All Informations and guidance for Best portable level 1 charger
The question of charging is really the question when it comes to owning an electric vehicle (EV). Most people use fast-charging and know about such a solution, but there is a lighter and easier to implement solution, which is the Level 1 portable charger. These chargers are an excellent option to use when you do not want to bother your electric vehicle charging on the infrastructure that will cost you a lot of money. We will look deeply into the best portable level 1 chargers in the market today, their features, advantages and why every EV user should have in his or her must have accessories list.
What is Portable Level 1 Charger?
A portable Level 1 electric vehicle charger is a portable electric vehicle charging unit that allows you to charge your electric vehicle using a typical 120 volts power point. As opposed to Level 2 chargers, which are quite finicky as far as installation goes, Level 1 chargers can slot into a normal household outlet. The fact that they may not be as rapid as Level 2 chargers means they are not as quick in providing a single charge; however, they do offer the highest convenience with the ability to charge your EV overnight or during the day without necessarily having a dedicated charging station.
Why Choose Portable Level 1 Charger?
Convenience
The most accessible and portable power chargers are the level 1. They can be inserted into any regular power socket, at home, in the house of friends, or even when one is on the road. The fact that you can carry the charger with yourself via a car is an added benefit as you will always be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Cost-Effectiveness
The portable Level 1 chargers in general are cheaper as compared to Level 2. A best portable level 1 charger could be a very appropriate choice when you are on a budget and you do not want to invest in a special charging station. Besides the initial relatively low cost, they are also not going to necessitate any expensive additions to the electrical system of your house.
Easy Setup
The Level 2 charger necessitates expert installation and it may be time-consuming and increase your total expenditure. But all you need when you have a portable charger that is Level 1 is a socket. You will receive no permits, address contractors or other stuff. It only needs you to insert charger and you are on the job.
Excellent to have in the case of an Emergency
Although Level 1 portable chargers are slower when compared to Level 2, they could still be of a great deal of help in emergency cases. A Level 1 charger can come to the rescue when you are in a desperate need to know how to charge an electric car and have no other option but to use it to get to the next charging location or faster charger.
The considerations you need to take into account when coming up with the best portable level 1 chargers
Charging Speed
In spite of the fact that Level 1 chargers are slower than Level 2 chargers, they are more efficient when compared to others. The chargers that have an amperage rate above (12-16 amps) can charge your car quicker, as compared to the ones with low ratings. Bidding on the Level 1 category can also be quite different in terms of charging speed which can accumulate over time.
Durability
Portable Level 1 chargers have to be durable as they are designed to be portable. Choose chargers that are made of durable material particularly those that will be used outside in order to make sure that they are strong and can withstand weather conditions. Chargers also vary as some are reinforced to withstand the wear and tear hence will be more durable.
Cord Length
It is also a good idea to look at the length of the charging cord as it needs to reach its charging station which maybe located far away. Most of the top portable Level 1 charging devices are able to provide 15 to 25 feet of cord to ensure that you do not need to park very closely to the outlet.
Plug Compatibility
Ensure that your car has a fit into the plug. The majority of EVs have the standard J1772 that allows them to charge at Level 1, but ensure that the charger in question is compatible with it as well. There are also chargers with adapters, which makes them universal allowing to use them with multiple EVs.
The bestselling brands and for best portable level 1 charger.
1. ChargePoint Home Flex
The ChargePoint Home Flex is capable of operating as a portable Level 1 charging solution, making it one of the best portable electric vehicle chargers in the market today under the brand name ChargePoint. The charger is stylish, has a high amperage (maximum 16 amps), and also has long cords (25 feet). It is also connected to Wi-Fi, and it is possible to also manage your charging activities remotely through the ChargePoint app. It constitutes a convenience aspect, whereby you can monitor your charging process even when you are away with your car.
Where you can find them:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chargepoint+home+flex+level+1&crid=3QM85R2S4RW7E&sprefix=chargepoint+home+flex+level%2Caps%2C330&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
2. The Megear Level 1 EV Charger
Megear Level 1 EV Charger is also available at a low price, yet it does not compromise on quality. Having a 16-amp charging rating and a 25-foot cable, this is a portable type of charger with decent performance that makes it affordable. It is dainty, not much space-consuming, and has the feature of safety protection against overvoltage, overheating, and short circuit. This also renders it as a wonderful product to purchase in case one is on a tight budget but wants to get a reliable charger.
Where you can find them:
https://www.amazon.com/MEGEAR-Level-Charger-Portable-Electric/dp/B0CXDGHQZ9?th=1
https://www.megear.com/collections/%E5%AE%98%E7%BD%91%E9%A1%B5%E9%9D%A2%E4%BA%A7%E5%93%81/products/megear-skysword-%E2%85%B1-level-1-nema-5-15-portable-ev-charger
3. Tesla Mobile Connector
In the case of a Tesla, the Tesla Mobile Connector is the official portable Level 1 charging gadget of the company. It is tailored to work with Tesla cars and its charging usage is smooth. The charger uses a 20 foot cord and fits into standard 120 volt receptacle. Although it is not as fast as Level 2 charging stations made by Tesla, it is a great solution in cases of emergency or being off-road.
Where you can find them:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tesla+mobile+connector&adgrpid=154416812823&hvadid=681428576603&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9060966&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15188591373391812659&hvtargid=kwd-351105609527&hydadcr=11424_13473687&mcid=6ccb1a22c6473107bae1f0c821fce39e&tag=hydglogoo-20&ref=pd_sl_4xp97moqnc_e
https://shop.tesla.com/product/mobile-connector
4. Schumacher SC-1200A
Schumacher SC-1200A is one of the reasonable quality Level 1 that has fame in being durable and easy to handle. It has a 12-amp charging rate and a 10-foot cord which makes it perfect to top up when you are short on time. It is best suited to individuals who do not have to do frequent charging and desire low cost and convenient method without the fuss and glamour.
The portable level 1 charger is easy to use as the following steps will show. First, make sure that you are using a strong cord with good connections. This regular cord may have up to 120 volts. Handle this charger with care so that you do not cause damage to the parts. Second, make sure that you have the appropriate connection adapter before you connect this charger to your vehicle. This charger will cause a lot of damage when connected improperly. Third, fully extend the connector and plug it into an electric outlet. Next, connect the plug to the car and insert the adapter.
Where you can find them:
https://www.ebay.com/p/563401562
It is very easy to use a portable Level 1 charger, and to get the best use out of it, there are a few steps that you should take:
Insert the Charger Plug Ensure that the outlet is of good capacity to take the charging load.
Connect Charger to Your EV: Place J1772 plug into electric vehicle charging connector. Make sure that the connection is firm
The Charging Process: Portable Level1 chargers do not require any complex features, but most of them allow one to monitor the progress of charging with the help of the application or a screen on them.
Unplugging the Charger at the end of the cycle: when you are satisfied, when your EV is complete, it is possible to disconnect the charger itself and the one supplying your vehicle. Stash charger in any safe place so that, whenever you have an emergency, you will still be able to use it.
Professional Advice is to Use Level 1 Charger Portable
Michael R. Davis, an electric vehicle expert at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), notes that, Portable Level 1 chargers come in as a mandatory device to an EV owner who wants them to enjoy their driving experience but do not want to spend thousands of dollars. They offer an aspect of flexibility that is not present in EVs that can make owning an EV easier to accomplish in locations where access to the public infrastructure is difficult to come by.
As an EV owner, it is good to have a mobile Level 1 charger with you.
In a nutshell, on the list of the best portable Level 1 chargers, EV owners can find the most affordable, convenient, and versatile one. As a way of charging on the road or as a secondary source of charging, a portable Level 1 charger can satisfy your requirements. They are simple to operate, economical, and are small in size hence becoming the most ideal stage in your electric car ownership venture. By investing in any of these chargers, you will save money and most importantly, you will be prepared to go on a drive every time you take your EV anywhere.
