Buyer's guide

Portable EV charger vs wall charger: which do you need?

A wall charger is the default suggestion at the dealership. For most drivers it's more than they need. Here's how to tell which camp you're in.

The short answer

If you drive under about 150 km a day, a 15 A portable charger on a dedicated outlet covers it overnight (about 194 km in 10 hours) for a fraction of a wall charger's $1,200–$2,300 installed cost. A 7 kW wall charger makes sense for long daily drives, two EVs sharing one charger, or tight charging windows.

  • Under ~120 km a day: a portable charger is enough. Renters and anyone who can't install: the SEVR 10A portable charger.
  • Up to ~190 km a day: the EVSE Australia 15A portable charger on a dedicated 15 A outlet.
  • More than that, two EVs, or a short off-peak window: a 7 kW wall charger.
  • Either way: a portable charger is still the one that travels with you.
Side by side

Portable vs wall charger compared

10A portable15A portable7 kW wall charger
Charger price$183.99$239Sold with installation
InstallationNoneDedicated 15 A/20 A outletDedicated 32 A circuit, possible switchboard upgrade
Typical all-in cost$183.99$239 + outlet install$1,200–$2,300 installed
Range per hour~13 km~19 km~42 km
10-hour night~129 km~194 kmA full charge for most EVs
Takes it with youYesYes (needs a 15 A outlet)No
Suits rentersYesIf the landlord agreesRarely
Wall charger pricing is a typical single-phase installed range from Australian industry estimates. Worked numbers use the same assumptions as our range calculator: 230 V, 90% charging efficiency and 16 kWh per 100 km. Cold weather, your car's onboard charger and driving style change real results.
By daily driving

Which charger covers your day overnight?

Daily drivingHours on 10AHours on 15AHours on 7 kWEnough overnight
40 km3.1 h2.1 h1.0 hPortable 10A
80 km6.2 h4.1 h1.9 hPortable 10A
120 km9.3 h6.2 h2.9 hPortable 10A
150 km11.6 h7.7 h3.6 hPortable 15A
200 km15.5 h10.3 h4.8 hWall charger
300 km23.2 h15.5 h7.2 hWall charger
'Enough overnight' means the day's driving is replaced within 10 hours. Worked numbers use the same assumptions as our range calculator: 230 V, 90% charging efficiency and 16 kWh per 100 km. Cold weather, your car's onboard charger and driving style change real results.
When a wall charger is worth it

Five signs you need a wall charger

  1. You regularly drive more than about 190 km a day.
  2. Two EVs share one parking spot and one charger.
  3. Your off-peak window is short, so you need to add a lot of range in a few hours.
  4. You want to schedule charging around your solar using a smart charger's app.
  5. Your car's battery is very large and you often arrive home nearly empty.

If none of those apply, start with a portable charger. You can always add a wall charger later, and the portable one becomes your travel cable. See what each install involves.

Our pick

Chargers we recommend

Best for home

EVSE Australia Mini Portable Charger (15A)

Type 28/12/15 A3.45 kW~19 km/h6 mIP66

The sweet spot for most homeowners: about 50% faster than 10 A for a fraction of a wall charger's cost.

$239Coming soon · free shipping · 2-year warranty
Details
No install needed

SEVR EV Portable Charger (10A)

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

No install at all. The right start for renters, and the backup everyone keeps in the boot.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a wall charger for my EV?

Not usually. If you drive under about 150 km a day, a 15 A portable charger adds about 194 km overnight, which covers it. A wall charger suits long daily drives, two EVs, or short off-peak windows.

How much does a wall charger cost to install in Australia?

Typically $1,200–$2,300 installed for a single-phase 7 kW charger, depending on the charger, cable run and whether your switchboard needs work.

Is a portable EV charger safe to use every day?

Yes, when it's RCM-registered and plugged straight into a suitable outlet, ideally on its own circuit. Never use an extension lead, powerboard or adapter.

Can I use a portable charger as my main home charger?

Yes. Many owners do. On a dedicated 15 A outlet it adds about 19 km per hour, so most daily driving is replaced overnight.

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