How Big of an Inverter Can My Car Battery Handle?
Typically, a 12-volt car battery can support an inverter with a power range of about 150 watts to 1500 watts. Please note, however, that
Typically, a 12-volt car battery can support an inverter with a power range of about 150 watts to 1500 watts. Please note, however, that car batteries are not suitable for driving high power inverters for extended periods of time, which may cause damage to the battery.
Inverters come in various configurations, each designed for specific power systems. Common rated input voltages include 12V, 24V, and 48V. The choice depends on the application, the size of the power system, and the available power source. A 12V inverter is commonly used for smaller applications, such as in vehicles or small off-grid setups.
An inverter uses a small amount of energy during the conversion process. The difference between the input power and the output power is expressed in percentages. The efficiency of modern inverters is more than 92 %. This means that a maximum of 8 % of the power consumption is used to convert battery voltage to 230V/50Hz.
There is a theoretical limit to the amount of inverter power that can be supported by an automotive battery. Theoretically, the maximum supported inverter power can be calculated by multiplying the battery capacity (Ah) by the battery voltage (V) multiplied by the discharge multiplier (C-rate).
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Get detailed specifications, case studies, and technical data for our PV container and energy storage solutions.
123 Renewable Energy Street
London EC1A 1BB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7127 4182
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT