Portable EV chargers (including J1772 portable ev charger and Tesla portable charger) are amongst the most in-demand accessories in the electric vehicle segment. And if you ask us, we would say they’re the real lifesaver!
Anyone who owns or drives an EV shouldn’t rely solely on public charging networks or a fixed home outlet. Think of it like carrying a power bank for your phone: most of the time, you won’t need it, but when you do, it becomes indispensable.
That being said, with so many portable charger options on the market, the big question is—which one should you choose? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, and it really comes down to two main categories: a Tesla Portable Charger or a Universal Portable Charger. What’s the difference between these two? It’s a question we get asked time and time again, so we’ve rounded up this article to break it down for you in simple terms.
So, let’s cut to the chase and dive right in.
Quick Overview
| Features | Tesla Portable Charger | Universal Portable EV Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Works only with Tesla (NACS connector) | Works with almost all EVs (J1772), including Tesla with adapter |
| Ease of Use | Plug-and-play for Tesla drivers | Requires adapter for Tesla, but ideal for mixed-EV households |
| Charging Speeds | Up to 40A / ~9.6kW (Level 2) | Up to 40A / ~9.6kW (Level 2), adjustable amperage on many models |
| Price Point | Higher, official Tesla branding | Often lower, same capabilities plus extra features (e.g., adjustable current) |
| Portability | Lightweight, Tesla-branded design | Compact, travel-ready, built for flexibility across brands |
What is a Tesla Portable Charger?
The Tesla Portable Charger, as the name says it all, is a compact charging solution designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, using the NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector.
Officially, Tesla calls it the Mobile Connector, which is essentially the same thing as a Tesla Portable Charger. You can either purchase Tesla’s Mobile Connector, or get a third-party charger made by a certified manufacturer such as Duevolt.
Our charger offers the same core capabilities as Tesla’s charger, plus some extra practical features such as adjustable amperage, dual-voltage support, delay charging and more at a lower price point. If the brand badge is not a concern for you, Duevolt’s has got the best portable charger for tesla.
Note that NACS is no longer limited to Tesla-only. It is also being used in modern EVs and adoption is rising. Accordingly, our NACS chargers can seamlessly connect with these vehicles as well.
What is a Universal Portable EV Charger?
A Universal Portable EV Charger, as it sounds like, is meant to work with nearly every electric vehicle. Since most EVs come with a J1772 connector, it has become the universal standard in North America. However, with the exception of Tesla, which uses its own connector known as NACS (North American Charging Standard).
It’s safe to say that if your EV is not a Tesla, it likely has a J1772 port by default. And that’s why these chargers are called “universal.”
Besides, you can also charge a Tesla with one. How? Well, by simply using a J1772-to-NACS adapter, which Tesla often includes with their cars. With that adapter in place, a universal charger connects to your Tesla just as smoothly as it does with any other EV.
That being said, many auto companies have announced plans to adopt NACS in the coming years, largely because of the advantage of Tesla’s vast Supercharger network. However, J1772 is not going anywhere anytime soon. For now both standards coexist, and time will tell which ultimately becomes the universal connector.
Speaking of which, if flexibility is what you’re after, you can check out Duevolt’s Universal Portable EV Charger. It delivers fast Level 2 charging, adjustable amperage, and reliable safety protections, all in a compact, travel-ready design.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Tesla vs Universal Chargers
Let’s now get into the head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one to buy:
Compatibility
When considering EV charging, compatibility comes first. By Tesla chargers, we mean chargers designed for the NACS connector. So, if you own a Tesla, or any other vehicle with NACS support, they will work perfectly.
Universal chargers, on the other hand, use the J1772 connector, which is the standard for most non-Tesla vehicles in North America. They work great with those EVs. However, J1772 is not directly compatible with Tesla’s NACS port since the two follow different standards.
To use a universal charger with a Tesla, you’ll need a J1772-to-NACS adapter. Without that adapter, a universal charger simply won’t connect to a Tesla.
Charging Speeds
Both offer similar performance, with Level 1 (120V) for slow charging and Level 2 (240V) for faster charging.
Many models support up to 40 amps, delivering around 9.6kW, which is fast enough to add 25–30 miles of range per hour.
Price Point
If we talk about Tesla’s Mobile Connector, it definitely comes at a higher price. However, there are third-party manufacturers, like Duevolt, that produce Tesla-compatible portable chargers. With ours, you get the same core capabilities plus extra features at a more affordable price point. You could typically find one in the range of $209 to $249.
On the other hand, universal chargers tend to be priced more reasonably since they’re produced by many different companies. Depending on features like amperage, voltage support, and portability, you could find one anywhere from $150 to $250.
You may be able to find cheaper options, however, note that always purchase from a reputable company that provides certified quality and meets industry safety standards.
Which One is for You?
So which one should you buy? Well, it primarily depends on what you drive.
If you own a Tesla then you really have two solid picks. Either you can go for Tesla’s Mobile Connector which would cost you around $300. Or you can buy one from Duevolt, which is priced between $209 and $249. With us, you get everything Tesla offers, plus many extra features such as adjustable charging current, delay charging function, LED display. Everything at a lowered price, and flexibility to pick the charger that best fits your needs.
If you drive a vehicle other than Tesla then a Universal Portable Charger is the obvious choice. Since the J1772 is the universal standard in North America and most EVs come equipped with it.
Check our universal chargers, priced at $199 and $229. We give you the flexibility to choose the model that best fits your needs.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences and make the right call.