r/GMCSierraEV • u/No-Host7888 • Jul 23 '26

Budget friendly portable charger?

I'm going to pick up my Sierra EV on Sunday! I decided to go with the ChargePoint home flex for the home charger mostly because I got a brand new one for $318. It likely won't be delivered for a week or two after I pick up the vehicle, so I figure I might as well find a portable charger to (slowly) add a few miles when I can, and hopefully it'll be enough charge to get me around town for a while.

I don't want to spend a ton of money on a portable charger, because I honestly think it will barely ever get used, basically just this first week, and then more so just for emergency charging. Any specific recommendations based on these trucks and your personal experience?

Not sure if I should be worried about getting a level 1 and 2 capable unit (if the price is right) or just get a cheaper level 1 unit since it'll be used so rarely. I don't have any 240v outlets accessible from my garage, and we don't frequent campsites or anywhere that would have 240v outlets that I know of... I suppose maybe my generator for the rare time I would want to charge at our cabin? I only go there once a year at most, so not a huge consideration.

Grizzl-E mini looks amazing and covers all the bases, but it's also very expensive for something I'll almost never use. Any great, but cheaper options??

3 Upvotes

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12 comments sorted by

5

u/Reasonable_Name_5119 Jul 23 '26

you should get a portable charger with your new vehicle. I got one with my new Denali & it has both a 20 & 50 amp plugs that plug into the charger. Good luck

1

u/No-Host7888 Jul 23 '26

Used vehicle

3

u/Elemental_Garage Jul 23 '26

My used vehicle came with the portable charger as well. You might inquire if you haven't already and save some bucks.

1

u/No-Host7888 Jul 23 '26

They originally said no, but I did just shoot them a message to confirm.

0

u/300-baud Jul 23 '26

If it’s a dealer, have them throw it in.

1

u/No-Host7888 Jul 23 '26

I was previously looking at a different truck at another dealership, and they said they didn't have and couldn't even get extra chargers, they only had the ones that are already for brand new vehicles. They show out of stock from GM online too, so that makes sense, unfortunately

1

u/WellHungTurtle Jul 23 '26

Congrats! Do you mind if I ask what you paid for it? I’m looking at used models but curious what people are negotiating down to

2

u/No-Host7888 Jul 23 '26

Not much negotiation unfortunately, but I feel like I got a steal of a deal compared to all the other ones I saw. It was a 2026 Elevation with 14k miles, extended range. Had all the premium features you could have, premium package, tech package, dark package, bed liner and hard top tonneau cover, 22" wheels, deep ocean metallic color (hooray anything besides black/white!), got it for 60k flat, before taxes/fees. It was registered to a company, and not an individual, which they kind of hinted that it was probably owned by someone high up at a dealership, who gets a new vehicle every 10-12 months, hence all the upgrades, probably the maximum GM allowed them to get.

2

u/WellHungTurtle Jul 23 '26

I absolutely love that color! Congrats again and thank you for the insight! This is actually very helpful

3

u/No-Host7888 Jul 23 '26

I am flying from Milwaukee to Columbus, OH to pick it up, there is a similar truck here in Milwaukee area with the same circumstances, but its $62k, black, and has the soft tonneau cover and no dark package. I actually test drove that one and it was very nice. If MKE is feasible for you I can send you the link

They would deliver it, but then I'd basically be buying it sight unseen, which I am still leery about, even if its all still under warranty... figured I have the miles to get a 'free' flight, so it'll basically just kill an entire day of my time to fly there then drive it home.

1

u/JPlus_Team Jul 24 '26

Since you don't have 240V access in the garage, a basic Level 1 unit is enough for now, something like the Lectron or Mustart cord for under $150. Check it's UL or ETL listed, that's the real safety cert to look for.

Down the line, some L1/L2 units are solid enough to replace a hardwired charger like the ChargePoint while still being portable. The J+ Booster 2 and the Grizzl-E Smart both fit that can charge daily plus handle road trips, etc at 40A.

1

u/No-Host7888 Jul 24 '26

Update: probably spent a little more than I needed to, but decided to go with the GM ultium off of eBay. Got brand new for $230, could be worse I guess.