The Home of The ATOM Powerbank Range for Off-Grid Van Life - Vanstyle
At Vanstyle we love finding innovative van leisure products that solve a common Vanlife problem, but at a competitive price point.
Today we are talking about “off-grid power anxiety” and how to reduce it. If you have spent time away in a van, camper or motorhome without being connected to an electric hookup (EHU), then you know that powering your electronic devices or keeping them charged is a challenge.
Traditional lead/acid (AGM) leisure batteries have been around for years and for short periods of times they can provide 12V power for your van. However, they are heavy and inflexible as they are often fitted under the driver or passenger seat. Most importantly, they cannot power 220v AC devices such as air fryers, microwaves, induction hobs, hairdryers and other 3-pin plug electrical equipment. Until recently, to do that your van needed to be on mains power with electrical hook-up.
So how do you reduce your off-grid power anxiety and provide a flexible power solution for your van? Introducing the Atom ESS power banks and power stations. We are pleased to announce that we now stock their entire range of portable battery products and solar panels to provide power on the move. Utilising the latest lithium battery technology, these products can be charged with a 3-pin plug socket, solar panel or from a 12V cigarette lighter socket whilst you’re driving. Most importantly they are portable and can power higher current devices and appliances.
Lithium (LIPO) based batteries are rapidly becoming a popular replacement for traditional lead acid (AGM) leisure batteries. The primary benefits of lithium batteries versus AGM leisure batteries are they are lighter, smaller, last longer and have a higher discharge rate. This means you can stay off-grid for longer.
Here are some other key benefits of lithium polymer (LiPo) power banks compared to lead-acid AGM batteries:
- Efficiency and Performance
LiPo Power Bank: Lithium polymer batteries generally offer better efficiency during charging and discharging cycles, providing a more consistent voltage output and longer overall lifespan.
Lead-Acid AGM Battery: Lead-acid batteries lose efficiency with age and perform less well at higher temperatures.
- Self-Discharge Rate
LiPo Power Bank: These batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means they retain their charge longer when not in use. This makes them ideal for power banks that might sit idle for days or weeks.
Lead-Acid AGM Battery: Lead-acid batteries self-discharge faster, which means they need to be maintained and charged more often to retain their full capacity.
- Charge Time
LiPo Power Bank: These batteries typically charge faster due to their higher efficiency and optimised charging algorithms.
Lead-Acid AGM Battery: Lead-acid batteries take longer to charge, especially when deep discharged, and are less efficient at absorbing charge in the later stages of charging.
A few years ago, lithium batteries used to be around 4 times more expensive than AGM batteries. However, with brands such as Atom ESS paving the way for more affordable lithium power banks and power stations, the price gap has closed.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the key features of the Atom ESS power station range.
- Portable power banks with 600W, 1200W, 1500W or 2200W capacity.
- All power banks offer multiple outputs including 12V, USB and 220V AC.
- All power banks come with a 3-year warranty.
- Portable solar panels with 200W or 100W charge rates.
- Whole range designed with robust materials for all weather conditions.
Quick Comparison of the three larger power stations:
| BOOST 2200W | BOOST 1500W | BOOST 1200W | |
| OUTPUTS | 14 | 7 |
7
|
| AC OUTPUT | 2200W
(3300W peak) |
1500W
(3000W peak) |
1200W
(2400W peak) |
|
CAPACITY |
2200Wh | 1612Wh | 1000Wh |
|
WEIGHT |
21Kg | 15Kg | 9.5Kg |
|
WIRELESS CHARGING |
YES |
NO |
NO |
One of the primary reasons we chose to stock Atom ESS power station products is the price-to-performance ratio. Let’s look at a quick price comparison of the 2200W model mentioned above versus other solutions on the market (prices are accurate on 10th October 2024).
| MODEL | PRICE |
| Atom ESS BOOST 2200Wh | £1,145 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh | £1,399 |
| BLUETTI AC200L 2048Wh | £1,299 |
| Anker SOLIX F2000 2048Wh | £1,299 |
Do You Need a Lithium Leisure Battery?
Now that we have all the details, it’s time to decide whether a lithium battery power bank is the right choice for you. The facts are clear: lithium batteries significantly outperform their lead-acid counterparts. They now also have a comparable price tag to an AGM battery.
Here are the main reasons you might choose lithium:
Weight and Space Matter
If weight and storage space are limited in your van, lead-acid batteries can take up a significant amount of both. Portable lithium batteries are much lighter and more compact, making them ideal for saving space and staying within your weight limit. They can also be used outside of the van.
Lifespan
The overall lifespan of a lead acid AGM battery is estimated at 3-5 years and 800 charge cycles. The lifespan of a typical lithium battery is 10-15 years and 8000 charge cycles.
You Need a Lot of Power
If you plan on running high-powered appliances, lithium batteries are way better suited. They can handle high current discharges without losing capacity, unlike lead-acid batteries which suffer from a degradation effect.
Off Grid for Longer
If you plan to stay in your van off grid for more than a day or two, the longevity of your battery becomes critical. In that case, lithium is a better choice, as you will quickly deplete an AGM battery with daily use.
Portable Power vs Van Installed Power Systems
Both Portable Power Stations and Van Installed Power Systems provide power solutions for off grid living, but they serve different purposes and have distinct benefits based on their design and use cases. Here’s a comparison to explain the benefits of each:
Portable Power Station Benefits
Easy to carry: Portable power stations are compact and lightweight, making them easy to move from place to place. You can use them inside or outside your van, at campsites, or in remote areas.
Flexible use: You can use them for leisure or work to charge and use devices and appliances, or even use them as backup power at home.
Plug-and-play: No installation required: It’s ready to use out of the box, without needing to wire it into a van’s electrical systems.
Simple operation: They typically have AC outlets, USB ports, and DC outputs, making it easy to charge devices and run appliances.
Variety of charging options: Many portable power stations can be recharged using solar panels, a wall outlet, or even a car battery.
No vehicle modifications: Preserves van value since no permanent installation or modification is required, there’s no risk of damaging your van or voiding warranties.
Lower upfront cost: Portable power stations generally have a lower upfront cost compared to custom-installed van power systems, especially for smaller power needs.
Van Installed Power System Benefits
Greater power capacity: Larger, more powerful van-installed systems can provide a higher capacity for powering more energy-intensive appliances like fridges, air conditioners, and heaters.
Longer-lasting power: These systems can be equipped with even larger batteries than a portable power station, meaning they can power devices and systems for extended periods without needing a recharge.
Seamless integration: Built into the van, installed systems are designed to be integrated with the van’s electrical setup, providing power directly to lights, outlets, and appliances without needing extra cables or adapters.
Vehicle charging: Many installed systems can be charged via the vehicle’s alternator while driving, providing continuous power without external charging. They can also keep the vans starter battery charged when stationary.
Customisation: A van-installed power system can be customised to meet specific energy requirements, allowing you to build a system that suits your lifestyle, appliances, and travel needs.
Expandable: You can add more batteries, inverters or solar panels as needed, making it more flexible for future upgrades.
Summary:
A Portable Power Station is ideal for flexibility, portability, and ease of use, especially for lower power needs and those who need a power source outside their van.
A Van Installed Power System is better for heavy power usage, long-term travel, and when you want a fully integrated, more powerful solution.
Your choice depends on your usage, budget, and whether you prioritise convenience over flexibility.
Take a look at our range of Atom ESS portable power banks and change the way you power your Vanlife.
