Top recommendations for portable power stations ideal for vanlife: Our preferred choices
Spice up your van life with the best portable power stations, proving to be a game-changer for any camping trip! These bad boys function as standalone power sources, keeping your gadgets alive when you're swapping cityscapes for the great outdoors.
Normally featuring an inverter, power stations come in various sizes, with larger models providing more runtime and outlets than their smaller (and budget-friendly) counterparts. However, these larger options can be bulky, so it's essential to consider weight restrictions when planning your 'van's payload.
The majority of power stations include a built-in inverter that links to a 240V socket (and more in some cases), as well as USB-A, USB-C, and 12V sockets. This means you'll stay charged up while parked at one of the best campervan sites across the UK.
A portable power station doesn't mean you can just bring your 3000W electric kettle from home on tour, though. You'll primarily be using electrical items with a lower wattage. For powering more delicate items such as a coffee machine, laptop, or similar, opt for a power station with a pure sine wave inverter, which smooths the electrical current and works with most 240V equipment. Don't get confusing with the modified sine wave inverter; it's different, cheaper, and should be used depending on your needs.
Check out our favorite options for the best portable power station for van life below, including models from brands like Bluetti, Jackery, and Ecoflow.
The best portable power stations for campervans
Bluetti EB3A Portable Power Station
- Battery Capacity: 268.8Wh (12Ah)
- Dimensions: 255 x 180 x 183mm
- Weight: 4.6kg
- Outlets: 1 x 12V socket, 2 x 12V DCs, 2 x USB-As, 1 x USB-C, 1 x 220-240V AC/600W port
Why buy:- Budget-friendly, fairly lightweight, wireless charging pad provided
Why avoid:- Motorhome owners may want better battery capacity
First off, we're captivated by the weight of the EB3A. At just 4.6kg, it's among the lighter options, making it ideal for users seeking a more manageable portable power station or aiming to minimize their 'van's payload.
One of our favorite features is the 15W wireless charging pad, super useful for charging your phone impromptu. Charging is straightforward too, just plug it into the mains with its AC charging cable; it took us around 1.5 hours to fully charge this way. Other charging options include a 12V port, solar panel, or with a generator, but these require additional accessories.
Powering numerous items such as mini rice cookers, the EB3A's 600w AC pure sine wave inverter (1200W surge) and 268Wh capacity make it more than capable. We particularly enjoyed testing its ability to simultaneously charge several smaller devices, like four iPhones and a laptop, during Paul's off-grid adventure. Usefully, it also comes with a LiFePO4 battery, meaning it should be rechargeable over 3,000 times.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
- Battery capacity: 1002WH
- Dimensions: 233 x 333 x 283 mm
- Weight: 10kg
- Outlets: 2 x AC, 1 x 12V output, 2 x USB-A outputs, 2 x USB-C outputs
Why buy:- Runs quietly, simple to use, offers good charging options
Why avoid:- At 10kg, it's quite heavy
We were impressed by the Jackery Explorer 1000 when we put it through its paces. We tested it using SolarSaga 100W solar panels (available separately), and recharging it via solar power was a breeze – just unfold the panels and connect them (it takes around eight hours to charge this way). For those who prefer to use the Explorer 1000 as it comes, it can be charged via an AC adaptor before setting off.
It offers two AC outlets, and with a full charge, it's able to charge a laptop around eight times or operate a 550W coffeemaker for 88 minutes. USB ports are also included, allowing you to keep your touring gadgets in working order.
Weighing in at 10kg, moving this bad boy around may be challenging for motorhome owners, especially if you choose to buy the solar panels, which are 4.1kg each. If you're after a lighter option, the Bluetti EB3A might tickle your fancy, despite providing fewer outlets and less capacity.
Ecoflow River 2 Max
- Battery capacity: 512Wh
- Weight: 6kg
- Dimensions: 270 x 260 x 196 mm
- Outputs: 1 x USB-C socket; 3 x USB-A sockets; 2 x AC sockets, 1 x DC socket, 1 x DC5521
Why buy:- Quick to charge
Why avoid:- The handle location may not be as practical as it is on other models
The River 2 Max takes only an hour to recharge via an AC outlet, and with its capacity of up to 512Wh, it can power up to nine appliances simultaneously. At 6kg, it's fairly lightweight considering what it offers – just 1.4kg heavier than the Bluetti EB3A, sporting nearly double the capacity.
It's also worth mentioning that it's impressively fast when charging. You can get to a full charge from 0% in just 50 minutes via the AC outlet, which we think will be incredibly helpful if you need a quick power-up before hitting the road. Its LFP long-life battery is also a plus, ensuring it's rechargeable over 3,000 times.
Once charged, the manufacturer says it can charge a laptop six times, a phone 41 times, and a mini-fridge for at least 16 hours, providing plenty of juice. A handy feature is its USB-C cable, functioning as both an input and output port – helpful if you inadvertently leave your AC cable at home.
Anker 521
- Battery capacity: 256Wh
- Weight: 3.7kg
- Dimensions: 216 x 144 x 212 mm
- Outputs: 1 x car outlet, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x AC
Why buy:- Compact, lighter than Bluetti, clear display
Why avoid:- Limited amount of outlets, slower recharge time than other portable power stations
The Anker 521 is a great entry-level gadget for users wanting to power their other touring accessories with under 200W. It's worth noting that it's notably lighter than its nearest rival, the Bluetti EB3A – only 3.7kg compared to 4.6kg. It may have fewer ports, but weight might be worth sacrificing for some users.
Quality features like a clear display and built-in light make it a user-friendly option. While its charging time takes around two and a half hours – longer than the Bluetti and significantly slower than the Ecoflow River 2 Max – we think it's a decent trade-off for its lightweight, compact design.
For van life voyagers seeking a power station that's not too heavy on the wallet or space, the Anker 521 is worth considering.
Ecoflow Delta 2
- Battery Capacity: 1kWh
- Weight: 12kg
- Dimensions: 400 x 211 x 281 mm
- Outputs: 2 x USB-A fast charge sockets, 2 x USB-A, 2 x USB-C, 4 x AC sockets, 2 x DC5521 Outputs
Why buy:- Excellent capacity, capacity can be further increased with additional batteries
Why avoid:- Requires additional batteries to maximize its potential, heavy
For van life enthusiasts seeking an excellent capacity in their portable power station, we'd recommend the EcoFlow Delta 2. It comes with an impressive 1kWh capacity and offers the option to purchase additional batteries to increase the capacity to 3kWh, perfect for families on the road with substantial power needs.
While its weight of 12kg makes it the heaviest option, the built-in handles contribute to better mobility. It also comes with an LFP battery, promising users a product they can recharge over 3,000 times.
The Delta 2's main selling point is its sheer versatility, as it can power up to 13 devices simultaneously. Its manufacturer claims it can charge a laptop 16 times, a phone 89 times, and a mini-fridge for at least 16 hours, offering plenty of oomph. Impressively, it can be charged from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes via the AC outlet.
While the price might seem steep, if you want a powerful gadget with an excellent battery capacity, the EcoFlow Delta 2 might be worth the investment.
[1] Custom subheadings and calls to action added for readability and user engagement[2] [http://www.kampi.co.uk/best-portable-power-stations-for-van-life/][3] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_power_station][4] Enrichment Data:- Best for: Table segmenting portable power stations and specifying their best uses- High Capacity & Expandability: Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra for high-power demand users with ample space- Portability & Versatility: Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers balance and is ideal for a range of applications- Lightweight & Compact: EcoFlow River 2 Max for small vans or trips where space and weight are limited- Moderate Power Needs: Pecron E1500LFP for everyday use with decent capacity and portability
- Upgrade your van life by harnessing the power of portable power stations, perfect for bringing technology and comfort into the wilderness.
- These power stations are a must-have, packing independent power sources that sustain your gadgets during camping excursions into nature.
- Crafted with variable sizes, power stations can offer more runtime and outlets with larger models while catering lighter and cost-effective options for those conscious of weight restrictions.
- Be aware that using large power stations for high-wattage appliances like your home's 3000W electric kettle may not be feasible during your tour. Stick to items with lower wattage for smoother functioning.
- If you're trying to power delicate equipment, such as coffee makers, laptops, or similar items, opt for a power station with a pure sine wave inverter. It offers a smoother electrical current compatible with most 240V equipment.
- The following portable power stations prove exceptional for campervans: Bluetti EB3A, Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, Ecoflow River 2 Max, Anker 521, and Ecoflow Delta 2. Explore these options by browsing our curated list that includes models from renowned brands like Bluetti, Jackery, and Ecoflow.
