Recommendations on RCM Approved Portable EV Chargers

freeb1e4me on 26/02/2026 - 21:33

Looking for some advice from anyone with experience using portable EV chargers in Australia.

I’m trying to find a unit that is properly RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) approved, as safety, insurance, and electrical compliance are important considerations here. From what I’ve seen so far, a lot of the portable chargers being sold on Amazon either don’t clearly state RCM approval or appear to rely on overseas certifications that don’t meet Australian requirements.

If you’re using one that is genuinely compliant, could you please share the brand and model you recommend?

Appreciate any real-world feedback or suggestions

Automotive Electric Vehicle Charger

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  • Hybroid on 26/02/2026 - 21:48

    Bunnings sells plenty of models and no doubt they would be RCM approved.

    I'm sure you're aware they're incredibly slow and not worth the ~1-3 kW charging speed. I just use a 75/150 kW charger at Coles/WW for 10-15 mins every so often when shopping, even if it's more expensive.

    • p1 ama on 27/02/2026 - 01:40
      +4

      I'm sure you're aware they're incredibly slow and not worth the ~1-3 kW charging speed.

      How is it "not worth the ~1-3 kW charging speed"?

      I exclusively used a standard 10A portable charger for over a year - it gives around 15km of range per hour of charging. I just plugged it in when I got home from work, and set it to start charging at 9pm when my power was off-peak. Even if you're only home for 10 hours overnight, that's 150km. Most people drive nowhere near that daily.

      I just use a 75/150 kW charger at Coles/WW for 10-15 mins every so often when shopping, even if it's more expensive.

      The issue is that it's around 4x more expensive - Tesla Superchargers (for instance) are usually around 40c / kWh, whereas off-peak power at home is usually around 10c / kWh.

    • freeb1e4me on 26/02/2026 - 22:36
      +1

      Thanks I’ll check out Bunnings 😀

      Yes I agree they are incredibly slow. However, they are well suited for overnight charge on a cheap EV electricity plan. Also slow charging is better for the health of the battery in the long term

    • piertlethed on 27/02/2026 - 09:27

      However, if you are concerned about safety, you should check the powerpoint being used is undamaged, has a strong connection with the plug, not discoloured from previous overheating. The circuit is going to run at 10A for several hours, so there shouldn't be other large loads on the same power circuit. After running for a few hours, the plug could be warm but shouldn't be hot.

      • ATTS on 01/03/2026 - 14:32

        Is there a way to diy the check of PowerPoint btw?

        • piertlethed on 04/03/2026 - 08:49

          You could test it is connected correctly and earthed for $15 from Bunnings https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-power-outlet-tester-plug_p4…

          And you could turn off the circuit breaker in the switchboard that controls that outlet so you can then see what else is on the same circuit, just to know that there isn't going to be too much power drawn while the charger is on. You can do the visual checks of the power point and feel the heat coming off it after it has been running for an hour or so.

          But you can't do a DIY check on the cabling in the wall, see if it is old, see if the cable connections are loose and so on.

  • Cheapskate Paul on 28/02/2026 - 14:35

    This one on Amazon claims to have RCM, IEC62196-2.IEC62752 and CE certification.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DTG5TKDZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_f…

    It is currently heavily discounted as a Limited Prime deal.

    • freeb1e4me on 05/04/2026 - 11:43

      Amazon is known for their products with fake RCM or falsely advertising RCM. This product is one of them

      • ATTS on 05/04/2026 - 13:57

        How do u usually tell its fake certification btw

  • jm888 on 05/04/2026 - 07:54

    If you own a Tesla, the Tesla OEM Mobile Connector is commonly regarded as the best among the community

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