For most Australian drivers, a 15 A portable charger on a dedicated outlet is the best value: about 19 km of range per hour, roughly 194 km overnight. If you can't install an outlet, a 10 A charger works from any power point at about 13 km per hour.
- Own your home, drive under ~150 km a day: EVSE Australia 15A portable charger plus a dedicated outlet.
- Renting or no install possible: SEVR 10A portable charger, about 129 km per 10-hour night.
- Home plus road trips: both chargers, 15A at home and 10A in the boot ($399 as the Home + Travel bundle).
- 2012–2018 Nissan Leaf or pre-2022 Outlander PHEV: the EVSE Australia Type 1 portable charger ($399).
- Whatever you buy: check for the RCM mark. CE or TÜV alone is not approval to sell in Australia.
Five questions to the right charger
- Does your car have a Type 1 inlet?Only older models do, such as the 2012–2018 Nissan Leaf and pre-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Our EVSE Australia Type 1 portable charger ($399) fits them. Every EV sold new in Australia today uses Type 2, so everyone else carries on.
- Can you have a dedicated 15 A outlet installed where you park?If you own your home (or your landlord agrees), the EVSE Australia 15A portable charger adds about 19 km per hour, roughly 194 km over a 10-hour night. The outlet must be installed by a licensed electrician. What that involves in Victoria.
- Renting, or can't install anything?The SEVR 10A portable charger plugs into any standard power point and adds about 13 km per hour, roughly 129 km overnight. That covers a typical 30–40 km daily drive with hours to spare. Renter's guide.
- Want home speed and a travel cable?Use two chargers: the 15A on your dedicated outlet at home, and the 10A in the boot for holiday houses and family homes (or the Home + Travel bundle ($399, both chargers)). Road-trip guide.
- Regularly driving more than about 150 km a day, or charging two EVs?That's when a 7 kW wall charger makes sense (typically $1,200–$2,300 installed by a licensed electrician). What the install involves.
How the options compare
| Option | Power | Range per hour | 10 hours overnight | Install needed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEVR 10A portable | 2.3 kW | ~13 km | ~129 km | None. Existing power point (own circuit preferred) | $183.99 |
| EVSE Australia 15A portable | 3.45 kW | ~19 km | ~194 km | Dedicated 15 A/20 A outlet by a licensed electrician | $239 + outlet install |
| 7 kW wall charger | 7.4 kW | ~42 km | Full charge for most EVs | Dedicated 32 A circuit, possible switchboard upgrade | $1,200–$2,300 installed |
Find the guide for your situation
Frequently asked
What is the best portable EV charger in Australia?
It depends on your outlet. With a dedicated 15 A outlet, a 15 A portable charger adds about 19 km per hour and covers most daily driving overnight. Without one, a 10 A charger works from any standard power point at about 13 km per hour. Either way, buy one with the RCM mark.
Can I charge an EV from a normal power point in Australia?
Yes. A portable Mode 2 charger with a 10 A plug works from a standard Australian power point and adds roughly 10–13 km of range per hour. Plug straight into the wall, never into a powerboard or extension lead, and ideally use an outlet on its own circuit.
Should I buy a portable charger or a wall charger?
If you drive under about 150 km a day, a 15 A portable charger usually covers it overnight for a fraction of the cost. A 7 kW wall charger (typically $1,200–$2,300 installed) suits long daily drives, two EVs, or charging from solar.
Will a portable charger fit my car?
Tesla, BYD, MG, Kia, Hyundai, Geely, Zeekr and Polestar models sold new in Australia use the Type 2 AC inlet, so any Type 2 portable charger fits. Older Nissan Leafs (2012–2018) and pre-2022 Outlander PHEVs use Type 1.
What does RCM mean on an EV charger?
The Regulatory Compliance Mark shows the equipment is registered for sale in Australia under the electrical safety (EESS) and ACMA schemes. Overseas marks such as CE or TÜV alone do not meet Australian requirements.