As more UK drivers switch to electric vehicles, one of the first decisions they face is how to charge at home. Two main options dominate the market: portable EV chargers (like 13A and 16A plug‑in units) and fixed wall box chargers (typically 7kW or 22kW).

Both solutions have strengths — and the right choice depends on your home, your vehicle, and how you use it. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each, helping you choose the best charging setup for your lifestyle.

What Is a Portable EV Charger?

A portable EV charger is a plug‑in charging unit that connects to a standard UK socket (13A) or an industrial socket (16A or 32A). It’s compact, easy to store, and requires little or no installation.

Typical power outputs:

13A (3‑pin plug) → up to 2.3kW

16A (commando plug) → up to 3.6kW

32A (single phase commando plug) → up to 7.4kW

Best for:

Drivers without off‑street parking

Renters

Holiday homes

Occasional charging

Backup charging

Commercial workshops needing flexible charging

What Is a Wall box Charger?

A wall box is a fixed, hardwired home charging unit installed by a qualified electrician. Most UK homes use 7kW single‑phase wall boxes, while some commercial or three‑phase properties can support 22kW.

Typical power outputs:

7kW → standard UK home wall box

22kW → requires three‑phase supply

Best for:

Daily home charging

Faster overnight charging

Households with multiple EVs

Drivers with high weekly mileage

Portable Chargers: Pros & Cons

✔ Pros

No installation required

Plug in and charge — ideal for renters or temporary setups.

Lowest upfront cost

Portable chargers are significantly cheaper than wall boxes.

Flexible and travel‑friendly

Take it with you on trips, holidays, or between properties

Works anywhere with a compatible socket

Perfect for:

Holiday homes

Workplaces

Caravans

Commercial workshops

Great as a backup charger

Even wall box owners will benefit from keeping a portable charger in the boot.

✘ Cons

Slower charging speeds

2.3kW–3.6kW vs 7kW–22kW for wall boxes.

Requires a good‑quality socket to be installed

13A sockets must be modern, outdoor‑rated, and in good condition.

Not ideal for high‑mileage drivers

Longer charging times may not suit heavy daily use.

Cable management is manual

No built‑in holster or tidy system like wall boxes.

Wall box Chargers: Pros & Cons

✔ Pros

Fast charging

A 7kW wall box charges roughly 3× faster than a 13A charger.

 

Smart Features

Many wall boxes offer:

Scheduled charging

Load balancing

App control

Energy monitoring

Ideal for daily home charging

Perfect for drivers who rely on overnight charging.

Clean, permanent installation

Cable management is built in.

✘ Cons

Higher upfront cost

Unit + installation can be £700–£1,500+.

Requires off‑street parking

You need a driveway or garage.

Installation limitations

Older homes may need:

Fuse board upgrades

Earth rods

Load management systems

Not portable

You can’t take it with you when you move (unless removed professionally).

Charging Speed Comparison

Portable chargers are slower — but for many drivers, they’re still perfectly adequate.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Portable Charger If:

You’re a renter

You don’t have off‑street parking

You want the lowest‑cost charging solution

You only need to top up a few times a week

You want a charger you can take anywhere

You need a backup charger for emergencies

You run a workshop or commercial site needing flexible charging

Best match:

13A Portable Charger

16A Portable Charger

Choose a Wallbox If:

You drive daily

You want faster overnight charging

You have a driveway or garage

You want smart charging features

You have multiple EVs

You want a permanent, tidy installation

Best match:

7kW home wall box - See Garo EV products

Why Many UK Drivers Use Both

A growing number of EV owners use:

A wall box for daily home charging

A portable charger for travel, emergencies, or holiday homes

Portable chargers are especially valuable when:

Visiting family

Staying at Airbnbs

Travelling long distances

Charging at workplaces

Using public 3‑pin sockets

This dual‑setup offers maximum flexibility.

Safety Considerations (UK‑Specific)

Regardless of which option you choose:

Always use UKCA & CE‑certified equipment

This ensures compliance with UK electrical safety standards.

Avoid extension leads

They overheat under EV loads.

Keep connectors dry and clean

Especially for outdoor charging.

Inspect sockets regularly

Particularly for 13A charging.

Use outdoor‑rated sockets for 13A chargers

Weatherproofing is essential.

Final Summary

Both portable chargers and wall boxes have a place in the UK EV ecosystem. If you are a daily driver visiting multiple locations each week, we recommend having a version of both product types to remove range anxiety and travel with confidence. 

For many drivers, the ideal setup is a wallbox at home + a portable charger in the boot.