TWELVE-VOLT CAR OUTLET
All solar generators will likely be supplied with a 12V charging cable that plugs into your vehicle ’ s standard cigarette lighter outlet . They are a very convenient , plugand-play charging solution but they are extremely slow , with most being limited to no more than 110W . This is due to the limitations of these plugs – most are rated to a maximum of 10A . If they charged at a higher wattage , there would be a risk of melting plugs and wiring .
These charging cables are ideal for small-capacity solar generators up to around 400Wh ( watt hours ). Any larger and you could be driving all day and not fully recharge your unit .
Testing the EcoFlow Alternator Charger on our Delta 2 Max
DIRECT ALTERNATOR CONNECTION
One way to easily get around the 12V charge limit is to bypass the cigarette lighter plug and connect the solar generator directly to your vehicle ’ s alternator output via the battery . Depending on your vehicle ’ s alternator output voltage and the quality of the cabling , you can almost double the charge rate to around 180W . While still not super-fast , it could recharge a 600-1000Wh solar generator throughout a day ’ s drive .
Handy tip . If you have an Anderson connection on your vehicle for charging your caravan ’ s batteries , you can plug your solar generator into this and charge it from there .
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