Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns. 

Can I use a portable or home standby generator to charge my Electric Vehicle (EV)?

Generac inverter and portable generators with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), as well as our home standby generators, are designed to produce clean, stable power with low total harmonic distortion (THD), suitable for sensitive electronics. This same clean output may also work with certain electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. To see which portable generators feature TruePower technology, visit: Which Generac portable generators have TruePower™ technology?

Because EV charging requirements differ by manufacturer and model, and because power quality is only one factor in safe battery charging, we recommend consulting your vehicle manufacturer before using any generator as a charging source to ensure safety, compatibility, and proper charging performance.

Level 1 Chargers

Level 1 chargers use a standard 120V outlet and typically require 1,000–2,000 watts. Most portable generators can supply enough power for Level 1 charging, but always check your charger’s power requirements to confirm compatibility.

Level 2 Chargers

Level 2 Chargers require higher power and specific outlet types. Before connecting a Level 2 Charger to a generator, ensure that your generator:

• Can supply sufficient wattage for the charger (for example, a 40-amp Level 2 charger requires 9,600 watts at 240V).

• Features a compatible receptacle (for example, a 120/240V L14-50R outlet for a 40-amp charger).

Using a charger with insufficient generator capacity or the wrong outlet may overload the generator or trip breakers. To better understand outlet limits compared to total generator capacity, see Understanding power limits.

Safety and Best Practices

• Always read your generator and EV charger manuals thoroughly.

• Confirm that your generator can handle the power demands of your EV charger.

• Because charging requirements vary by EV model, consult your vehicle manufacturer before using a generator.

FAQs

Q: Is it safe for my EV battery?
A: Power quality is only one factor in safe battery charging. Because EV charging requirements vary by manufacturer and model, we recommend checking with your vehicle manufacturer before using a generator to ensure proper charging performance.

Q: What is Clean Power?
A: Clean power is AC electricity with less than 6% total harmonic distortion (THD). Low THD reduces stress on sensitive electronics, including EV chargers, and helps ensure smooth, reliable operation.

Generator Compatibility Checklist

Before charging your EV with a portable generator, verify that:

1. Your generator produces clean power (low THD, ideally <6%).

2. The generator has enough wattage to meet your EV charger’s requirements.

• • Level 1: 1,000–2,000 watts typical
  • Level 2: Check your charger’s specific wattage (e.g., 9,600W for a 40-amp charger)

3. The receptacle type and amperage on the generator match your EV charger’s plug.

• • Example: 120/240V L14-50R for a 40-amp Level 2 charger

4. You have reviewed all manuals and safety instructions for both your generator and EV charger.

5. You have checked with your vehicle manufacturer and the vehicle owner's manual for guidance on generator-based charging.

Generac EV Charger Compatibility

The Generac EV charge has been tested and confirmed to operate correctly with Generac home standby and portable generators.

Other chargers may not perform as expected with generator power and could experience issues such as ground faults. Check with the charger manufacturer before using a non-Generac charger with a generator.

See also:

•  Understanding Portable Generator Power Limits vs. Advertised Wattage