I'm looking for a compact inverter that I can use for camping, but I also want to know if it's possible to charge an electric vehicle (EV) with it. Any recommendations for small, efficient all-in-one battery/inverter systems that can handle EV charging?
2 Answers
Before you dive into this, keep in mind that most EVs typically expect a charge rate around 11kW. Charging at a lower rate, like 2.4kW to 3.6kW, can be less efficient. You'll likely need to pump more energy into the EV just to get the same range. It’s also important to recharge the power station from solar while you're charging the car, which can take a few hours. The Ecoflow D2M isn't suitable for this—at 2.4kW it overheats quickly and can't keep up with the solar refill rate either, especially if you're relying on it for a significant charge.
Thanks for the heads-up! Sounds like this setup would be more of an emergency backup option. I just wish there was a good DC trickle charger for this setup!
I have the AC200L, which is pretty solid for this kind of thing. It supports up to 1,200 watts for solar charging and has a 2,400 watt output. I manage to charge my EV at 1,800 watts using the TT30 port and a Tesla UMC charger. Just remember, you'll need a ground/neutral bond plug. Plus, you can often find refurbished ones at a decent price with a 2kW battery.
True, any car can charge at 6A, but charging at 2.4kW isn't the only issue. The real challenge is the battery capacity and the size of the solar array needed, which usually means you'll need a much larger system than just a portable inverter.