Last Updated on: 27th June 2025, 04:16 am
Even though we don’t talk about it much, having a backup charger on hand — one that can be plugged into an indoor or outdoor outlet — is extremely helpful in a number of unforeseen situations.
Though most people are concerned about how rapid a charger is and how long charging lasts, I also enjoy how convenient it is to plug in almost anywhere. I tested the new Schumacher Electric charger and found it to be an effective replacement for my old one. I tested the new charger in the outlet outside some friends’ garage while visiting them, and it made a nice impression. They have considered transitioning to electric automobiles. The light turned on instantly, and the charging process began. Convenience. Even though they just had one outlet, I could sense their immediate curiosity and interest.
I explained that to get a full charge would take the night. It is easily doable to adapt to the simple instant plug-in power. Their astonishment was evident. It took no time at all to start the charge. It’s simply not quick charging, but most people don’t require that at home.
Last fall, once again, I understood how vital my older level 1 charger was to my older, limited-range BMW i3. Previously, it was undoubtedly convenient to commute the 2-hour distance from Sarasota to Naples. When I arrived in Naples, I would immediately plug in an extension cord to the garage. The next day, I was fully charged without having to search out an EV charger and wait anywhere. That convenience inspired another friend to switch to an EV as well.
Traveling along the South Carolina coast to North Carolina, from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachians, was also quite comfortable for me thanks to my Level 1 charger. Although I found a few hotels that had Level 2 chargers, I often booked an overnight stay and charged with my Level 1 charger overnight while connected to a lamp post with a handy outlet.
When 98% of Asheville lost power the morning after Hurricane Helene, I found an outdoor outlet downtown to charge my computer and phone. I considered how I would charge my EV overnight by plugging it in. I didn’t have to, as I found the single charging station in Asheville operating the following day; otherwise, I would have. Meanwhile, the gas stations were not operating at all. Anywhere.
Of course, we all use the fast chargers regularly, whether at a station near us or just off the highway. But never discount the convenience of a Level 1 charger in an unusual situation.

“Schumacher Electric Corporation, a global leader of power conversion products, announced the launch, making it a convenient solution for everyday use. Equipped with a universal J1772 connector, it’s compatible with the majority of electric vehicles on the road today, ensuring reliable and hassle-free charging for most EV models sold in the U.S.” The product hit the market — online and via select retailers — in May.
“At Schumacher, our mission is to make EV ownership simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone,” said Mickey Leech, CEO of Schumacher. “Our new SEV1670 was designed with real drivers in mind — offering a user-friendly experience, reliable performance, and robust safety features, all in a compact and convenient form. It’s more than just a charger; it’s a peace of mind wherever the road takes you.” I certainly can vouch for this.
“Designed with convenience and safety in mind, this user-friendly EV charger features a 20-foot cord to easily reach tight or hard-to-access spots, along with a durable rubber cover that protects against water and dirt. The SEV1670 includes built-in LED indicators that provide real-time updates, allowing you to monitor your charging status at a glance.
“Equipped with comprehensive safety features, including protection against leakage, undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, ground faults, and relay faults, this charger ensures both your vehicle and charger stay safe. Whether you’re on a road trip or simply charging before work, this all-in-one solution keeps you powered up and prepared for any situation.”
Here are some more specs and features, as noted by Schumacher Electric:
- Fully Automatic Charging
- Easy Operation – Simply insert the NEMA 5-15 plug into an AC outlet and connect the charging gun to your EV’s charging port
- Universal J1772 Connector
- Charging Level – Level 1 (120 volts)
- Input Voltage—120 volts
- Max Input Amperage—12 amps continuous
- Output Voltage—120 volts
- Output Power – 1.44 kW
- Plug Type – NEMA 5-15
- Cable Length—20 feet
- Portable Charging
- Indoor and Outdoor Use
- Ingress Protection—IP66 housing
- Comprehensive Protection—Leakage, undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature, ground fault, and relay fault protection
- LED indicators
- Comfort Grip Handle
- Rubber Cap on Charging Gun
- Certifications—ETL, Energy Star
Sign up for CleanTechnica’s Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott’s in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and follow us on Google News!
Whether you have solar power or not, please complete our latest solar power survey.
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one on top stories of the week if daily is too frequent.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy