Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular around the world, as they offer environmental and economic benefits over conventional vehicles. However, one of the main challenges of EV adoption is the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure, especially in areas where the supply of permanent charging stations is limited or non-existent. This is where portable EV chargers come in handy, as they provide a flexible and convenient way to charge EVs at any location, using various power sources.
Portable EV chargers are mobile charging units that can be carried in the trunk of a car, or delivered to the EV by a service provider. They can plug into regular household outlets, or other types of outlets, and deliver fast and safe charging to the EV. They can also be used at home, work, events, or other locations where fixed charging infrastructure is not available or sufficient.
China is one of the leading countries in the EV market, as well as in the portable EV charger industry. China has a large and growing number of EV users, as well as a supportive government policy and incentive system for EV development and adoption. China also has a thriving market for portable EV charger manufacturing, with many companies offering innovative and competitive products and services. In this article, we will explore the portable EV charger market, solution, role, design, and future trends in China.
How about the portable EV charger market?
The global portable EV charger market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1% from 2026 to 2035, reaching $388.9 million by 2035. The main drivers of this growth are the rising demand for accessible charging options to support the growing EV user population, the limited EV charging infrastructure in some regions, the lack of standardization of EV charging, and the increase in demand for convenience and reduction of range anxiety.
China is one of the key players in the portable EV charger market, as it has the largest EV market in the world, with over 4.5 million EVs on the road as of 2020. China also has a supportive policy environment for EV development and adoption, with various subsidies, incentives, regulations, and standards to promote the use of EVs and the construction of charging infrastructure. China aims to have 20% of its new car sales to be EVs by 2025, and to achieve carbon neutrality by
However, China also faces some challenges in the EV charging sector, such as the uneven distribution of charging stations, the low utilization rate of some stations, the compatibility issues between different charging standards and protocols, the high cost of charging equipment and installation, and the safety and reliability concerns of some users. These challenges create a gap in the charging market, which can be filled by portable EV chargers, as they offer a simple and space-effective solution to the problem of charge point access.
According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, China is expected to be the largest market for portable EV chargers by 2030, with a market share of 34.3%. The report attributes this to the rapid growth of the EV market in China, the expansion of the charging infrastructure, the development of the portable EV charger industry, and the increasing consumer preference for portable charging solutions.
What is the portable EV charger solution?
A portable EV charger solution is a product or service that provides a mobile and convenient way to charge EVs at any location, using various power sources. A portable EV charger solution typically consists of three components: a portable EV charger device, a power source, and a delivery method.
A portable EV charger device is a mobile charging unit that can be carried in the trunk of a car, or delivered to the EV by a service provider. It can plug into regular household outlets, or other types of outlets, and deliver fast and safe charging to the EV. It can also be used at home, work, events, or other locations where fixed charging infrastructure is not available or sufficient. A portable EV charger device can have different types, such as AC or DC, and different levels, such as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, depending on the voltage, current, and power output.
A power source is the source of electricity that provides the energy for the portable EV charger device. It can be a grid connection, a generator, a battery, a solar panel, or a combination of these. A power source can have different characteristics, such as capacity, efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
A delivery method is the way that the portable EV charger device and the power source are transported to the EV location. It can be self-delivery, where the EV user carries the portable EV charger device and the power source in their own car, or service-delivery, where a service provider delivers the portable EV charger device and the power source to the EV user on demand. A delivery method can have different factors, such as speed, convenience, availability, and price.
A portable EV charger solution can have different combinations of these three components, depending on the needs and preferences of the EV user and the market conditions. For example, a portable EV charger solution can be an AC Level 1 charger that plugs into a regular household outlet, and is carried by the EV user in their trunk. Alternatively, it can be a DC Level 3 charger that connects to a battery or a generator, and is delivered by a service provider to the EV location.
Driving Accessibility: The Role of Portable EV Chargers in China
Portable EV chargers play an important role in driving the accessibility and convenience of EV charging in China, as they offer several benefits over conventional charging stations, such as:
- Flexibility: Portable EV chargers can be used at any location, regardless of the availability and distribution of fixed charging infrastructure. They can also adapt to different power sources, such as grid, generator, battery, or solar, depending on the availability and suitability of the power source. This gives the EV user more options and freedom to charge their EV wherever and whenever they want.
- Affordability: Portable EV chargers can be cheaper than fixed charging stations, as they do not require installation, construction, or maintenance costs. They can also save the EV user money on electricity bills, as they can use cheaper or free power sources, such as solar or off-peak grid. Moreover, portable EV chargers can be shared among multiple EV users, reducing the cost per charge.
- Reliability: Portable EV chargers can be more reliable than fixed charging stations, as they do not depend on the grid stability, the station availability, or the station compatibility. They can also avoid the issues of queueing, congestion, or vandalism that may affect some fixed charging stations. Furthermore, portable EV chargers can provide backup or emergency charging in case of power outages, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
- Sustainability: Portable EV chargers can be more sustainable than fixed charging stations, as they can use renewable or low-carbon power sources, such as solar or battery, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact of EV charging. They can also reuse or recycle old or degraded EV batteries, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
By providing these benefits, portable EV chargers can enhance the user experience and satisfaction of EV users, as well as attract more potential EV users, by addressing some of the main barriers and pain points of EV charging, such as charge time, range anxiety, cost, and safety. Portable EV chargers can also support the government’s goals and policies of promoting EV development and adoption, as well as achieving carbon neutrality and environmental protection.
The Future of Electric Mobility: Trends in Chinese Portable EV Charger Manufacturing
The portable EV charger industry in China is not only growing in size, but also in innovation and competitiveness. As the demand for portable EV chargers increases, both domestically and internationally, Chinese manufacturers and service providers are developing new products and solutions that can meet the diverse and evolving needs of the EV market. Some of the trends that are shaping the future of electric mobility and portable EV charger manufacturing in China are:
- Smart and connected charging: With the advancement of digital technologies, such as 5G, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, portable EV chargers are becoming more intelligent and connected. They can communicate with the EV, the power source, the user, and the service provider, and provide real-time information, feedback, and optimization. They can also integrate with other smart devices and platforms, such as smart phones, smart homes, smart grids, and smart cities, and enable new services and applications, such as remote control, smart payment, energy management, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G).
- Customized and personalized charging: As the EV market becomes more segmented and diversified, portable EV chargers are also becoming more customized and personalized. They can cater to different types of EVs, such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, and motorcycles, and different types of users, such as individuals, families, businesses, and fleets. They can also offer different features and functions, such as charging speed, power output, safety, design, and user interface, that can suit the preferences and expectations of different customers.
- Green and sustainable charging: As the environmental awareness and social responsibility of EV users and the society increase, portable EV chargers are also becoming more green and sustainable. They can use renewable or low-carbon power sources, such as solar, wind, or hydrogen, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact of EV charging. They can also use recycled or biodegradable materials, and adopt circular economy principles, such as reuse, repair, and remanufacturing, to extend the lifespan and reduce the waste of portable EV chargers.
These trends indicate that the portable EV charger industry in China is undergoing a transformation, from a simple and functional product to a smart and value-added service. By leveraging their strengths and advantages, such as cost, quality, innovation, and market access, Chinese portable EV charger manufacturers and service providers can seize the opportunities and challenges of the future of electric mobility, and create a win-win situation for themselves, their customers, and the society.