I've looked into those faster portable units myself, but honestly, after crunching some numbers, I couldn't justify the extra cost. Last winter, I borrowed a friend's higher-speed portable charger on a weekend trip. Sure, it charged quicker than my standard trickle charger, but the difference wasn't as dramatic as the ads made it seem. I timed it out of curiosity—maybe shaved off about an hour or two to get enough juice to comfortably reach home. Yeah, that can be handy if you're really stranded, but considering how rarely that happens (at least in my case), it's hard to justify the premium.
Also, keep in mind the practical side. Those faster units often need beefier wiring or special adapters, and some require you to use specific outlets to get their max speed—so you're not always gaining as much as you'd think. Plus, they're usually bulkier and heavier, making them less convenient to store in your trunk or frunk.
In my experience, planning ahead a bit and sticking with regular overnight charging (like you're already doing) is usually enough. Tires and preconditioning actually make a bigger overall difference in daily range than a slightly faster emergency charger. I'd invest first in good-quality all-season or winter tires and make sure I'm preconditioning the battery properly before splurging on one of those premium portable chargers.
If money was no object, I'd probably grab one just for peace of mind. But being budget-minded and practical about it, I think they're still more of a "nice-to-have" rather than a necessity.
Good points overall—especially about the tires and battery preconditioning making a bigger practical difference. I've noticed similar things myself; a good set of winters has been a game changer for me in cold climates.
I did have a slightly different experience though when I borrowed one of those faster portable chargers. It wasn't mind-blowingly faster, but it did save me a good chunk of anxiety when I misjudged my range on a road trip. Yeah, they're bulky and more hassle, but I can see how someone who travels long distances or through remote areas regularly might find it worth the extra cost.
One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone here actually tried calling roadside assistance specifically for EV charging help? I've heard mixed stories about how prepared they really are these days. Would be interesting to hear if that's improved at all lately or if it's still pretty hit-or-miss out there...
"One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone here actually tried calling roadside assistance specifically for EV charging help?"
I haven't personally had to call roadside assistance yet (knock on wood...), but a friend of mine did last winter. He said it took them ages to arrive, and when they did, the guy seemed pretty unsure about the whole EV charging setup. Maybe it's better now, but from what I've heard, I'd still keep a portable charger handy just in case.
I've handled a few claims involving EV roadside assistance, and honestly, your friend's experience isn't uncommon. Many roadside assistance providers are still catching up when it comes to EV-specific issues, especially charging. I've seen cases where the dispatched technician wasn't fully trained or equipped to handle EV charging scenarios, leading to delays and frustration for the driver.
That said, things are improving steadily. More providers are investing in specialized training and equipment, so hopefully, these hiccups will become less frequent over time. Still, your suggestion about keeping a portable charger handy is solid advice—it's always better to be prepared than stuck waiting around for help that might not be fully prepared itself.
Had a similar situation myself a couple months back—battery got lower than I'd planned, and the roadside tech who showed up had no clue about EV charging. He was friendly enough, but clearly out of his depth. Ended up waiting another hour for someone else to bring the right equipment. Makes me wonder, are providers doing enough to speed up this training? Seems like EVs aren't exactly new anymore...
