Best Portable Electric Car Heaters – Buyer’s Guide

You are getting late for work, and it’s freezing cold outside. There was a snowstorm last night, and you just got done clearing ice from the driveway. You open your car’s door and are only halfway inside that it feels like a dementor is waiting to suck the warmth out of your body.

For those who didn’t get the Harry Potter reference but live in a region where all four seasons are experienced fully – you would know the troubles of getting inside the car in winter.

Most people leave their cars started ten to fifteen minutes prior to when they have to sit in them. This is a costly attempt at warming up their cars a bit so that it doesn’t feel like sitting in a freezer.

If we are to keep the chilly seat aside, visibility is another huge challenge that one faces during cold seasons. The windshield and car windows are completely foggy, and you can barely see what’s in front of your car.

These challenges make it very useful for you to have a portable heater for your electric car.

While some electric cars come with powerful cabin heaters, others require more charging and cannot sustain heating for longer periods of time.

Portable Electric Car Heaters
Portable Electric Car Heaters

You have to rely on your car’s heated seats and heated steering wheel, and even that is only possible if your EV is equipped with that technology.

Best Portable Electric Car Heaters

A portable car heater makes life a lot easier. These small, lightweight heaters are specifically created and designed to keep your car warm on the go, especially when charging is not possible.

You do not have to switch on the prior heating option or leave your car started ten minutes before you have to sit in it. The heater eliminates both the chill and fogginess very quickly.

However, there are many different types of portable heaters available for cars. Some are better suited for an RV, while others are perfect for instant heating in a small car.

To see which one fits your needs best, we have compiled a list of the 8 best picks in the portable electric car heaters category.

Let’s take a look at them.

1. Comfier Massage Seat Cushion

This portable heater is aimed at maximizing your comfort and making your seat cozy. Your car may take a while to warm up on its own, but this heater will let make your seat super comfortable to sit in.

The Comfier Massage Seat Cushion comes with three heating pads and two heat settings. You will begin to feel warmed up within a minute and can get rid of the feeling of sitting inside a freezer.

What makes this portable heater extra special are the ten vibrators distributed throughout the back of the seat pad. This means you do not only get warm and toasted but also get a stress-relieving massage while you drive to work.

You can choose from its five-programming setting and one of its three intensity levels. This is the ultimate car heater you can get for yourself or even the passenger seat for comfort and warmth.

>> Check the review on Amazon <<

2. Caframo North Space Heater

If you own an electric RV or even a regular one – camping and traveling in winter can be less than enjoyable.

When you plan to spend a long time in the car – it becomes your temporary abode and needs proper heating throughout. Caframo True North Space heater provides you with five heat settings to warm your RV up to 1500 wattage.

It also comes with a dual overheat protection system which prevents your car from overheating.

The reason why it’s best suited for an RV because it is larger (9.25 x 4.4 x 4.4) and heavier (5 pounds) for any other type of car. It is designed to heat a larger space powerfully and instantly.

You may hear some noise on the lower heat settings, but you wouldn’t even notice that in an RV. It can be easily mounted anywhere in the RV and provide even heating throughout.

Read What Companies Make Electric Car Charging Stations

3. Snailax Massage Car Seat Cushion

If most of your car drives are solo and you are into affordable heating and massaging options, Snailax Massage Car Seat Cushion is ideal.

While this is less robust than the Comfier Massage Seat Cushion, it gives you great heat settings at a more affordable rate. If it doesn’t get wildly cold where you live, this is a perfect choice.

The Snailax heater plugs into your car’s lighter port and comes with three built-in heating pads. The heaters also have auto shut-off timers, so you stay warm and not start sweating!

It has six vibrational motors that give you massages in the back, thighs, and hip region. You get a lot of flexibility with its five massage modes and four massage intensity settings.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

4. FERRYONE Portable Car heater

This car heater is specifically designed for those who hate to see a frosty windshield when they enter their car. It minimizes visibility and creates an undeniable challenge – you simply cannot drive!

Therefore, it is worse for many people than feeling chilly in your car for the first 7-8 minutes. The FERRYONE car heater fits on your dashboard and clears frost in no time.

You have to plug it into a 12V lighter port and watch the blast of hot air quickly defrost your windshield.

Since it is only 150W, the FERRYONE car heater is not sufficient to immediately warm the entire interior of your car, but it will definitely allow you to drive safely with a clear windshield.

>> Check out reviews on Amazon <<

5. AmazonBasics Small Space Mini Heater

Now we come to the mini heater that you can keep in your compact car and experience the warmth in just a couple of minutes. The first this car heater offers you is incredible value for money.

It is only 6 inches tall and can be fit anywhere in your car. The 500W power may not be too much, but it is more than enough to warm up your car in no time.

The AmazonBasics Small Space Mini Heater comes with tip-over protection, which shuts it off automatically if it tips over. This feature is ideal for cars, given the bumps and depressions on the road.

This ceramic heater is ideal for occasionally heating your electric car or even an RV whenever it is a little too chilly outside, and you can get it in 4 colors to match your vehicle’s interior.

>> Buy from Amazon <<

6. ANCROWN Car heater

If you are looking for a simple heating option that can go well alongside your own car heater – then ANCROWN Car heater is your best bet. It will warm up your car, defrost your windshield, and make it cozy.

Alternatively, this is a great choice for those too who are looking for a device that can work as both an AC and heater and is suited for all seasons.

You simply have to plug it into a 12V port and choose the heat setting you want. As it is one of the less powerful heating devices, you must keep in mind that it works wonderfully as a defogger but may take time to heat up the whole car.

This has been clarified by the manufacturer as well as confirmed by users. Also, be mindful that this device produces noise, so it’s best you are mentally prepared for that.

Nevertheless, it is a great accompaniment for your car’s heater and is quite affordable.

>> Read the reviews from Amazon <<

7. Zerostart Interior Car Warmer

The Zerostart Interior Car Warmer is ideal for instantly warming up the space, whether light-duty utility vehicles, passenger vans, or an electric RV. It offers a lot of heat for its size by producing 900 Watts of power.

This is one of those powerful heaters that will both warm up your car and defrost your windows efficiently and simultaneously. Even though it looks a bit archaic, it is perfect for the task it has been designed to perform.

You can switch this on in your car even before you have to step inside, and it will keep the car warm and toasty for you by the time you have to drive it.

You also do not need to worry about the device overheating your car, as it comes with an automatic safety sensor.

This means that the heater will shut off automatically if it were to reach extremely hot temperatures.

>> Check the best price on Amazon <<

8. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat

Finally, if you are looking for a simple and compact portable heater that can keep you warm while you settle into your car – then Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is the right solution for you.

It is best to factor in all types of weather conditions, and many times it is not harshly cold but unpleasantly chilly outside.

While your EV’s internal heater may be enough to warm up the car – you may still be looking for something more to become cozy in your seat.

For such instances, this small massager with heat does the job at very affordable rates.

It has heavy-duty rotating balls that work into your neck’s muscles while the balls heat up to provide a warm sensation.

The heating is optional, so you can just get the massage and turn off the heating if you feel warmed up.

>> Check the price on Amazon <<

Best Portable Electric Car Heaters
Portable Electric Car Heater

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The Bottom Line

There are many different types of options available to heat your vehicle today. However, each has been designed keeping a certain purpose in mind. Only you are the best judge of your needs and preferences.

As we discussed earlier – most electric cars are equipped with an efficient heating system, but it requires extra charging and electricity. Often you cannot heat the car while on the move.

Therefore, a portable car heater makes for an excellent companion in harsh weather commutes. Whether you are driving an RV or a compact EV, we have given you the 8 best car heater options you can choose from.

Some are excellent defoggers, while others will warm your car up instantly. Better still, some are suited for chilly weather where you need both warmth and a comforting massage. We hope this short guide helps you make the best decision.

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