In North America, the fastest common portable EV chargers deliver 40 A at 240 V, which is 9.6 kW, from a NEMA 14-50 outlet. In Europe and other three-phase markets, portable chargers with a CEE 32 A five-pin plug can deliver up to 22 kW. Whether your car actually charges that fast depends on its on-board charger, which is often limited to 7.2–11.5 kW for AC charging.
Speed by Charger Type
| Portable charger | Supply | Maximum power |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 12 A | 120 V, NEMA 5-15 | 1.4 kW |
| Level 2, 32 A | 240 V, NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 | 7.7 kW |
| Level 2, 40 A | 240 V, NEMA 14-50 on a 50 A circuit | 9.6 kW |
| Single-phase 32 A (Europe) | 230 V | 7.4 kW |
| Three-phase 16 A | 400 V, CEE 16 A | 11 kW |
| Three-phase 32 A | 400 V, CEE 32 A | 22 kW |
A 40 A portable unit needs a 50 A circuit, because EV charging is treated as a continuous load. See what size breaker for an EV charger.
Why Faster Is Not Always Better
- Your car’s AC limit caps the speed. A car limited to 7.2 kW gains nothing from a 9.6 kW charger.
- Higher current means more heat at the plug and outlet. Use high-quality outlets and keep plugs fully seated.
- Adjustable current lets the same charger run safely on smaller circuits when you travel.
Portable chargers will never match DC fast chargers, which bypass the car’s on-board charger. For comparison see Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC fast charging.
Fast Portable Chargers From EVDANCE
- EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger: 9.6 kW, NEMA 14-50P, 16–40 A adjustable.
- EVDANCE EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger: 9.6 kW for J1772 vehicles.
- EVDANCE EV-ACS3205PE 22 kW three-phase portable charger: up to 22 kW on a CEE 32 A three-phase supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 40 A portable charger faster than a 32 A one?
At 240 V, yes: 9.6 kW against 7.7 kW, if the car and circuit support it.
Can a portable charger be as fast as a DC fast charger?
No. Portable chargers are AC and limited by the on-board charger in the car.
Do I need a special outlet for the fastest portable charger?
In North America, a NEMA 14-50 on a 50 A circuit; in Europe, a CEE 32 A three-phase socket.
Related Reading
- Portable EV Charger Types Explained
- How Long Does It Take to Charge at 7, 11 and 22 kW?
- How Many Amps Does an EV Charger Need?
- Single-Phase vs Three-Phase EV Charging
Key Takeaways
- The fastest North American portable chargers deliver 9.6 kW at 40 A.
- Three-phase portable chargers can reach 22 kW in Europe.
- The on-board charger in the car and the circuit set the real limit.