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Portable EV Chargers: A Cost-Effective Solution

The world of electric vehicle (EV) charging is evolving rapidly, and now there’s an affordable alternative to standard EV charger installations: a commando (CEE) socket used as a charging point, combined with a portable EV charger that connects to the commando socket and transfers the charge directly to your vehicle.

A portable charger, including installation work, is significantly more affordable than installing a standard EV charger box, offering savings of up to 50%.


Two Ways to Charge Your Vehicle at Home

Essentially, there are two ways to charge your car at home. The first is what we commonly think of as an EV charger - one that comes with a wall box. Sometimes this is also called a "smart charger" because it is controlled through a WiFi-connected smartphone app. Our services for this type of charger are covered in our EV Charger Installation page.

The second way is to use a commando charging point and a portable EV charger with a commando (CEE) plug. With this alternative approach to home charging, you can save up to 50% of the cost of a standard EV charger box, and making home EV charging more accessible than ever.

The Future of Home Charging?
As technology evolves, the industry is shifting towards offering greater convenience, simplicity, and cost savings, while still maintaining the performance and speed needed for efficient charging. With these advantages, the portable charger is likely to become more widely used and could eventually replace the standard EV charger.


The Solution: Combining a Commando Charging Point With a Portable EV Charger

A commando charging point is simply a general purpose power socket designed to handle higher voltage and current - the sort needed for more powerful electrical equipment, not just EV chargers.

A portable EV charger has a commando (CEE) plug at one end to plug into the commando socket, and a plug that fits into your car's charging socket at the other end. In between is a heavy duty power cable to carry the current.

Portable chargers may have additional features on the main charger unit, depending on the charger model, including: adjustable power settings (8A to 32A), built-in safety protections (such as overcurrent and surge protection), a digital display or LED indicators for status monitoring, WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity for remote control and monitoring via a mobile app, and compatibility with smart grid systems for optimized energy usage.

So, instead of using a standard EV charger box, you just plug in a portable EV charger like you would with any everyday appliance and your vehicle will start charging.


How Portable Chargers Differ from EV Charger Boxes

A portable EV charger offers several advantages over standard EV charger boxes:

  • Simplicity: It doesn’t require apps, WiFi, or any complex controls. Just plug it in and start charging - no fuss.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: A portable charging solution can be as little as half the cost of a fixed EV charger box.
  • Flexibility: A portable EV charger provides greater versatility, allowing you to charge your vehicle in a variety of locations. Unlike fixed charger boxes, it can be easily moved and used wherever a compatible socket is available, giving you more freedom in how and where you charge.
  • Installation: Instead of installing a dedicated EV charger box, we simply install an external socket. This is easier and cheaper to install, with less that can go wrong. The socket can also be used for a range of applications, not just EV charging.
  • Less to go wrong: As there is just a socket installed, there is less to go wrong compared with a smart EV charger box.

The key difference is the end product: a socket that lets you plug in a more affordable, easier-to-install portable charger instead of a dedicated EV charging box.


Similarities to an EV Charger Box

Despite the differences, using a portable EV charger still requires some of the same infrastructure as a traditional EV charger box. Here are the main similarities:

  • Mains Connection: Just like a smart charger, it connects to your home’s electrical system.
  • Circuit Installation: A circuit is required to safely handle higher currents.
  • Safety Standards: All components are designed to meet the necessary safety standards, including full compliance with BS 7671, ensuring protection against potential hazards.
  • Speed: A 32A commando socket can charge at the same speed as many EV charger boxes, delivering 7kW of power.


Advantages of a Portable EV Charger With Commando Socket

  • Affordable: The cost of a portable charger is much less than that of a dedicated wall box EV charger.
  • Fast Charging: New portable charging cables can now charge your car at the same speed as a wallbox charger.
  • No Apps Required: There’s no need for apps or WiFi to control the charging process. Just plug it in, and you’re all set.
  • No Planning Permission Needed: Since this solution involves installing a simple socket, there’s no need for planning permission or notification to your energy supplier.
  • Convenience: You can easily take your portable charger with you when traveling, providing more flexibility in different charging situations.
  • Small: Instead of having a large charger box on display, you just have a relatively small socket.
  • Multi-Purpose Socket: The socket can be used for other equipment, not just EV charging.
  • Not Dependent on WiFi: Since you just plug in and charge, there is little change of a poor internet connection affecting your ability to charge your car.
  • Backup: Even if you have a smart charger, you could consider a commando socket with portable EV charger as a backup or supplementary option. This could be useful, especially if you have two electric vehicles or need backup in case of WiFi problems.

The key disadvantage of a portable EV charger is the lack of smart features, accessed via your smartphone. However, many portable chargers now include functions that let you perform some of the same tasks, such as delayed charging so you can take advantage of times when electricity tarrifs are cheaper.


What We Do - Installation

Installing a portable EV charger is straightforward. We will set up a general-purpose external commando socket, connected to a new dedicated circuit with additional safety protections to handle the higher voltage and current demands of charging an EV (or for use with other high powered equipment). This step is necessary, whether you're installing a standard EV charger box or using a commando socket for charging.

Once the external socket and circuit are in place, you simply plug in your portable charging cable and you're good to go.


Pricing

Our portable EV charging solution is designed to fit your needs and budget. Here are the costs associated with the installation:

  • Without the Portable Charger: Prices for just the commando socket and circuit start at £700.
  • With the Portable Charger: If you prefer us to supply the portable charger along with the installation, prices start at £900.

The final price depends on the specific installation requirements, including the length of portable charger cable and any additional work needed.


Why Choose Us?

When it comes to installing a portable EV charging solution, we are your trusted partner. Here’s why:

  • Cost Savings: Our portable EV charging solution can save you significantly compared to a standard EV charger box.
  • Experience: With extensive experience in EV installations, we’re well-versed in both domestic and commercial EV charging systems.
  • Comprehensive Services: In addition to installation, we also provide testing and maintenance services for EV charging stations, ensuring long-term performance and safety.
  • Customer-Focused: We take the time to understand your specific charging needs and offer the best solutions tailored to what you want and need.
  • For more reasons, check out what our customers say about us.

Get in Touch

Whether you're looking for a standard EV charger box with its smart features or a more flexible, cost-effective portable charger, we're here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your needs, and let’s find the perfect solution for you.

Give us a call on 07793 387 287 or Contact us using our secure contact form