As more Aussies make the switch to electric vehicles, the demand for flexible charging options is kicking into high gear. Sure, home wallboxes are great—if you always charge in the same spot. But what if you’re on the move, visiting family, or just want a bit of insurance for a road trip? That’s where portable EV chargers come in.
While some carmakers provide a portable EV charger with a new electric car, many do not. Knowing which one suits your purpose can be tricky to navigate, so in this guide we’ll break down what portable EV chargers are and how they differ from hardwired chargers. We’ll also look at the pros and cons, key features to keep an eye out for, pricing, and some of the top picks for 2025.
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What Is a Portable EV Charger?
A portable EV charger is exactly what it sounds like: a charging cable (otherwise known as a Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/System, or EVSE) that you can take on the road with you.
Unlike a fixed wall-mounted charger, which stays put in your garage or driveway, a portable charger plugs into a standard power outlet or dedicated socket, and can be tossed in the boot when you’re done. Many people also use them at home while they work out whether or not they need the added convenience of a hardwired home EV charger.
There are two main types:
- Level 1: These plug into a regular 10A or 15A socket. Also known as “trickly chargers,” they’re slow but can get the job done overnight if used regularly. The charge rate in kilowatts is around 1.2kW, adding around 10km an hour.
- Level 2: These use a higher amperage outlet (typically between 16A and 32A) and can deliver 7kW on single-phase power or up to 22kW if using three-phase power.
You might also come across AC and DC variants. Most portable units are AC, but there are a few DC ones out there that offer faster charging if you really need the speed. These can be handy when travelling long distances with an EV that has a maximum AC charge rate of 11kW or less.
By plugging into a three-phase socket and converting the power to DC, a portable DC charger can allow an EV to utilise the higher DC charge rate and get back onto the road sooner. However, they are larger, heavier and far pricier—typically in the range of $5,000-15,000.
Pros & Cons of a Portable EV Charger
There are several very good reasons for adding a portable charger to your EV arsenal.
- Flexibility: You can literally charge anywhere there’s a power socket—at home, at a mate’s place, or even at a caravan park (as long as you’ve checked you have permission!).
- Backup power: It’s always handy to have a portable EV charger on hand for those times that a DC fast charger is out of action, or for trips where public DC chargers are scarce.
- Cost savings: Public AC chargers usually offer cheaper electricity rates, allowing you to avoid the steep rates of some public charging stations.
- Solar-friendly: If you’ve got rooftop solar at home and the ability to schedule charging, you can pair a portable charger with your system and essentially charge for free. However, if you want a charger to use only solar energy for your EV, you’re might need to look at a hardwired wall charger that can hook into your inverter.
When using a portable EV charger, there are also some trade-offs.
- Slower charging: Charging only from a 10A power outlet is extremely slow. If your EV’s State of Charge (SoC) is low, it can take up two days to replenish the battery.
- Socket compatibility: If you want to access faster charging at home using a portable EV charger, you may need to have an additional power outlet installed, and will need a plug (also known as a ‘tail’) for your cable to match.
- Weather risks: Not all units are built for wet outdoor conditions.Read on for more info on what waterproof ratings to consider when buying a portable charger.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping around for a portable EV cable, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Power Output: How far do you drive each day typically, and how long do you have to charger car at home – or on a road trip? For example, if your daily commute is 80km there and back, and you can charge for 8 hours regularly overnight, a 10A cable will be fine. However, if you want quicker top-ups, look for 7kW or 22kW options.
- Plug Type: If using a 10A cable, a normal plug will suffice. However, if you need to charge faster, make sure the portable charger comes with a plug to match, eg a 15A tail for 3kW charging, or a 32A three-phase plug for 22kW charging.
- Weatherproofing: IP (ingress protection) ratings matter, especially if you’ll be charging in an exposed area. The second number in an IP rating refers to its ability to protect from water ingress. For example, IP55 and IP65 protect against low pressure water jets, and IP66 protects against high pressure water jets. For more info, see the IP ratings guide developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
- Length of the cable: Consider where the port on your car is, and if charging at home, where the power outlet you will use is located. If using public AC chargers, how do you prefer to park (nose in or out?) Street (pole) chargers can also be tricky depending on where your car’s port is. Typically, a 5m cable will do the trick but a 7m or 10m cable might be better for certain situations.
- Smart features: Some chargers have LED displays to view stats like temperature, time charged and power. Others are “smarter”, and offer Bluetooth connectivity can allow you to control charging sessions via an app, or to schedule charging or adjust output current. Some can also track charger usage.
- Portability: Weight and size can vary, from 3kg up to 5kg. This typically varies based on power output, as a 22kW three-phase cable requires a lot more copper than a basic 10A cable.
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Portable EV Charger Prices in Australia
You can expect to pay anywhere from around $300 to over $2,000 depending on the specs.
Things that affect price include:
- Power output (for example, 7kW vs 22kW)
- Length of the cable (options usually range from 3m up to 10m)
- Number of tails included (for example, 10A, 15A, 32A single-phase, 20A three-phase or 32A three-phase)
- IP rating
- Brand reputation
- Smart features such as those mentioned above
For example:
- A basic Level 1 charger might set you back $250-$500.
- A decent Level 2 charger with smart features could be around $800-$1,200.
- High-end units with premium build and advanced tech? Closer to $2,000.
Best Portable EV Chargers in Australia (2025)
Here are a few popular picks from reputable companies getting good reviews:
Mini Portable Type 2 EV Charger | 10 Amp Plug – EVSE Australia
- Price: From $280
- Charge Rate: 1.8 kW
- Main Features: Compact and lightweight with a 5-metre Type 2 cable and LED charge indicators, ideal for emergency or occasional use.
- Smart Features: None.
Type 2 Portable EV Charger | 15 Amp Plug | Smart – EVSE Australia
- Price: From $499
- Charge Rate: Single-phase charging up to 3.6 kW
- Main Features: LED display showing temperature, time, power, and status; premium lightweight 5-metre cable; compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles including Audi, BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Jaguar, KIA, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more.
- Smart Features: Bluetooth connectivity with the EVSE Master app enables remote control and monitoring of charging sessions.
Portable Charging Cable | GPO to Type 2 | 10A | 5m – JET Charge
- Price: $550
- Charge Rate: 2.2 kW
- Main Features: Designed for slow overnight charging via a 10 A household socket with a 5-metre cable and soft carry case.
- Smart Features: None.
Tesla Mobile Connector – Tesla
- Price: $550
- Charge Rate: Up to 2.3 kW with the standard 10 A household adapter (approximately 10 km of range per hour of charge); up to 3.7 kW with a 15 A adapter (approximately 15 km of range per hour).
- Main Features: Includes a 6-metre cable, standard household outlet adapter, and a storage bag; compatible with all Tesla models; additional adapters available for various outlet types.
- Smart Features: Can be controlled via the Tesla app (Tesla vehicles only).
KWIK Portable Type 2 Charger | 32 Amp | 7 kW – EVSE Australia
- Price: From $795
- Charge Rate: 7 kW (approx. 40 km/hour)
- Main Features: Single-phase unit with adjustable output from 8 A to 32 A, a 5-metre cable, and built-in safety protection. Multi-plug options available.
- Smart Features: None.
Adjustable Portable EV Charger | 32A – EV Powerhouse
- Price: $799
- Charge Rate: Single-phase charging up to 7.2 kW
- Main Features: Adjustable current settings (10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 24 A, 32 A); 5-metre cable; IP66-rated for water and dust resistance; LCD screen displaying real-time charging information.
- Smart Features: LCD screen provides real-time charging data; adjustable current settings allow for customised charging speeds.
GIGER Portable Three Phase EV Charger – EVolution Australia
- Price: From $1,249
- Charge Rate: Up to 22 kW (adjustable 6–32 A, 1- or 3-phase)
- Main Features: Works with single and three-phase power, includes a 5-metre Type 2 cable, live status screen, and protective safety features. 32A option available.
- Smart Features: Includes a smart LCD for live tracking, delayed start timer, and automatic restart on power failure.
Safety Tips
Using a portable charger is generally safe, but a few common-sense rules go a long way:
- Don’t overload the socket. Know your amp limits.
- Avoid charging in wet conditions unless your unit is properly rated.
- Use a dedicated circuit where possible.
- If you absolutely need to use an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy duty cable rated above the amperage you want to charge at. Also consider using a portable circuit breaker with appropriate IP rating.
- Keep an eye on the cord—damage to the cable or overheating means it’s time for a replacement.
FAQs
Is there a portable charger for electric cars?
Yes—many, in fact. They range from slow Level 1 models to more powerful Level 2 units. At the lower end of the market, portable EV chargers add 10km range per hour, while 22kW EV chargers can add 150km range an hour.
Can you charge an EV with a portable generator?
Technically yes, but it’s not always straightforward. Firstly, you’ll need a generator that provides ample power output. And, for some EVs, you’ll need a generator that delivers pure sine wave output to avoid damage to the battery. It’s far better to be prepared with a multi-plug portable EV charger than risk damaging your EV battery on a road trip.
What’s the best portable EV charger in Australia?
This really depends on your needs. For a basic 10A cable, EVSE’s Mini Portable is a good budget option. EV Powerhouse’s adjustable 13kW charger is a lightweight 2kg but pricier option. If you’re heading out on a long distance road trip across Australia, the KWIK charger with adaptable tails covers all situations.
Final Thoughts
A portable EV charger might not be the flashiest bit of gear, but it can make your EV ownership a whole lot easier. Making sure you get the right one is also important, and can make the difference between a smooth or a horror road trip. Whether you’re after a travel companion, a solar-friendly solution, or just a solid backup, there’s something out there to suit.
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