Best Portable EV Chargers: Charge Anywhere

Not everyone can—or wants to—install a permanent wall charger. Maybe you rent, maybe you travel frequently, or maybe you just want flexibility. That's where portable EV chargers shine.

A good portable charger gives you Level 2 speeds anywhere you can find a 240V outlet. Here are our top picks.

Best Portable EV Chargers

The Lectron V-BOX is our top pick for most people. It delivers full Level 2 speed (40A continuous), works with multiple outlet types, and the adjustable amperage means it works on different circuits. The 25-foot cable is generous, and it comes with a carrying bag.

The Grizzl-E Duo is the Swiss Army knife of portable chargers. It works with standard 120V outlets AND 240V outlets, automatically detecting which you've plugged into. Perfect if you need both Level 1 (at a friend's house) and Level 2 (at home) from one device.

The ChargePoint Home Flex isn't marketed as a portable charger, but with a NEMA 14-50 plug option, it absolutely works as one. You get all the smart features—app control, scheduling, energy tracking—in a unit you can unplug and take with you.

If budget is the priority, the Lectron Portable Level 2 delivers solid performance at half the price of premium options. 32 amps gives you about 25 miles of range per hour—plenty for overnight charging.

Comparison Table

Who Needs a Portable Charger?

Renters

Can't install a permanent charger? A portable Level 2 charger plus a NEMA 14-50 outlet (which can be removed when you leave) is the perfect solution.

Frequent Travelers

Staying at Airbnbs, visiting family, or RV camping? Bring your charger and plug in wherever there's a 240V outlet.

Multi-Location Owners

Have a cabin, vacation home, or second property? One portable charger works everywhere instead of buying multiple wall units.

New EV Owners

Not sure if you need a permanent installation? Start with a portable charger and upgrade later if you want.

Outlets You'll Encounter

Not all 240V outlets are the same. Here's what you'll find:

| Outlet | Amps | Where Found | |--------|------|-------------| | NEMA 14-50 | 50A | RV parks, newer homes, dryer outlets | | NEMA 6-50 | 50A | Welders, workshops | | NEMA 14-30 | 30A | Older dryer outlets | | NEMA 6-20 | 20A | Some garages, workshops | | NEMA TT-30 | 30A | RV parks |

Installation: The 14-50 Outlet

Even for portable chargers, you'll want a dedicated outlet installed. A NEMA 14-50 outlet is the standard:

DIY cost: $50-100 (if you're comfortable with electrical) Professional installation: $200-500

The outlet stays when you move (it's standard), and you can use any portable charger with it. If you later decide to hardwire a permanent charger, the circuit is already there.

Portable vs. Permanent: Which Is Right?

| Factor | Portable | Permanent | |--------|----------|-----------| | Cost | $200-550 | $500-800 installed | | Flexibility | Take it anywhere | Fixed location | | Appearance | Cable management harder | Clean, mounted look | | Speed | Up to 40A (usually) | Up to 48A | | Smart features | Some models | Most models | | Resale | Take it with you | Adds home value |

Our take: Start with a portable if you're unsure. You can always upgrade to a permanent wall unit later and keep the portable as a travel backup.

Charging on the Road: Tips

Taking your portable charger on a trip? Here's how to find outlets:

RV Parks

Most have 50A (NEMA 14-50) and 30A (TT-30) outlets available. Some charge a small fee, others are free with any purchase (like campgrounds with stores).

Airbnb/VRBO

Message hosts before booking—many have 240V outlets in garages. Ask if you can plug in overnight.

Friends & Family

Many homes have unused 240V dryer or workshop outlets. Just confirm amperage before plugging in.

Hotels

Call ahead. Some have outlets in parking garages for EV guests, even if not advertised.

PlugShare

The PlugShare app shows not just public chargers, but also shared residential outlets from EV owners willing to let you plug in.

Our Recommendation

Best for most people: Lectron V-BOX 48 Amp — best balance of price, power, and features.

If you need 120V too: Grizzl-E Duo — ultimate flexibility.

If you want smart features: ChargePoint Home Flex — app scheduling and monitoring.

If budget is tight: Lectron Portable Level 2 — gets the job done at half the price.

See Our Top Pick on Amazon

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