Buyer's guide

How long should a portable EV charger cable be?

Because you can't use an extension lead, the charger's own cable is all the reach you get. Measure once and buy the right one.

The short answer

Measure from the power point to your car's charging inlet, following the route the cable will actually take (along the wall and floor, not through the air), and add about a metre of slack. If it's under about 3.5 m, a 4.5 m cable such as the SEVR 10A reaches; up to about 5 m, choose a 6 m cable such as the EVSE Australia 15A. Longer than that, park closer or have an outlet installed nearer the car.

Quick guide

Which cable length?

Power point to inlet (measured route)Cable that reachesOur option
Up to ~3.5 m4.5 mSEVR 10A, $183.99
~3.5 m to ~5 m6 mEVSE Australia 15A, $239 (needs a 15 A outlet)
More than ~5 mMove the car or the outletAsk an electrician for an outlet closer to where you park
Cable length is from the control box to the car connector, plus the short lead to the plug; check each product's specs.
How to measure

Measure in two minutes

  1. Park the way you normally will, nose in or reversed.
  2. Find the charging inlet on the car and the outlet on the wall.
  3. Run a tape or string along the path the cable would follow, avoiding walkways and car wheels.
  4. Add a metre for slack and for the control box to sit on a hook.
  5. Compare with the cable lengths above.
Never do this

Why not just add an extension lead?

Extension leads aren't built to carry close to 10 A for ten hours, and every extra connection heats up under that load. Charger manuals prohibit them. Full explanation.

Our pick

Chargers we recommend

No install needed

SEVR EV Portable Charger (10A)

Type 210 A max2.3 kW~13 km/h4.5 mIP66

4.5 m cable, any standard power point.

$183.99Lowest price in Australia · free shipping · 3-year warranty
Add to cart
Questions

Frequently asked

How long is a portable EV charger cable?

Usually 5–7.5 m overall. The SEVR 10A has a 4.5 m cable, the EVSE Australia 15A a 6 m cable and the EVSE Australia Type 1 charger a 5 m cable.

Is a longer EV charging cable better?

Only if you need the reach. Longer cables are heavier, bulkier in the boot and slightly more voltage drop. Buy the length that reaches with a metre to spare.

Can I use an extension cord if my cable is too short?

No. Park closer, choose a longer cable, or have an outlet installed nearer the car by a licensed electrician.

Where is the charging port on my car?

It varies: many cars have it on a rear corner, some at the front. Check your owner's manual or our model guides.

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