LPG vs. Electricity in Campers: Which Energy Source is Best?
Choosing the right energy source for your motorhome, caravan, or camper van is crucial for comfort and efficiency on the road. Both LPG and electricity offer specific advantages depending on the use case. Therefore, there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation; instead, the decision should be tailored to individual needs.
Heating in Motorhomes: LPG or Electricity?
Many campers rely on LPG for heating. Gas heaters are efficient and allow for off-grid camping without an external power source. Additionally, LPG burns almost pollution-free, making it an eco-friendly option. A typical caravan heater has an output of 6.2 kW and consumes around 480 grams of LPG per hour.
Electric heaters, on the other hand, are often cheaper to buy but incur higher operating costs and require a continuous power supply. The maximum output of a campsite power connection is often only 2.2 to 3.5 kW (230 V, 10 A or 16 A). Therefore, those wishing to heat their motorhome electrically need powerful batteries or a continuous external power supply of sufficient strength.
Cooking and Cooling: Flexibility of Energy Sources
For cooking, LPG has the advantage of being usable without a power source. A 2-burner gas stove requires about 194 grams of LPG per hour, delivering up to 2.5 kW of power. This is significantly more powerful than many portable electric hobs, which are often limited to 1.8 to 2.2 kW.
LPG also shines in cooling, especially with absorption refrigerators that can run on both gas and electricity. The advantage of LPG here is its independence from an external power source, enabling longer off-grid trips. Additionally, absorption refrigerators often operate silently and efficiently on gas, making them ideal for camping vehicles. Electric cooling systems, particularly compressor refrigerators, rely on a stable power supply, which can limit their use in off-grid situations.
Those who cook frequently and ambitiously in a motorhome or caravan need a certain amount of energy. Depending on where you are parked and the regions you are vacationing in, this influences the question: LPG or electricity?
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Energy Content: LPG vs. Battery
A significant advantage of LPG is its high energy density. An 11-kg gas cylinder contains about 142 kWh of energy, while a 200-Ah lithium battery stores only about 2.5 kWh. To match the energy content of a single 11-kg gas cylinder, a 200-Ah battery would need to be fully charged 57 times.
Practical Example: A 1.8 kW hotplate could theoretically run for 79 hours on an 11-kg gas cylinder, while a 200-Ah battery could power the same hotplate for only 1.4 hours. These figures impressively demonstrate why LPG is a preferred energy source for off-grid travel.
Cost Comparison: LPG vs. Electric System
Economically, LPG also has advantages. A complete LPG system in a motorhome costs around €1,000, while an off-grid electric system with a 200-Ah lithium battery, inverter, and solar panel can quickly cost €10,000 or more. Those wanting to travel off-grid must invest significantly more in a purely electric solution.
However, LPG also incurs ongoing costs, as new gas cylinders need to be purchased and refilled regularly. In contrast, electricity can be generated “for free” using solar panels. However, solar energy is not always reliably available—especially in bad weather or winter. In these cases, electricity must be sourced externally, incurring additional costs.
Solar panels for camping vehicles generate electricity very cost-effectively. However, those who want to rely solely on electricity for camping should consider a few things: LPG might be the better alternative as an energy source.
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Conclusion: The Right Choice Depends on Individual Needs
The decision between LPG and electricity as an energy source in a motorhome or caravan should always be based on personal needs and travel habits. While LPG scores with independence, high energy density, and relatively low costs, electric systems offer comfort—provided a reliable power supply is ensured.
For off-grid campers, winter campers, or frequent cooks, LPG is the better choice. Those who mainly stay on campsites with hook-ups and consume little energy can get by with an electric solution. Ultimately, there is no universally best choice—the optimal combination depends on individual requirements.
