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I got sick of propane. Finding a refill spot, hauling a 13-pound tank of flammable gas inside a tiny living space, and the anxiety of gas shortages in 2026 with EU reserves at 29%. I switched to a marine induction cooktop 6 months ago. Verdict: I'm never going back to gas.
Let's talk numbers. A marine induction cooktop at 800W draws 70A at 12V — that's serious but manageable with a 200Ah LiFePO4. Boiling 1 liter of water takes 6 minutes and uses about 80Wh. A full meal runs 150–250Wh. With my 200Ah battery (~1,920Wh usable at 80% DoD), I can cook 8 to 12 meals on a single charge. Solar tops it back up during the day.
⚡ Expert tip
Wire your induction plate directly to the battery with a dedicated 100A fuse and 16mm² cable minimum. Never run a marine 12V plate through an inverter — you'd lose 10–15% of energy in pointless conversion.
Example calculation for your setup
Results based on a typical use case
| Appliance | Power | Usage/day | Wh/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression fridge | 45W | 24h | 1080 |
| LED lighting | 20W | 4h | 80 |
| Water pump | 30W | 0.5h | 15 |
| Phone charging | 15W | 2h | 30 |
| Daily consumption | 1205 Wh | ||
Recommended LiFePO4 battery
126 Ah
(80% depth of discharge)
Recommended AGM battery
201 Ah
(50% depth of discharge)
Recommended solar panels
302 Wc
4h average sun hours
Recommended inverter
No 220V appliances — no inverter needed
Adjust these values with the calculator below
VANPOWERCALC PROYOUR ENERGY PROFILE
YOUR ENERGY PROFILE.
This document contains the sizing of your future electrical installation, calculated based on your appliances.
Minimum Daily Consumption
0 WH / DAY
Inventory:
SYSTEM SIZINGPage 2
Battery
To guarantee 0WH without damaging your bank (80% max discharge):
0 AH
LiFePO4 12V
Solar
Minimum power required to recharge your consumption:
0 W
via MPPT
220V AC
Maximum power (with 25% safety margin).
0 W
No Need
Safety & CablingPage 3
12V Cable Sizing Guide
Use this professional reference table to select the correct gauge (mm²) for your cables. For 12V in a van, the maximum tolerated voltage drop is 3%. Always use multi-stranded flexible automotive wire.
| Current (A) | Round trip < 2m | Round trip 4m | Round trip 6m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5A (LEDs, USB) | 1.5 mm² | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² |
| 10A (Fridge, Pump) | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² | 6 mm² |
| 20A (Heater) | 4 mm² | 10 mm² | 10 mm² |
| 50A (DC/DC Booster) | 10 mm² | 16 mm² | 25 mm² |
| 100A (Inverter) | 25 mm² | 35 mm² | 50 mm² |
Fuse Sizing
The fuse protects the wire, not the appliance. Always place it as close to the power source as possible (battery or busbar).
- Wire 1.5 mm² → Max fuse 10A
- Wire 2.5 mm² → Max fuse 20A
- Wire 4 mm² → Max fuse 30A
- Wire 6 mm² → Max fuse 40A
- Wire 10 mm² → Max fuse 60A
SCHÉMA ÉLECTRIQUE
PANNEAUX SOLAIRES
0W
REGULATEUR MPPT
BATTERIE AUXILIAIRE
0 Ah
Lithium LiFePO4
FUSIBLE
FUSIBLE
BOÎTE À FUSIBLES 12V
Pompe, Leds, Frigo...
CONVERTISSEUR 220V
NON REQUI
PRO GEARPage 4
SHOPPING LIST
Where to find this equipment? Here is the community-approved selection.
12V 6-way Fuse Box
Mandatory protection
Digital Multimeter
Test your connections
Heavy Duty Crimping Tool
For perfect lugs
Heat Shrink Tubing
Insulation and safety
GENERATED BY VANPOWERCALC PRO - UNLIMITED.
About this tool
The financial comparison tips clearly toward induction in 2026. A propane tank costs $15–25 and lasts 3–6 weeks depending on usage. Over a year, that's $150–350 on gas. The marine induction cooktop costs about $150 to buy, and electricity is free if you have solar.\n\nBut watch the sizing. A standard kitchen induction plate (1,500W) pulls 140A at 12V — that requires a 2,000W+ inverter and 25mm² cables. The marine 800W version is designed for 12V and integrates much more easily.\n\nThe one weakness: on cloudy winter days, cooking on induction can drain 10% of your battery per meal. You either accept adapting your habits or keep a small backup stove for zero-solar periods.
Frequently asked questions
What induction cooktop works in a van?▼
Two options: a marine 12V induction plate at 800W (about $150, draws 70A) that wires directly to the battery, or a standard 1,500W plate ($50–80) that needs a 2,000W+ inverter. The marine plate costs more but is far more efficient.
What battery do I need for induction cooking in a van?▼
Minimum 200Ah LiFePO4 for comfortable use. An 800W plate uses about 80Wh to boil 1 liter of water. With 200Ah (1,920Wh usable), you can easily cook 2–3 meals a day without worry.
Is induction cheaper than gas in a van?▼
Yes, if you have solar. The marine plate costs $150 and electricity is free. A propane tank at $15–25 every 3–6 weeks runs $150–350/year. Induction pays for itself in under a year.
Can I use a regular induction plate with an inverter?▼
Yes, but you need a pure sine wave inverter of 2,000W minimum for a 1,500W plate. That pulls 140A at 12V, requiring 25mm² cables and seriously stressing the battery. Doable but less optimal than a dedicated marine plate.
What are the downsides of induction in a van?▼
Power consumption during low-solar periods (winter, overcast weather), needing induction-compatible cookware, and the beefy wiring required (70A minimum). A small backup gas stove is still handy for extreme situations.
Recommended gear
Editor's PickLiFePO4 Battery 100Ah100% usable capacity, 3000+ cycles, built-in BMS.View on Amazon →Pure Sine Wave Inverter 1000WPure sine wave, sensitive devices compatible, 12V→110V/230V.View on Amazon →12V Fuse BoxProtects each circuit independently, easy installation.View on Amazon →Digital MultimeterMeasures voltage, current, resistance — essential for 12V wiring.View on Amazon →