Choosing an EcoFlow Portable Power Station
Posted by Heatso on 6th Sep 2022
Portable power stations are the 21st-century solution to powering your devices off-grid. Compact, silent, powerful, and eco-friendly, they’re a perfect choice for powering a campsite, without the constant hum of a gas generator.
CHOOSING AN ECOFLOW
PORTABLE POWER STATION
CHOOSING AN ECOFLOW
PORTABLE POWER STATION
Portable power stations are the 21st-century solution to powering your devices off-grid. Compact, silent, powerful, and eco-friendly, they’re a perfect choice for powering a campsite, without the constant hum of a gas generator.
Essentially oversized rechargeable batteries, portable power stations are ideal for van life. You can take it with you when you venture off exploring the wilderness. And, unlike gas generators, you can also bring it back inside.
Ranging in size and capacity, all EcoFlow power stations can be charged from a 110V socket, your RV battery, or using solar power.
WHAT IS A PORTABLE POWER STATION?
A portable power station is a device that stores electrical power in an internal battery for later use. The battery is the main part of a portable power station. Additionally, there are components that ensure power is transferred safely and efficiently to your appliances.
As some of the best portable power stations, EcoFlow use cutting-edge technologies. They recharge faster, show input and output clearly and accurately, and even use apps for remote energy management.
WHY NOT JUST GET A GAS GENERATOR?
Gas generators have been the go-to option since the 1960s because that’s all there was. Although they have a large power output, maintaining one is a hassle.
When in use, gas generators emit carbon monoxide which can be lethal if inhaled, making them unsuitable for use indoors.
They’re also loud, cumbersome, and relatively unsophisticated, on average weighing almost twice as much as a portable power station.
POWER AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON
RV and van lifers appreciate portable power stations because it’s significantly easier to just press an “On” button and not worry about fuel levels or winterizing.
Nowadays, there are portable generators powerful enough for energy-demanding appliances like fridges, air compressors, or conventional ovens. This makes gas generators nearly obsolete for outdoor and camping purposes.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A PORTABLE POWER STATION?
There are four criteria when it comes to choosing a portable power station: capacity, portability, lifespan, and charging speed. Using these, you'll be able to pick out the perfect power station for your needs.
Capacity
The capacitance of portable power supplies is measured in watt-hours (Wh). For example, a 1200Wh power station like the EcoFlow Delta could power a 130-liter IndelB fridge (440W / 24 hr) for almost 3 days straight!
EcoFlow portable power stations range from 288Wh to a staggering 2016Wh. Keep in mind though, that the larger the capacity, the heavier the power station.
Lifecycle
The lifespan of a battery is determined by how many cycles it takes to go down to a percentage of its total capacity. For example, this can be expressed as 500 cycles to 80%.
After the 500 cycles, your battery will still function reliably. Ideally, you want to be looking for power stations with the most cycles and the least capacity reduction.
Portability
The trade-off between weight and capacity has reached the point where you can easily lift a battery that can power your entire kitchen for a few hours. Batteries that you can take on a hiking trip can power a couple appliances for a few hours.
In cases where lifting isn’t necessary, most bigger power stations have wheels for ease of transportation.
Charging Speed
In essence, the less time you spend charging your portable power station, the more time you spend using it to power your devices.
EcoFlow is known for its groundbreaking charging technology, which allows you to fully charge your portable power supply from 0 to 80% in just one hour.
WHICH ECOFLOW PORTABLE POWER STATION SUITS ME BEST?
EcoFlow portable power stations feature high power output, lightning-fast charging speeds, and a sleek design. They can be charged using AC or solar panels, as well as from your car, at record speeds. And some EcoFlow power stations can power up to 13 devices simultaneously.
- Delta
- Delta Max
- River
- River Max
EcoFlow Delta
With a capacity of 1260Wh and a power output of up to 1800W, the Delta is EcoFlow’s flagship power station. When inside, you can use the Delta to power more energy-demanding equipment like a hair-drier or air conditioner.
EcoFlow Delta Max
The EcoFlow Delta Max is Delta’s big brother. With 2016Wh and continuous power up to 2400W, this beast can power even the most demanding appliances. Use it confidently when you’re working on upgrading your RV off-grid, as the Delta Max can easily support power tools for multiple hours on end.
EcoFlow River
The EcoFlow River is perfect for those hiking trips we mentioned previously. Chuck it in your backpack and forget it’s there until your phone is running low. Pull it out and connect up to 9 devices, recharging all of them at the push of a button.
EcoFlow River Max
The EcoFlow River 600 Max is just the River with an Extra Battery. It’s still just as portable but just has double the capacity, from 288Wh up to 576Wh. Chill some drinks, throw on the projector, and let your buddies charge their phones from this lightweight and compact power station.
