“What is a portable EV charger, and do I need one?”

Portable EV chargers can be a great addition to your EV toolkit – whether you want a reliable travel charger, a backup for public chargers, or a simple plug-in solution before installing a full home wallbox. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What is a portable EV charger?

A portable EV charger is a plug-in charging cable that allows an EV to charge from a standard UK socket (normally a 3-pin plug). They are designed to be:

• Compact and travel-friendly

• Easy to plug into any suitable outlet

• Compatible with most EVs and plug-in hybrids

• Useful as a backup or secondary charger

Portable units are typically rated from ~2.3kW up to ~3.7kW when used on a 13A domestic socket. They are not a replacement for a dedicated home wallbox but are ideal for travel and convenience charging.

How portable EV chargers work

Portable EV chargers are usually mode 2 charging cables – meaning they include the safety and control electronics inside the unit itself, allowing them to draw from a regular plug socket.

Key things to know:

• Most portable chargers operate on 230V single phase (standard UK supply).

• Output is often 2.3kW or 3kW, depending on plug rating.

• They are ideal for overnight charging or when away from dedicated chargers.

Benefits of a portable charger

Portable EV chargers are useful because they:

• Let you charge almost anywhere there’s a plug socket

• Are simple and universal (fit Type 2 inlets)

• Serve as a backup when other chargers aren’t available

• Can be taken on trips or used at rentals

Portable chargers are especially handy if:

✔ You haven’t installed a home wallbox yet
✔ You’re using someone else’s garage or driveway
✔ You’re travelling and want a reliable fallback

Recommended portable EV chargers (UK)

Here are some well-reviewed portable EV charging options available on Amazon UK — great for travel or as a secondary charging solution:

Best Overall Portable Chargers

Type 2 Portable EV Home Charger – Premium portable unit with strong reviews, ideal for frequent use and travel.

Ila Tech Portable EV Charging Station – Solid mid-range charger with robust design for daily use and trips.

VOLTNGO Portable EV Charger – Great value portable EV charger with good durability and performance.

Best Value & Simpler Portable Chargers

Aposol Portable EV Charger – Affordable portable charger that still gets the job done for many EVs.

GONEO Portable EV Charger 5M – Compact and basic cable with protections built in, perfect for occasional charging.

Tera Portable EV Charger Type 2 – Good budget portable charging option with reliable performance.

Vorsprung Type 2 to 3 Pin UK Plug Portable EV Charger – Highly rated portable charger with 3-pin UK plug and Type 2 connection.

Portable charger buying tips

When choosing a portable EV charger, consider:

1. Power Rating

Most portable chargers are limited to 2.3–3.3kW on a standard 13A socket. This is fine for overnight charging but slower than a home wallbox.

2. Plug Type

Ensure the charger has a UK 3-pin plug and Type 2 connector compatible with most EVs.

3. Safety Features

Look for units with built-in protection against:

• Overcurrent

• Earth fault

• Overheating

These are important when using regular sockets.

4. Cable Length

A longer cable (5–10 metres) gives flexibility when plugging in at awkward spots.

5. Durability

An IP-rated (weatherproof) charger is better for outdoor or garage use.

Important Safety Considerations

Portable EV chargers are designed for intermittent charging from standard UK sockets. However:

• Domestic socket circuits are often not rated for prolonged high current — check your socket condition before use.

• Avoid using extension leads unless they are heavy-duty and rated for continuous load.

• Consider a dedicated home wallbox if you charge frequently — it’s safer and faster.

Portable vs Home Wallbox Chargers

Portable chargers are a great fallback, but if you regularly rely on them:

For most EV owners, a portable charger is useful plus a home wallbox for daily needs.

Final thoughts

A portable EV charger is a practical and affordable solution for:

• Out-of-town stays

• Hotels with basic outlets

• Occasional charging before installing a wallbox

• Travel backups

They are simple, compatible with most EVs, and a great way to keep topped up when dedicated chargers aren’t available – just don’t expect the same power as a wallbox or public AC/DC charger.

The post The Complete Guide to Portable EV Chargers appeared first on Giga Power UK.

Many EV drivers plug into a public 22kW AC charger expecting rapid charging speeds, only to discover their vehicle is charging at 3.6kW or 7kW. The charger may clearly display “22kW AC,” yet the actual charging rate is far lower. In many cases, the reason is surprisingly simple:

The charging cable being used is single-phase.

This guide explains:

• The difference between single-phase and 3-phase EV charging cables

• Why your cable affects charging speed

• How to determine which cable you need

• How to achieve full charging speeds at public AC chargers

• Recommended 3-phase EV charging cables

This is an issue many EV drivers are unaware of — but understanding it can significantly reduce charging times at public AC stations.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

Understanding AC Charging Speeds

Public AC chargers in the UK are commonly rated at:

• 7kW (single-phase)

• 11kW (3-phase)

• 22kW (3-phase)

However, the charger can only deliver the maximum power supported by both:

1. The vehicle’s onboard charger

2. The charging cable being used

Unlike DC rapid chargers (where the cable is attached to the unit), AC chargers require drivers to use their own Type 2 cables from time to time – and that cable determines the maximum charging capacity.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

What is a Single-Phase EV charging cable?

A single-phase Type 2 cable is typically rated at:

• 16A (approximately 3.6kW)

• 32A (approximately 7.4kW)

These cables are ideal for:

• Home charging

• Workplace charging

• Overnight charging

• 7kW wallboxes

However, a single-phase cable cannot deliver 11kW or 22kW charging speeds, even if the public charger is capable of doing so.

This is one of the most common reasons drivers experience unexpectedly slow charging at public AC stations.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

What is a 3-Phase EV charging cable?

A three phase Type 2 cable allows higher AC charging speeds, including:

• 11kW charging (16A 3-phase)

• 22kW charging (32A 3-phase)

3-phase charging cables are particularly useful at:

• Public 11kW chargers

• Public 22kW AC fast chargers

• Destination charging sites

• Commercial EV hubs

When a vehicle supports 3-phase charging and is connected with a 3-phase cable, it can charge at the full rate advertised by the AC charger.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

Why your EV may be charging slowly at a 22kW charger

If a vehicle is charging at 3.6kW or 7kW at a 22kW AC charger, there are typically three possible reasons:

1. Your charging cable is Single-Phase

If the cable is single-phase, the maximum charging rate will be limited to 3.6kW or 7.4kW – regardless of the charger’s capability.

2. Your vehicle’s Onboard Charger is limited

Some EVs are limited to:

• 7kW AC charging

• 11kW AC charging

Even when using a 3-phase cable, the vehicle itself may cap the charging speed.

3. Load Balancing is active

Some public chargers dynamically share available power between multiple vehicles, particularly if the charger has multiple sockets being used by more than one electric vehicle.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

How to identify whether your charging cable is Single-Phase or 3-Phase

Check the label printed on the charging cable.

Look for markings such as:

• “1P” (single phase)

• “3P” (three phase)

• “16A 3P” (11kW capability)

• “32A 3P” (22kW capability)

If your charging cable only states 32A but does not mention 3-phase, it is likely single-phase.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

EV Charging Speed Comparison

Two drivers connected to the same charger can experience very different charging speeds purely because of the cable being used.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

Recommended 3-Phase EV Charging Cables

For drivers who regularly use public 11kW or 22kW AC chargers, upgrading to a 3-phase cable can significantly improve charging times.

When choosing a cable, look for:

• Type 2 to Type 2 compatibility

• 32A 3-phase rating (for full 22kW capability)

• CE certification

• IP-rated weather protection

• 5–7 metre length

32A 3-Phase Type 2 to Type 2 Cable (22kW)

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

Do you need a 3-Phase charging cable?

A 3-phase cable is recommended if:

• You regularly use public AC fast chargers

• Your vehicle supports 11kW or 22kW AC charging

• You want to reduce charging times at destination chargers

It may not be necessary if:

• You only charge at home on a 7kW wallbox

• Your vehicle is limited to 7kW AC charging

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 3-phase cable charge faster at home?

Only if the property has a 3-phase supply and compatible wall charger. Most UK homes are single-phase.

Can a 3-phase charging cable be used on a 7kW charger?

Yes. The charger will simply deliver its maximum available output.

Why does a 22kW charger only give me 7kW?

Common reasons include:

• Single-phase cable

• Vehicle limited to 7kW AC

• Load balancing on the charger

Does cable length affect charging speed?

Not in any meaningful way, provided the cable is correctly rated.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

Final Thoughts

Many EV drivers assume the charging unit determines the charging speed.

In reality, both the vehicle’s onboard charger and the charging cable play a crucial role in determining how fast AC charging can occur.

Understanding the difference between single phase and 3-phase charging cables can prevent frustration and significantly reduce charging times at public AC fast chargers.

Buy a 3-phase cable and start charging faster!

The post Why is my EV charging so slow on an AC Charger? appeared first on Giga Power UK.

We’re excited to share a major leap forward in making EV charging simpler and more seamless than ever. Giga Power has entered roaming partnerships with Allstar, Octopus Electroverse, Gireve, and Paua. What does that mean for you? In short – more chargers, fewer hassles, all under one roof.

Imagine hopping into your car and knowing your existing Giga Power app or card already grants you access to thousands more public chargers across the UK and Europe. No extra sign-ups. No second apps. Just plug in, charge and go.

Here’s how each partner boosts your charging experience:

Allstar brings familiar simplicity for fleets and regular drivers alike. If you’ve used their fuel or EV charge cards before, you’ll feel right at home using Giga Power stations. It’s a solid expansion of reach without changing your routine.

Then there’s Octopus Electroverse, Europe’s largest “one card, one app” EV network. It now connects to over a million public chargers across more than 40 countries – and counting. Electroverse’s route planning, real-time availability, and even in-car Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support all mean less pre-trip planning and more spontaneous adventures.

Behind the scenes, Gireve keeps the engine running, handling contracts and invoicing to ensure smooth access across numerous networks. It’s the technical glue making all this convenient roaming possible.

And then there’s Paua, the UK’s leading aggregator. With around 43,000 connectors on its network – Paua dramatically widens the number of places you can top up, all under one charge card experience .

What this means for you

• Massive Network Reach – Tap into a far wider infrastructure without changing your app or account.

• Convenient & Stress-Free Charging – No more charging app overload or last-minute scrambles for an alternate payment method.

• Smarter, Greener Savings – Take advantage of features like Electroverse’s Plunge Pricing, discounts that trigger when renewable energy is plentiful.

At Giga Power, we’re bringing it all home

Your Giga Power account now bridges direct access to our growing network with these trusted roaming services. When you’re low on range or exploring beyond Leeds, you can rest assured there’s a compatible charger waiting, whether you’re poking around the city or cruising cross-country.

Ready to roam even further with your Giga Power account? Open your app, plug in, and enjoy an EV charging network that keeps expanding as you drive.

The post Giga Power partners with Allstar, Octopus Electroverse, Gireve & Paua appeared first on Giga Power UK.

The amount of time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the type of charger used, the capacity of its battery, and the car model. Generally speaking, plugging into a standard 3 pin plug socket (known as a Level 1 charger) a car will take anything up to 12 hours to charge.

This is okay if a driver wants to charge overnight at home, but not suitable for any day time scenarios. Most electric vehicle manufacturers recommend charging a car to 80%. Charging between 80% and 100% takes longer, as the car will preserve its battery life by drawing power slower between these levels.

How long does it take to charge an electric car with a 7kW charger?
It depends on the type of charger and the car’s battery size. Generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to charge an electric car up to 80%.

How long does it take to charge an electric car with a 22kW charger?
Again, it will depend on the type of charger used and the car’s battery. But a 22kW charger would typically take around 2 to 4 hours to charge an electric car to 80%.

How long does it take to charge an electric car with a 43kW charger?
Some cars won’t be able to draw as much as 43kW, but those that do, it will take 30 to 60 minutes to charge a battery to 80%.

Do you want an EV charger at home? Search through the UK government approved list of installers:

Find a GOV approved EV charge point installer.

The post How long does it take to charge an electric car? appeared first on Giga Power UK.

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular as an environmentally–friendly and cost–efficient alternative to fuel–powered cars. EVs offer a unique experience compared to traditional cars, and knowing how to use and charge them efficiently can help you maximise their benefits. This guide will discuss how to use electric vehicles effectively, including when and how to charge them.

Charging Basics

The first step to using an EV is understanding the charging basics. Most electric vehicles use a standard 120–volt household outlet and a special charging cable, though some may require a higher voltage outlet. If you don’t have access to a 120–volt outlet, you may need to purchase a higher voltage charger.

There are a growing number of publicly available chargers in the UK. Charging networks, such as Giga Power UK, offer charging stations across the country where drivers can pull in to charge, often close by to amenities such as restrooms, shops, cafes and service stations. Typically, the average rate you’ll pay is £0.70 per kWh, which equates to roughly £18 for a typical charge. Read more about charging, and how long it takes, by clicking here.

When to Charge

When it comes to charging an electric vehicle, timing is key. Charging your EV during off–peak hours, such as during the night or early morning, can reduce the cost of electricity and help extend the life of your battery. Additionally, it’s important to charge your EV regularly, as allowing the battery to completely drain can reduce its performance and range for most makes and models.

Maximising Range

One of the main benefits of electric vehicles is their range, but it can be difficult to maximise this range without proper maintenance. To get the most out of your EV, make sure to check the tire pressure regularly, as under-inflated tyres can reduce the range. Additionally, driving in eco–mode can help conserve energy, increasing the overall range of the car. You might have heard of the term “range anxiety” which is the worry that new electric vehicle drivers have when they think they will run out of battery. However, the experience isn’t too dissimilar to fuel cars. It’s just a new way of thinking.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking for an eco–friendly and cost–efficient alternative to traditional cars. Knowing how to use and charge your EV efficiently can help you maximise its benefits and enjoy a better driving experience.

This guide discussed the basics of charging an EV, when to charge, and how to maximise its range. Brought to you by Giga Power UK, one of the UK’s fastest growing electric vehicle charging networks.

The post How to use electric vehicles appeared first on Giga Power UK.