Looking into high power inverter to run off the car. But for 1000W, it's likely draining 80A or 90A from the alternator. Does that mean the battery will die even when the engine is running? I believe most alternators are around 50A, so max power of 600W?

Looking into high power inverter to run off the car. But for 1000W, it's likely draining 80A or 90A from the alternator. Does that mean the battery will die even when the engine is running? I believe most alternators are around 50A, so max power of 600W? ======================================================= Yes, the battery will still be discharging to make up whatever the alternator can't source, and yes, the alternator won't be happy for too many hours at max output. I don't know if the low end is really down at 50 or 60A , but many cars have alternators rated at 130A or more and I think 80-100A is typical. What kind of car do you want to do this with? Go to an auto parts website like or and look up a replacement alternator for it, and they should list the specs. For grins I chose a 2010 Toyota Camry 4 cyl completely at random and autozone says 100A. Make your inverter connection to the output stud on the alternator and you'll save the voltage drop in the wire...

What maximum power inverter for car?

May 15, 2017 46 Replies

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Jasen Betts 9 years ago

measure how much power it needs to maintain that temperature, it could be that you only need 120W or so once it's hot - then you could run it off a 48V inverter with the same plug heating element and thermostat

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