What Is a Portable Level 2 Charger? [2x Benefit]
Picture this: You’re on the road in an electric vehicle, cruising down the interstate, and suddenly the battery light suddenly pops on….
Picture this: You’re on the road in an electric vehicle, cruising down the interstate, and suddenly the battery light suddenly pops on. When you register that the closest charging station is too far, you tighten your nerves as you then recall the previous station was jam-packed with cars. You’re in the situation of having a flat battery, a long journey ahead, with nowhere to charge.
It’s a nightmare, right? That’s exactly why a portable Level 2 charger is an excellent addition to the road. Unlike the vagaries of public charging infrastructure, a portable charger provides you independent means of controlling your EV’s power on every trip.
Whether it be cross-country forays or adventure trips to friends’ houses where chargers aren’t an option, a portable Level 2 charger provides you the mobility to charge up on the quick, anywhere, at any time.
Allow me to walk you through the fundamentals of portable level 2 chargers, from what they are to their major advantages and the best tactics for maximizing their use.
Contents
- 1 What is a Portable Level 2 EV Charger?
- 2 Key Features of Portable Level 2 Chargers
- 3 Why Choose a Portable Level 2 Charger?
- 4 How to Use a Portable Level 2 EV Charger
- 5 Additional Tips for Using Portable Level 2 Chargers
- 6 Q: What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger?
- 7 Q: Can I use a portable Level 2 charger at home?
- 8 Q: How long does it take to fully charge my EV with a portable Level 2 charger?
- 9 Conclusion
What is a Portable Level 2 EV Charger?
With a 240-volt outlet, a portable Level 2 EV charger provides rapid charging of electric vehicles, exceeding the Level 1 charger’s slower charging time. These chargers are flexible because they allow for charge your vehicle around various spots, provided that a 240-volt outlet is present.
Unlike permanent home chargers that require assembly, portable Level 2 chargers allow you to move them and charge your vehicle anywhere you can find a compatible outlet.
This accessibility advantages travelers, people without stable home-charging facilities, and others in search of more efficient charging measures.
Key Features of Portable Level 2 Chargers
Portable Level 2 chargers come with several essential features that make them stand out from other charging options.
Voltage
- Requires a 240-volt outlet, which is the same type used for high-power appliances like clothes dryers.
Charging Speed
- 10-25 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle and the amperage of the charger. This is far superior to the 2-5 miles per hour provided by Level 1 chargers.
Portability
- Can be easily unplugged and carried wherever there is a compatible outlet.
Amperage
- Common EV charging station models offer amperage from 16 to 40 amps, allowing users to choose the best option for their vehicle’s needs. Higher amperage results in faster charging.
Compatibility
- Most use the SAE J1772 connector, which is compatible with most electric vehicles, including Tesla (with an adapter).
Why Choose a Portable Level 2 Charger?
As an experienced EV charger owner and installer, I can tell you that portable Level 2 chargers offer several advantages over both Level 1 chargers and traditional fixed chargers.
1. Faster Charging Times
One of the most significant benefits of a portable Level 2 charger is the speed at which it charges your vehicle. Here’s how it compares to other options:
- Level 1 Chargers: 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 2 Chargers: 10-25 miles of range per hour of charging.
For example, with a 32-amp portable Level 2 charger, you could fully charge a mid-size EV in 4-8 hours, compared to the 12-24 hours that a Level 1 charger would require.

2. Portability and Convenience
With a portable Level 2 charger, you have the freedom to:
- Charge at home using a standard 240-volt outlet.
- Charge on the go when staying at a hotel, visiting family or friends, or traveling.
- No permanent installation needed, making it a flexible solution for those who may not want to install a dedicated charging station at home.
3. Compatibility with Most EVs
A portable Level 2 charger is compatible with most electric vehicles, including brands like:
- Tesla (with an adapter).
- Nissan Leaf.
- Chevrolet Bolt.
- BMW i3, and more.
How to Use a Portable Level 2 EV Charger
Using a portable Level 2 charger is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your EV is charged properly:
Step 1: Check Your Electrical Setup
- Verify a 240-volt outlet: Portable Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet (common in most homes for dryers and ovens).
- Ensure compatibility: Double-check that the outlet can handle the amperage required by your charger. Also select a proper circuit breaker for ev charger.
Step 2: Plug in the Charger
- Connect the charger to the EV’s charging port: Plug the charging cable into your car’s charging port and the other end into the 240-volt outlet.
- Ensure proper connection: Make sure the connections are secure, and the charger indicates that it’s charging (usually with a light or sound).
Step 3: Monitor the Charging Process
- Track charging status: Many portable Level 2 chargers come with a display to show the charging status, time remaining, and amperage being used.
- Use a mobile app (if available): Some chargers for your electric car allow you to monitor progress via a smartphone app, which is ideal for remote charging.
Additional Tips for Using Portable Level 2 Chargers
1. Select the Right Amperage
- 16-40 amps: If your home’s electrical system supports it, a 40-amp charger can charge your EV faster, but some older homes may require an upgrade to support higher amperages.
2. Regular Maintenance
- Inspect for wear and tear: Periodically check the cable for cracks, cuts, or signs of wear.
- Keep it clean: Clean connectors and charging ports regularly to ensure the best performance.
3. Use Charging Apps for Convenience
- Find nearby charging stations: Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla Supercharger can help you find compatible charging outlets wherever you go.
FAQs about EV Portable Chargers
Q: What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger?
Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet, which is the slowest method of charging, adding about 2-5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can charge your vehicle at a much faster rate, adding 10-25 miles of range per hour, making them the better option for home or frequent use.
Q: Can I use a portable Level 2 charger at home?
Yes, you can. Simply plug the portable charger into any 240-volt outlet, commonly found for appliances like dryers. It’s a great solution for home charging without the need for a permanent installation.
Q: How long does it take to fully charge my EV with a portable Level 2 charger?
Charging times vary depending on the size of your EV’s battery and the amperage of the charger. On average, a 32-amp portable Level 2 charger can fully charge an EV in 4-8 hours.
Conclusion
Portable Level 2 chargers provide EV owners with a quick, easy-to-use, and flexible charging solution that is usable both at home and on the road. As long as quick charges are important to you or you can charge your EV anywhere, a portable Level 2 charger offers some useful bonuses.
Equipped with a basic knowledge of portable Level 2 chargers and what they are capable of, you will be well-prepared to cap off your electric vehicle experience the way you want. Work experience in the EV charging industry for a decade gives me pleasure in recommending that if one wants to increase the rate of charging and experience the convenience of charging by any means, then a portable ev charger is the best.