Are you looking for a reliable power station for van life?
You’re in the right place! I’ve been working remotely on the road for 5+ years.
Buying a portable power station for van life is much easier than a DIY solar setup.
While it may be more expensive, you don’t have to become a part-time electrical engineer to get power for your camper van!
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Best Portable Power Station for Van Life
The best portable power station for van life is the Ecoflow Delta 2. It gives you ~1000Wh capacity with the option to expand it.
Currently, the best value on the market. You can add on an additional 1,000 or 2,000Wh for maximum flexibility so you don't have to buy a new power station down the road. (EcoFlow Delta 2 Smart Extra Battery)
You should budget at least one 160W solar panel which should keep you topped up in sunny conditions.
For heavy usage, a Delta 2 Max with solar is going to be much more convenient.
Even though I use a Jackery Explorer 1000 to power my van life alternative, I still recommend the Ecoflow Delta 2 because it uses a LiFePO4 battery vs the Jackery 1000 NMC battery (ie: Ecoflow LiFePO4 power station will last longer even though they are similar prices).
Other Van Life Power Stations
EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker, and Jackery are best brands in the portable power station market.
Currently, the best value on the market. You can add on an additional 1,000 or 2,000Wh for maximum flexibility so you don't have to buy a new power station down the road. (EcoFlow Delta 2 Smart Extra Battery)
If you know you need over 1000Wh, opt for the Delta 2 Max instead of the Delta 2.
If you're a weekend warrior in your camper van, something smaller like this will do the job.
One of the most popular van life power stations is the Bluetti 200. It's been featured by a lot of van lifers.
If you don't need the power of the Bluetti 200, this is a solid choice.
Anker manufactures and sells high-quality power stations with similar capabilities as Ecoflow and Bluetti.
Jackery has recently started making LiFePO4 power stations, making them suitable for van life.
The new Jackery 1000 Plus is a beast. It is LiFePO4, expandable, and can accept a ton of solar power.
From 2022 to 2023, portable power station prices have decreased by ~30%, making them more affordable than ever.
You can use my tool, Power Station Finder, to help you narrow it down and do instant comparisons.
Jonnie from Jonnie’s Journey uses the Bluetti AC200 to wire her Promaster 3500.
What Size Power Station for Van Life?
A power station for van life is typically 1000Wh to 2000Wh with an emphasis on solar panels for most of the charging.
When I was working remotely while camping and living in my SUV, I used 1000Wh with 200W of solar.
Here are some important factors to consider:
How Much Power Does Van Life Use?
Most van lifers will be charging similar items. Here are some examples:
- Phones
- Cameras
- Laptops
- Fans
- 12V fridge
If you’re charging small electronics with a laptop or two, you can probably get away with a 1000Wh capacity power station.
If you’re powering a fridge or other larger items, you’ll probably need a 2000Wh power station if you don’t want to worry about power levels constantly.
How do you charge a portable power station while living in a van?
You can charge portable power stations in several ways:
- AC Wall Plug – if you have access to power regularly, the AC charging input speed may be of particular interest
- Solar Panels – in most cases, you’ll want at least a 100W solar panel, but some go up to 400W
- DC Van Charging – this allows you to charge your power station while driving
Tips for Reducing Power Station Usage
If you work remotely, try to work from coffee shops and libraries to reduce your power requirements.
In the summer, it’s much more comfortable (free air conditioning!).
I typically bring my Omnicharge Ultimate (review) and charge it as well. Some may bring their entire power station inside and charge it as well.
Using dual monitors requires much more power and can easily double your laptop’s power usage. Be sure to take that into consideration.
Best Jackery for Van Life
The best Jackery for van life is a Jackery 1000 Plus (LiFePO4) or the Jackery 2000 Plus (LiFePO4), depending on your power requirements and budget.
I purchased my Jackery Explorer 1000 (NMC battery) nearly 4 years ago. Most brands back then had poor reviews, and Jackery was the gold standard.
In addition, LiFePO4 batteries were not as common as they are today. Jackery recently got into LiFePO4 with their Jackery 2000 Plus and
So, if you’re looking to buy a Jackery for van life, I recommend getting their LiFePO4 options, specifically the 1000 or 2000 Plus.
Related: Best Jackery Alternatives
Portable Power Station vs DIY Electrical System for Van Life
Using a portable power station for your van life power makes sense in many cases:
- It’s your first conversion and not your dream build
- You do van life part-time
- You’re short on time and want to hit a road
- You are not comfortable with DIY electrical work (ie: no experience with electrical engineering, designs, etc)
Advantages of a Portable Power Station
The advantages of a portable power station for van life are:
- Simplicity – it’s pre-built, you simply research and buy it
- Versatile – you can move them around, easily replace them, etc
- LiFePO4 power stations do not require you to constantly monitor the levels (you can run them to 0% without real drawbacks compared to other options)
- Multiple uses – If you are a part-timer with a permanent dwelling, power stations are great for emergency backup, camping trips, etc.
Disadvantages of a Portable Power Station
The disadvantages of a portable power station for van life are:
- Less power than traditional electrical systems for van life
- More expensive than DIY
- Can’t replace individual components as they fail (although you may be able to get the manufacturer to fix it)
- Bulky with cords going all over the place (tip: find a good spot for it during your build)
Which is Right for You?
Reddit will often mention it’s easy to build your own battery system, but as someone with zero background in that world, I tend to still find it daunting even after watching several videos.
In addition, even though I’ve watched videos and grasped most of the concepts, I still need to trust my work. Making errors can be dangerous. Many will post their diagrams on Reddit for feedback, but I’d want to have someone with me during the build as well.
If you’re entirely off-grid and full-time, you’re probably better off building your own electrical system or contracting it out. In addition, if you have large power needs, building your own system makes sense.
In addition, if you build your own, you can fix it which makes it even less costly over longer periods of time vs portable power stations.
If you’re part-time or not comfortable with electrical systems and can afford a portable power station, it’s the simple and easy route to go. It’s essential to make sure you do the math on how much power you’ll need so you don’t buy a Jackery 300 and expect it to power you for a week.
FAQ for Van Life Power Stations
How do I estimate the amount of power I’ll need for my van?
List all the devices and appliances you intend to use. Check their power ratings (usually in watts), and consider how long you’ll use them each day. This will give you a rough estimate of your daily power consumption.
Are portable power stations safe to use inside my van?
Generally, yes. Most modern power stations have safety features built-in, such as overcharge and short-circuit protection. However, always read the user manual and ensure proper ventilation.
Why are power stations becoming popular for van life?
Power stations are compact, silent, and can be charged in various ways, making them suitable for vans. They allow van lifers to power essential devices and appliances without needing a permanent electrical setup.
