# T7 Hybrid PHEV Camping Benefits

**Source:** https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/t7-hybrid-phev-camping-benefits.61098/  
**Posts:** 6

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### B — 2026-02-15T21:03:22+0100 (Feb 15, 2026)

Hi all,  
  
I'm trying to find out if the PHEV offers any camping-specific benefits over the diesel and petrol models.I've searched extensively for the answers to these questions and have found lots of conflicting info!  
  
Can the PHEV battery be used as the main leisure battery (or to recharge the leisure batteries)?  
  
Can you run the air-con overnight?  
  
Does the camping hook-up charge the PHEV battery?  
  
I understand there's an inverter with 3-pin plug in the kitchen. Could I plug my caravan's hook-up into this to power my caravan (which we'll sometimes be towing as well)?  
  
Any other camping benefits to the PHEV?  
  
Thanks

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###  — 2026-02-15T21:31:51+0100 (Feb 15, 2026)

> [BenSherman said:](/goto/post?id=771844)
>
> Hi all,  
>   
> I'm trying to find out if the PHEV offers any camping-specific benefits over the diesel and petrol models.I've searched extensively for the answers to these questions and have found lots of conflicting info!  
>   
> Can the PHEV battery be used as the main leisure battery (or to recharge the leisure batteries)?  
>   
> Can you run the air-con overnight?  
>   
> Does the camping hook-up charge the PHEV battery?  
>   
> I understand there's an inverter with 3-pin plug in the kitchen. Could I plug my caravan's hook-up into this to power my caravan (which we'll sometimes be towing as well)?  
>   
> Any other camping benefits to the PHEV?  
>   
> Thanks
>
> Click to expand...

Can the PHEV battery be used as the main leisure battery (or to recharge the leisure batteries)? NO  
  
Can you run the air-con overnight? YES for 20/30 mins at a time until computer says NO  
  
Does the camping hook-up charge the PHEV battery? NO  
  
I understand there's an inverter with 3-pin plug in the kitchen. Could I plug my caravan's hook-up into this to power my caravan (which we'll sometimes be towing as well. THE INVERTER RUNS OFF THE LEISURE BATTERIES AND HAS A LIMITED OUTPUT 300 watts.

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### A — 2026-02-16T12:40:52+0100 (Feb 16, 2026)

Can the PHEV battery be used as the main leisure battery (or to recharge the leisure batteries)?  
  
Yes, once you start the vehicle, the phev battery starts charging both the engine and camping batteries. It charges them very quickly, mine went 50 > 100% on about 15 mins.   
So you can charge batteries quickly and comfortably without ICE running.

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### B — 2026-02-16T16:16:14+0100 (Feb 16, 2026)

> [Adam8374 said:](/goto/post?id=771921)
>
> Can the PHEV battery be used as the main leisure battery (or to recharge the leisure batteries)?  
>   
> Yes, once you start the vehicle, the phev battery starts charging both the engine and camping batteries. It charges them very quickly, mine went 50 > 100% on about 15 mins.  
> So you can charge batteries quickly and comfortably without ICE running.
>
> Click to expand...

Ahh... So you the PHEV battery does charge the leisure batteries? That's great - at least there is some benefit for camping. That should provide masses of leisure battery charge for off-grid.

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### K — 2026-02-16T17:08:45+0100 (Feb 16, 2026)

> [BenSherman said:](/goto/post?id=771950)
>
> Ahh... So you the PHEV battery does charge the leisure batteries? That's great - at least there is some benefit for camping. That should provide masses of leisure battery charge for off-grid.
>
> Click to expand...

Worth remembering that the diesel engine can also charge the leisure battery whilst stationary. Charged my leisure batteries from 20% to 100% in 25 minutes while the van was parked.

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### S — 2026-02-16T18:08:45+0100 (Feb 16, 2026)

> [kevin1000 said:](/goto/post?id=771952)
>
> Worth remembering that the diesel engine can also charge the leisure battery whilst stationary. Charged my leisure batteries from 20% to 100% in 25 minutes while the van was parked.
>
> Click to expand...

It's just a bit more antisocial if you're on a campsite! You're right though - on max charge it's very very quick to charge the batteries up - I have the beach so only a single 40ah battery and I went from 20% to 100% in about 15 mins driving from the dealer to my overnight spot with it on max

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