When travelling solo or with the family, you may want to bring a laptop. Maybe it’s for entertaining the kids, editing videos on the go, or watching a movie. However you plan to use it, you’ll need an inverter to ensure laptop-safe power to keep it charged.
Can you charge a laptop with 12 or 24V power from your vehicle?
It is possible to charge your electronics, including devices like a laptop, using the car battery, however, this requires careful consideration and additional equipment to keep sensitive devices safe from any power surges. Charging simple appliances such as a mobile phone in the car requires a simple adapter, typically in the cigarette lighter or a USB port.
However, charging a laptop requires more and smoother power, and therefore requires an additional battery and an inverter. A standard 12v adapter will not be enough to charge your laptop efficiently while guaranteeing the safety of your device.
Most laptops require a specific input voltage, usually between 11-22V, depending on the adaptor. It takes around 65-120 watts of power to fully charge the laptop battery, depending on the specific model. So how can you meet these power requirements off the grid?
Inverters supply smooth power for laptop charging
A Pure Sine Wave Inverter ensures that the power from a dual battery system or vehicle battery is smooth and meets the specific requirements for safe laptop charging.
When purchasing an inverter for your setup, consider the amount of power required to power those appliances you’ll be using. To charge your laptop, the 1200w RS3 Pure Sine Wave Inverter is perfect, it can even charge drones, power tools or e-bikes as well.
Dual battery power
Dual battery systems are one option for an off-grid power source. Installed within your vehicle, either under the bonnet or canopy or inside the vehicle, the auxiliary batteries charge while the car is running and isolate when stopped to protect the starter battery from preventing starting issuesdraining. Dual battery systems provide consistent power after you stop driving, making them ideal for a camping setup and charging electronics like your laptop.
By pairing a dual battery system with an inverter, you will have smooth, reliable power for your electronics, powering adventure for the whole family.
Power a laptop with solar panels
Solar panels or blankets are the ideal solution once you have arrived at your beautiful destination, parked up and are ready to enjoy the serenity and bonding time with your family. Take advantage of the sunlight hours to supplement your power usage and charge an auxiliary battery system.
Setting the solar panels up as soon as you arrive at your destination means that while you are doing other things the solar panel is harnessing free power from the sun that can be used to power your electrical items during the evening. Solar panels generate power from the sun and charge your dual battery system or individual devices even when the car is off.
Solar blankets have foldable designs to minimise the storage space required meaning you can still fit the whole family's bags and your camping equipment.
Consider how much power you may use to help choose your camping solar panel and never be without power during your trip.
Tips to maximise your laptop battery while camping
To get the most out of a laptop while on your camping trip, consider some of these handy tips.
Brightness of your screen
Electronics such as laptops are typically brought on camping trips for entertainment at night. Reduce your screen brightness as there is no need to have a bright screen to counteract glare. This will provide additional time before the battery is goes flat.
Aeroplane and Flight Mode
Depending on your device, you can enable aeroplane or flight mode which will reduce the functionality of your device and minimise background processes. Aeroplane or flight mode will disable functionalitiesy such as Bluetooth or wifi that are not required when camping and can contribute to increasing your laptop’s battery life.
Power saving mode
Power saving mode can be used on your device to limit background processes that your computer runs to help it operate. By utilising this feature your laptop will only continue to process applications that are required, putting others into deep sleep which will result in your battery only being used for what you need it for.
Charge a laptop safely in a car or while camping with a pure sine wave inverter from REDARC
An inverter is essential for camping when you want to power appliances from home or sensitive electronics like Go-Pros, drones, cameras or computers. With a REDARC inverter, you won’t compromise the tranquillity of nature. Our pure sine wave inverters are 70% quieter than comparable models, with high surge capacity and compact size, an easy choice for small spaces.
Learn more about the RS3 pure sine wave inverter to power the comforts of home anywhere.
FAQS
Will charging a laptop in the car drain the battery?
Charging your laptop in the car while the car engine is off can cause the battery to deplete and can lead to the starter battery going flat. Drawing excessive power from the vehicle’s starter battery is not recommended as it runs the risk of using too much power and being unable to start the vehicle. Installing a dual battery system solves this problem and removes the risk of any starting issues.
Is it safe to charge a laptop with a phone charger?
Yes. It is safe to charge a laptop with a phone charger as long as the charging cord is compatible. However, phone chargerss typically draw 20W-30W whereas a laptop charger will typically draw 65W-90W meaning it may take a lot longer to charge the laptop battery.
How to charge a laptop when there is no electricity?
To charge a laptop without electricity, a car battery can be used. To ensure you do not cause your car starter battery to go flat, consider using a dual battery system with solar panels.
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