Can a power station run a diesel heater?

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 24 October 2026

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The short answer: the running draw is small. Webasto states 14–29 W (1.25–2.45 A) for its Air Top 2000 STC (Webasto) and a maximum of 21 W for the diesel version of its successor, the Air Top Pro 25 (Webasto data sheet). A night's heating uses a few hundred watt-hours. The two things to check are the start-up draw, which neither Webasto document states, and whether your heater's installation lets it run from a power station's 12 V socket at all.

Compared on manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested these products. Estimates only.

Add a diesel heater to the sizing calculator (pre-filled with Webasto's 29 W upper figure and an example 8 hours a night), then change the watts and hours to your heater's manual and your own use.

How much power does a diesel heater use?

Webasto says production of the Air Top 2000 STC has stopped and names the Air Top Pro 25 as its successor (Webasto). Many vans still have the older heater fitted. For any other heater, use the electrical figures in its own manual or data sheet.

Start-up: neither Webasto document above gives a start-up or glow-plug current, so we don't give one. Check your heater's manual, and if it doesn't say, ask the maker or your installer before relying on a power station.

Energy: how much does a night use?

Energy used = watts × hours. At Webasto's figures (our arithmetic):

The last column uses our assumed 95% efficiency for DC outputs and 90% usable capacity on a LiFePO4 battery (methodology). A heater running below its maximum uses less.

The 12 V socket

A diesel heater runs on 12 V (or 24 V), so it would use the power station's 12 V car socket, not its mains sockets. Check:

• The socket's rated current. Webasto's 2.45 A upper running figure is well below a socket rated at 10 A, but start-up isn't stated, so check that too. The 12 V ratings makers state are covered in our campervan guide and 12V fridge guide.
• The voltage range. Webasto states an operating range of 10.5–16 V for the 12 V Air Top 2000 STC (Webasto). Compare it with the voltage the power station states for its 12 V socket.
• How the heater is installed. Webasto's Air Top Pro 25 data sheet describes a fixed wiring harness and a separate dosing pump cable, so it's built to be installed in the vehicle. Whether you can run yours from a power station's socket depends on the heater's installation instructions. Ask the maker or a qualified installer: we don't give installation advice.

Safety

A diesel heater burns fuel, so it produces exhaust and needs to be installed and used as its maker instructs. See the carbon monoxide section of our safety guide. Don't run fuel-burning equipment inside a van or tent unless it's designed and installed for that.

Compare stated 12 V socket ratings and capacity across models on the spec table.

FAQs

How many watts does a diesel heater use?

Webasto states 14–29 W (1.25–2.45 A) for its Air Top 2000 STC and a maximum of 21 W for the diesel Air Top Pro 25. Check your own heater's data sheet.

Can I run a diesel heater from a power station's 12 V socket?

The running current is low, but the start-up draw and the heater's installation instructions decide it. Check both with the heater's maker or installer, and compare with the socket's stated rating.

How long will a power station run a diesel heater?

Divide the energy available from the 12 V socket by the heater's watts. On our assumptions, a 1,000 Wh power station has about 855 Wh available from DC outputs: about 29 hours at 29 W, before anything else you run.

Does a diesel heater draw more when it starts?

Webasto's documents above don't state a start-up or glow-plug current. Check your heater's manual or ask the maker.

Related: Power station for a campervan · 12V fridge or cool box · Starlink · Spec table