Are Portable EV Chargers Worth It?

For a lot of drivers, yes. A portable Level 2 charger plugs into a 240V outlet, adds the same ~25 miles of range per hour as a comparable wall unit, costs less, and moves with you when you travel or move house. The main things you give up are a permanent fixture and, usually, the very fastest 48-amp speeds.

What you gain

• Lower cost. Portables are simpler devices and usually cheaper than mounted units.
• Flexibility. It comes with you — to a new home, a vacation rental, a friend's 240V outlet. That is the whole case in portable-first charging for renters.
• No hardwiring. If you already have a suitable outlet, you plug in and go.

What you give up

Plug-in portables are generally capped around 40 amps, so if you specifically need 48-amp (11.5 kW) charging you want a hardwired unit — see portable vs hardwired. A portable also is not a permanent, always-docked fixture, though a holster gives it a home. For the vast majority of drivers, 40 amps overnight is plenty.

Who should buy one

Renters, frequent movers, travelers, two-home owners, and anyone who wants to spend less without giving up real Level 2 speed. If that is you, start with the best portable chargers roundup. If you own your home, never move, and want the fastest possible charge with a fixture on the wall, a hardwired unit may suit you better — but do not assume it without reading the comparison.