The MUSTART 40A is a long-running, widely-sold portable Level 2 charger that delivers the full 9.6 kW with a generous 25-foot cable for a moderate price. ElectricVehicleGeek scored it 8.3/10, EV Adept buyers rate it 4/5 and Technically Jeff called it a solid charger worth considering under $300. The main cautions are reports of inconsistent safety certifications and the lack of smart features.
Full review
A Proven Volume Seller
MUSTART's 40A portable charger has been one of the best-selling Level 2 units for years, and the review and buyer data reflect that maturity. ElectricVehicleGeek gave it an 8.3 out of 10 expert score, summarizing that it "provides fast charging, broad compatibility, and robust safety features." Technically Jeff judged that "for under $300, this is a solid EV charger that definitely deserves consideration, especially if you're looking for one you can take with you," and EV Adept shows a 4 out of 5 average where one owner wrote that "the quality of the material is great and the construction is solid."
It isn't the flashiest charger here, but it's the kind of dependable, no-frills workhorse that has charged a lot of EVs without drama, which is exactly what many buyers want from a backup or primary home cord.
Charging Performance
The MUSTART delivers the full 40 amps at 240 volts for 9.6 kW, the same top speed as the Grizzl-E Mini Connect and Lectron and roughly 2.5 times faster than a 16-amp Level 2 charger. Output is adjustable across 15, 25 and 40 amps, letting it run safely on smaller circuits, though it offers fewer steps than the Grizzl-E's 7-to-40-amp range. For a typical overnight home charge it adds enough range to fully replenish even a large-battery EV by morning.
Its standout practical feature is the 25-foot J1772 cable, tied with the Grizzl-E for the longest in this group and noticeably more reach than the 16-to-18-foot cords on the Splitvolt and Lectron. That extra length matters in a garage where the outlet and the car's charge port aren't conveniently aligned.
Build and Safety
The control box carries an IP65 rating and the connector an IP67 rating, with built-in protection against lightning, overvoltage, overheating and overcurrent. In normal use reviewers found the build solid and the materials substantial. EV Adept owners specifically praised the construction quality.
The asterisk on safety is reputational. While the majority of feedback is positive, a meaningful minority of users have reported safety concerns over the years, and there have been scattered reports of questionable or contested certification marks, with a few electrical inspectors raising flags. The unit is ETL-marked, but the inconsistency in reported certifications is a real reason the MUSTART ranks behind the UL-Certified, Canadian-made Grizzl-E despite its strong everyday performance.
What You Give Up
The portable MUSTART has no Wi-Fi, no app and no scheduling on the base model. There's no way to monitor energy use or set off-peak charging windows from your phone, capabilities the Grizzl-E Mini Connect includes. For buyers who just want to plug in and charge, that's a non-issue; for anyone who wants to optimize charging around time-of-use electricity rates, it's a clear gap. MUSTART does sell separate wallbox models with app control, but those are different products from this portable unit.
Where It Falls Short
Beyond the certification inconsistencies, the most common long-term complaint reviewers surface is occasional trouble with the J-plug or charging port developing issues over time on a minority of units, and a warranty that runs only one to two years depending on the specific model. Neither is universal, but they reinforce the sense that the MUSTART is a good-value charger rather than a premium one. It does the core job well; it just lacks the bulletproof build and certification confidence of the top pick.
Who It's Best For
The MUSTART 40A is the smart buy for the budget-minded owner who wants full-speed 40A charging and a long 25-foot cable for a fixed home 14-50 outlet, and who doesn't need smart scheduling or the most rugged enclosure on the market. It costs less than the Grizzl-E Mini Connect while charging just as fast, and it offers a longer cord and adjustable current versus the cheaper Splitvolt. Buyers who want certification peace of mind or app features should step up to the Grizzl-E; those who want the lowest price can consider the Splitvolt.
Strengths
- +Full 40A / 9.6 kW output, about 2.5x faster than a 16A Level 2 charger
- +Long 25-foot J1772 cable, among the longest in this group
- +Adjustable current (15/25/40A) for use on smaller circuits
- +IP65 control box and IP67 connector with lightning, overvoltage, overheat and overcurrent protection
- +Lower price than the Grizzl-E Mini Connect while charging at the same 40A
Watch-outs
- −Some buyers and electrical inspectors have flagged questionable certification marks
- −No Wi-Fi or app, and no scheduling on the base portable model
- −A minority of users report J-plug or charging-port issues over time
- −Only a 1-to-2-year warranty depending on model
How it compares
A value alternative to the Grizzl-E Mini Connect with the same 40A output and an equally long 25-foot cable, but no Wi-Fi or app; it costs more than the Splitvolt but offers a longer cord and adjustable current.
Who this is for
At a glance: Budget-minded EV owners who want full-speed 40A charging and a long cable for a fixed home 14-50 outlet, and who don't need smart scheduling.
Why you’d buy the MUSTART 40A Level 2 Portable
- Full 40A / 9.6 kW output, about 2.5x faster than a 16A Level 2 charger.
- Long 25-foot J1772 cable, among the longest in this group.
- Adjustable current (15/25/40A) for use on smaller circuits.
Why you’d skip it
- Some buyers and electrical inspectors have flagged questionable certification marks.
- No Wi-Fi or app, and no scheduling on the base portable model.
- A minority of users report J-plug or charging-port issues over time.
Rating sources
“The Mustart 40 Amp EV Charger provides fast charging, broad compatibility, and robust safety features.”
“The quality of the material is great and the construction is solid.”
“For under $300, this is a solid EV charger that definitely deserves consideration, especially if you're looking for one you can take with you.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
