PROS: Fairly decent charging speeds for the higher end model, Long Cable, IP66 rating.
CONS: No connectivity or charge scheduling, the lower end model has slow charging speeds.
| Product | Amp rating | Level | Cable Length | Nema | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BESENERGY – Level 1 Portable EV Charger | 15 Amp | Level 1 | 25 Feet (7.6M) | NEMA 5 – 15 | 1.5 kW | Click for more info |
BESENERGY – Level 1-2 Portable EV Charger (10-16 Amp)  | 10 – 16 Amp | Level 1 & Level 2 | 23.95 Feet (7.2M) | NEMA 6 – 20 & NEMA 5 -15 | 3.6 kW | Click for more info |
BESENERGY – Level 1 Portable EV Charger Specifications
| Amp rating | 15 Amp |
|---|---|
| Level | Level 1 |
| Type | Portable EV Charger |
| Cable Length | 25 Feet (7.6M) |
| Nema | NEMA 5 – 15 |
| Power | 1.5 kW |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Connector | J1772 |
| Connectivity | None |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Display | 3 LED Lights |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited |
| Features | adjustable current, Strength ABS Material, Can Prevent Being Crushed by the Your Vehicle, dustproof and waterproof |
| What’s in the box | EV charging station, EV cable and EV connector. |
| Weight | 6.24 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Features | Tethered, Alexa & Google Home, Charge Scheduling |
BESENERGY – Level 1 Portable EV Charger Charging specifications
These are the two Besenergy Level 1 chargers that we’ll be looking at today.
There is the Level 1 & 2 portable EV electric car charger. This one, will work with whatever you socket and car that you have and is our favorite out of the two. It has a charging rate of 3.6 kW and can work with a wall socket at 110V or 240V.
But these are just numbers, let’s see how they would translate into real actual charging times because at the end of the day, it’s about putting as many miles of range in the car at night. Using this charger, you’ll be able to charge your car if it’s a Tesla Model 3 in just about 13 hours and the same goes for the VW ID.3 Pure, ID.4 Pure and the Renault Zoe. If you drive a Hyundai Kona or a Kia Niro, it’ll take 17 hours. Then there is the 15-Amp portable electric vehicle charger which is a pure Level 1 Charger with a power of 1.5 kW and a 110V voltage.
The figures don’t look very good here, standard Tesla Model 3 will take 35 hours to fully charge, so will a VW ID.3 Pure, ID.4 Pure and the Renault Zoe. If you want to charge your Hyundai Kona or Kia Niro, that will take 45 hours. For me as an EV Owner, that is just too long so I would certainly go for the Level 1&2 charger because these are not fast charging speeds by any means.
BESENERGY – Level 1 Portable EV Charger Cable types and connectors
The EV charging cable for both models is about the same in length, the Level 1 & 2 model has a 24 foot cable while the Level 1 has a cable length of 25 feet.
In terms of the wall connector, you’ll be happy to know that you can plug the adjustable model into both a NEMA 6-20 and a NEMA 5-15 socket, while the Level 1 will only work in a NEMA 5-15 plug.
Both use the same J1772 charge port on the other end which will be compatible with all the EVs sold in North America and that includes the Tesla models which now come with a charging adapter, you don’t need a Tesla Wall connector anymore.
Both models also have their cable tethered to them, so you can’t easily disconnect it and replace it, however there are always great extension cables available to buy.
BESENERGY – Level 1 Portable EV Charger Features
The BESENERGY Level 1 chargers are certainly not smart chargers, they have no connectivity of any sorts, no Alexa integration and no scheduled charging feature. That one is specifically important because it allows you to use off-peak electricity at night and reduce your charging cost.
This isn’t a thing in all countries but it is in most developed nations. And with electrical energy prices soaring, this feature has become more and more important. However, usually your EV has this function built into it, so you can check for that first. Most likely, you’ll use the EV’s smartphone app to check the charging level and see how much electric energy has been used, etc.
The control box uses LEDs to indicate the charging status or if there is a fault and of course they do come with circuit breakers in case of overcurrent.
Both units are IP66 rated so they will withstand splashes of water and large amounts of dust and dirt very well, however it is recommended that you use these home chargers in the garage for as much as possible. They also come with a 1-Year limited warranty. In terms of weight, both units weigh about the same with the adjustable one weighing 6.8 lbs and the Level 1 weighing 6.2 lbs.
