Charge Anywhere: 6 Best Portable EV Chargers for Ultimate Convenience

Home Charge Anywhere: 6 Best Portable EV Chargers for Ultimate Convenience
09/11/2023
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While it’s true that charging stations can juice up your car quicker, they’re not always around when you need them the most. That’s where portable electric car chargers come into play. They let you charge up your ride no matter where you are, even if the nearest plug-in spot is miles away. These aren’t like the chargers you have parked in your garage. They’ve got a hefty battery pack that you can fill up at home with a regular old 120-volt plug. This whole setup is compact enough to toss in your trunk and can give you about 20 to 50 miles of drive time before the charger’s juice runs out. And using them is a snap—just plug in your car like you do at home.

best portable ev charger

Why are Level 2 Chargers the Best Portable EV Chargers?

Level 2 chargers hit the sweet spot for on-the-go EV charging. Why’s that? Well, they slash charging times down to a manageable 4-6 hours, compared to a lengthy 20 hours with a Level 1 charger. That’s super handy for those times you’re out and about. Imagine grabbing a bite or hitting the trails for a quick hike, and coming back to a car that’s pretty much charged up.

These aren’t just fast chargers; they’re also super easy to bring along with lightweight. Their compact design means you can toss one in the back of your car, making them the perfect road trip buddy. With the quick charging they offer, you can chill and enjoy your road adventures without worrying about where you’ll juice up your car next.

Charger LevelApprox. Miles of Range per HourPortabilityIdeal Use Case
Level 14-5HighOvernight/Home Charging
Level 220-25HighDaily Use/Extended Trips
Level 3100-200LowCommercial Sites/Public Stations

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable EV Charger

Charging speed and efficiency

When you’re in the market for a portable EV charger, getting your head around charging time and how much juice you actually get is super important. These aren’t just fancy terms; they’re the real deal when it comes to performance. If you grab a charger that’s rated at 7kW instead of the usual 3.5kW, you’re looking at slicing your charging time in half. Now, let’s talk about not wasting energy. If a charger is 95% efficient, you’re losing less energy than the one that’s only 90% efficient. This means you’re actually getting more bang for your buck because more of the electricity you’re paying for is going straight into your car, making your charges quicker and your wallet happier over time.

Compatibility with various EV models

When you’re picking out a portable charger for your fleet of electric vehicles, it’s key to make sure it fits with the types of EVs you’re using. Find out whether your EVs can handle fast, Level 3 charging and what kind of plug they need; it could be CHAdeMO or CCS. Remember, some rides like Tesla models use a totally different plug, so check if you’ll need an adapter. Here is a post for you to learn about the cables and plugs of EVs, click here to learn more!

Safety features

Safety features are of utmost importance when using a portable charger for electric vehicles. Portable EV chargers equipped with safety measures like an emergency stop function ensure the protection of both you and your EV’s battery during the charging process.

Use Friendly

Navigating the ins and outs of EV charging gear can be a headache. Picking a charger that’s a breeze to operate can really enhance the whole portable level charging game. Having a charger that also has indicator lights is helpful. Knowing when the charger is connected and correctly charging is important when out in the field.

Beny stepped up with their Beny Portable EV Charger, nailing all these points. They crafted the portable EV charger to be the perfect travel buddy: it’s compact enough to tuck into any car, light enough to carry without breaking a sweat, and flexible to meet the unique needs of your EV.

This charger is the epitome of plug-and-play with its straightforward design. It’s got a no-fuss, single-button operation to start or stop charging, paired with easy-to-read lights that cue you in on whether it’s ready to roll or actively charging. And if things go sideways, there’s an emergency stop button right on top. The Beny is ready to power up pretty much any electric ride that’s geared for Level 2 fast charging, CCS and CHAdeMO included.

Beny is all in on green vibes. Their Portable EV Charger is totally free from gas and diesel – because choosing to charge up shouldn’t have to be a compromise on your eco-credentials. These chargers go off-the-grid, meaning they are not attached to traditional infrastructure during charging.

In the hunt for the ultimate portable EV car charger, these are the kind of perks to keep your eyes peeled for. Dive into the details, stack them up against each other, and you’ll snag a portable EV car charger that ticks all your boxes – making the EV life a smoother ride for your business. With innovators like Beny on the scene, charging on the move is getting a serious upgrade, making it a cinch for consumers and businesses to keep their EVs powered up and ready to roll.

Top 6 Portable EV Chargers: A Detailed Review

Beny Portable EV Charger

best portable ev charger

The Beny Portable EV Charger is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mobile charging option, compatible with all veichles including Ford, Hyundai, Nissan EV owners and so on. It’s built waterproofing and tough with an IP66 rating – that’s a notch higher than the usual IP54 that most others offer, making it great for both inside use and braving the outdoors. You can tweak the charging current from a low 6A all the way up to a hefty 40A, so it’s versatile enough to power a broad range of electric cars, regardless of their charging specs.

Plus, this charger is smart. It knows when to cut off the juice once your car’s battery is with full charge, preventing any chance of overcharging. This isn’t just good for today—it helps your car’s battery life last longer, giving you one less thing to worry about.

What’s more, its plug-and-play setup means you don’t need to mess with any complicated installation. So whether you’re at a buddy’s place or out in the sticks, you can charge up your EV without any fuss.

All in all, the Beny Portable EV Charger is a must-have for EV owners who value not just getting a charge, but also the flexibility and assurance to go wherever the road takes them.

Beny Portable + Wall-mounted 2 in 1 EV Charger

The Beny Portable Wall Mount 2-in-1 EV Charger stands out with its dual-mode operation. It can be mounted on the wall for regular use and detached for portable convenience. Its 22kW fast-charging capability significantly reduces charging time compared to the standard 7.4kW, a feature that can be appreciated when time is of the essence. Besides, the charger’s Wireless Dynamic Load Balancing ensures efficient power distribution when multiple vehicles are charging simultaneously. It’s also solar-compatible, offering an eco-friendly and good option for charging.

With CE and UKCA certifications, it meets rigorous safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for users. Also provided with water protection function, this charger is an ideal solution for EV owners seeking both versatility and flexibility.

Beny AC EV Charger With Cable

best portable ev charger

The Beny AC EV Charger distinguishes itself with a robust IP65 rating, ensuring durability for both indoor and outdoor use. This flexibility is enhanced by its interchangeable connectors, making it universally compatible with various EV models. On top of that, its intelligent technology integrates seamlessly with a user-friendly app, offering WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring. This premium feature not only deters theft but also allows users to track charging metrics and schedule sessions during off-peak hours via Demand Load Balancing, optimizing energy use.

Moreover, Beny’s confidence in their product is evidenced by an extensive 3-year warranty, underscoring the charger’s reliability. Designed for ease of use without compromising on sophistication, the charger appeals to EV enthusiasts who prioritize functional, smart design backed by reliable performance data.

Juice Booster 2 EV Charger

The Juice Booster 2 is a robust EV charger, offering a substantial 22kW output, a standout when compared to standard home chargers, typically capping at 7 kw. Designed for durability, it outperforms many competitors in longevity, even in tough conditions. Its companion app provides intuitive real-time charging data. However, the premium performance comes at a higher cost, and its compactness may not satisfy those seeking ultra-portable solutions.

Mustart Level 2 Portable EV Charger

The Mustart Level 2 Portable EV Charger, with its 40 amperages output, significantly outpaces the typical 16A provided by Level 1 units. For example, a Level 1 charger may require 20+ hours for a 60kWh EV battery, whereas Mustart’s product can replenish the same capacity in under 4.5 hours. Its integrated surge protection ensures device and vehicle safety during voltage spikes. Note, a 240V outlet is imperative, potentially adding to the installation costs.

NEMA 14-50 Plug EV Charger

The NEMA 14-50 Plug EV Charger delivers a charging rate of 25-35 miles of range per hour, distinguishing itself with ease of installation—plugging directly into a 240V outlet without complex setup. While not as rapid as some hardwired options that can offer faster charging, its portability is a significant advantage for users who prioritize flexibility. However, for EV owners with higher range requirements, a dedicated, faster-charging solution may be more suitable.

FAQs

Do portable EV chargers require any installation?

Portable EV chargers can vary; some like the Beny Portable EV Charger do not require any installation and can be used directly from the power source for convenience. However, others may need installation by a professional electrician, especially if they require a higher power output and a dedicated circuit to handle the load safely. Always check the specifications and manufacturer guidelines before use.

Can portable EV chargers be used with any electric vehicle?

Are EV chargers universal? While many portable EV chargers are designed for broad compatibility, adherence to specific standards like SAE J1772 for U.S. vehicles ensures widespread fit, servicing a wide range of EVs. Nonetheless, some EVs, especially older models or those from specific manufacturers, may require proprietary charging equipment. It’s prudent to verify the electric vehicle’s inlet type and the charger’s connector compatibility to ensure congruity.

How do I know if a portable EV charger is compatible with my car?

To make sure a portable EV charger works with your electric cars, check your car’s manual for the onboard charger’s rate. Like, if your car’s charger is rated for 7.2 kilowatts, get a portable charger that can at least match that. Also, check the plug type; most cars in the U.S. take a J1772, but you might need a Type 2 for others. Make sure the charger fits your home’s power, like whether you have a regular 120V plug or a high-powered 240V socket. Just remember these basics to charge your EV without any hitches.

What kind of maintenance do portable EV chargers need?

Portable EV chargers are pretty low-maintenance, but to keep them in top shape, there are a few simple things you should do. First, give the charging cable a once-over every now and then for any signs of wear and tear. Make sure there’s no big jump in resistance — it shouldn’t climb by more than 0.1 ohms after a year of use. It’s also crucial to keep the connectors spotless; just a quick look for any gunk and a wipe-down is all it takes to stop charging problems that could creep up by 2-3% if you let it slide. And after you’re done charging, stash your charger somewhere cool and dry. If it gets hotter than 30°C, you’re looking at shaving off 10% of its life each year.

How long do the cables on portable EV chargers typically reach?

When you’re able to snag a spot right next to a charging station or a power socket, you might be just fine with a shorter cable length, something like 3 or 5 meters long. However, when you’re bouncing between different charging spots, it’s probably wiser to play it safe and opt for a longer cable, say 7 or 10 meters, just to cover your bases.

best portable ev charger

Conclusion

The shift to electric vehicles is happening right now. But until the US has more places to charge them up, picking up a portable charger can really change the game for EV owners.

Looking for car insurance that covers your EV and all its gear, and gives you props for driving green? You’ve gotta check out Beny Portable EV Chargers.

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