Portable EV Charging for South African Roads
Not every EV owner has a dedicated garage or a permanent wall charger installed. The Portable EV Charger 3.5kW gives you reliable, safe AC charging wherever a standard power outlet is available. Plug into your home DB board, a guesthouse socket, or a workplace outlet and begin charging immediately. No electrician, no wall mount, and no permanent installation required.
At 16A single phase, the unit delivers 3.5kW continuously. Most EV batteries will accept this rate comfortably overnight, restoring 80-100% charge from near-empty in 6-8 hours depending on battery size. For plug-in hybrids, a full charge typically takes 2-3 hours.
Specifications
- Output power: 3.5kW (16A single phase)
- Connector: Type 2 (IEC 62196-2)
- Cable length: 4.5 metres
- Input plug: SA 3-pin (BS 546 Type M)
- Adjustable current: 6A, 8A, 10A, 13A, 16A
- Ingress protection: IP65
- Operating temperature: -30C to +50C
- Smart control: TUYA app (iOS and Android)
- Safety features: over-voltage, over-current, overheating, short circuit, ground fault, leakage current protection
- Certifications: CE, RoHS
TUYA Smart App Control
Connect the charger to your home Wi-Fi and control everything through the TUYA app. Set a charging schedule to start during Eskom off-peak hours (typically 10pm-6am), monitor real-time power draw, view session energy totals, and receive alerts if the connection is interrupted. Particularly useful for households on prepaid or time-of-use electricity tariffs.
Compatible Vehicles
Works with any electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid equipped with a Type 2 charging port. Confirmed compatible models available in South Africa include BMW 3 Series PHEV, BMW iX3, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, Mini Countryman SE, and Mercedes EQA/EQB/EQC.
Why Choose a Portable Charger
A wall-mounted charger is faster, but not everyone needs one. If you primarily charge overnight at home where 3.5kW is sufficient, if you travel frequently and need a charger that moves with you, or if you rent your property and cannot install a permanent unit, a portable charger is the practical choice. This unit bridges the gap between the slow 2.3kW emergency cable and a full wall installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge my EV with a 3.5kW charger?
For a 60kWh battery, a full charge from empty takes approximately 17 hours. From 20% to 80%, around 10 hours. For most daily commuters adding 80-120km, overnight charging is more than sufficient. Plug-in hybrids with 10-20kWh batteries charge in 3-6 hours.
Is a 3.5kW charger safe to use on a standard wall outlet?
Yes, provided the outlet is on a dedicated 20A circuit and in good condition. It is advisable to have an electrician inspect the socket before regular overnight use. The charger includes its own earth leakage and ground fault protection.
Can I use this charger on a solar system?
Yes. At 16A single phase, this charger is compatible with most hybrid and off-grid solar setups provided the inverter is rated for at least 3.5kW continuous output. Use the TUYA app to schedule charging during peak solar generation hours.
Does it work in load shedding?
The charger will stop automatically when grid power cuts and resume when power returns. If you have a hybrid inverter with backup power, the charger can run from battery storage during load shedding, though this will draw down your home battery faster.





Leon Hendricks –
The Portable EV Charger 3.5kW Type 2 has performed flawlessly since we installed it. Build quality is solid and the specifications match what was advertised. PowerVault processed our order quickly and delivery was well within the estimated timeframe.
Wayne Erasmus –
Very pleased with the Portable EV Charger 3.5kW Type 2 from PowerVault. Good quality product at a competitive price and it arrived promptly. Everything is working well and I have already recommended PowerVault to several friends who are looking at solar solutions.