Best Electric Car Jacks: Top Picks for Safe & Easy Car Lifting

Make tire-changing a breeze with our picks for the best electric car jack

byRebecca Henderson|
Best Electric Car Jacks: Top Picks for Safe & Easy Car Lifting

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BYRebecca Henderson/ LAST UPDATED ON September 2, 2021

Having a car jack in your vehicle in case of an emergency can mean the difference between 20 minutes to change a flat tire and being stranded on the road for hours, waiting for help. Whether you go off-road with your vehicle and need to lift it frequently, or just want something in case of an emergency, we’re here to help you find the best electric car jack for your needs.

Best Overall
BestEquip Electric Car Jack 

BestEquip Electric Car Jack 

Summary
This package includes an electric jack and an impact wrench, both of which are powered by a 12-volt supply or your car’s own battery.
Pros
Lift your car between 5 and 16.5 inches within two minutes. Removable heads allow for use on cars and SUVs.
Cons
The entire kit weighs 27 pounds, which may be a lot of weight to carry around. The carrying case is made of low-quality plastic that is easily deformed.
Best Value

ABN 3 Ton Electric Hydraulic Jack 

Summary
Our pick for best value won’t take up much space and weighs less than the average spare tire. The versatile 12-volt, 11.5-foot power cable will reach almost any tire.
Pros
A lightweight, compact design makes it portable and easy for almost any driver to operate. The three-ton weight capacity should be plenty for most sedans and small SUVs.
Cons
Due to the design of this jack’s operation, safety is a concern if the car tips. The single mounting point centered upon one end of the jack may cause tipping.
Honorable Mention

Pilot Automotive Q-HY-1500L 12 V Electric Car Jack

Summary
Scissor jack design. 4,000-pound capacity. Heavy-duty, 15 amp power.
Pros
Similar to your car jack except the electric motor does the work. Connects to a 12-volt cigarette-type outlet in your car or truck. Has a 12-foot cord.
Cons
Some reports of the jack not being able to lift the stated capacity. One person said it’s difficult to find the right sized replacement fuse if the fuse blows.

Why Buy an Electric Car Jack?

  • Add to your tool collection. No matter what skill level you have when it comes to vehicle maintenance, having an automatic electric car jack can be handy to have around. As part of a basic set of automotive tools, the power car jack can be used on most cars, boats, trailers, and off-road vehicles. 
  • Prepare for an emergency. Just like an LED road flare kit, a flashlight, some spare water bottles, and non-perishable food items, an electric car jack could be a great way to round out your emergency preparedness kit. If you can purchase a carrying case with everything inside, it’s as simple as placing the unit in your car’s trunk.   
  • Replace your old/manual jack. Electric car jacks relieve the physical strain of cranking a manual jack and shorten the overall repair time dramatically. If it’s time to invest in a new model that will do the job right and get you home safe, check out the electric car jack as an option.  
  • At-home auto repair. Whether it’s early in your mechanic career or you’re a weekend wrencher, having an electric car jack on hand means you can spend more of your time tooling around on the rest of the car and less time cranking a manual jack. 
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Electric Car Jack Types 

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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Bottle

This type of jack is usually hydraulic-powered and resembles the shape of a short and stubby bottle. Because of this compact design, they’re desirable for larger vehicles where clearance isn’t necessarily an issue. Though they’re not ergonomically shaped for easy storage, they do often have a higher weight limit than your typical electric floor jack. 

Floor

You’ll likely see a lot of mechanics using—and owning—this type of car jack. Though it’s manually operated, it works on the same basic principle as all jacks; it uses a mounting point and a lifting system to hold the car during a lift. Floor jacks typically roll on four wheels and come with a detachable handle that pivots up and down to lift the car. 

Scissor

Scissor jacks are the typical design of most standard equipment units that come installed in your car directly from the factory. These specific jacks can either be manually operated or electric. Most scissor jacks place the weight in the center of the jack itself while the arms extend to lift the weight, creating a triangular or diamond-like shape when extended. These units are typically very heavy and durable. 

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Off-Road Air Jack

You may or may not be familiar with the use of large air bags to lift a vehicle “in the field,” as they say. Many enthusiasts who off-road use these inflatable air bags to buoy the weight of the car onto what is basically a large air mattress or pillow. Many of these units are even inflatable via the car’s own exhaust, so there’s no power directly involved. 

Tongue

This type of jack is almost exclusively used for trailers. Sometimes, it’s difficult to raise the trailer high enough to get the hitch ball into position, especially when the trailer is loaded down. Having a tongue jack on hand means you can raise the trailer height and keep it in position as you back up to couple them together. This is a great electric jack to have for any kind of trailer out there.

Top Electric Car Jack Brands 

Husky

Headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, Husky Towing Products has been in the truck accessory business for over seven years. Their 3,000-pound capacity power jack is a viable option for those looking to invest in an electric trailer jack for all their towing needs.

Pilot Automotive

Founded in 1996 by Wang’s International, Pilot Automotive’s mission has been to serve the DIY auto enthusiast in a variety of ways. Though the company is headquartered in California, anyone can find their products online, including this 12-volt electric scissor car jack.

ABN

Auto Body Now (ABN) might still be new to the aftermarket auto accessory game, but they’re a family-owned company based out of South Dakota that’s dedicated to an above-average experience. They manufacture quite a variety of tools for the automotive industry, but we think you should check out their three-in-one hydraulic power floor jack kit.

Electric Car Jack Pricing

  • $30-$60: At the lower end of this range, you’ll find electric car jacks that will work in a pinch, but at the higher end, you’ll get more for your money. If you only plan on using the jack for emergencies, units in this price range should suffice. 
  • $65-$85: If you’re serious about getting underneath your car a lot and want a reliable electric jack, budget about this much for a solid unit. We recommend you use jack stands in conjunction with an electric jack, but in this price range, you’ll be getting a decent unit you can use a few times a year. 
  • $90-$150: Give yourself more height and weight capacity by going with an electric car jack that costs around $100. If you own a larger vehicle, such as a pickup or three-row SUV, the electric car jacks you should consider are in this price range.   
  • $190-$300: Lots of lifting power means you’ll be spending closer to $200 for a decent electric jack. Own a diesel or large truck? We recommend you search out electric car jacks at this price point to safely lift that ol’ hunk of metal you drive. You’ll likely end up paying this much in replacement costs if you don’t.

Key Features of an Electric Car Jack

Ease of Use

The point of buying a motorized car jack is to remove as much physical labor from the equation as possible to minimize the amount of time and effort you have to put into the work you’re doing. The unit should be easy to use and require only a handful of steps to set up and take down.

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Portability

Electric car jacks that are portable weigh less and take up less space. An ideal weight for an electric car jack would be anything less than the weight of your spare tire. That way, you can easily handle the car jack during use without tiring your muscles before you even get started on the hard work.

Compact Design

Cargo space is often at a premium in most cars, so buying an electric car jack that is designed to fit beneath your front seats or in a corner of your trunk minimizes the space you’ll lose carrying it around with you. Carrying cases are a great way to bundle everything together for ease of access and use. 

Weight Capacity

A lot of people don’t know how much their car weighs. That’s understandable, but it’s a key factor in deciding which electric car jack to buy. You almost always want to go with a jack rated for more weight than your current vehicle, especially if you plan on changing vehicles in the future. 

Other Considerations

  • Power source. Most electric car jacks are powered by a 12-volt cable that plugs into the cigarette lighter outlet in your vehicle. 
  • Cord length. Most 12-volt outlets in a vehicle are near the center console, so it’s important to have enough cord to reach from inside the car to the lifting point on your vehicle’s exterior. Any length over 10 feet is ideal since you’ll want to have more cord to work with than less.

Best Electric Car Jack Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Our pick for the best electric car jack comes from BestEquip. Not only does this electric car jack kit come with a jack capable of lifting a car up to 6,600 pounds, but it also includes an impact wrench for quick removal of your car’s lug nuts. There are interchangeable mounting points, or “saddles,” for use on both sedans and SUVs as long as your car doesn’t exceed the weight limit.

 

There are a lot of great features to consider on this electric car jack. For example, having a height-adjustable jack allows you to raise the car high enough to safely remove a flat tire. A quick extension time means you won’t be waiting in the weather, so you’ll be able to get the job done faster. The electric car jack is also constructed of high-strength steel, so you can feel safer working underneath the car with it holding the weight.

 

One of the biggest drawbacks with this electric car jack centers on the weight of the unit itself. At nearly 30 pounds, it’s not the easiest to lug around. Though the plastic carrying case certainly holds quite a few tools, it’s not made of the most durable materials. However, the simplistic design makes it easy for almost anyone to use, no matter their age or experience level.

There's no need to jack up your car or truck with muscle power when you can have an electric jack do the work. This jack’s design is the same as a car jack’s scissor design except it has an electric motor that elevates and lowers the vehicle. You simply attach the 12-foot cord to a 12-volt cigarette-style outlet in your car or truck to power the jack—no more stressing and straining.


The 4,000-pound capacity is enough to lift or lower any vehicle when you need to change a tire or when you want to perform maintenance. (Caution: Always block the vehicle and use jack stands when performing maintenance.) The power rating is 15 amp and the jack has a permanently lubricated rotating pawl and motor. You can reach all areas of the vehicle with the 12-foot cord and a circuit breaker protects the jack’s wiring from overloading. The electric jack comes with a rugged carrying case that is compact for easy storage.


Be aware that some purchasers have reported the jack does not lift the 4,000 pounds as advertised. Also, if the fuse blows, it’s hard to find a replacement due to the fuse’s odd size.

With a capacity of 2,200 pounds and a lift range from 6.1 to 17.3 inches, this electric jack is ideal for all kinds of vehicles. You can use it to lift vehicles of various sizes, including SUVs and trucks. Due to the compact design, the jack is highly portable, and you can keep it within hand's reach all the time. 


The jack features a 12V cigarette lighter adapter and an 11.4 foot cord. It’s incredibly easy to use, operating on only two switches (vertical lift control and LED lights). The LEDs are super useful, especially for road emergencies when you need more visibility to keep yourself and others safe. Additionally, there's a built-in safety device that keeps the jack lifted and secured, even when the power is out. Overall, the jack is designed with safety and convenience in mind. It's sturdy, durable, and compact enough to be easily transported and stored. 


However, one of the drawbacks could be a small footprint at the base. It might make the jack unstable, especially when lifted all the way up. Also, some users complained about having to release the jack manually. It seems that the device tends to get stuck every once in a while.

This is quite a convenient set that has everything you need for regular car maintenance and emergencies. Although mainly designed for sedans and SUVs, it's also suitable for other vehicle types. Due to the quality construction, all the pieces in the set are reliable and easy to use. 


The set features heavy-duty steel that can withstand quite some abuse and last for a long time. The jack has a 3-ton capacity, a high-speed wrench, and a tire inflator pump. You won't only be able to use it around the house for quick repairs and regular maintenance, but for emergencies as well. The large base and the sturdy saddle make this jack super stable and safe. They prevent wobbling and ensure your vehicle stays secure. There's even a built-in LED light for night use. Also, you'll be able to connect the jack to the 12V outlet or the car battery. Once plugged in, the jack reaches the limit of 16.5 inches within two minutes. 


Make sure to double-check the dimensions and the lift range, though. Some users noticed that the jack might be a tad shorter than expected and not able to lift the vehicle high enough. The jack might also drain your car’s battery rather quickly.

Nothing spoils a road trip like a flat tire, especially when you have to wait for road service for hours. Luckily, with an electric floor jack such as Powerbuilt, you can quickly resolve this kind of inconvenience all on your own. 


The jack uses a 12V car outlet or the battery to lift the vehicle. It's ideal for emergencies on the road as well as home purposes. With a 1-ton capacity and lift range from 5.3 to 14 inches, it's suitable for most small and mid-sized vehicles. Furthermore, the lightweight and compact design allows you to take the jack on the road with you and store it with ease. 


You’ll also be pleased with the overall sturdy construction. The jack is very strong and durable, so you get to use it outside without worrying it will easily get damaged. 


However, one of the drawbacks of this product is definitely a small base. Although it doesn't cause any dangerous wobbling, it might prevent you from lifting a larger vehicle all the way up. The jack is also not a perfect option for those who are looking for a jack with a large capacity that can lift heavy and big vehicles.

This is a handy little set for those who need a portable electric jack. It includes everything you need for road emergencies and proves to be very convenient for home purposes as well. With the powerful electric jack, an impact wrench, and an inflator tire, you'll be ready to hit the road without any worries at all. 


The jack has a 5-ton capacity and a lift range from 6.1 to 17.7 inches, which means it's suitable for both small and large vehicles. It's powerful, efficient, and protected from all kinds of threats. Because it's waterproof and impact-resistant, the jack is very durable and can be used daily.


The device has a built-in inflator pump and LED lights to ensure more visibility during the night. You can connect it to the car cigarette lighter or car battery. Once plugged in and positioned properly, the jack stays securely on the ground and ensures safety for your vehicle. 


The main drawback of this set is the included impact wrench. A lot of users complained about its quality, so you might want to use your old reliable wrench for screwing the lugs. Another minor issue is the overall speed of the jack. The device is quite slow and you'll have to be patient with it.

If you're looking for a compact electric jack at an affordable price, this model might be perfect for you. The jack is small and lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand heavy daily use. You'll find it very handy for emergencies on the road and DIY purposes at home.


The jack has a 3-ton capacity and is designed for sedans and SUVs. You can also use it for lifting other vehicles. The device is made of quality materials and features a thick steel plate, so it's super safe regardless of the vehicle's capacity. Also, it's protected from water, rust, wear, and other threats, so you can use it both inside and outside. 


You can connect the jack to a car cigarette lighter or a 12V outlet. All you need to do is push the button, and the jack will do the rest. Additionally, the device is easy to transport and store, so you won't have any issues there either. 


Keep in mind, though, that some users complained about the jack not lifting the vehicle high enough. Double-check the lifting range before the purchase. Another possible drawback could be the lifting speed. The jack is rather slow both up and down, so be prepared to invest a lot of patience in the process.

Electric Car Jack Tips

  • Operate a manual carjack at least once before you buy an electric jack. It may sound silly, but experiencing the manual procedure will help you understand the processes at work when lifting a vehicle. Knowing how a car jack operates is key to investing in the proper unit. 
  • Experiment with different types of car jacks. Ask family and friends to let you borrow their jacks to see which one(s) fit you best. 
  • Know both your vehicle’s weight and the best lifting points before you need to lift the car. You’ll have to choose between car jacks based on how much weight they can handle. 
  • Don’t just buy a car jack and stow it in your trunk. Take the unit out and perform a dry run. Make sure you can safely lift the car, crawl under it and/or remove the “flat” tire, and lower the car slowly in a cautious manner. This will save a lot of confusion when it comes to the real thing.

Electric Car Jack FAQs

Q: How do I know where to safely lift my vehicle?

A: A good place to start is your owner’s manual. It should show via a diagram where the best spot is to place a jack. Generally, you’ll want to locate part of the vehicle’s frame as a lifting point since the weight of the vehicle is already resting on it. A flat, rough surface is best for a solid grip, too.  

Q: Where can I find out how much my vehicle weighs?

A: The owner’s manual will list this information. Many manufacturers will also list the vehicle’s weight on a sticker near the door jamb between the driver’s seat and the passenger seat directly behind it. Always go with the “gross vehicle weight,” as it represents the weight of your car with fluids, passengers, and cargo factored in.

Q: If I want to lift the entire front/back end of my car, should/can I use two jacks?

A: It really depends on what type of car you’re talking about. If you can find a cross-bracing section of the frame in the front/back that will hold the car’s weight as you lift with the jack, it’s doable, provided you place wheel chocks behind both front/rear tires to stop the car from rolling away. If you’re raising more than one corner of the car, however, we strongly recommend you use jack stands.

Q: Do I need to maintain an electric car jack?

A: Like anything else electrical, you don’t want to immerse the jack in water or let the components get wet. You should test the unit periodically to make sure it is still working properly and replace it immediately if it’s not. Otherwise, keeping it in a dry, room-temperature environment within a sealed case is all the upkeep it should need.  

Q: How do I know the vehicle is secure on the jack?

A: If you’re on the side of the road and don’t have access to jack stands, simply shake the vehicle back and forth to make sure it is properly seated on the lifting plate of the jack. Otherwise, it’s best to lift the car with the jack and then place jack stands underneath it on the vehicle’s frame. It’s never a good idea to rely on the jack itself, whatever its type. 

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best electric car jack is the BestEquip 5,500-Pound Capacity Electric Scissor Jack for its ability to strike the right balance between value, capabilities, and quality construction.

For the best value overall, choose the ABN Three-Ton Electric Hydraulic Jack. It’s worth the money to have on hand in case of roadside emergency.

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