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How do you use a car battery to generate electricity?
There’s a power outage, and I don’t have a generator. I grabbed an emergency kit with food and water, and my boyfriend grabbed tools and supplies. We heard from our neighbor that we can use a car battery as a power bank. Can you use a car battery as a power supply?
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh, no—be careful and stay safe! Fortunately, you can use a car battery as a power bank to charge your devices.
To use a car battery to generate electricity, you will need:
- A power inverter designed for a 12-volt battery (with clamps and a plug-in connector)
- A car battery
Step 1: Lift the hood of your car and locate the battery.
Step 2: Take the plug-in connector of the power inverter and insert it into the accessory outlet (cigarette lighter socket) in your vehicle.
Step 3: Ensure the device you want to charge is turned off. Then, connect one end of the suitable charging cord to the device, and plug the other end into the appropriate slot on the inverter.
Step 4: Locate the power switch on the inverter and turn it on.
Step 5: Turn on the device you want to charge. It should actively be charging!
Once you are finished, complete these steps in reverse order to turn off and unplug everything.
If you live in an area that frequently has power outages, check to make sure you have the proper homeowners or renters insurance in place. Rest assured, the Jerry app can help by shopping for low rates on auto, home, and
renters policies
and delivering the best deals straight to you! If you have any questions or want to speak to an agent about coverage, give us a call at 1-833-445-3779 or text one of our friendly agents through the app.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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