How many amps does a typical vehicle (car & pickup) draw under normal operating conditions?
March 4th, 2010 | 
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I know that stock cars typically run anywhere between 80-90 amp alternators, but I was curious of how much of that is actually under constant load? Say worst case senario, driving with the high beams on radio blaring, wipers wiping, honking the horn etc. I’m trying to find out if the average American vehicle can handle and additional 30 amps of constant load without over straining the alternator. If not that much what would the limit be? Thanks for any help.
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Posted in how to draw a car | 
Tags: alternator, amp alternators, amps, case senario, high beams, radio, stock cars, worst case
A standard Alternator is likely to be on the order of 35 to 50 Amp. Partly depending on the battery size!
Nothing electrical is designed handle a constant load like you are talking about. It just isn’t necessary. You have a Battery that will help you when might need to blow the horn when everything else is on.
In those extrema conditions, I am guessing, that you might use 20 or 25 Amps which means that a extra 30 Amps would defiantly cook the standard alternator