We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
Buying Guide: Portable Electric Car Charger
With the rise of electric cars, a new era has begun. From Mercedes Benz EQR to Jaguar I-Pace, almost all vehicles are redefining what it means to be green and sustainable. Compared to the traditional gasoline-powered car, electric cars don’t produce emissions. Instead, they reduce your carbon footprint and require minimal maintenance. While electric cars are great for the environment, they’re not so great when you run out of juice in the middle of a long road trip or have nowhere to plug in and charge the battery. That’s where portable electric car chargers come in.These devices allow you to recharge your battery anywhere, anytime, so you never have to worry about finding an outlet at a rest stop. But not all of them are created equal. To help you out, we’ve reviewed some top-of-the-line portable electric car chargers of 2023 that’ll provide maximum convenience while you’re out on an adventure.
MUSTART Portable Electric Car Charger
Best Overall
SHELL Portable Electric Car Charger
High-End Pick
Generic Portable Electric Car Charger
Fast Charging
Schumacher Portable Electric Car Charger
Most Compact
Morec Portable Electric Car Charger
Most Durable
Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Electric Car Charger
Brand reputation
Always choose a product from premium brands that have the seal of approval from renowned automakers. Purchasing from a reputable manufacturer will guarantee that you have easy access to any upcoming upgrades and replacement components.Position and length of the cord
Consider where you will park your electric vehicle before purchasing a portable electric car charger. You should measure the distance from where you’ll mount the portable electric charger to the charging port located on your car. Always make sure that the cord can reach its intended spot. Cables are typically 15 to 25 feet long.Plug type
Check the type of plug that came with your electric car to know which type of charger will go with it. Type 2 socket-equipped portable electric car chargers are generally the ideal option for public areas like parking lots or hotels. Type 1 chargers are better suited for indoor use.Amperage limit
Experts advise you to get a portable electric car charger that has a minimum 30 amp capacity. Your electric car will have enough power from that amount to cover 30 miles in over an hour. But keep in mind that you need a 40-amp circuit breaker for a 30-amp portable electric car charger.Power source
Another thing to think about is how your portable electric car charger links to the power source. While installing a hardwired charger is more difficult, these chargers are rather inexpensive. They are more secure and difficult to steal if installed outside.A soft wired portable electric car charger is simple to install because it gives you a suitable power outlet into which you can plug your charger. It could be a little more expensive and lacks the hardwired model’s additional protection.Features to Look for in a Portable Electric Car Charger
Safety approval
There are only a small number of small start-up businesses manufacturing portable electric car chargers because the electric vehicle charging sector is still fairly new. Some of these businesses haven’t invested the time or money to have their product safety certified by a recognized testing organization.We recommend checking the safety certification and approvals of these devices because they will be supplying a significant amount of electricity to your automobile on a daily basis for many hours. If a portable electric car charger has not received safety certification, it raises some doubts, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate it’s unsafe.Warranty
A portable electric car charger is a huge investment, so it’s important to get a charger that comes with a guarantee of at least one year to safeguard your purchase.Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility
While not all chargers come with these features, it’s quite useful to monitor your car’s battery via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Some portable electric car chargers include real-time monitoring features as well as the ability to change the required amperage levels.Plus, you can top off your car cheaply to guarantee you never go over using automated scheduling features if you live in an urban area or have extremely costly time-of-use electricity rates. Long-term financial savings are possible if you’re ready to spend a little bit more on your portable electric car charger.Protection from electric shocks
When purchasing electrical devices, protection is something you should never overlook, and portable electric car chargers are no different. A decent portable electric car charger should include safety features to safeguard you from the risk of electric shock while protecting the car from harm.Extra features and accessories
We recommend buying a portable electric car charger with access control if your parking lot is widely accessible to the public. This way we can manage who can use your charger with this extra feature.What Are the Benefits of Portable Electric Car Chargers?
Cheaper and portable
Portable electric car chargers, which are effectively power banks on wheels, are targeted toward drivers who worry about distance anxiety and the 65 percent of urban dwellers who don’t have authorized off-street parking. It’s also less expensive than paying at public charging stations.Convenience
A portable electric car charger allows you to control charging times without needing to rely on public charging infrastructure. This puts an end to the several days and lost hours spent standing in lines at EV charging stations. Just connect the portable electric car charger and you’re good to go.Normal vs. Smart Portable Electric Car Chargers
Numerous apps come with smart portable electric car chargers. Some allow you to easily review each charging session. You can also keep an eye on the charging process in real-time and stop or resume it as necessary. If this is insufficient, you can plan your charging time and set a reminder to plug in.A normal charger, on the other hand, has only one function, which is to charge your electric car. The majority of portable electric car charger owners are fine with this simple functionality. When the battery is charged, the portable electric charger will turn off immediately.MUSTART Portable Electric Car Charger
Best Overall
The MUSTART Portable Electric Car Charger is a powerful and reliable way to charge your electric vehicle. Boasting an aerodynamic design, this electric car charger comes equipped with an upgraded intelligence chip, allowing you to charge quickly and efficiently. With an IP67 waterproof design, this car charger can withstand any weather conditions — so whether it’s hot or cold outside, it keeps your battery charged up.It also comes with a 25-foot long cable, so you can charge your car anywhere there’s an outlet. With its overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheat protection, this portable electric car charger prevents short circuits and preserves battery life by automatically shutting down if it’s overheating or overloading. This high-performance electric car charger features a compact design which makes it easy to store, carry, and use anywhere you go. Thanks to all these amazing features, this portable electric car charger is our best overall choice.
Pros
- Sturdy, waterproof construction
- HD LCD screen tells battery status
- Compatible with most electric cars
Cons
- The cable is not very flexible
SHELL Portable Electric Car Charger
High-End Pick
With five times faster-charging power, the SHELL Portable Electric Car Charger can get your car up and running in no time. The extra long cable allows you to reach any vehicle in need of a charge. It comes with an adjustable current mode and timer feature for optimal performance. This portable electric car charger features two modes: an auto mode that maximizes current output for fast charging and a manual mode, which optimizes the current for superior battery protection.This charger is versatile in terms of vehicle compatibility — from Tesla to Hyundai, you can use it for every type of car. Designed with safety in mind, this portable electric car charger features an auto-cutoff system, overheating, over-voltage, over-current, and leakage protection with high flame retardant strength so you won’t have to worry about anything while charging. This product comes with a convenient carrying case, making it easy to store and carry when not in use.
Pros
- Waterproof material for maximum durability
- Multi-protection safety system
- Timer feature for scheduled charging
- Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed charger
Cons
- Requires additional adapter for the charging port
Generic Portable Electric Car Charger
Fast Charging
The Generic Portable Electric Car Charger is the perfect companion for your road trip. Unlike other chargers that take hours to recharge, this portable electric car charger can charge your car three times faster and within 30 minutes. With a 25-foot long charging cord, you can plug in from anywhere on the road and get back on your way. This portable electric car charger offers exceptional compatibility with different EV cars. Plus, it comes with a 110-volt standard outlet adapter for level 1 charging, so there’s no need to run out and buy one separately. Thanks to its two-year warranty, you don’t have to worry about running into issues with this charger.
Pros
- Suitable for electric and plug-in hybrids
- Provides reliable and fast charging
- Comes with a sturdy carrying case
Cons
- Doesn’t come with safety features
Schumacher Portable Electric Car Charger
Most Compact
The Schumacher Portable Electric Car Charger is a must-have for any modern driver. It offers 16 amp power delivery for optimally charging your car battery. With a universal connector and 28-foot long cord, this charger works with all electric vehicle battery types, including Tesla and Nissan Leaf.This portable electric car charger features an LED indicator to let you know when your battery is fully charged. It also has superior overcurrent and overvoltage protection, so you never have to worry about frying your car’s battery. The ergonomic design allows for easy handling and the rubber gasket keeps it from slipping out of your hands while keeping the dirt and water at bay. What we love the most about this electric car charger is its low-profile design that fits neatly in compact spaces.
Pros
- Three times faster battery charging ability
- Comes with an adapter to use anywhere
- Industry-leading, extra-long charging cable
Cons
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection
Morec Portable Electric Car Charger
Most Durable
The Morec Portable Electric Car Charger is the perfect accessory for high-tech drivers who want to keep their electric cars running in top condition. This electric car charger is designed with a 24.6-foot long cord and an LCD monitor to make charging your electric car easy. It’s housed in a sturdy acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic casing, which makes it durable and weather-resistant. It also has an alloy component that ensures high-quality performance even after years of use.This portable electric charger is compatible with most electric cars, so you can rest assured that your electric car will always be ready to go when you need it. It also features intelligence chip technology, which monitors your battery health and helps protect your battery from overcharging and overheating. With its water locking design, you don’t have to worry about water damage when you’re on the go!
Pros
- Safe, ergonomic design
- Waterproof, rust-resistant casing
- Ready-to-plug design for convenience
Cons
- Power cord is shorter than others
People Also Asked
Can I keep my electric car plugged in for the whole night?
Yes, there’s no problem with leaving your car to charge overnight because almost all the chargers have an auto shut-off feature to prevent overcharging.
Will the cold weather have an impact on my electric car’s battery capacity and charging speed?
Sadly, yes. Cold temperatures can cause both noticeably longer charging times and considerable reductions in your total driving range.
Does a portable electric car charger affect my car’s battery life?
An electric car’s battery is comparable to a smartphone’s battery. Over time, it loses effectiveness and its ability to store power is likewise decreased by continuous use and charging.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
