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Quick answer: for most campervans, a 1kWh power station is the right size. It runs a 12V fridge, lights, phones and a laptop for about a day without hook-up. Our top pick is the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus. On a budget, the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 gives you the same capacity for much less. For longer trips off hook-up, step up to the Bluetti Elite 200 V2, which can charge fast from your engine with an optional alternator charger.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Model | Capacity | Weight | UK price guide* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus | 1,024Wh | 12.5kg | Around £699 |
| Best value | Bluetti Elite 100 V2 | 1,024Wh | 11.5kg | £449 (RRP £599) |
| Lightest 1kWh | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070Wh | 10.8kg | £899 list, often far less |
| Best for long trips | Bluetti Elite 200 V2 | 2,073.6Wh | 24.2kg | Around £1,439, often discounted |
| Best for weekends | Bluetti Elite 30 V2 | 288Wh | 4.3kg | £199 to £219 |
Prices are approximate UK prices (RRP or typical retailer price) when we checked in November 2026. They change often, so use the buttons to see today’s price.
Specs and prices from manufacturer and UK retailer listings, checked November 2026. Prices change often, so check today’s price.
How much power does a campervan need?
A typical day in a van without electric heating or cooking looks like this:
- 12V compressor fridge: 240 to 600Wh a day, depending on the weather (source)
- LED lights: around 75Wh (15W for 5 hours)
- Phones and a tablet: around 50Wh
- Laptop: around 180Wh (60W for 3 hours)
That’s roughly 550 to 900Wh a day, which is why 1kWh suits most people for a day or two between charges. If you’re off hook-up for longer, or run more kit, go for 2kWh or add solar.
How you’ll charge it in a van
Campsite hook-up
The easy one. Plug the power station into the campsite supply and it fills up overnight. Most of the 1kWh units here recharge from a wall socket in about an hour.
While driving, from the 12V socket
Handy, but slow. A standard car socket typically supplies only 80 to 120W, so a 1kWh unit takes around 8 to 12 hours of driving to fill (source). Only charge with the engine running so you don’t flatten the van battery.
While driving, from an alternator charger
Much faster. Some brands sell a dedicated alternator charger that’s wired to the van’s battery. Bluetti’s Charger 1, for example, is listed at up to 560W with the Elite 200 V2, several times faster than a 12V socket. Have it fitted properly by someone who knows vehicle electrics.
Solar
Portable panels propped against the van, or panels fixed to the roof, top up the battery during the day. A 200W panel can add roughly 0.8 to 1.1kWh on a good UK summer day, but far less in winter. See our guide to the best portable solar panels in the UK.
1. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus: best overall
A great all-rounder for vans. It has 1,024Wh of LiFePO4 capacity, 1,800W output (3,600W surge) and four UK sockets. It charges from the mains in about 56 minutes, takes up to 1,000W of solar, and accepts 12V or 24V car charging. If you later want more capacity, you can add an EcoFlow Smart Extra Battery.
Watch out for: at 12.5kg it’s not the lightest, and it costs more than the Bluetti for the same capacity.
2. Bluetti Elite 100 V2: best value
Near-identical headline specs to the DELTA 3 Plus, with 1,024Wh, 1,800W and up to 1,000W of solar, for a lot less money. At 11.5kg it’s a kilo lighter too, and it charges to 80% from the wall in about 45 minutes.
Watch out for: no extra battery option is listed, so pick a size you won’t outgrow.
3. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2: lightest 1kWh
At about 10.8kg, it’s the easiest 1kWh unit to lift in and out of the van. It holds 1,070Wh and puts out 1,500W, plenty for a fridge, lights and laptop.
Watch out for: lower output than the others, and a much smaller solar input. Only buy it on a deal: Jackery’s £899 list price is regularly cut hard.
4. Bluetti Elite 200 V2: best for long trips off hook-up
For full-time vanlife or long trips without hook-up, double the capacity. The Elite 200 V2 holds 2,073.6Wh, puts out 2,600W, takes up to 1,000W of solar, and is rated for 6,000+ cycles. Paired with Bluetti’s alternator charger, it can refill quickly as you drive.
Watch out for: at 24.2kg it’s heavy, so plan a permanent spot for it in the van.
5. Bluetti Elite 30 V2: best for weekends
If you don’t run a fridge, a small unit is enough. The Elite 30 V2 holds 288Wh, puts out 600W and weighs 4.3kg, ideal for lights, phones and a laptop on a weekend away.
Watch out for: too small to run a 12V fridge for long.
Campervan safety tips
- Secure it while driving. A 12 to 24kg battery needs strapping down so it can’t move in a crash or under hard braking.
- Never run a petrol generator inside or next to the van. Generators produce carbon monoxide. A power station has no fumes, which is why so many van owners switch. Read our guide to power stations vs petrol generators.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm if you use any gas or diesel appliances.
- Keep it ventilated and dry, and away from heaters.
Frequently asked questions
What size power station do I need for a campervan?
About 1kWh for most people. Choose 2kWh for longer stays off hook-up, or if you run more than a fridge, lights and a laptop.
Can a power station run a campervan fridge?
Yes. A 12V compressor fridge typically uses 240 to 600Wh a day, so a 1kWh unit will run one for about a day or more, depending on the weather and what else you use.
Can I charge a power station while driving?
Yes, from the 12V socket, but slowly: typically 80 to 120W, so 8 to 12 hours for 1kWh. An alternator charger is much faster.
Can a power station run a hairdryer or kettle in a van?
Most UK kettles and hairdryers draw more than these units can supply. Use gas for cooking, and look for low-wattage travel appliances.