Best Portable EV Chargers Australia: Type 2 Buying Guide

Looking for the best portable EV charger in Australia? A portable charger can make EV ownership more convenient, particularly if you charge at home, travel to locations without dedicated charging infrastructure, or want a backup charging option.

Craig Jones, Qualified Motor Mechanic (30+ years) and Author of How to Buy the Right Used Car from a Private Seller. He is the owner and operator of BPC Auto Inspect specialising in mobile pre-purchase car inspections in the Brisbane area and shares DIY repair insights at Craig Jones Auto

Standard Australian power points provide relatively slow AC charging, while higher-powered portable EV chargers can provide faster charging when connected to a suitable electrical supply. The important part is matching the charger to your EV, the available power supply and the electrical installation.

In this guide, I compare portable Type 2 EV chargers using their published specifications, charging capacity, adjustable current settings, weather-resistance ratings, safety features and Australian compliance considerations. I have not personally purchased or tested these products, so this is a specification-based buying guide rather than a hands-on product test.

Table of Contents

Why You Need a Portable EV Charger in Australia

A portable EV charger is more than an emergency backup. It can give you another charging option when travelling, staying somewhere without a dedicated EV charger, or charging away from your normal home setup.

Common EV Charging Problems Australian Drivers Face

Slow Charging: Charging from a standard household power point is considerably slower than using a dedicated higher-powered AC charger.
Limited Electrical Capacity: A higher charging current places a greater load on the electrical circuit, so the available supply needs to be suitable for the charger.
Lack of Fixed Wallbox Infrastructure: Installing a dedicated 7kW to 22kW home charger may not suit every property, particularly for renters or people who move regularly.
Regional Travel: Public charging availability varies between locations, so carrying your own compatible charging equipment can provide another option when AC charging is available.

Most Australian EV charging takes place at home, and a standard power point can be enough for some drivers depending on their daily driving requirements. A dedicated AC charger can provide substantially faster charging when greater charging capacity is required. Australian Government EV charging guidance explains the different charging options.

For a step-by-step diagnostic on charging faults, read our complete guide on EV not charging at home: common causes and fixes.

Key Specs That Actually Matter

When comparing a portable EV charger, don’t choose solely on the advertised maximum kW figure. Check the electrical supply you have available, your vehicle’s onboard AC charging capability, the connector type, current adjustment options and the manufacturer’s safety and environmental specifications.

Australian Compliance: Look for the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) and verify the product and supplier information where appropriate. An overseas marking such as CE should not be treated as proof that a product complies with Australian requirements.
Power Output & Amperage: Portable AC EVSE can be available for standard household supplies, 15A supplies and higher-powered single-phase or three-phase connections. A 32A single-phase supply is approximately 7.4kW, while 32A three-phase is approximately 22kW.
Connector Standard: Type 2 is the standard connector used for AC charging by most modern EVs in Australia, although you should always confirm your particular vehicle’s charging requirements.
Weather Resistance: Check the actual IP rating specified by the manufacturer and confirm which part of the charging equipment that rating applies to. Do not assume an IP rating means every connection can be exposed to water.
Cable Construction: Look for suitable cable length, flexibility, abrasion resistance and environmental specifications appropriate for how you intend to use the charger.
Safety Protection: Check the manufacturer’s specifications for residual-current protection, overcurrent protection, over-temperature protection and other electrical safety functions rather than assuming every portable EVSE provides the same features.

Charging duration depends on your battery capacity, the vehicle’s onboard AC charger, the EVSE output and the available electrical supply. For an estimate based on your vehicle, battery size and charging rate, use the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide Home Charging Calculator.

Best Portable EV Chargers in Australia: Recommended Options

Important: The products and charger categories below have not been personally purchased or tested by me. The descriptions are based on the advertised specifications and features associated with the products. Product specifications, pricing, availability and compliance information can change, so check the current listing before purchasing.

1. High-Power Option: 22kW 32A 3-Phase Portable EV Charger

Best suited to: EV owners who have access to a suitable three-phase supply and whose vehicle can accept higher-rate AC charging.

Maximum advertised output: Up to 22kW when connected to a suitable 32A three-phase supply.
Single-phase capability: Some products in this category may also support lower-power single-phase charging, but this depends on the specific model, plug configuration and accessories supplied.
Connector: Type 2 AC vehicle connector.
Display: Some models provide an LCD display showing information such as voltage, current and charging status.
Safety features: Protection functions vary between models. Check the individual product listing for the exact RCD, over-temperature, overcurrent and other protection specifications.

Check current pricing: 22kW 32A Portable EV Charger Range (paid link)

Important: A 22kW portable EVSE does not automatically mean your EV will charge at 22kW. The vehicle’s onboard AC charger, the electrical supply and the charger configuration all determine the actual charging rate.

2. Flexible Home Option: Adjustable Portable EV Charger

Best suited to: Drivers who want adjustable charging current and greater flexibility across different suitable power supplies.

Adjustable Current: Some models allow the user to select different current levels, such as 6A, 8A, 10A, 15A or 32A, depending on the product.
Scheduled Charging: Some models include delayed or scheduled charging functions that can be useful for charging at selected times.
Solar Compatibility: Adjustable current can help users make better use of available solar generation, but the charger itself does not automatically guarantee solar-only charging.
Weather Resistance: Check the manufacturer’s stated IP rating and the conditions under which outdoor use is permitted.
Cable Length: Models in this category may be available with different cable lengths, so check the exact product specification before purchasing.

Check current pricing: Adjustable Portable EV Charger (paid link)

10A vs 15A vs 32A EV Chargers: What Power Supply Do You Need?

Understanding the electrical supply is essential before choosing a portable EV charger. A higher-rated charger can only deliver its advertised output when it is connected to a suitable supply and the vehicle can accept that charging rate.

10A Standard Household Power Point: A standard household power point can provide relatively slow AC charging. Actual charging power depends on the charger, vehicle and electrical installation. Australian Government guidance recommends plugging the EV charging cable directly into the power point rather than using an extension cord or power board.
15A Power Outlet: A suitable 15A supply can provide around 3.5kW at 230V. A portable charger designed for a 15A supply requires an appropriate outlet and electrical installation. If a new outlet or circuit is required, it should be installed by a licensed electrician.
32A Single-Phase: A suitable 32A single-phase supply can provide approximately 7.4kW at 230V. The EV must also have an onboard AC charger capable of accepting that rate.
32A Three-Phase: A suitable 32A three-phase supply can provide approximately 22kW. Again, the vehicle’s onboard AC charging capability may be lower.

Do not assume that a portable charger with a higher maximum rating can simply be plugged into any household outlet. The plug, circuit, protection equipment and electrical installation all need to be suitable for the intended load.

Why Adjustable Amperage & Off-Peak Scheduling Can Be Useful

A portable charger with selectable current can provide more flexibility than a fixed-current unit, provided the selected setting is appropriate for the electrical supply and the charger manufacturer’s instructions.

Match the Available Supply: Adjustable current allows a compatible charger to operate at a lower current when a higher setting is not appropriate for the available supply.
Use Solar Generation: A lower charging current may help an EV owner make better use of available rooftop solar generation, although actual solar-only charging depends on the home’s solar output and other electrical loads.
Schedule Charging: A charger with a timer or smart-charging function can allow charging to be scheduled for a particular time of day.
Manage Charging Demand: Smart charging systems can help control when and how much power is drawn, depending on the equipment and setup.

Learn more about EV charging and smart charging through the Australian Government’s EV charging guidance.

Portable EV Chargers for Australian Conditions

Portable EV chargers can be used in a range of environments, but outdoor conditions place additional demands on electrical equipment. Rather than assuming a charger is suitable for Australian weather because it is advertised as waterproof, check the manufacturer’s environmental specifications and instructions.

Environmental Features to Check

IP Rating: An IP rating describes the protection provided by a particular enclosure against dust and water under specified test conditions. Check exactly which component of the charger the rating applies to.
Cable Construction: Look for a cable designed for the intended environment, with appropriate flexibility, abrasion resistance and temperature specifications.
Thermal Protection: Some EVSE units monitor temperature and reduce or stop charging if overheating is detected. Check the individual product specifications to confirm what protection is provided.
Outdoor-use Instructions: Confirm that the manufacturer specifically permits the charger to be used outdoors and follow the instructions for positioning the control box, plug and vehicle connector.

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office recommends checking the RCM, following manufacturer instructions and confirming whether electrical equipment is intended for indoor or outdoor use. Damaged electrical equipment should not be used.

Compare weather-rated options: IP65 Outdoor Portable EV Chargers (paid link)

EV Compatibility: Type 2 AC Charging in Australia

Most modern EVs sold in Australia use Type 2 for AC charging. However, connector configurations and charging capabilities vary between vehicles, so always confirm the charging specifications for your particular EV before buying a portable charger.

The Australian Government identifies Type 2 as the standard plug for slower AC charging in Australia, while CCS2 is used for faster DC charging and CHAdeMO remains available for a limited selection of older or existing EVs.

Tesla: Many Australian Tesla models use Type 2-compatible AC charging. Check the specifications for your particular model and year.
BYD: Models such as the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal use Type 2 for AC charging.
MG: Models such as the MG4 and ZS EV use Type 2 for AC charging.
Hyundai & Kia: Models including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6 and EV9 use Type 2 for AC charging.
Polestar & Volvo: Models including Polestar and Volvo EVs use Type 2 for AC charging, subject to model-specific specifications.
Toyota, Lexus & Nissan: EV models including the bZ4X, RZ and Leaf have model-specific charging configurations. Confirm the connector and AC charging specifications before purchasing.

The vehicle’s onboard AC charger is just as important as the portable EVSE. For example, an EV that accepts a maximum of 11kW AC will not charge at 22kW simply because a 22kW portable charger is connected.

Common EV Charging Problems and Practical Checks

Issue 1: EV Charging More Slowly Than Expected

Possible causes: The vehicle may be charging from a standard power point, the EVSE may have a lower current setting, the vehicle’s onboard AC charger may limit the charging rate, or the available electrical supply may not support the advertised maximum.

What to check: Check the current setting on the portable charger and the vehicle’s charging settings. Compare the EV’s maximum AC charging rate with the portable charger’s output. If you are considering a higher-powered supply, have the electrical installation assessed by a licensed electrician where required.

Issue 2: Charger Trips a Safety Switch or Circuit Breaker

Possible causes: The circuit may be overloaded, there may be an electrical fault, residual-current protection may be operating, or there may be a problem with the charger, outlet or vehicle.

What to check: Stop using the equipment if there are signs of overheating, damage or repeated tripping. Do not simply keep resetting the protection device. Check the charger and vehicle instructions, and have the electrical installation inspected by a licensed electrician if the problem persists.

Issue 3: Charger Stops or Reduces Charging in Hot Conditions

Possible cause: Some EVSE units have thermal protection that can reduce or stop charging when the equipment becomes too hot.

What to check: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning the control box and cable. Keep ventilation areas clear, avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme heat and check whether the particular charger specifies a maximum operating temperature.

Portable EV Charger Comparison Guide

This is a general buying guide, not a test result. Specifications vary between individual products, so check the current product listing before purchasing.

Feature / Spec	Basic 10A Charger	Adjustable Portable Charger	Higher-Power 32A Charger
Typical Maximum Output	Approximately 2.2–2.4kW	Depends on selected current and supply	Up to approximately 7.4kW single-phase or 22kW three-phase, depending on model
Current Adjustment	Often fixed	Available on many models	Available on many models
Weather Resistance	Varies by model	Varies by model	Varies by model
Scheduled Charging	Model dependent	Available on some models	Available on some smart models
Best Suited To	Occasional or lower-demand charging	Flexible home and travel use	Higher-power charging where a suitable supply is available

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Still Need a Jump Starter for an Electric Car?

Many EVs have a separate low-voltage auxiliary battery that powers vehicle electronics and other systems. On vehicles that use a 12V auxiliary battery, a flat auxiliary battery can prevent the vehicle from starting or enabling its high-voltage system even when the traction battery still has charge.

However, auxiliary battery voltage, connection points and jump-start procedures vary between EV models. Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to jump-start or externally power the auxiliary battery.

For vehicles that use a conventional 12V auxiliary battery, our guides can help you compare emergency equipment: best car jump starters in Australia and battery load tester buying guide.

Can You Use a Portable EV Charger in the Rain?

Some portable EV chargers are designed for outdoor use, but the exact weather resistance depends on the complete charging system and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the IP rating for the relevant components and confirm that the product is specifically approved for outdoor use.

Keep mains connections positioned as instructed by the manufacturer and never allow electrical connections to sit in water or puddles. Do not use equipment that is marked for indoor use only outdoors.

Can a 22kW Portable Charger Charge Any EV at 22kW?

No. The maximum charging rate is determined by the combination of the portable EVSE, electrical supply and the EV’s onboard AC charger. An EV with an 11kW maximum AC charging capability will not charge at 22kW simply because a 22kW portable charger is connected.

Can I Plug a Portable EV Charger Into an Extension Lead?

Do not assume that an ordinary extension lead is suitable for EV charging. Australian Government guidance recommends plugging the EV charging cable directly into the power point rather than using extension cords or power boards. Follow the charger manufacturer’s instructions and have the electrical installation assessed if you need a different outlet or charging arrangement.

What Should I Check Before Buying an EV Charger Online?

Confirm the charger is suitable for your EV’s AC connector and charging capability.
Check the maximum current and power output.
Check whether the charger is adjustable.
Check the plug type and required electrical supply.
Look for the RCM and verify Australian compliance information where appropriate.
Check the IP rating and whether the manufacturer permits outdoor use.
Check the manufacturer’s stated safety and residual-current protection features.
Check cable length and included adapters or plugs.
Check the current warranty, seller details and product specifications before purchasing.

Final Buying Guide

Selecting a portable EV charger comes down to your vehicle, charging requirements and available electrical supply.

For Light or Occasional Use: A basic 10A portable charger can provide a convenient lower-power charging option where a suitable household power point is available.
For Flexible Home and Travel Use: An adjustable portable charger can provide more flexibility because the current can be selected to suit the available supply, where supported by the product and installation.
For Higher-Power Charging: A 15A or 32A charger can provide faster AC charging when connected to an appropriate electrical supply and when the vehicle’s onboard charger supports the available rate.
For Outdoor Use: Check the manufacturer’s IP rating and outdoor-use instructions rather than assuming that a charger is waterproof because it has an IP rating.

If your EV charging is slow, unreliable or repeatedly trips a safety switch or circuit breaker, the cause can be the vehicle, EVSE, power supply or electrical installation. Check the vehicle and charger manufacturer’s guidance and have electrical faults investigated by a licensed electrician where appropriate.

Before purchasing any portable EV charger, check the current product specifications, Australian compliance information, connector type, maximum charging current and required power supply. A higher kW rating is not automatically better if your vehicle or electrical installation cannot use it.

Australian safety resources: Australian Government EV charging equipment guide | Queensland Electrical Safety Office | ACMA Regulatory Compliance Mark information

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, no guarantees are made regarding completeness, reliability, or accuracy. Any action you take based on this information is at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional (such as a licensed electrician or automotive specialist) before performing any electrical or mechanical work.

Best Portable EV Chargers in Australia: Type 2 Buying Guide