Portable EV Chargers: Are They Worth It for UK EV Drivers?

What Can a Portable EV Charger Plug Into?

Depending on the model, portable EV chargers can be used with several different power sources:

• Standard UK 13A three-pin sockets: the most common option for emergency or occasional charging.
• 16A or 32A Commando sockets: often found at campsites, workshops, farms, and some commercial premises.
• Specialist industrial sockets: available with certain higher-powered portable chargers.

The socket type largely determines how quickly your vehicle will charge, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Portable EV Charger vs Standard Charging Cable

Our clients often ask what the difference is between a portable EV charger and a standard type 2 charging cable you see with camping RVs.

A standard Type 2 charging cable is just a cable. It doesn’t contain any charging electronics or safety features because these are already built into the charging station itself. Its job is simply to connect your vehicle to a home wallbox or public charge point.

Think of it this way: a portable EV charger is a mini charging station that you can carry with you, whereas a standard charging cable is just the link between your car and an existing charger.

So, how long does it take to charge an EV with a portable charger? That’s the million pound question when you’re stuck somewhere without a dedicated smart EV charger installed.

The honest answer is that it depends on three things:

1. The type of portable charger you’re using
2. The power available from the socket
3. The size of your vehicle’s battery.

Portable EV chargers are significantly slower than dedicated home wall chargers, which is why we only recommend them for emergencies rather than everyday use.

Charging from a Standard UK 3-Pin Plug

Most portable EV chargers are designed to plug into a standard UK 13A three-pin plug. The same ones as all over your house.

These chargers deliver around 2.3kW of power, adding about 8 to 10 miles of range per hour of charging. While that’s considerably slower than a dedicated home charger, it’s really all you need to cover a short journey to a dedicated EV charging station.

It is important to remember here that charging from a standard socket places a sustained load on your home’s electrical system. So we never recommend using portable chargers as your primary charging method.

If you’re looking for a safe, convenient home EV charger, use our free online tool to get a quick quote today.

Charging from a Commando Socket

Some of the best portable EV chargers can be connected to 16A or 32A Commando sockets using the right adapters.

These are the industrial-style sockets you’ll find at:

• Campsites and caravan parks
• Farms and rural properties
• Workshops and commercial premises
• Some larger holiday accommodation

Charging speeds are higher for these, ranging from 3.6kW up to 7.4kW. At 7.4kW, charging speeds are similar to home wall chargers, so they’re a great option if you do a lot of camping.

Typical Portable EV Charging Times

We have to stress that these are just approximate charging times, but they give you an idea of what to expect with different portable chargers.

A portable EV charger can provide a valuable top-up when you need it, but if you’re regularly charging at home, a dedicated home EV charger offers a much faster and more convenient experience all round.

Staying in Holiday Accommodation

Dedicated EV chargers are becoming common in Airbnbs and hotels, but plenty still don’t have dedicated charging facilities, especially the more rural locations.

If you’re staying somewhere remote, a portable EV charger gives you peace of mind you won’t get stranded. And no one wants to spend their holiday driving around local towns looking for an EV charging station.

Before charging though, always check with the property owner that EV charging is allowed and that the electrical installation is suitable.

Temporary Living Arrangements

Not everyone has the benefit of a home EV charger. Portable EV chargers can also be helpful if you’re:

• Renting a property temporarily
• Waiting for a home charger installation
• Renovating or moving house
• Living somewhere where a permanent charger can’t currently be installed

Rather than relying entirely on public charging, a portable charger will help bridge the gap until you can get a more permanent charging solution.

Portable EV chargers are safe to use when they’re used correctly and connected to a suitable electrical supply.

The best portable EV chargers have built-in safety features designed to protect both your vehicle and your home from surges. However, because portable chargers are plugged into standard domestic sockets, it’s important to understand their limitations.

Is It Safe to Charge an EV from a 3-Pin Plug?

Charging an electric car from a standard UK three-pin socket is generally considered safe for occasional or emergency use, provided that:

• The socket is in good condition.
• The wiring has been properly installed and maintained.
• The charger is plugged directly into the wall socket (no extension leads).
• The circuit isn’t already heavily loaded.

What you should avoid is relying on a three-pin socket as your primary charging method for months or years. Charging an EV places a continuous high load on the electrical circuit for many hours, which can expose problems with older wiring or worn sockets.

If you’re planning to charge regularly at home, a dedicated EV charger is always the safer and more practical option. It gives you peace of mind your home is protected, and charges far faster than a portable EV charger can.

Essential Safety Features to Look For in a Portable EV Charger

Not all portable EV chargers are created equal or even regulated. When comparing models, look for chargers that include the following protections:

• RCD (Residual Current Device) protection to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Overcurrent protection to prevent excessive electrical load.
• Overvoltage and undervoltage protection to safeguard your vehicle.
• Over-temperature protection to detect overheating and stop charging if necessary.
• IP-rated weather protection (ideally IP65 or higher) for outdoor use.
• CE or UKCA certification showing compliance with relevant safety standards.

Buying a low-cost charger from an unknown manufacturer might save you some money upfront, but safety should always be the priority as a long-term investment.

Check Your Vehicle’s Connector Type

The vast majority of electric cars sold in the UK use a Type 2 connector, including models from Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, MG, and Nissan’s newer EVs.

However, some older electric vehicles use a Type 1 connector, so it’s always worth checking your vehicle specification before ordering.

Consider Charging Speed

Portable electric car chargers come with different power outputs:

• 10A chargers are typically designed for standard domestic sockets and provide slower charging.
• 16A chargers can offer faster charging when connected to suitable industrial sockets.
• 32A chargers provide the fastest portable charging speeds, often delivering up to 7.4kW when used with compatible power supplies.

If you’ll mainly be using the charger for emergencies, a standard three-pin model is sufficient.

Look for Adjustable Charging Current

Some of the best portable EV chargers allow you to adjust the charging current manually. This can be particularly useful if you’re charging at campsites or anywhere where the electrical supply is limited.

For example, you may be able to reduce the charging current from 13A to 10A or 8A to avoid overloading the circuit.

Don’t Overlook Cable Length

Many portable EV chargers come with a 5-metre EV charging cable as standard, but we recommend getting a 7+ metre cable for better flexibility. The most frustrating thing is finding out your portable charger doesn’t reach from your car to the nearest socket.

Check the Weatherproof Rating

If you’ll be charging outdoors, choose a charger with a suitable weatherproof rating.

We always suggest looking for an IP65 or IP66 rating, which indicates that the charger is protected against dust and water ingress.

Although most portable EV chargers are designed for outdoor use, it’s still important to keep connectors clean, dry, and off the ground wherever possible for added safety.

Below are some of the most popular portable EV chargers currently available to UK drivers.

*Actual charging speed will depend on your vehicle’s onboard charger and available power supply.

A portable EV charger gives you flexibility when you’re away from home and provides a useful emergency backup, but they do have their limitations. Charging from a standard three-pin socket is relatively slow, and frequent use isn’t ideal for most households.

While they’re useful in an emergency, they can’t be a dedicated home charging station.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. Experienced EV owners use a home charger for day-to-day charging while keeping a portable charger in the car for those unexpected emergencies where a little extra range makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure which charging setup is right for your home, our friendly team at Pro EV can help. From expert advice to professional installation, we’ll help you find a charging solution that suits both your vehicle and your lifestyle.