Choosing the right battery for your camper van
The battery is the heart of your camper van electrics. It stores the energy your solar panels generate and provides power when the sun is not shining. But which type of battery should you choose, and how much capacity do you need? In this guide we compare the options and help you make the right choice.
Calculate your battery bank
Lithium (LiFePO4) vs AGM vs gel: the differences
There are three commonly used battery types for camper vans:
Lithium (LiFePO4): the most modern choice. You can use 80-100% of the capacity, they are light (half the weight of AGM), last 3000-5000 cycles and charge fast. Downside: high purchase price (€400-€800 per 100Ah).
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat): affordable and reliable. Good for beginners. You can use 50% of the capacity, they last 500-800 cycles. Price: €100-€200 per 100Ah.
Gel: similar to AGM but slightly better at handling deep discharge. Slightly more expensive than AGM, less popular with new converters.
For most camper van builds, lithium is the best long-term investment despite the higher purchase price.
How much battery capacity do you need?
The required capacity depends on two factors: your daily consumption and how many days of autonomy you want.
Step 1: Calculate your daily consumption in Ah (amp-hours). An average camper van uses 40-70 Ah per day.
Step 2: Decide how many days you want to go without charging. For most camper vans, 1-2 days is sufficient if you have solar panels.
Step 3: Account for depth of discharge (DoD):
• Lithium: 80-100% usable → 70 Ah/day × 2 days = 140 Ah needed
• AGM: 50% usable → 70 Ah/day × 2 days ÷ 0.5 = 280 Ah needed
This explains why many camper vans with lithium use a single 200Ah battery, while with AGM you need two 150Ah batteries for the same result.
Wiring batteries in parallel or series
If one battery doesn't provide enough capacity, you can combine multiple batteries:
Parallel (+ to +, - to -): capacity adds up, voltage stays the same. Two 12V 100Ah batteries become 12V 200Ah. This is the most common method for 12V systems.
Series (+ to - of the next): voltage adds up, capacity stays the same. Two 12V 100Ah batteries become 24V 100Ah. Only useful if you are building a 24V system.
Important: only wire batteries of the same type, brand and age in parallel. Mismatch between batteries leads to uneven charging and shorter lifespan.
Where to place batteries in your camper van
Battery placement matters for several reasons:
Weight: batteries are heavy (a 200Ah lithium weighs ~25 kg, AGM ~60 kg). Place them as low as possible and preferably above or near the axle for good weight distribution.
Cables: the shorter the cables between battery and heavy consumers (inverter!), the better. Every meter of cable = more resistance and heat.
Ventilation: AGM and gel batteries can release hydrogen gas when overcharged. Ensure ventilation to the outside. Lithium batteries do not have this problem.
Temperature: batteries perform best between 10-30°C. Avoid placing them near heat sources or in locations that freeze.
Calculate your battery bank
Use our free tools to calculate the right battery capacity based on your consumption and desired autonomy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best battery for a camper van?
- For most camper vans, a LiFePO4 (lithium) battery is the best choice. They are lighter, last longer and you can use more of the capacity. If budget is limited, AGM is a good starting point.
- How many Ah battery do I need in my camper van?
- This depends on your consumption. An average camper van needs 100-200Ah lithium (or 200-300Ah AGM). First calculate your daily consumption with our calculator and multiply by the number of days of autonomy.
- Can I charge a lithium battery with a regular charger?
- No, lithium batteries need a specific charge profile. Use a charger, B2B charger or MPPT charge controller that is explicitly rated for LiFePO4. Incorrect charging can damage the battery.