Home vs Portable Electric Car Charger: Top factors to consider
Queuing at public charging stations and paying as much as £0.79/kWh while your neighbour charges overnight for £3.50 is a valid reason to invest in your own home or portable electric car charger. To help you choose the most suitable option for you and your EV, it’s important to understand essential factors involved.
Basics of a Portable Electric Car Charger
A portable electric car charger is a compact, plug-in unit for standard 3-pin sockets, useful not only at home but even while travelling.
Level 1 charger: Often referred to as a “slow charger” which draws approximately 2.3kW. It plugs into a standard UK 13A domestic socket (BS 1363).
Level 2 charger: Drawing up to 7.4kW, this is the faster unit (often matching the speed of a fixed wallbox). It requires a dedicated blue industrial socket (IEC 60309).
Choose between a tethered unit (with a built-in cable) and an untethered unit (separate cable for flexibility).
Why Choose a Home or Portable Electric Car Charger Instead of a Public One?
Cost savings are just one of the numerous benefits of investing in a home or portable electric car charger.
Portable Charger for Electric Car: Instant Setup
You can use this EV charger upon purchase, especially if yours is a 3kW to 7kW model which can be plugged into any 13A socket. If you’re renting a property, living in a flat, or sharing a driveway with others, this is best suited for you.
Convenience and Flexibility
Models like EcoFlow PowerPulse 2 weigh less than 4 kilograms making it compact and boot-friendly. It makes it easy for you to install and use at the convenience of your own garage. PowerPulse 2 also features smart charging features and dynamic tariff support that helps maximize your savings.
Portable EV Car Charger Cost Savings
Enjoy charging rates as low as £3 to £5 for a full charge, a huge cut from the £30 with a public rapid charger. It comes at a much more affordable price of £100 to £400 as well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Portable and Electric Car Home Charger
Weighing below factors will help you choose the most worthwhile charger.
Portable Charger Electric Vehicle: Output and Charging Speed
If you live in a property with outdated wiring, best to choose a charger with adjustable amperage (6A to 32A) to prevent overheating. A good start is to aim for a 7.4kW (32A) max power to match UK home supplies, which adds around 20 to 30 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, for home EV chargers, PowerPulse 2 features a 22 kW three-phase output power, which means fast, efficient, and clean charging on private property. You can also charge your electric car using solar energy and optimize prioritization so you can use solar energy whenever it’s available.
Compatibility with Your EV
Most modern EVs use Type 2 connectors, but always verify by checking your vehicle manual or trusted online sources. Battery size also matters. While Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) with smaller batteries benefit from a "slow" charger, full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) with large 60kWh+ batteries might need a faster unit.
Cable Length and Portability
Standard cable lengths today are 5-meters or an 8-meters cable. Measure the ideal length by considering the distance between the socket and your charging port. If you use your electric vehicle often, opt for a charger that’s lightweight.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Smart functionalities to consider include app control, real-time monitoring, smart home integration, and OTA (over-the-air) updates. Prevent blowing your home fuse by looking for a portable electric car charger with dynamic load management.
For home EV chargers, you can monitor and track your charging with intelligent management systems. For instance, PowerPulse 2’s full potential can be explored through EcoFlow’s AI-powered HEMS. Homeowners can also monitor and control EV charging through EcoFlow PowerInsight 2, an all-in-one energy monitor hub that can also help manage your overall home ecosystem.
Safety Features
To minimize risks like cable damage, choose a charger compliant with BS EN 61851. Other features to look out for are:
Overcurrent/overheat protection
Weatherproofing
Auto-shutoff
The PowerPulse 2, for example, features an outdoor-ready installation with its IP55 rating.
Cost and Warranty
Beyond the upfront price, also factor in hidden costs, OZEV grant eligibility, and long-term savings. Consider warranty duration (ideally minimum of 2 years) and efficiency of UK-based customer service and replacement parts availability.
Electric Car Home Charger Installation and Setup Tips
Take note of the crucial steps to avoid delays or accidents that are otherwise avoidable.
What kind of product or solution are you interested in?
DIY vs. Professional
Most portable EV car chargers plug straight in, so you don’t have to hire a qualified installer anymore. However, ensure that your fuse box can handle 13A capacity. In the case of faster models (e.g., 32A), you might need a professional as these necessitate a dedicated circuit. Installation fees range from £200 to £500.
UK Regulations and Incentives
Check eligibility for the OZEV grant, which easily shaves off £350 from your upfront costs. For long-term savings—£7p/kWh—consider off-peak tariffs like Octopus Go.
A step-by-step setup guide for UK homeowners:
Ensure your fuse box has spare capacity (100A main fuse is ideal).
Route the cable properly to prevent trip hazards.
Pair with an app to enable smart scheduling for off-peak tariffs.
How To Know If a Portable Charger for Electric Vehicle Is Right for You
Undecided between sticking to public charging and investing in your own EV charger? These might help.
Questions to Ask
If your answer to the following questions is yes, then a portable electric car charger is for you.
Rent or live in a flat? A portable charger avoids needing landlord approval.
Have a daily mileage under 100 miles? A standard portable charge easily covers the average UK commute overnight.
Have a standard 13A socket within 5–8m of your parking spot? You can plug straight in without extra installation.
Travel or visit family often? Pack the charger in the boot to top up at any holiday cottage or relative's house.
On a strict budget or awaiting OZEV approval? A £200 (or less) portable unit pays for itself and lets you charge while you wait.
When to Upgrade to a Fixed Charger
On the other hand, consider a fixed wallbox if:
Your daily mileage exceeds 150 miles.
You have multiple EVs. Charging two cars simultaneously can overload your home's main fuse, thus the need for the likes of EcoFlow PowerPulse 2 with dynamic load balancing feature to prevent tripping circuits.
You want full solar integration. A smart charger such as PowerPulse 2 does the job with its dedicated "Solar Mode," automatically diverting surplus energy from your roof straight into your EV.
Buying Your Own Electric Car Charger Is a Long-Term Investment
Portable electric car chargers offer UK drivers unbeatable flexibility, mobility, and immediate cost savings without complex installations. Perfect for renters and commuters with daily mileage under 100 miles, these units bypass expensive public tariffs.
By prioritizing smart features and safety, you secure a reliable, "plug-and-play" solution that fits your lifestyle today.
FAQ
Is it OK to leave a car battery charger on overnight?
Modern EVs and portable chargers have built-in management systems that cut power once the battery is full to prevent overcharging. This prevents overcharging and is the best way to use cheap overnight off-peak rates.
Is it better to charge to 80% or 100%?
For daily driving needs, charging to 80% is best for most batteries (NMC) to maximise lifespan. Reserve 100% for long trips. The main exception is LFP batteries (in many MGs/Teslas), which should be charged to 100% at least once a week.
What are the disadvantages of portable EV chargers?
The main trade-off is speed; standard 3-pin units take longer, making them perfect for overnight charging rather than rapid fills. While they require a healthy socket, they offer unmatched flexibility at a low cost.
