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shark tank portable ev charger

Shark Tank portable EV charger: SparkCharge Roadie explained

/ Charging & Infrastructure / By

If you’re searching for the shark tank portable EV charger that went viral, here’s the straight answer: it’s SparkCharge’s modular “Roadie” system. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, up‑to‑date look at what the Roadie portable EV charger is, who it’s for, how it compares to a portable EV power bank, the real disadvantages of portable EV chargers, and the latest portable EV charger Shark Tank update. We’ll also cover mobile EV charger for roadside use options, the rise of the mobile EV charging truck model, and a practical FAQ built to win featured snippets and AI overviews.

Key takeaways:

  • The “Shark Tank portable EV charger” refers to SparkCharge’s Roadie, a modular, DC fast-charging system designed for on‑demand, roadside, and fleet use.
  • It’s different from a small travel charger; think mobile DC fast charger, not a glove‑box gadget.
  • Best fit: roadside assistance, fleets, events, and service providers—not most individual drivers.
  • There are real downsides: cost, weight, logistics, permitting, and safety requirements.
  • Always check your vehicle’s OEM manual and local codes before using any portable charger.

What is the Shark Tank portable EV charger?

  • Short answer: SparkCharge Roadie portable EV charger.
  • What it does: Delivers DC power to your EV through a compatible connector (e.g., CCS1; NACS often via adapter—verify with your vehicle and vendor).
  • Why it’s special: It’s modular and designed to be moved in a van or mobile EV charging truck for on‑demand service, roadside rescues, and fleet top‑offs.
  • Not the same as: The small “charger” brick that comes with EVs (that’s Level 1 AC) or a wall‑mounted Level 2 EVSE. The Roadie is a mobile DC fast‑charging solution.

SparkCharge Shark Tank update

  • On‑air appearance: SparkCharge pitched on ABC’s Shark Tank and secured an investment on air. The exposure popularized the idea of a truly portable DC fast charger.
  • After the show: The company expanded its Roadie platform and worked with service providers and fleets to deliver on‑demand charging. It also piloted mobile charging services in select markets.
  • 2024–2025 status note: Offerings, branding, connector support (CCS/NACS), and city availability can change. For the freshest update, check SparkCharge’s official channels, current press releases, and your local service providers.

Tip for shoppers and operators:

  • Ask vendors about certified connector support (CCS1 and NACS), UL listings, service coverage, and total delivered kWh per visit—these drive your real‑world experience and cost.

How the Roadie portable EV charger works

portable EV charger
  • Modular battery packs: Stacked packs provide a configurable energy budget (how much range you can deliver per visit).
  • DC output: Because it’s DC, it can add meaningful miles faster than a small AC charger. Think “rescue and go,” not “overnight trickle.”
  • Connectors: Typically CCS1; NACS may require a certified adapter or native support—check the current hardware options and your EV’s OEM guidance.
  • Deployment: Commonly carried in vans as a mobile EV charging truck solution for roadside calls, fleet yards, events, and apartment/condo service days.

What to expect roadside:

  • You request a charge.
  • A provider arrives with a mobile EV charger for roadside use.
  • They connect, verify, and deliver a targeted kWh top‑up to get you back on the road or to a nearby high‑power station.

Who should consider a Shark Tank portable EV charger solution?

  • Roadside assistance companies: Rapid “out of range” rescues without towing.
  • Fleets (last‑mile delivery, rental, car‑sharing): Opportunistic top‑ups, off‑grid yards, or staging lots.
  • Event organizers and property managers: Temporary charging at venues or pop‑up locations.
  • Utilities and municipalities: Pilots, resilience planning, and special deployments.

Who it’s not usually for:

  • Most individual EV owners. A home Level 2 charger is usually more cost‑effective and convenient for daily charging than owning a mobile DC system.

Portable EV power bank vs. a true DC portable charger

  • “Portable EV power bank”: A popular phrase, but most consumer “power stations” output AC and are not designed to safely or efficiently charge an EV at useful speeds. They can be heavy, slow, and may violate EVSE safety standards if improvised.
  • Roadie portable EV charger: Purpose‑built DC fast‑charging with the right controls, interlocks, and EV communication protocols.
  • If you need real range quickly, a real portable DC system (like the Shark Tank portable EV charger) paired with proper safety certifications beats a DIY power bank setup every time.

What are the disadvantages of portable EV chargers?

  • Weight and handling: True DC systems are heavy and require trained operators.
  • Cost: Hardware, maintenance, permitting, and insurance are significant.
  • Logistics: Scheduling, transporting packs, and ensuring enough kWh on board.
  • Safety and compliance: High‑energy batteries demand rigorous procedures, certifications, and adherence to electrical codes and hazmat rules for transport.
  • Charging speed limits: Portable DC is fast, but not as fast as fixed 150–350 kW stations; it’s meant for top‑ups, not full charges.
  • Connector complexities: CCS1 vs. NACS vs. CHAdeMO support and adapters can complicate operations.
  • Availability: Coverage depends on your city and the provider’s fleet.

Safety, standards, and compliance you should know

Trust tip:

  • If a provider can’t show you listings, test data, and training documentation, don’t put their equipment on your car.

Costs, performance, and what miles you can expect

  • Expect a “top‑up” model: Enough kWh to reach a nearby high‑power station or finish a shift, not a 0–100% fill.
  • Delivered miles vary with:
    • Vehicle efficiency (mi/kWh),
    • Ambient temperature and HVAC use,
    • Connector limits and vehicle acceptance rate,
    • The provider’s per‑visit kWh package.

Practical estimate:

  • A ~10 kWh top‑up can add roughly 25–40 miles for many EVs. That’s often enough to get you to your next stop with margin.

When a mobile EV charging truck makes sense

  • Roadside rescue: Faster and cheaper than towing.
  • Fleet ops: Night shifts, yard moves, or days when fixed chargers are down.
  • Events and construction sites: Temporary charging without new electrical work.
  • Disaster and resilience: Power outages or grid‑constrained areas.

How to choose the right solution (checklist)

shark tank portable ev charger
  • Compatibility: CCS1/NACS support, verified with your EV OEM manual.
  • Safety: UL listings, protective interlocks, thermal management, training.
  • Capacity: How many kWh per visit and how many visits per day.
  • Service area and SLA: Response time, coverage, and support hours.
  • Total cost: Hardware (if you’re an operator), per‑kWh service pricing, insurance.
  • Data and billing: Session logs, fleet dashboards, cost controls.
  • Environmental conditions: IP rating, heat/cold performance, rain safety.

Quick roadside playbook for drivers

  • If you’re out of range:
    • Find a provider that offers a mobile EV charger for roadside use.
    • Confirm connector type (CCS1/NACS), your EV model, and target kWh.
    • Park safely, pre‑authorize payment, and stay with the vehicle.
    • After top‑up, drive to a fixed DC fast charger to finish.

Checkout: How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle

FAQs

  • What is the Shark Tank portable EV charger?
    • SparkCharge’s Roadie portable DC fast charger, used by mobile service providers, fleets, and roadside assistance.
  • Portable EV charger Shark Tank update—what’s new?
    • SparkCharge expanded mobile DC charging services after its TV appearance; availability, connectors, and offerings evolve. Check current vendor pages for the latest in your area.
  • Is there a true “portable EV power bank” I can keep in my trunk?
    • Not in a practical, fast‑charging sense. Consumer “power stations” generally output AC at low power. For real roadside range, use a purpose‑built portable DC solution or call a mobile provider.
  • How many miles can a Roadie portable EV charger add?
    • It depends on the kWh delivered and your EV’s efficiency. A 10 kWh top‑up might add ~25–40 miles for many cars.
  • What are the disadvantages of portable EV chargers?
    • Cost, weight, logistics, safety/compliance requirements, and lower power than fixed highway fast chargers.
  • Can it charge a Tesla?
    • Usually yes via CCS or NACS depending on hardware/adapters and your model. Always follow your OEM manual and the provider’s instructions.
  • Are mobile EV charging trucks safe in rain?
    • Professional systems are designed for outdoor use with safeguards, but operators should follow training and the equipment’s IP ratings and procedures.
  • Do portable DC chargers harm my battery?
    • Using DC within your vehicle’s specified limits is generally fine. Avoid frequent 0–100% fast charges, keep SOC between ~20–80% for daily use, and follow OEM guidance.
  • How long does an EV battery last in heat?
    • Expect temporary range loss (often 10–30%) from cabin A/C and thermal management. Long‑term, sustained high temps accelerate battery aging. Tips:
      • Park in shade/garages.
      • Pre‑cool while plugged in.
      • Avoid keeping the battery at 100% in hot weather.
      • Drive smoothly and use eco A/C settings.
    • See DOE and AFDC guidance on climate impacts: https://afdc.energy.gov/ and https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/

Bottom line

If you’ve been hunting for the shark tank portable EV charger, you’re looking for SparkCharge’s Roadie. It shines for roadside rescues, fleets, and events, typically delivered by a mobile EV charging truck. For most daily drivers, a home Level 2 unit remains the smartest buy. But when you need fast, on‑the‑spot range, a purpose‑built portable DC system—and a trained operator—beats any DIY portable EV power bank. Always verify compatibility, certifications, and safety procedures before you plug in.

Sources and further reading

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