When we built out our campervan, one of the biggest decisions we faced was how to handle power. Traditionally, that means piecing together a complex system: batteries, inverter, charge controller, wiring, and more.
Instead, we went a different route; using the Bluetti Apex 300 as our primary electrical system, paired with the Bluetti B300K Expansion Battery and Bluetti Charger 1 for alternator charging.
After extensive real-world use powering everything from a fridge to an induction cooktop, this system has proven to be one of the simplest and most capable power solutions I’ve used in any situation.
Our Setup
We’re running the Apex 300 as a full replacement for a traditional campervan electrical system. Our setup includes:
- Main unit: Bluetti Apex 300
- Expansion: B300K Expansion Battery (doubling total capacity)
- Alternator charging via Bluetti Charger 1 (Bluetti Charger 2 is now available)
- Shore power hookup for fast charging when needed
- 200W portable solar panel (no fixed roof panels)
This setup allows us to run a fully functional van without the complexity of a traditional electrical build.
Where To Buy
What We Power
This isn’t a light-duty setup — we’re running:
- Fridge (constant use)
- Starlink
- Laptop and camera gear
- Induction cooktop
- Water pump
- Lights and fans
In short: everything you’d expect in a modern campervan.
✔ Pros
- Huge capacity and high output (handles 2000W+ loads easily)
- Expandable system with B300K (easy to scale capacity)
- Excellent alternator charging with Charger 1 (~500–560W)
- Extremely fast shore charging (1500W+)
- Very user-friendly vs traditional van electrical systems
- Reliable performance in cold temperatures
- Great balance of power, flexibility, and simplicity
- Strong overall value compared to competitors
✖ Cons
- App occasionally has connection issues
- Heavier than some comparable systems
- Not ideal for frequent portability
Performance: More Than Enough Power
The Apex 300 has handled everything we’ve thrown at it without hesitation.
At one point, we were running:
- Two induction burners at ~70% power
- Fridge running
- Fans running
The system was pulling around 2000 watts and handled it with zero issues.
This is where the Apex 300 really stands out. It’s not just a backup battery; it’s a legitimate high-output power system capable of handling real-world van life demands.
Bluetti Apex 300 Specifications
| Battery Capacity | 3,072Wh (expandable with external batteries) |
| Expandable Capacity | Up to 12,288Wh+ (with expansion batteries) |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Cycle Life | 3,500+ cycles to 80% capacity |
| AC Output | 3,000W continuous |
| Surge Output | Up to 6,000W |
| AC Charging Input | Up to 3,000W (depending on outlet) |
| Solar Input | Up to 2,400W |
| Car / Alternator Charging | Supported via Charger 1 accessory (~560W while driving) |
| Output Ports | Multiple AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, DC outputs |
| Connectivity | App control via Bluetooth & WiFi |
| Weight | ~83 lbs (37.6 kg) |
| Use Case | Home backup, campervan systems, off-grid power |
Charging: Where This System Shines
Alternator Charging (Game-Changer)
The Bluetti Charger 1 has been one of the most impressive parts of this setup.
- ~500 watts while idling
- ~560-620 watts while driving
Because we’re frequently driving to trailheads and between locations, this alone keeps the system topped off most of the time. No issues with alternator draw or consistency, it just works.
Shore Power
When plugged in, charging is extremely fast:
- 1500+ watts regularly
- Some outlets pushing close to double that
If you need to recharge quickly, this system absolutely rips.
Solar
We use a 200W portable solar panel when stationary. While helpful, we rarely depend on it because alternator charging covers most of our needs.
Battery Life in Real Use
Battery life depends heavily on usage, but here’s what we’ve experienced:
- ~10 days running just the fridge
- 3–5 days with cooking and full daily use
- 5–7 days when factoring in driving (alternator charging)
If we stayed in one place and leaned on solar, we could extend that even further.
Expandability
Adding the B300K Expansion Battery was seamless and immediately doubled our capacity.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the system, you can scale it as needed. If you need more power down the line, you don’t need to rebuild your system. You just expand it.
Cold Weather Performance
We’ve used this system in below-freezing temperatures with zero issues. Performance has been completely reliable so far.
While we haven’t pushed it into extreme heat, keeping it inside a van (or home) naturally moderates temperature exposure.
User Experience
This is where Bluetti really nails it.
The system is incredibly user-friendly. Compared to wiring a full electrical system from scratch, this is dramatically simpler; plug, connect, and go.
The app works well most of the time, though it occasionally has connection issues. It’s a bit annoying, but manageable; and works properly about 95% of the time.
Downsides
- App Connectivity: Occasional disconnects can be frustrating, though not a dealbreaker.
- Weight: The system is heavier than some comparable setups — but in a van build, this is largely irrelevant since it stays in place.
Bluetti vs Other Power Stations
I’ve used several other major brands, including Anker and Jackery.
To be clear, all of the top brands perform well. You’re not going to make a bad choice with any of them.
That said, I’ve consistently found better value with Bluetti, especially when factoring in capacity and expandability.
Who This Is For
- Campervan builders looking for a simpler alternative to a full electrical system
- People who want home backup power with expandability
- Anyone needing a high-capacity, high-output battery system
Final Thoughts
The Bluetti Apex 300 isn’t just a power station, it’s a complete power system that is overlooked by those building vans.
For our van, it eliminated the need for a complex electrical build while still delivering everything we needed: high output, long battery life, fast charging, and flexibility.
If you’re building a campervan and want to simplify your electrical setup without sacrificing performance, this is one of the best solutions available.
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
