Choosing the Best Portable Electric Car Charger for Travel: Models Support Standard J1772 and NACS Connectors

The Verdict, and the Basis for It

The Level 1 J1772 Portable EV Charger is the best Portable EV Charger for road trips because it includes a 25 FT cable and a J1772 connector for universal compatibility.

Finding a portable charger that works across different vehicle makes and power outlets can be frustrating, often leading to a “will it fit” gamble before you head out. You risk being stranded or limited to slow charging speeds if the hardware doesn’t match your specific vehicle’s port or your destination’s available power.

The Level 1 J1772 Portable EV Charger solves this by providing a dedicated J1772 connector and a 25 FT cable for versatile use. You should choose the AplysiaTech Level 1 EV Charger if you need a strictly budget-friendly 110V option, or opt for the PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger if you require advanced data tracking and a higher 3.84kw/hour charging rate.

At Car Forum World we evaluated the electric vehicle charger options we track against this topic’s criteria. The selected models range from $109.36 to $349, with the median price of the 10 products in our comparison being $139.98.

Full Comparison Table

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.

Each Pick, Reviewed

The 3 picks below run from $109.36 to $349, reviewed in rank order.

EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger

The EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger made this list because it offers a versatile J1772 connection and an IP66 protection rating, making it a highly-rated choice for users who need a portable unit capable of handling different power inputs.

What we like: This charger supports both 110V and 240V inputs and features a 25 ft cable. It holds a 4.2 rating from 219 ratings and includes an LED display for charging status and error indications.

Keep in mind: This unit requires a SAE J1772 adapter for Tesla owners. It is limited to 16 amps, which may be slower than a hardwired station for those needing rapid daily charging.

Portable Level 1 EV Charger

The Portable Level 1 EV Charger by AplysiaTech is our budget-friendly entry-level selection, providing a straightforward solution for those who only need to charge from a standard household outlet.

What we like: This model is priced at $109.36 and provides 15 amps of power. It is designed specifically for 110V outlets, offering a 1.65 kw power output for consistent overnight charging.

Keep in mind: The 21 ft cable is shorter than other options on this list. You should verify your home outlet is a standard 110V before ordering, as this model does not support 240V Level 2 charging.

PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger

The PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger is our premium selection, featuring smart circuitry that communicates with the vehicle to gather battery and ambient temperature data.

What we like: This unit provides a 3.84kw/hour charging rate and features a 50 ft cable option. It is TUV and UL listed, and the smart software allows it to automatically adjust voltage for the vehicle.

Keep in mind: At the $349 price point, this is the most expensive portable option. It is designed for those who prioritize data connectivity and longer cable reaches over a lower initial cost.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 portable charging speeds?

Level 1 portable charging typically uses a standard 110V outlet and provides slower speeds, such as the 1.65 kw output from the AplysiaTech model. Level 2 portable charging, like the PRIMECOM unit, uses 100V-240V and can reach a 3.84kw/hour rate, providing up to 15 miles of range per hour. You need to determine if your daily mileage allows for the slower Level 1 speeds or if you require the faster Level 2 output to charge sufficiently overnight.

Does the charger come with a NEMA 14-50 adapter or just a standard plug?

The EVDANCE charger includes both a NEMA 6-20 (220V or 240V) plug and a NEMA 5-15 (110V) plug. The AplysiaTech and PRIMECOM models do not list a NEMA 14-50 adapter in their core specifications. You must confirm with the manufacturer if a NEMA 14-50 adapter is included or if you need to purchase one separately to use a dedicated 240V circuit.

What Separates One Electric Vehicle Charger From the Next

Cable Length

Cable length determines how far you can move your vehicle from the power source, with the PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger leading the group with options up to 50 feet. You should prioritize longer cables if you need to park in a garage or driveway that is far from a wall outlet. The EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger provides a 25 ft cable, while the AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger offers 21 ft. We selected these specific models because they offer sufficient reach for most residential and workplace settings without the excessive weight of industrial-length cords.

Weatherproofing Rating

Weatherproofing rating determines if a charger can handle outdoor use, such as in a driveway or carport. The EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger features an IP66 protection level, which is a high standard for dust and water resistance. For other models like the AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger or the PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger, you must confirm the specific outdoor rating with the manufacturer before leaving it exposed to the elements. You should check for an IP rating or a specific “weatherproof” certification to ensure the unit can withstand rain or snow.

Connector Compatibility

Connector compatibility ensures the charger physically and electronically communicates with your vehicle’s charging port. The EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger is compatible with the J1772 standard, which is the universal standard for non-Tesla AC charging in North America. If you drive a Toyota Prius or RAV4, you may need to contact the PRIMECOM manufacturer for a non-standard J1772 plug. For Tesla owners, the EVDANCE model requires a separate SAE J1772 adapter. You must verify that your vehicle’s port matches the connector type before ordering to avoid an incompatible connector failure.

Weight and Portability

Weight and portability define how easily you can transport the unit between locations. All three selected products were chosen specifically for their portable designation, meaning they are designed to be moved, not permanently mounted to a wall. The inclusion of a carrying bag with the EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger helps manage the 25 ft cable. Because these are portable units, you should ensure the weight is manageable for your specific needs, such as carrying it into a workplace parking lot.

Charging Speed

Charging speed is determined by the amperage and voltage the charger can deliver to your car. The PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger provides a 3.84kw/hour charging rate, which is roughly 4 times faster than a standard 8A Level 1 charger. If you need to charge quickly, the 11.5 kW power output threshold is the standard for a Level 2 charger to provide a full charge overnight for most passenger EVs. The AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger provides 1.65 kw of power at 110V. To avoid a circuit breaker tripping, you must ensure your home’s electrical panel can handle the amperage of the charger; for example, a standard NEMA 14-50 outlet is capped at 40 Amps. You should check your home’s breaker capacity before plugging in a high-output unit.

To better understand the technical specifications mentioned above, view our guide to ev charger terms and specs explained simply.

Which One Is Right for You

For the versatile traveler

If you need a single unit that handles different power sources, the EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger is the best fit because it supports both 110V and 240V NEMA 6-20 plugs. It offers 4x faster charging than 8A units while maintaining an IP66 protection level for outdoor use. Because the data does not specify a cable lifespan, you should check the manufacturer’s warranty and cable thickness to ensure it can handle your frequent travel needs.

For the budget-conscious starter

If you need the lowest entry price for basic overnight charging, the AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger provides 1.65 kw of power for around $109.36. This model is designed for standard 110V outlets at home or work where higher power isn’t available. The provided specifications do not list specific heat management ratings, so you should verify the maximum continuous amperage with the manufacturer before using it for extended periods.

For the tech-focused homeowner

If you want a smart portable station with data tracking, the PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger allows you to monitor 6 types of data, including battery temperature and capacity. It provides a 3.84kw/hour charging rate and is UL Listed for safety. Since the data is silent on specific cable durability, you should inspect the cable’s material and connection points for signs of wear if you plan to use it daily.

If you are looking for a permanent installation, see our guide to the best level 1 ev charger for residential use.

What You Need vs What These Picks Deliver

Match the job you actually need done to what it requires, then check whether anything on this page reaches that level. Where nothing does, the row says so.

Thresholds are the levels this category is generally held to, not manufacturer claims. Check them against your own workload before buying.

Who Buys Electric Vehicle Chargers, and What It Really Costs

Questions Buyers Ask Before Choosing

Is it worth spending more on a high-amperage charger if I only charge my car once a week?

If you only charge your vehicle once a week, you can prioritize lower amperage models like the AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger, which provides 1.65 kW of power. Because your charging frequency is low, the 3.84 kW rate of the PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger may not offer a significant time saving that justifies its higher price point. You should check your car’s maximum charging speed to see if a 16 Amp limit meets your needs for a weekly top-up.

Which portable charger fits a standard household outlet?

The AplysiaTech Level 1 Charger is designed for use with a standard 110V outlet at home or in an office. For 240V charging, the EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger uses a NEMA 6-20 plug, which requires a dedicated circuit.

Does the EVDANCE charger work with Tesla vehicles?

Yes, the EVDANCE 16Amp Level 1 & Level 2 EV charger works with Tesla vehicles provided you use a SAE J1772 adapter. The charger itself uses the J1772 connector, which is the North American standard for non-Tesla AC charging.

How much range can I expect per hour with a Level 2 portable charger?

The PRIMECOM Level 2 Portable EVSE Smart Charger provides up to 15 miles of range per hour. This performance is based on its 16 Amp, 3.84 kW/hour charging rate when connected to a compatible 100V-240V power source.

Who Should Skip These Electric Vehicle Chargers

If you need to charge your vehicle at the maximum possible speed for a portable unit, these options do not meet that requirement. A portable unit must reach 11.5 kW to hit that threshold, and none of the models on this page reach that power output.

If you require a high-output home installation to charge your vehicle quickly, you should look for a hardwired Level 2 station. For those with specific vehicle requirements, you may also find more specific options in our best ev charger for j1772 guide.