You can buy a portable EV charger from your car’s manufacturer, electrical and home-improvement retailers, specialist EV accessory shops and online marketplaces. Wherever you buy, check four things first: the connector matches your car, the plug matches your outlet, the product carries a recognised safety certification, and the seller offers a real warranty.
Where to Buy
| Channel | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Automaker | Guaranteed compatibility | Often higher prices, fewer plug options |
| Home-improvement and electrical retailers | Return desk, certified products | Limited range |
| EV accessory specialists | Wide choice, advice | Check certification claims |
| Online marketplaces | Price and choice | Uncertified products, unclear warranties |
| Your installer or dealer | Matched to your home’s circuit | Fewer brands |
Four Checks Before You Buy
- Vehicle connector: NACS for Tesla and many new models, J1772 for most other North American EVs, Type 2 in Europe and Australia. See are EV chargers universal.
- Grid plug: NEMA 5-15 for 120 V, NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 for 240 V, or the local equivalent.
- Certification: in the US, look for listing by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory; elsewhere, the marks your market requires. See UL and ETL listing for EV chargers.
- Warranty and support: a named company, a warranty period and a way to reach support.
Buying for a Business
Dealers, fleets and retailers can buy direct from a manufacturer. EVDANCE supplies portable chargers such as the EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger, EVDANCE EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger and EVDANCE EV-ACS3210E 32A Type 2 portable charger in volume and under private label; see the EVDANCE distributor program or our OEM and private-label guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a portable EV charger at a hardware store?
Many home-improvement and electrical retailers stock them, usually alongside wall chargers.
Are portable EV chargers on online marketplaces safe?
Many are, but check for genuine safety certification and a named seller with a warranty.
Do I need a portable charger from my car brand?
No. Any certified charger with the right connector works with your car.
Related Reading
Key Takeaways
- Portable chargers are sold by automakers, retailers, specialists and marketplaces.
- Match connector and plug, and verify safety certification.
- Businesses can buy direct from manufacturers in volume.