There are dozens of portable chargers for sale online and most look identical. Eight things separate a good one from one you shouldn't plug in.
The best portable EV charger for most Australians is an RCM-registered Type 2 charger with a genuine plug for the outlet you'll use: a 10 A plug for any standard power point (about 13 km of range per hour), or a 15 A plug for a dedicated 15 A outlet (about 19 km per hour). After that, look for IP66, built-in protection, a cable long enough to reach without an extension lead, and an Australian warranty.
| What to check | Why it matters | SEVR 10A | EVSE Australia 15A |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCM mark and EESS registration | Legal for sale in Australia; an Australian supplier stands behind it | Yes (EESS Level 1, supplier confirmed) | Paperwork pending; not sold until confirmed |
| Genuine plug for your outlet | Adapters defeat the plug safety design | 10 A plug | 15 A plug |
| Power | Sets range added per hour | 2.3 kW, ~13 km/h | 3.45 kW, ~19 km/h |
| Current settings | Lower settings suit older circuits or small solar systems | 10 A max | 8 / 12 / 15 A |
| Cable length | Must reach without an extension lead | 4.5 m | 6 m |
| Weather rating | Used outdoors and in garages | IP66, IK10 | IP66 |
| Electrical protection | Faults trip the charger, not you | Over-current, voltage, over-temperature | Built-in RCD |
| Warranty | Who you call if it fails | 3 years | 2 years |
| Price | Delivered, from us | $183.99 | $239 |
A 10 A charger works from any standard power point and adds about 129 km over a 10-hour night. A 15 A charger is about 50% faster but its plug only fits a 15 A (or 20 A) outlet, which most homes don't have and which must be installed by a licensed electrician.
If you rent, travel, or don't want to install anything, choose 10 A. If you own your home and drive more than about 100 km most days, a 15 A outlet and charger is worth it. Full comparison: 10A vs 15A.
Our best seller: any standard power point, IP66 and IK10, 3-year warranty, lowest price in Australia for this model.
For a dedicated 15 A outlet: selectable 8/12/15 A, 6 m cable, built-in RCD.
For most people, an RCM-registered Type 2 portable charger with a genuine 10 A plug, such as the SEVR 10A ($183.99). If you have a dedicated 15 A outlet, a 15 A charger is about 50% faster.
Yes for most drivers. It costs a fraction of a wall charger's $1,200–$2,300 installed price and adds 129–194 km overnight, which covers typical daily driving. It also travels with you.
RCM registration, a genuine plug for your outlet (never an adapter), IP66 weather rating, built-in electrical protection, a cable long enough to reach without an extension lead, and an Australian warranty.
Some are, many aren't legal for sale here. Check for the RCM mark and look the model up on the EESS registration database before you buy.