• cmnybo
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    9 months ago

    An alternator can’t output full power when the engine is idling. You may only get a few hundred watts before the battery starts draining. You can get a generator that will produce much more power than a typical car alternator for under $400.

    • John_McMurray@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      You’re speaking like an alternator is a generator, and doesn’t come in various outputs. Your average larger vehicle can charge itself from near-dead at idle or run a 3500 watt inverter, although I have had the odd small car or motorcycle incapable of either.