A clear, modern comparison of 7.2kW portable EV chargers and 7.2kW wall chargers — including charging speeds, installation costs, pros and cons, and which option suits your home.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrading from a 2.4kW trickle charger to a 7.2kW setup is one of the biggest improvements you can make as an EV owner.
- Both 7.2kW portable and wall chargers deliver the same charging speed: ~35–40 km of range per hour.
- Portable chargers cost less and offer flexibility; wall chargers offer a clean, permanent installation.
- Most Australian homes can support 7.2kW single‑phase charging with a 32A outlet.
Related guides: Portable Chargers Guide • Home Charging Guide • Choosing a Type 2 Cable
If you’re an EV owner in Australia, upgrading from the slow 2.4kW trickle charger that comes with most vehicles is one of the biggest improvements you can make. A 7.2kW home charging setup — whether portable or wall‑mounted — delivers up to three times faster charging, making overnight top‑ups effortless and day‑to‑day driving far more convenient.
This guide compares 7.2kW portable EV chargers and 7.2kW wall chargers, including charging speeds, installation costs, pros and cons, and which option is best for different Australian households.
How Much Faster Is 7.2kW Charging?
| Charger Type | Power | Approx. km/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 10A Charger | 2.4kW | 10–15 km/hr |
| 15A Portable Charger | 3.3kW | 15–20 km/hr |
| 7.2kW Portable Charger | 7.2kW | 35–40 km/hr |
| 7.2kW Wall Charger | 7.2kW | 35–40 km/hr |
Both 7.2kW options are roughly 3× faster than the standard charger. That means:
- Overnight charging becomes effortless
- You can recover 200–300 km while you sleep
- Daytime top‑ups become practical
7.2kW Portable Charger: Pros & Cons
Pros
- No installation required if you already have a 32A outlet
- Lower total cost compared to a wall charger
- Portable — take it when travelling or moving house
- Flexible — charge at home, work or properties with 32A outlets
- Perfect for renters
- Smart features available (Wi‑Fi app control, scheduling, current adjustment)
Explore our 7.2kW Portable EV Charger
Cons
- Requires a 32A single‑phase outlet (electrician needed if you don’t have one)
- Not as clean or aesthetic as a wall‑mounted unit
- Cable needs to be stored when not in use
7.2kW Wall Charger: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clean, permanent installation
- Always ready to plug in
- Often includes smart features (scheduling, load balancing, energy monitoring)
- Provides a “home charging station” experience
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Installation can be expensive depending on switchboard and cable run
- Not portable — stays at the property
Installation Costs: Portable vs Wall Charger
Installing a 32A Outlet (for a 7.2kW Portable Charger)
- $250–$450 for a simple install
- $450–$900 for longer cable runs
- $900–$1,500+ if switchboard upgrades are needed
Total setup cost: usually $500–$1,500 less than a wall charger.
Installing a 7.2kW Wall Charger
- $800–$2,500 for installation
- $1,000–$3,000+ if switchboard upgrades are required
- $500–$2,000 extra for long cable runs or trenching
Total setup cost: $1,500–$4,500+ depending on your home.
Portable vs Wall Charger: Comparison Table
| Feature | 7.2kW Portable Charger | 7.2kW Wall Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Speed | 35–40 km/hr | 35–40 km/hr |
| Installation | Requires 32A outlet | Electrician required |
| Total Cost | Lower (no wall unit) | Higher (unit + install) |
| Portability | Yes — take it anywhere | No — fixed to property |
| Best For | Renters, travellers, flexible charging | Homeowners wanting a clean setup |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a 7.2kW Portable Charger if:
- You want the fastest charging at the lowest cost
- You rent or may move house
- You want flexibility to charge at multiple locations
- You don’t need a fixed wall unit
Choose a 7.2kW Wall Charger if:
- You want a clean, permanent installation
- You prefer a “plug‑and‑go” experience
- You want built‑in smart features
- You’re happy to invest more upfront
Final Thoughts
Both 7.2kW options are a massive upgrade from the standard 2.4kW charger. The right choice comes down to cost, flexibility and lifestyle.
If you want the fastest charging for the lowest total cost, a portable charger is hard to beat. If you want a clean, permanent setup with smart features, a wall charger is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 7.2kW portable charger as fast as a 7.2kW wall charger?
Yes — both deliver the same charging speed: ~35–40 km/hr.
Do I need a 32A outlet for a 7.2kW portable charger?
Yes — 7.2kW charging requires a 32A single‑phase outlet.
Is a portable EV charger safe to use at home?
Yes — as long as it meets Australian standards and is used with a compliant outlet.
How much does it cost to install a 32A outlet?
Typically $250–$900 depending on distance from the switchboard.
Is a wall charger worth it over a portable charger?
Yes if you want a clean, permanent installation with smart features.
Can renters install a 7.2kW charger?
Renters usually choose portable chargers to avoid installation restrictions.
How long does it take to charge an EV with a 7.2kW charger?
Most EVs gain 200–300 km overnight.
Do all EVs support 7.2kW charging?
Most modern EVs do — check your onboard charger rating.
Is a portable charger good as a backup?
Yes — many owners keep one in the boot for emergencies or travel.
What’s the cheapest way to get 7.2kW home charging?
A 7.2kW portable charger + 32A outlet is usually the lowest‑cost setup.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home Charging?
Get faster, safer and more convenient charging with our 7.2kW portable EV chargers — perfect for Australian homes.