof standards. The charger is good for many electric vehicles as well as any plug-in hybrid vehicles that comply with SAE J1772 charging standards. Besides, the charger has a switchable 5-15 NEMA adapter, making it adjustable to a level 1 EV charger.
5. MUSTART TRAVELMASTER Level 2 Portable EV Charger
If you’re looking for a fast charger that can save your late days then you have the TRAVELMASTER EV charger. The 32 Amp charger comes with a NEMA 14-50 adaptor and can be switched to work with a NEMA 5-20 outlet. The charger comes with cutting-edge technology all curated to serve you ultimate safety. You’re able to determine the charging power automatically and go ahead to detect the adapting plug before powering up the car.
Its waterproof feature keeps the entire charging process safe and dry while its inlet silver plating prevents the device from overheating.
After the above review, VEVOR’s portable EV charger is rightfully the best for its versatility, premium features, durability, and very affordable price.
Different Types of Portable EV Chargers
Portable EV chargers come in three levels with their charging capability going in ascending order. Level one entails 120-volts AC electricity while level 2 features 240-volts AC electricity. Level 3 is also known as DC fast-charging super-fast charging with a voltage ranging from 400 to 800. The first 2 tiers can be installed at home while the third tier would be very costly to have on one’s premises.
The three levels are differentiated by the amount of time they take to make a full charge. While level 1 is extremely slow, taking up days to make a full charge, level 2 takes a night to complete a charge. Level 3 portable EV chargers are the fastest, taking roughly 2 hours to make a full charge.
What Should You Look For When Buying a Portable EV Charger?
- Charging Capacity
The amount of time you want to spend while charging the car will determine the charging capacity of the device you choose. Generally, a good, fast EV charger shouldn’t have an amperage that’s lower than 30. This will be enough to cover a distance of 30 miles in roughly one hour.
- Length of the Charger
This is among the last but very important factors you consider before taking out a portable EV charger. First off, you want to assess your garage and determine where your vehicle will park and its distance from the wall where the plug will be installed. The charger should lag a little, rather than bein tight to make the charging comfortable.
- The Plug
As you settle for a plug, you must be sure that your charger is perfectly connected to the power supply without any compromise on safety. Assess your situation to determine whether you’ll need a plugged charger or a hardwired one. While a plugged charger is preferable when the ease of installation is considered, it’s costlier than a hardwired charger.
Are Portable EV Chargers Worth It?
Yes! With a portable EV charger, you’re free of unnecessary costs that come when you have to pay much to use a public EV charger. Even worse, some public charging stations only serve clients with subscriptions, which would involve money to attain. A portable EV charger is also way more affordable compared to charging at public stations.
FAQ About Portable EV Chargers
1) Do I need an EV charging device?
You may not need it, especially because you may be able to connect electricity to your car through the portable charging equipment that came with your EV when you bought it.
2) Are all portable EV chargers the same?
Portable EV chargers are devices used to connect electricity to your car from the power supply. This is what makes them similar. However, their difference comes in when charging capability is considered. Others tend to charge faster while others are very slow.
3) What’s the main difference between level 2 and level 3 EV chargers?
Level 2 chargers are generally preferred by many EV owners since they are of the standard charging speed. A level 2 charger could take a whole night to complete the charging while a level 3 charger is super fast, completing the charge in a few hours.e
