The number of watts required for a car inverter depends on the electrical needs of the devices you plan to run. For typical automotive use, inverters range from 100 to 1,500 watts. A small inverter of 100 to 300 watts is enough to charge phones, laptops or small electronic devices. For larger devices, such as electrical tools or appliances, a higher wattage inverter is required.
Make sure the power of the inverter exceeds the combined power of the devices you intend to use to avoid overloading.
The power of your inverter should be based on the total power requirements of the devices you plan to connect. Calculate the combined power of all devices and add a safety margin. For example, if you want to power devices that collectively consume 800 watts, a 1000 watt inverter would be recommended to ensure reliable operation.
Always consider peak power requirements, as some devices need additional power when starting up.
From a 12V car battery, the power output can be calculated using the formula: Power (Watts) = Voltage (Volts) × Current (Amps). For example, if you have a 12V battery and an inverter drawing 5 amps, that would provide 60 watts (12V × 5A). Actual available battery power also depends on battery capacity (amp-hours) and inverter efficiency.
The battery weight required for an inverter depends on the electrical needs of the inverter and the capacity of the battery.
Higher wattage inverters will require higher capacity batteries to support longer run times. For example, a high-power inverter may need a deep-cycle battery weighing approximately 50 to 100 pounds or more, depending on the amp-hour required. It is important to match the size and capacity of the battery to the power demands of your inverter and intended use.
Choosing an inverter for an electric car depends on the electrical needs of the car and the intended use of the inverter.
Typically, electric vehicle (EV) inverters are used to power devices such as portable devices or to provide backup power. Look for an inverter that matches the power needs of the devices you want to use and make sure it’s compatible with the car’s electrical system. For inverters used with electric cars, consider options designed for automotive applications with features such as low power consumption and durability.