Can you recharge a power station from your car?
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The short answer: yes, most portable power stations list a car input for the vehicle's 12 V socket, but it's slow. The makers' stated figures range from 2.8 hours for EcoFlow's 245 Wh RIVER 3 to about 12 hours for the 1,000 Wh-plus models below (EcoFlow UK; BLUETTI UK; Jackery UK). That's a top-up on a long drive, not a quick refill.
Compared on manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested these products. Estimates only.
What the makers state
Car charging as stated (alphabetical, from makers' UK pages and guides):
| Model | Capacity | Stated car input | Stated car charging time | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | 1,056 Wh | Anker's UK user guide labels a shared "Solar / Car Input Port" and gives solar input figures (up to 600 W), but no separate car input rating (Anker UK user guide) | Not stated in the user guide | 21 Oct 2026 |
| BLUETTI AC180 | 1,152 Wh | 12 V/24 V (BLUETTI UK) | About 12–12.5 hours at 12 V | 18 Oct 2026 |
| EcoFlow RIVER 3 | 245 Wh | 11–30 V, 8 A, 100 W (EcoFlow UK) | 0–100% in 2.8 hours | 18 Oct 2026 |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh | DC input 12–16 V, 8 A max (Jackery UK) | 12 hours | 21 Oct 2026 |
This compares stated figures only. Check the manual for your model and your vehicle's handbook.
Jackery's UK page notes that its car charging cable is sold separately, and that solar and car charging can't run at the same time on the Explorer 1000 v2 (Jackery UK). Check whether your model shares one input between solar and car.
Why it's slow
A car's 12 V socket supplies far less power than a mains socket. Charging time is roughly capacity ÷ input watts, plus some losses:
- EcoFlow RIVER 3: 245 Wh ÷ 100 W is about 2.5 hours. EcoFlow states 2.8 hours.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2: at 12 V and 8 A, the input is about 96 W (our arithmetic: volts × amps). 1,070 Wh ÷ 96 W is about 11 hours. Jackery states 12 hours, against 1.7 hours from a mains socket (Jackery UK).
The stated times are a little longer than the simple sum, which is what you'd expect once charging losses are included. A smaller power station refills from the car much faster than a large one, because the input is similar but the battery is smaller.
How much a drive adds: multiply the input watts by the hours driven. On the figures above, a 2-hour drive adds roughly 200 Wh (about 2 × 100 W), before losses. Use our sizing calculator to see how that compares with what you use each day.
Check your vehicle first
- Socket rating: your vehicle handbook gives the 12 V socket's fuse or current rating. The power station's car input needs to be within it.
- Engine on or off: some sockets stay live with the engine off. Charging from a parked car with the engine off draws on the starter battery, so check the handbook and the power station's manual before doing it.
- 24 V vehicles: some inputs accept 24 V (BLUETTI states 12 V/24 V; EcoFlow states 11–30 V). Check the stated voltage range before plugging into a 24 V socket.
- Wiring: don't alter your vehicle's 12 V wiring to charge faster. The Camping and Caravanning Club advises consulting your dealer before altering 12 V wiring circuits unless you're competent to do so, and warns that overloaded cables are the main 12 V hazard (Club). Faster options such as DC-DC chargers are fixed installations for a qualified installer.
Safety
Secure the power station so it can't move while you drive, keep cables clear of pedals and doors, and follow both manuals. See our safety guide.
FAQs
Can you charge a portable power station from a car?
Yes, if it lists a car input and you use the maker's car charging cable. Check the stated input against your vehicle's 12 V socket rating.
How long does it take to charge a power station from a car?
It depends on the capacity and the car input. EcoFlow states 2.8 hours for the 245 Wh RIVER 3; BLUETTI states about 12–12.5 hours at 12 V for the 1,152 Wh AC180; Jackery states 12 hours for the 1,070 Wh Explorer 1000 v2.
Can I charge it while the engine is off?
Only if the socket stays live, and it will then draw on the car's starter battery. Check your vehicle handbook and the power station's manual.
Can I charge from the car and solar at the same time?
Not on every model. Jackery says solar and car charging can't run at the same time on the Explorer 1000 v2. Check your model's manual.
Related: Power station for a campervan · Solar charging time · What size do I need? · Spec table
Sources
- EcoFlow UK: RIVER 3 car input 11–30 V, 8 A, 100 W, 0–100% in 2.8 hours; 245 Wh; checked 2026-10-18
- BLUETTI UK: AC180 12 V/24 V car input, full charge about 12–12.5 hours at 12 V; 1,152 Wh; checked 2026-10-18
- Jackery UK: DC input 12–16 V 8 A max; car charging time 12 hours; car charging cable sold separately; solar and car charging can't run at the same time; AC charging 1.7 hours; checked 2026-10-21
- Anker UK user guide: "Solar / Car Input Port"; solar input 11–32 V 10 A or 32–60 V 12.5 A, 600 W max; no separate car input rating stated; checked 2026-10-21
- Club: consult your dealer before altering 12 V wiring; overloaded cables are the main 12 V hazard; checked 2026-10-21