An 11 kW portable EV charger is a Mode 2 charging cable that draws 16 A on each of three phases from a 400 V supply. In practice it needs a red CEE 16 A 5-pin socket, and it only delivers the full 11 kW to cars whose onboard charger accepts three-phase AC. For distributors, it is the portable that fits the most European cars and sockets without moving up to heavier 32 A hardware.
Key Takeaways
- 11 kW = 16 A × 3 phases × 230 V. The supply side is a red CEE 16 A 5-pin socket.
- The car decides the real speed: a single-phase onboard charger takes one phase only, about 3.7 kW at 16 A.
- Selectable current steps matter more than the headline figure, because they let one unit work on weaker circuits.
- Ask for test evidence per model and per plug configuration, not a range-wide certificate.
What “11 kW” Means on a Portable Charger
The figure comes from simple arithmetic: 16 A per phase, three phases, 230 V phase-to-neutral gives roughly 11 kW. That is why 11 kW portables almost always ship with a red CEE 16 A 5-pin plug (three phases, neutral and earth). The same unit will not deliver 11 kW from a household socket, and any adapter to a single-phase socket changes both the number of phases and the current the setup can safely carry.
A portable at this rating is still Mode 2 equipment: the control box between plug and car carries the protection and communication functions that a wallbox would hold. In Europe that box is an in-cable control and protection device (IC-CPD), covered by IEC 62752. Our guide to IC-CPD design rules for portables sold in Europe goes through what that standard asks for.
Which Cars Actually Get 11 kW
AC charging speed is capped by the car’s onboard charger. A car with an 11 kW three-phase onboard charger will take the full output. A car with a single-phase onboard charger will draw from one phase only, so the same portable delivers about 3.7 kW at 16 A. This is the most common source of “slow charger” complaints after a sale, so it belongs on the product page and in the manual.
| Car’s onboard AC charger | Supply | Approximate power from an 11 kW portable |
|---|---|---|
| 11 kW three-phase | 400 V, 16 A per phase | About 11 kW |
| Single-phase (any rating) | 400 V, 16 A per phase | About 3.7 kW (one phase used) |
| 11 kW three-phase | Current set to 10 A | About 6.9 kW |
11 kW or 22 kW Portable?
A 22 kW portable needs a 32 A CEE socket, a heavier cable and a car that accepts 22 kW on AC, which few do. An 11 kW unit runs on the more common 16 A CEE socket and covers every car that can take three-phase AC at 11 kW. For most distributor ranges, 11 kW is the volume model and 22 kW is a specialist line. We compare the two in more depth in wallbox or portable for 22 kW.
What to Check Before You Stock One
| Spec line | Why it matters | What to ask the factory for |
|---|---|---|
| Current steps | Lets the user match the circuit (for example 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 16 A) | The exact steps and how they are selected |
| Supply plug | Red CEE 16 A 5-pin is standard; other plugs change the rating | Which plugs and adapters ship, and the current each allows |
| Ingress rating | Portables live on garage floors and driveways | IP rating of the control box and the connector separately |
| Temperature range | Cold weather stiffens cables and affects electronics | Rated operating range from the test report |
| Cable length | Too short is a return reason; too long adds weight and cost | Total length, and length each side of the control box |
| Certification | Applies to the exact model and configuration | Test reports for the configuration you will sell |
If you are comparing several factories, the specs and tests that separate portable charger manufacturers is a useful scoring sheet.
EVDANCE 11 kW Portable Models
| Model | Supply | Current steps | Connector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV-ACS1605PE | 400 V 3-phase, red CEE 16 A 5-pin | 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 16 A | Type 2 | 2.4-inch screen, 1–12 h delay timer, 4.41 kg |
| EV-ACS1602PE | 400 V 3-phase, CEE 16 A 5-pin | 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 16 A | Type 2 | IP66, −30 °C to +50 °C, 7.8 m total length |
Both models can be supplied under your own brand, with your logo, housing colour and packaging. Orders start with samples of 1–9 units, small batches from 100 units with a 2–3 week lead time, and full OEM from 500 units. See our portable EV charger manufacturer page for the full range and a quote form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an 11 kW portable charger be used on a household socket?
Only through an adapter, and then it is no longer an 11 kW setup. A household socket is single-phase and rated well below 16 A for continuous loads, so the current must be set low. Check which plug adapters work with portable chargers in Europe.
Why does my car charge at about 3.7 kW on an 11 kW portable?
The car’s onboard charger is single-phase, so it uses one of the three phases. The portable is working correctly.
What socket does an 11 kW portable need?
A red CEE 16 A 5-pin socket on a 400 V three-phase circuit. Our guide to the CEE 16 A 5-pin socket and circuit covers the installation side.
Can I order a sample before a bulk order?
Yes. Samples of 1–9 units ship within days in a stock colourway.
