ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Review
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger is a compact, dual-voltage, portable Level 1/2 charger featuring a J1772 connector, a premium ApexCharger PRO 1 NACS adapter, pulsing LED indicators, Wi-Fi connectivity with app control, and IP67-rated weather resistance—making it ideal for on-the-go charging and as a reliable backup or emergency EV charger.
This is my hands-on review of the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger: a 40 Amp dual-voltage (120V/240V) portable EVSE designed for drivers who need fast, flexible Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging, and a compact travel-ready EV charger. Developed by ApexCharger, a U.S.-based company focused on EV solutions tailored for American drivers, the MACH 3 offers plug-and-play simplicity and broad EV charging outlet compatibility. It supports all SAE J1772 EV charger-compatible EVs as well as Teslas using the included ApexCharger Pro 1 NACS adapter.
Over several weeks, I tested the MACH 3 against its in-house siblings – the plug-in and wall-mounted ApexCharger MACH 1 EV charger and the premium ApexCharger MACH 2 EV charger, as well as several leading portable EV chargers available in the market today, including the Webasto Go, Battery Tender eCharge 16A EV Charger, Schumacher 16A EV charger, and the famous Lectron Level 16A Portable EV Charger.
This review breaks down how the MACH 3 performs in real-world scenarios -from setup to daily charging, and whether its portable-first design and features makes it the right choice for your EV lifestyle.
Summary
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger is a compact, portable Level 1 & 2 EV charger that delivers up to 40 Amps (9.6 kW) on 240V, or 12 Amps (1.4 kW) on 120V, and adjustable amperage (6A, 8A, 10A, 12A, 15A, 20A, 24A, 32A, and 40a) making it one of the fastest and most flexible, dual voltage, portable EV charger in its class.
Designed for travel and emergency use, it supports dual-voltage input and includes both a NEMA 14-50 plug and a NEMA 5-15 adapter for 120V standard outlets such as the NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 5-20 outlets. Its 25-foot heavy-duty cable, weather-resistant build, and 2.4″ color screen give it a well-rounded feature set for home or road use.
Unlike the NEMA 14-50, plug-in and fixed-install MACH 1 and MACH 2, the MACH 3 is not wall-mounted, has no RFID or app-locking features, and is built specifically for portability, flexibility, and simplicity. Despite that, it holds its own in performance, app integration, and charging consistency.
The ApexCharger MACH 3 features a compact 2.4-inch LED front panel that provides real-time charging information, unlike the Webasto Go which lacks an LED front display. The front panel features a current button that allows you to adjust the charging amperage to match your circuit capacity, while the Delay button lets you schedule when charging begins, perfect for off-peak hours. The display shows key details like charging status, session time, current, power, voltage, and delay. Icons at the top indicate grounding, delay, and connectivity status. Holding both buttons for three seconds performs a factory reset and clears saved Wi-Fi settings for easy maintenance.
As a portable EV charger, cable length plays a critical role – especially in public or shared charging spaces where ideal parking positions aren’t always available. The ApexCharger MACH 3 includes a 25-foot, heavy-duty charging cable, offering excellent flexibility for most home and on-the-go setups. However, if you frequently charge in tighter or awkwardly positioned spaces, consider alternatives like the Schumacher 16 Amp EV Charger, which includes a 28-foot cable – providing an extra 3 feet that can make a meaningful difference in reaching your EV’s charge port without repositioning.
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger features built-in safety diagnostics with clear LED alerts. Steady green means it’s plugged in, flashing green shows active charging and solid blue indicates a full charge. Red flashes warn of specific EV charging issues – like ground faults, overcurrent, voltage problems, or overheating. With grounding detection, thermal protection, and fault monitoring, the MACH 3 keeps charging safe and reliable anywhere you use it.
Unlike other portable EV chargers such as the Webasto Go, Battery Tender eCharge, Schumacher 16A, and the widely known Lectron 16A – which require a separate NACS adapter purchase for Tesla compatibility, the ApexCharger MACH 3 includes the ApexCharger PRO 1 connector directly in the box.
This factory-tested, in-house ApexCharger J1772-to-Tesla adapter is engineered for optimal performance, seamless integration, and long-term reliability. By eliminating the risks associated with third-party adapters, ApexCharger ensures smooth, hassle-free Tesla charging with MACH Series EV Chargers—right out of the box. No guesswork, no extra costs – just plug in and charge.
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger is a portable, plug-in unit designed exclusively for NEMA outlet installations and does not support hardwired installation. It delivers a maximum charging rate of 40 amps (9.6 kW) on a 240V circuit, or 12 amps (1.44 kW) when connected to a standard 120V outlet – making it ideal for users who prioritize portability over maximum speed.
For faster charging and a permanent hardwired setup, we recommend considering the ApexCharger MACH 1 EV Charger or ApexCharger MACH 2 EV Charger.
Both models support hardwired installation on a dedicated 240V circuit and deliver up to 48 amps (11.52 kW) of charging power; however, they are more expensive and do not offer the dual-voltage flexibility of the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger.
Why You Should Consider the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger
If you need a travel-ready EV charger that works at campsites, rental homes, friends’ garages, or public 120V/240V outlets – without sacrificing charging speed or reliability – The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger 3 is a smart choice. Unlike most portable chargers in its class, it offers up to 40 Amps output when connected to a NEMA 14-50 outlet and real-time feedback through its onboard 2.4” display.
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Specifications
- Dual-voltage flexibility (120V/240V)
- Includes ApexCharger Pro 1 NACS adapter for Tesla compatibility
- App-controlled (via Bluetooth & Wi-Fi)
- 25-foot cable + cable holder for on-the-go management
- IP67 weatherproofing
- 5-year warranty and lifetime customer support
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Performance
In my testing with a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y, the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger delivered consistent results at both 120V and 240V installations.
- At 240V/40A (NEMA 14-50): Max output was 9.6 kW, translating to 35–38 miles of range per hour.
- At 120V/12A (NEMA 5-15): Output was limited to ~1.4 kW, adding 3–4 miles per hour – useful for emergency top-ups or overnight slow charges.
Charge sessions started reliably, and amperage settings could be adjusted from the onboard screen or via app – helpful for power-limited outlets or shared circuits. Thermal performance was solid; the unit remained cool and quiet even during extended sessions.
The MACH 3 lacks the visual flair and interface depth of the MACH 2 (no LED ring or large screen), but its versatility and simplicity make it the most mobile option in the ApexCharger lineup.
The included ApexCharger PRO 1 connector for Tesla worked flawlessly. No charging interruptions, no pin misalignment, and the charger, ApexCharger PRO 1 connector, and cable remained cool even during full-speed overnight sessions.
The Smart Life app (Android & iOS) setup was fast and stable, allowing smart EV charging functions such as:
- Charge scheduling
- Amperage control
- Live charge monitoring
- Remote start/stop
- Charging history logs
For a portable unit, this level of control is rare – and extremely valuable.
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Build Quality & Portability
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger is rugged yet compact (2.34″ D × 3.79″ W × 9.15″ H) and fits easily in most EV frunks or underfloor storage. The 25-foot heavy-duty cable wraps cleanly and includes a wall/cable holder for organized stowing.
Rated IP67, it’s more weatherproof than most portable units (Webasto Go is IP65 and Lectron, and Battery Tender are lower). Combined with the display and app control, this makes it one of the few truly road-trip-ready chargers that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Installation Guide
NEMA 14-50, NEMA 5-15, and NEMA 5-20 Installations with Circuit Diagrams
Installing the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger is easy and flexible, thanks to its support for multiple outlet types. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or at an RV park, this portable EV charger can be safely connected to a NEMA 14-50, NEMA 5-15, or NEMA 5-20 outlet. Below, we break down each installation option, including the correct breaker size and solid copper wiring needed for a safe, code-compliant setup.
Additional ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger Installation Notes
- Always use solid copper wire for proper conductivity and NEC compliance.
- If the run exceeds 50 feet, consider upsizing wires to reduce voltage drop.
- All installations should be performed by a licensed electrician where required by local code.
We’ve included a dedicated circuit wiring diagram under each section to guide your installation and maximize safety and performance.
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Outlet Installation (240V Level 2)
For the fastest Level 2 charging, plug the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger into a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet; his setup delivers a maximum of up to 40 amps (9.6 kW), which can add up to 40 miles of range per hour depending on your EV.
- Recommended Breaker: 50-amp double-pole with GFCI protection
- Wire Requirements: 6 AWG solid copper
For safe and NEC 625-compliant installation, we’ve included the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Circuit Wiring Diagram for reference. Use this diagram to ensure proper wiring practices and long-term charging reliability.
Compatible ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Outlets
Maximize charging efficiency and safety with NEC-compliant NEMA 14-50 outlets, designed to handle continuous 40A loads on 50A breakers. These outlets perfectly match the ApexCharger MACH 3’s Level 2 charging capabilities, ensuring fast and reliable power delivery. When paired with 6 AWG solid copper wiring and the appropriate grounding conductor, they minimize heat buildup and guarantee safe, long-term performance for your EV charging needs.
Recommended NEMA 14-50 Outlet Covers for the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger
During our evaluation of the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger, we tested a range of NEMA 14-50 outlet covers specifically designed for NEMA 14-50 EV charging installations. These NEMA 14-50 outlet covers enhance your outlet and EV charging branch circuit safety by preventing accidental contact with energized components, discouraging tampering or unauthorized access, and providing an added layer of protection to your plug-in charging installation.
ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 5-15 Outlet Installation (120V Level 1)
When only a standard wall outlet is available, the ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger can operate on a NEMA 5-15 outlet for Level 1 EV charging. This configuration delivers up to 12 amps at 120V, providing around 4 miles of range per hour—suitable for overnight top-ups.
- Recommended Breaker: 15-amp single-pole circuit breaker with GFCI protection
- Wire Requirements: (2) Conductors: 14 AWG solid copper (Use 12 AWG for runs over 50 feet or for improved voltage stability)
This setup is ideal for travel, emergency charging, or connecting to standard household outlets. Refer to the included ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 5-15 Circuit Wiring Diagram for proper configuration, safe installation, and compliance with NEC guidelines.
Compatible ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger NEMA 5-15 Outlets
The ApexCharger MACH 3 EV Charger also supports standard NEMA 5-15 outlets for Level 1 charging, making it incredibly versatile and perfect for everyday use or emergency backup charging. These 120V outlets require 15A breakers and 14 AWG solid copper wiring for optimal safety and code compliance.
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