The Best Portable AC for a Car in 2024

EcoFlow
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Sometimes, in the heat of summer or cold of winter, your car’s built-in air conditioning and heating aren’t enough.

But that doesn’t mean you need to invest in a new vehicle to stay cool.

Thanks to innovations in portable air conditioning, you can keep warmer in winter and colder in summer — all with one compact solution.

Here’s everything you need to know about portable A/C and heating for vehicles — and what you need to consider to find the perfect one for you.

Which Portable AC Should You Buy for Your Car?

There are many reasons you could want a portable air conditioner for your car. While it may be painfully obvious that you need additional heating or cooling capacity for your vehicle, making an informed purchase decision poses more of a challenge.

Here, we’ll help you narrow down your options to find the best choice.

WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner

You can’t beat the convenience, power, and versatility that come with EcoFlow’s WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner.

Maybe you’re looking for a unit to keep your vehicle cool during the hot summer months. But the WAVE 2 takes things a step further by also offering heating capabilities to keep you warm on cold winter nights.

A greener way to maintain comfortable temperatures, this device offers four ways to charge – including solar. Looking for an AC to keep you comfortable all night long?

The WAVE 2 provides up to 8 hours of heating or cooling when paired with an add-on battery and can run as quietly as 44 dB on Sleep Mode. It won’t keep your passengers up with noisy operations while they try to get some rest — just don’t sleep when you’re driving!

You can also bundle the WAVE 2 with the DELTA 2 Max portable power station for even longer run times and faster charging.

Specifications

  • AC Input: 100/240V, 50/60Hz, 820W Max
  • Car Charging Input: 96W/192W (12/24V, 8A Max)
  • Net Weight: Approximately 14.5 kg (32.0 lbs)
  • Dimensions: 518 × 297 × 336 mm (20.4 × 11.7 × 13.2 in)
  • Noise Level: 44-56 dB
  • Cooling Capacity: 1500W/5100BTU
  • Heating Capacity: 1800W / 6100BTU
  • Solar Charging Input: 11-60V, 13A, 400W Max
  • Add-on Battery Power: 700W Max

Pros

  • Offers both heating and cooling capabilities
  • Can provide comfort all night long
  • Runs at a quiet 44 dB in Sleep Mode
  • Extremely compact, lightweight design
  • Supports solar charging. You can charge anywhere there’s sunlight

Cons

  • While no drainage is needed in cooling mode with humidity under 70%, it’s still required for heating mode.