Travel with a Mobile Charger: My Experience Using a Portable EV Charger on the Road

Are public chargers the only way to power your EV during a road trip? In fact, a reliable portable EV charger might be even more essential than your GPS.

1️⃣Why I Decided to Travel with a Portable EV Charger

A few weeks ago, I took my Renault Zoe on a road trip through southern France. Fast charging stations seemed common enough. But reality hit hard:

Some stations were completely offline;

Charging spots at campsites were always full;

The only AC charger in one town was blocked by a petrol car⛽

Luckily, I had packed a 7KW portable EV charger, compatible with Type 2 plugs. It became the most reliable companion throughout the journey, saving me from range anxiety more than once.

2️⃣What Is a Portable EV Charger—and Who Needs One?

A portable EV charger is essentially a mobile AC charging cable with adjustable power settings and safety features. It plugs into standard wall outlets or industrial sockets, letting you charge anywhere there's electricity.

✅Ideal for:

3️⃣BEV vs PHEV: Which Type of Car Is Best Suited for Portable EV Chargers?

Both pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can benefit from portable chargers, but their needs are different.

Key Insight:

PHEVs often don't need high power—they charge fully with 3.7KW in just a few hours. 

👉3.7kW charger for PHEV

BEVs with larger batteries benefit from 7KW or more, especially during multi-day trips.

👉Best portable EV charger for BEV

4️⃣My Travel Charging Kit

5️⃣Real-World Charging Scenarios

1. Campsite Outlet – Ardèche, France

Used a standard Schuko plug

Set to 10A for overnight charging
✅ +120km range by morning—perfect for a day’s drive

 2. Airbnb Garage

Host provided a 16A industrial socket

Stable 3.6kW charging for several hours
✅ Host was surprised: "This is more convenient than public chargers."

3. Supermarket Wall Socket

Borrowed a rear outlet from a local store

Set to 8A to avoid tripping the breaker
✅ Added enough charge to reach the next town safely

 6️⃣Safety Tips When Using a Portable Charger

Inspect the socket—avoid damaged or old outlets.

Adjust current based on the power source (e.g. 8–10A for home sockets).

Use IP-rated chargers, and avoid rain exposure when possible.

Choose units with built-in overload and leakage protection.

7️⃣Is a Portable Charger Worth It?

✅ Pros:

Flexible: Charge anywhere with an outlet

Portable: Compact and trunk-friendly

Cost-effective: Avoid overpriced public charging

Peace of mind: Never stranded in low-coverage areas

❌ Cons:

Slower than fast charging

AC only—no DC support

Requires basic knowledge of power limits

8️⃣Freedom Begins with a Cable

Whether you're commuting or exploring the countryside, a portable EV charger offers real independence. It won’t replace super-fast charging stations, but it can get you back on the road when there’s no other option.

Next stop? Just don’t forget to pack your charger!