Charging an electric car is quite simple if you have a garage and a wall unit, however, not everyone does. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) assumes that approx 66% of American households have the potential to access home charging, that means roughly 34% do not.
That leaves a large share of EV drivers looking for alternatives that are flexible and reliable.
And a 40 amp level 1 and 2 portable EV charger handles that quite well. It delivers fast charging speeds on 240V outlets, yet still works with standard 120V household plugs.
It’s compact, easy to carry, and you can charge wherever you want. Even though you have a wall unit installed at home, you’re better off with a backup in the car.
What Does “40 Amp Level 1 and 2 Portable EV Charger” Mean?
The name sounds technical, we get it. So let us break it down for you.
● 40 Amp → Refers to the current the charger can deliver. At 240V, that equals up to 9.6 kW, which is about as powerful as portable chargers get today.
● Level 1 (120V) → This is standard household charging. Expect roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour.
● Level 2 (240V) → A faster option using outlets like NEMA 14-50 or 6-50, adding 25–35 miles of range per hour.
To put it simply, a 40 amp Level 1 and 2 portable EV charger is a single unit that works on both household and higher-power outlets. Thereby, giving you flexibility for home, travel, and emergencies.
Charging Speed and Real-World Performance
To put it into context, the average American commute is 42 miles per day, as per the Axios Report. That means a 40 amp portable EV charger can recover that distance in just over an hour on a 240V outlet. That’s plenty for overnight charging or quick top-ups between errands.
Even when limited to 120V (Level 1), these chargers are useful. Leaving your EV plugged in overnight can add 30–40 miles of range by morning, which covers the daily needs of many drivers.
Do keep in mind that every EV has an onboard charger that limits intake. If your car caps at 32A, the charger will adjust to match, so buying a 40A unit does not hurt. And when you upgrade your vehicle in the future, you will not be underpowered.
Compatibility Across EVs
Compatibility is often a concern, in particular, for the first-time EV owners. However, the standards make it simple.
● Non-Tesla EVs – Use the J1772 connector. For these drivers, our Level 1 & Level 2 portable EV charger. provides full coverage with adjustable current and dual-voltage support.
● Tesla EVs: Use the NACS connector. Our dedicated Portable EV Charger built for Tesla models removes the need for adapters.
Most automakers are shifting to Tesla’s NACS standard by 2026. Having said that, J1772 will remain relevant for years, since millions of vehicles rely on it. Hence, we would say having both options is practical and gives you flexibility.
Key Features of a 40 Amp Portable EV Charger
When evaluating portable chargers, certain features count the most:
● Adjustable Current (16A–40A)
Lets you dial down power if your outlet, wiring, or breaker cannot handle full load. For instance, dropping from 40A to 24A avoids tripping a 30A circuit.
● Dual-Voltage Flexibility (120V/240V)
A single unit can plug into a standard household outlet for slow charging or a 240V outlet for fast charging. This is the defining feature of the 40 amp level 1 and 2 portable EV charger.
● Built-in Safety Protections
Overcurrent, overheating, surge protection, and ground fault detection are must-haves when dealing with high current.
● Delay Charging / Scheduling
Select models allow you to start charging later, usually at night when electricity rates are lower. With utilities offering off-peak discounts, this can add up to real savings.
● Portable Design
Compact and light enough to throw in your trunk. Thereby, makes it ideal for road trips, cabin stays, or RV parks with 14-50 outlets.
Safety and Reliability
High current charging requires more than convenience. It demands trust. A 40 amp portable EV charger moves enough power to run multiple appliances at once, therefore safeguards are critical.
Look only for units that are ETL or UL listed, confirming compliance with U.S. electrical standards. Weather-resistant housings (such as IP65) make them safe for outdoor use, and built-in protections keep your car and home safe from overloads.
Duevolt’s portable chargers tick all these boxes, thus you can confidently charge your vehicle anywhere without second-guessing safety.
When does a 40 Amp Portable EV Charger Make Sense?
Not everybody needs the same setup, but portable chargers fit a broad range of scenarios:
● Renters – No need to alter property wiring. Just plug into existing outlets.
● Travelers – Perfect for road trips, vacation homes, or RV parks.
● Single-EV households – Covers daily driving needs without requiring permanent equipment.
● Backup users – Even if you do have a wall charger, a portable unit gives you backup if you move or in case of outages.
In a nutshell, if flexibility matters to you, a portable charger is more than backup. It’s often the most practical daily solution.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are clearly the future, and adoption is accelerating fast. Fortunately, charging stations are growing in number throughout the country. However, they lack the flexibility that a portable EV charger does offer. That’s why we’d say it’s no longer an option, it is a must-have accessory that should be in your EV’s trunk.
We hope that this guide has given you a basic understanding of Portable EV Chargers.
When you’re ready to buy one, we’d recommend always doing so from a reputable name such as Duevolt.