The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining serious traction in Saudi Arabia, and with it the demand for portable EV chargers is following suit. The report here offers a detailed look into how the market is evolving by current type—alternating current (AC) vs direct current (DC)—from 2018 through 2030. For the full data chart, check out this link: Saudi Arabia Portable Electric Vehicle Charger Market Size, 2018-2030, By Current Type (USD Million).

Market Snapshot & Trends

From 2018 onward, there’s been a clear upward trajectory in the market for portable EV chargers in Saudi Arabia. For in 2018, the AC-current segment stood at about US$0.19 million, while the DC segment was around US$0.87 million. Looking ahead to 2030, projections suggest that AC will grow to roughly US$1.04 million, and DC to about US$5.86 million.
What’s immediately striking is the pace at which the DC segment expands relative to AC.

AC vs DC: What’s the Difference & Why it Matters

  • AC (Alternating Current) Chargers: These have traditionally been more common for portable use—such as at home or in workplaces—because they’re less expensive to manufacture, install and operate. They’re slower in charging compared to DC units, but they meet many day-to-day charging needs.

  • DC (Direct Current) Chargers: These enable much faster charging speeds, and their growth in Saudi Arabia’s portable segment is significant. The expansion of rapid-charge infrastructure, combined with increasing EV uptake, makes DC units especially attractive.

The data shows that although portable AC charger usage is growing steadily, it is outpaced by the DC segment. This indicates a shift in user preference, or rather market dynamics, toward faster, more convenient charging solutions even in portable form.

Drivers Behind the Growth

Several factors are powering this growth:

  • Saudi Arabia’s push on sustainability, diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels contributes to greater EV adoption; with more EVs on the road, accessory markets such as portable EV chargers naturally gain momentum.

  • Consumer awareness is rising: More drivers are considering EVs not just for environmental reasons, but also for cost-efficiency and new mobility trends. That awareness helps drive demand for convenient infrastructure—including portable chargers.

  • The rise in domestic and inbound travel (tourism growth) means there is increased need for flexible charging solutions. Portable chargers allow rentals or visitors to access charging even if fixed infrastructure is limited.

  • Specifically, the DC segment’s meteoric growth suggests that users are demanding faster charge options. Whether for long trips or for convenience at home, speed is a big factor—and portable DC chargers fit that niche.

Implications for Stakeholders

  • Manufacturers and Suppliers: The data signals that while AC remains relevant, DC PAS (portable charging solutions) hold the larger growth upside. Investing in development of portable DC units, ensuring they are compatible with local grid standards and vehicle types, could capture the majority share in the rising market.

  • Infrastructure planners: Even though “portable” sounds like a consumer product, planning around standards, plug compatibility, safety regulations and grid access remains crucial. Since DC charger adoption is accelerating, supporting infrastructure—including grid capacity and regulatory approvals—must keep pace.

  • Consumers / End-users: For homeowners or enterprises, choosing between AC and DC portable chargers means balancing cost, speed and future-proofing. While AC may suffice for overnight slow charging, DC offers flexibility for three-hundred-sixty usage scenarios like travel, rentals or shared mobility.

  • Investors & market watchers: The differential growth between AC and DC (AC growing from US$0.19 m to approx US$1.04 m vs DC from US$0.87 m to ~US$5.86 m) shows where growth capital may best be placed. Ventures, partnerships or expansions focused on portable DC charging appear particularly ripe.

Challenges & Considerations

While the outlook is positive, there are some headwinds:

  • Portable DC chargers tend to cost more and may have higher complexity (cooling, safety electronics, cabling). That affects pricing and yields for manufacturers.

  • Standardisation still matters. If chargers aren’t universally compatible or if plug types and communication protocols vary, user experience may suffer.

  • Even with strong growth, the absolute market size remains modest in earlier years—meaning scale-up is needed for manufacturing efficiency and market maturity.

  • Infrastructure and grid readiness: Ensuring that homes, hotels, rental fleets and other use-cases have the power capacity for DC charging is essential. Upgrades may be required, which adds to the total cost of ownership.

Outlook & Final Thoughts

By 2030, the portable EV charger market in Saudi Arabia by current type is expected to see dramatic evolution. The AC segment will continue to grow but remains relatively modest compared to the DC segment. The DC portable charger category stands to become the dominant one in terms of growth rate and market share.
For all stakeholders—whether suppliers, consumers, investors or policy-makers—the key takeaway is that portability is no longer just about making a charger mobile; it’s about marrying mobility with speed, flexibility and user convenience. In Saudi Arabia’s context, where EV adoption is being accelerated by policy, consumer mindset and infrastructure ramp-up, the portable charger market offers a significant opportunity.

If you’re working in this space or considering entry into this market, now is the time to align strategy with the trajectory: focusing on fast-charging capable portable equipment, understanding local grid and vehicle ecosystem, and positioning for the upcoming wave of EV growth.

In summary: the market is small now but growing fast; AC is the baseline, DC is the future — and Saudi Arabia presents a compelling stage for portable EV charger growth by current type.