A portable EV charger is any charging solution you can take with you rather than leave fixed to a wall. In the UK that covers two distinct categories: granny cables (Mode 2 cables that plug into a standard 13 A socket) and portable Type 2 EVSE units that use a Type 2 connection. This guide explains both, outlines when each makes sense, and recommends the most flexible smart wallbox options from our review library for drivers who want a permanent home setup with maximum versatility.
Key Takeaways
- A granny cable (Mode 2) plugs into a standard 13 A socket and charges at around 2.3 kW — roughly 8–10 miles of range per hour.
- A portable Type 2 EVSE (Mode 3 portable) uses a Type 2 socket and can charge at up to 7.4 kW if connected to a 32 A supply.
- Granny cables are useful as emergency backup or when no wallbox is installed; they are too slow for regular overnight charging.
- Most EV manufacturers include a Mode 2 granny cable in the new-car kit — check your boot before buying one separately.
- For regular home charging, a dedicated 7.4 kW wallbox will charge your car three times faster than a granny cable and add smart features that cut running costs.
- Renter and flat-owning drivers who cannot install a permanent wallbox may qualify for the £500 EV Chargepoint Grant (from April 2026).
What Is a Granny Cable (Mode 2 Cable)?
A granny cable, properly called a Mode 2 ICCB (In-Cable Control Box), plugs into a standard 13 A UK three-pin socket at one end and a Type 2 EV connector at the other. It contains a small safety unit in the cable body that monitors temperature and shuts off if the socket is overloaded or overheating.
Charging speed on a standard socket is typically 2.3 kW (10 A). That gives you roughly 8–10 miles of range per hour — enough to add 70–80 miles overnight during a 9-hour window. For a small EV with a 40 kWh battery (like the Nissan Leaf or MG4 Standard), a full charge from empty takes around 18 hours, which means a granny cable can genuinely top up a partially depleted battery overnight.
When a granny cable works
- Visiting friends or family who do not have a wallbox
- Charging at a holiday property with no EV infrastructure
- As emergency backup if your main wallbox is offline
- As a temporary solution while waiting for a wallbox to be installed
When it does not work
- As a primary daily charging method for cars with large batteries (65 kWh+)
- In households that rely on getting a full or near-full charge every night
- If the 13 A socket is on a circuit that also powers high-draw appliances
Important safety note: Never use an extension lead with a granny cable. Always plug directly into a wall socket, preferably a dedicated unswitched socket rather than a multi-gang trailing lead.
What Is a Portable Type 2 EVSE?
A portable Mode 3 EVSE is a compact charging unit — typically about the size of a lunchbox — that you carry with you and connect to a Type 2 public socket (such as a 7 kW or 22 kW destination charger at a hotel, leisure centre, or workplace). At the other end, it connects to your car’s Type 2 socket.
These units let you charge at the full speed of whatever public socket they are connected to, up to the unit’s rated maximum. They are popular with commercial van fleets and drivers who regularly stay in locations with Type 2 sockets but no home charging.
For most home-charging scenarios, a permanently installed wallbox is more practical and cost-effective.
Best Wallbox Options for Drivers Who Want Flexibility
If you need regular home charging but want maximum flexibility — whether you rent, move frequently, or drive more than one EV — these wallboxes from our review library offer the best combination of smart features and versatility.
1. Masterplug EV — Most Affordable Smart Charger
At £280, the Masterplug EV is the lowest-cost smart wallbox in our review library. It charges at 7.4 kW via a 5 m tethered cable, connects via the Monta app for scheduling, and is available from Argos and Amazon for next-day delivery. If budget is the primary concern and you need a proper smart charger installed quickly, the Masterplug EV has no real competition at its price point. Solar scheduling (not full divert) and basic off-peak timing complete the feature set.
2. Hive Sync Energy 2 — Best Value with Smart Features
The Hive Sync Energy 2 at £549 includes native solar divert, a 7.5 m tethered cable (the longest in our library), and the Hive app with Power+ savings mode that automatically shifts charging to off-peak windows. For renters or those wanting a flexible setup with solid app integration, it is the best value option with full smart credentials.
3. Ohme ePod — Best Untethered Flexible Option
The Ohme ePod is available as an untethered socket (£699), meaning you use whichever cable suits your car. This makes it the most flexible wallbox for drivers who switch between multiple vehicles or anticipate changing EV. Tariff integration with Octopus and Agile is built in; the ePod automatically charges at the cheapest overnight rate.
4. NexBlue Point 2 — Best Budget V2G-Ready Untethered
At £449, the NexBlue Point 2 is an untethered socket with solar divert, dynamic load balancing, and V2G readiness — all at a price that rivals portable EVSE units but with the performance of a permanent wallbox.
5. Cord Zero — Best Value With Installation Included
The Cord Zero is offered with installation included in the £899 package price — useful for drivers who want to budget everything upfront. It charges at 7.4 kW, includes solar divert, and is available with a 5 m or 8 m tethered cable or as an untethered unit. Wi-Fi plus 4G connectivity means it is not dependent on your home broadband.
Granny Cable vs Wallbox: The Numbers
| Method | Power | Miles per hour | 40 kWh full charge | 77 kWh full charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granny cable (13 A socket) | 2.3 kW | ~8–10 miles | ~18 hours | ~34 hours |
| 7.4 kW wallbox | 7.4 kW | ~25–30 miles | ~6 hours | ~11.5 hours |
These figures illustrate why a permanent wallbox is almost always the right choice for daily home charging. The granny cable is a valuable backup but not a viable primary solution for most households.
Grant Help for Those Without a Fixed Installation
If you rent your home or live in a flat and cannot easily install a permanent wallbox, the EV Chargepoint Grant (updated April 2026) may help. It offers up to £500 per socket — 75% of the total charger and installation cost — for renters, flat owners, and residential landlords. Check eligibility at GOV.UK.
Browse the full range of reviewed home chargers at /chargers/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to charge an EV from a standard UK three-pin socket? Yes, if you use a proper Mode 2 granny cable with a built-in ICCB safety unit and plug directly into a wall socket — not an extension lead. The cable monitors temperature and load and will shut down if there is an issue. However, standard 13 A sockets are not designed for sustained high-load use; for daily charging, a dedicated wallbox on a dedicated circuit is safer and significantly faster.
Can I take a home EV charger with me when I move house? A permanently installed wallbox is fixed to your wall and connected to your electrical consumer unit. It is technically removable, but removal and reinstallation require a qualified electrician and will cost additional labour. If you move frequently, an untethered socket is marginally easier to reinstall, but it is not a portable device in the conventional sense.
What should I carry in my car for emergency charging away from home? A Mode 2 granny cable is the standard backup to carry. It lets you charge from any standard socket in an emergency. Check whether your EV came with one in the boot; many manufacturers include one with new cars. If yours did not, they are available from EV accessory retailers.