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Expert Review

Best Portable EV Chargers in 2026

If you rent your home, travel frequently, or simply want a charger you can take anywhere, a portable EV charger is the smartest investment you can make. Unlike wall-mounted units that require permanent installation, portable chargers plug into standard 240V outlets and go wherever you do — your apartment complex, a campground, a relative’s garage, or an Airbnb with an RV hookup.

We researched and compared over a dozen portable Level 2 chargers to find the 5 best portable EV chargers for 2026. Every pick on this list delivers real Level 2 speed (5–10x faster than the Level 1 trickle charger in your trunk), requires zero installation, and works with any J1772 EV sold in the U.S. Whether you need the best overall portable, a budget-friendly option, or a dual-voltage unit that handles both 120V and 240V, we have you covered.

By CheapEVCharger Team

Quick Comparison

Charger Price Power Cable Rating Best For
Lectron Portable Level 2 EV Charger
Lectron
$249 32A / 7.68 kW 21 ft 4.4 Renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants the most reliable portable Level 2 charger with proven build quality. View Deal
TurboEV Level 2 Portable EV Charger
TurboEV
$199 32A / 7.68 kW 21 ft 4.2 Budget-conscious EV owners who want portable Level 2 speed at the absolute lowest price. View Deal
Zencar Level 2 Portable EV Charger
Zencar
$229 32A / 7.68 kW (240V) or 16A / 1.92 kW (120V) 21 ft 4.3 Travelers and multi-location users who encounter different outlet types and need one charger that works everywhere. View Deal
Grizzl-E Duo Portable EV Charger
Grizzl-E
$499 40A / 9.6 kW (240V) or 16A / 1.92 kW (120V) 24 ft 4.5 Buyers who want premium build quality and the fastest portable charging available, with automatic dual-voltage switching. View Deal
Mustart Level 2 Portable EV Charger
Mustart
$219 32A / 7.68 kW 25 ft 4.3 Road-trippers and frequent travelers who need the longest cable reach and a travel-ready carrying solution. View Deal
1

Lectron Portable Level 2 EV Charger

Lectron — Renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants the most reliable portable Level 2 charger with proven build quality.

Best Overall Portable

Lectron Portable Level 2 EV Charger

Lectron

$249
$299
4.4/5 (1920 reviews)
Power: 32A / 7.68 kW
Cable: 21 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: No
Plug Type: NEMA 14-50 (portable, no installation)
Weight: ~10 lbs with carrying case
True portable design with included carrying case — charge anywhere with a 240V outlet
Zero installation required: plug into any NEMA 14-50 and start charging immediately
Adjustable amperage (16A/24A/32A) for different outlet capacities

The Lectron Portable Level 2 earns our top spot for portable EV chargers because it delivers the best combination of charging speed, build quality, and brand reliability in a carry-along package. At $249, it plugs into any standard NEMA 14-50 outlet — the same 240V outlet used by electric dryers and RV hookups — and delivers 32 amps (7.68 kW), adding about 25 miles of range per hour. That is roughly 5x faster than the Level 1 trickle charger that came with your car. For apartment dwellers with shared laundry rooms or parking garages that have 240V outlets, this charger is a game-changer. See how it compares to wall-mounted alternatives in our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers guide.

The included carrying case makes it genuinely practical for travel. Toss it in your trunk for campgrounds, Airbnbs, or visiting family — anywhere with a NEMA 14-50 outlet becomes your personal charging station. Adjustable amperage via built-in controls lets you dial down to 16A or 24A if you encounter a lower-capacity outlet. Lectron is an established name in EV accessories with solid warranty support, which gives it an edge over lesser-known portable brands. The main trade-off is speed: at 32A, it charges about 30% slower than a 48A wall unit. But for most daily commutes of 30–50 miles, you recover full range in 2–3 hours. Use our charging time calculator to check exact times for your vehicle.

Pros

  • True portable design with included carrying case — charge anywhere with a 240V outlet
  • Zero installation required: plug into any NEMA 14-50 and start charging immediately
  • Adjustable amperage (16A/24A/32A) for different outlet capacities
  • Established brand with solid warranty support and responsive customer service

Cons

  • Limited to 32A — slower than 40A or 48A wall-mounted chargers
  • Not weatherproof — requires a covered or indoor outlet for regular outdoor use
  • No wall mount bracket included (sold separately)
2

TurboEV Level 2 Portable EV Charger

TurboEV — Budget-conscious EV owners who want portable Level 2 speed at the absolute lowest price.

Best Budget Portable

TurboEV Level 2 Portable EV Charger

TurboEV

$199
4.2/5 (1340 reviews)
Power: 32A / 7.68 kW
Cable: 21 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: No
Plug Type: NEMA 14-50 (portable, no installation)
Weight: ~9 lbs
Lowest price for a portable Level 2 charger at just $199
Same 32A / 7.68 kW output as chargers costing $50–$100 more
Compact and lightweight design fits easily in a trunk

The TurboEV Level 2 Portable delivers the same 32-amp (7.68 kW) portable charging as the Lectron for $50 less, making it the cheapest portable Level 2 charger we recommend. At $199, it plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet and adds about 25 miles of range per hour — identical performance to our top pick. The LED indicator display is a nice touch, showing real-time amperage and charging status at a glance. It is compact and lightweight enough to toss in a trunk without eating into cargo space. If you are an apartment renter looking for Level 2 speed without the Level 2 installation cost, this is the most affordable way to get there. For more budget options, check our best EV chargers under $300 guide.

The trade-off for the lower price is brand maturity. TurboEV does not have the same multi-year track record as Lectron, and no carrying case is included (though any padded bag works fine). The plastic housing is functional but not as robust-feeling as the Lectron or Mustart. That said, the unit is UL-listed, includes ground fault protection, and early owner reviews are positive. If you want portable Level 2 charging and the $50 savings matters — or you want to keep your total EV charging setup under $200 — the TurboEV gets the job done. Use our charging cost calculator to see how quickly the savings versus public charging pay for this charger.

Pros

  • Lowest price for a portable Level 2 charger at just $199
  • Same 32A / 7.68 kW output as chargers costing $50–$100 more
  • Compact and lightweight design fits easily in a trunk
  • LED indicator display shows real-time charging status and amperage

Cons

  • Smaller brand with limited long-term reliability data compared to Lectron
  • No carrying case included — sold separately or use your own bag
  • Plastic housing feels less premium than higher-priced competitors
3

Zencar Level 2 Portable EV Charger

Zencar — Travelers and multi-location users who encounter different outlet types and need one charger that works everywhere.

Most Versatile

Zencar Level 2 Portable EV Charger

Zencar

$229
$269
4.3/5 (1680 reviews)
Power: 32A / 7.68 kW (240V) or 16A / 1.92 kW (120V)
Cable: 21 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: No
Plug Type: NEMA 14-50 + NEMA 5-15 adapter included
Weight: ~11 lbs with adapters
Ships with multiple adapters (NEMA 14-50, 14-30, 10-30, 5-15) for maximum outlet compatibility
Works on both 240V Level 2 and 120V Level 1, so you can always charge somewhere
Adjustable amperage from 10A to 32A covers virtually any outlet scenario

The Zencar Level 2 Portable is the Swiss Army knife of portable EV chargers. It ships with adapters for NEMA 14-50, 14-30 (dryer outlets), 10-30 (older dryer outlets), and standard 5-15 (household 120V) — so it works with virtually any outlet you will encounter in North America. At 240V, it delivers the full 32 amps (7.68 kW) and about 25 miles of range per hour. At 120V, it drops to Level 1 trickle speed (3–5 mph), but having that fallback means you are never stranded without a charging option. If you travel frequently and cannot predict what outlet you will find, this is the charger to own. For a broader look at all portable options, see our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers roundup.

The IP66 weather resistance is a standout feature in the portable category — most portable chargers are not rated for rain or outdoor use, but the Zencar handles it. The adjustable amperage range (10A to 32A) gives you granular control when plugging into outlets with lower capacity. The downside is bulk: carrying four adapters plus the charger adds weight and clutter compared to a single-plug unit like the Lectron. No carrying case is included, which feels like an oversight given the multi-adapter design. But if versatility is your top priority — especially for road trips across different homes, campgrounds, and rental properties — nothing else on this list matches the Zencar's flexibility. Use our EV vs. gas savings calculator to see how home charging stacks up against relying on public networks.

Pros

  • Ships with multiple adapters (NEMA 14-50, 14-30, 10-30, 5-15) for maximum outlet compatibility
  • Works on both 240V Level 2 and 120V Level 1, so you can always charge somewhere
  • Adjustable amperage from 10A to 32A covers virtually any outlet scenario
  • IP66 weather-resistant housing — one of the few portable chargers rated for outdoor use

Cons

  • Slightly bulkier than competitors due to included adapter set
  • No carrying case included despite the multi-adapter design
  • At 120V, charges at just 3–5 miles per hour — barely useful for anything beyond trickle top-ups
4

Grizzl-E Duo Portable EV Charger

Grizzl-E — Buyers who want premium build quality and the fastest portable charging available, with automatic dual-voltage switching.

Best Dual-Voltage

Grizzl-E Duo Portable EV Charger

Grizzl-E

$499
4.5/5 (980 reviews)
Power: 40A / 9.6 kW (240V) or 16A / 1.92 kW (120V)
Cable: 24 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: No
Plug Type: NEMA 14-50 + NEMA 5-15 (auto-detects voltage)
Weight: ~12 lbs
Highest portable amperage at 40A — fastest portable charger on this list
Auto-detects 120V or 240V and adjusts automatically — no manual switching
Premium build quality from a trusted Canadian brand with 3-year warranty

The Grizzl-E Duo is the premium pick on this list, and it earns its higher price tag. At 40 amps on 240V, it is the fastest portable charger we tested — adding about 30 miles of range per hour, which is 20% faster than the 32A portables that dominate this category. The signature feature is auto-voltage detection: plug it into a NEMA 14-50 (240V) and it charges at 40A; plug it into a standard household outlet (120V) and it seamlessly switches to 16A Level 1 mode. No adapters to swap, no buttons to press. For a comparison with Grizzl-E's wall-mounted chargers, visit our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers guide.

Grizzl-E is a well-respected Canadian brand known for over-engineering their chargers. The Duo has a rugged build, a 24-foot cable (longest among portables on this list), and a 3-year warranty — significantly longer than the 1–2 year warranties on budget portables. The trade-off is price: at $499, it costs more than double the TurboEV ($199) and twice the Lectron ($249). It also weighs about 12 lbs, which is manageable but noticeable in a trunk. If you want the absolute best portable charger regardless of budget — especially if you split time between a 240V home setup and 120V destinations — the Grizzl-E Duo is the one to get. Check exact charge times for your EV with our charging time calculator.

Pros

  • Highest portable amperage at 40A — fastest portable charger on this list
  • Auto-detects 120V or 240V and adjusts automatically — no manual switching
  • Premium build quality from a trusted Canadian brand with 3-year warranty
  • Longest cable in the portable category at 24 feet

Cons

  • Most expensive option at $499 — nearly double the price of budget portables
  • Heavier than competitors at ~12 lbs
5

Mustart Level 2 Portable EV Charger

Mustart — Road-trippers and frequent travelers who need the longest cable reach and a travel-ready carrying solution.

Best for Road Trips

Mustart Level 2 Portable EV Charger

Mustart

$219
$259
4.3/5 (2240 reviews)
Power: 32A / 7.68 kW
Cable: 25 ft
Connector: J1772 (SAE)
WiFi: No
Plug Type: NEMA 14-50 (portable, no installation)
Weight: ~10 lbs with carrying case
Longest cable among portable chargers at 25 feet — reaches awkward parking spots easily
Included carrying case with cable organizer designed specifically for travel
Delay charge timer lets you schedule charging for off-peak electricity hours

The Mustart Level 2 Portable is purpose-built for the road. Its 25-foot cable is the longest of any portable charger on this list — a real advantage when the only available outlet is across the garage or around the corner from your parking spot at a campground or rental property. The included carrying case has a built-in cable organizer, so you are not wrestling with a tangled 25-foot cord every time you pack up. At $219, it slots between the budget TurboEV ($199) and our top pick Lectron ($249), offering a strong middle ground. For more options under the $300 mark, see our best EV chargers under $300 roundup.

A useful bonus is the built-in delay charge timer, which lets you plug in when you arrive but start charging hours later — handy for time-of-use electricity rates that drop overnight. It is not a true smart scheduling feature (no app, no WiFi), but it gets the job done. Mustart is one of the most established portable EV charger brands in the U.S., with over 2,200 reviews on this model alone, giving you a large pool of real-world reliability data. The 32-amp output (7.68 kW) adds about 25 miles of range per hour, matching every other portable in its class. If your priority is travel-readiness — long cable, travel case, and proven reliability across thousands of owners — the Mustart is the portable charger to beat. Estimate your road trip charging costs with our charging cost calculator.

Pros

  • Longest cable among portable chargers at 25 feet — reaches awkward parking spots easily
  • Included carrying case with cable organizer designed specifically for travel
  • Delay charge timer lets you schedule charging for off-peak electricity hours
  • Most-reviewed portable charger with over 2,200 owner ratings for proven reliability

Cons

  • Delay timer is basic (fixed intervals) — not a true smart scheduling feature
  • Not weatherproof for permanent outdoor use
  • Slightly heavier than the TurboEV due to longer cable

Why Choose a Portable EV Charger?

Portable vs Mounted: Which Is Right for You?

Related Guides & Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a portable EV charger at an apartment?
Yes. A portable EV charger is the best option for apartment and condo residents. You need access to a 240V outlet (NEMA 14-50, 14-30, or 10-30) — check your parking garage, shared laundry area, or ask your building manager. If only 120V household outlets are available, chargers like the Zencar and Grizzl-E Duo can charge on 120V at Level 1 speed (3–5 miles per hour), which is enough for light commuters who charge overnight. No installation, no landlord permission, and the charger moves with you. See our full Level 2 charger guide for mounted alternatives if you own your unit.
How fast does a portable Level 2 EV charger charge?
Most portable Level 2 chargers deliver 32 amps at 240V, which adds about 25 miles of range per hour. That is roughly 5x faster than the Level 1 charger (120V) that came with your car. The Grizzl-E Duo is the exception at 40 amps, adding about 30 miles per hour. For a typical 40-mile daily commute, a 32A portable charger recovers your range in under 2 hours. Use our charging time calculator to get exact times for your specific EV model and battery size.
Are portable EV chargers safe to use with extension cords?
No — never use a standard extension cord with a Level 2 EV charger. Standard extension cords are not rated for the sustained 32A/240V draw that EV charging requires, and they can overheat and cause a fire. If you need additional reach, buy a charger with a longer cable (the Mustart has a 25-foot cable) or use a purpose-built EV extension cord rated for 40A+ continuous use. These are thick, heavy-duty cables that cost $80–$150 and are specifically designed for EV charging loads.
Can I leave a portable EV charger plugged in permanently?
Yes, most owners do exactly that. Despite the name, a “portable” EV charger can serve as your everyday home charger if you have a 240V outlet in your garage. Many users mount the charger on a wall bracket and only unplug it when they travel. The key advantage over a wall-mounted unit is that you can unplug and take it with you. Just make sure your outlet is in a dry, covered location, since most portable chargers are not rated for direct rain exposure. For options with weather resistance, the Zencar (IP66) is the best choice. Compare running costs with our charging cost calculator.
What is the best portable EV charger for Tesla?
All five portable chargers on this list work with Tesla. They use the J1772 (SAE) connector, which is the North American Level 2 standard. Tesla models from 2024 onward have a native NACS port that accepts J1772 with the adapter included by Tesla. Older Tesla models use a J1772-to-Tesla adapter ($20–$35). Our top pick, the Lectron Portable ($249), is particularly popular with Tesla owners — Lectron also sells Tesla-specific accessories and adapters. Charging speed depends on the charger's amperage, not the brand: a 32A portable charges a Tesla Model 3 at the same rate regardless of manufacturer. Check our charging time calculator for exact times with your Tesla model.