EcoFlow’s portable power stations
MANY years ago, when needing to charge up or run equipment away from the mains, the only option you had was to either go without or use a petrol generator. Now, with the emphasis on reducing the use of fossil fuels, there are other options.
One of these is a range of lithium-ion battery packs made by a US company called EcoFlow. The company was founded in 2016 by former engineers employed by DJI, who developed and manufactured a highly successful range of drones, among other products. The River range of power packs is now available in the UK via the company’s main distributor, Hampshire Generators.
The first thing to notice on this product range is the very informative control panel on every product. These panels provide information on the amount of charge in the lithium-ion battery, plus the input and output rate. Externally there are plenty of charging sockets for a wide range of devices. These outputs include an AC output rated at 600W, but in boost mode, this can be doubled to 1200W. The River 600 unit we looked at had three-pin UK or EU sockets in addition to two USB-A outputs, 1 x USB-A Fast Charge, 1 x USB-C output. Another handy addition is that of a small light next to the control panel. This simple but helpful addition could well come in handy while sorting out cables etc.
A car charge cable is included with the unit, as is a connecting cable for the optional solar panel. Two are available for use with the River range, which would make this a very versatile and environmentally friendly power source. EcoFlow says that the River 600 will run a TV, drawing 110W, for between 2-4 hours, and a 10W light for 8.5 hours (AC). Charging takes 1.6 hours when plugged into the mains and three hours connected to a car. The optional solar panels come in 110W and 60W and give charging times ranging from 1.6-3 hours for the 110W to seven hours for the 60W. With the River 600W weighing only 5kg, the unit is very portable.
A handy quick start guide is printed on the box containing a range of charge cables together with an instruction book and details of how to install the smartphone app. Even without the app, there is a lot of information available on the control panel, which monitors the amount of charge in the lithium-ion battery plus the input and output rate.
In use, the EcoFlow worked well and charged a number of items, including camera batteries and phones. The range of sockets is good and saves you from having to carry additional connectors for most mainstream devices. The makers state that the power station ‘charges five times faster than the others on the market’, and although a comparative test wasn’t carried out, it did seem to charge up quickly.
The range, and this model in particular, would seem to be ideal for use in a wide range of outdoors activities, including camping, caravanning and boating. The
River 600, or any within the range, could well be worthy of consideration for anyone cruising daily. This would be of particular interest to anyone using a conventional petrol generator as a charger for smaller items. Being compact and reasonably light, it is also ideal for use away from the boat.
As with many devices, you can pair the EcoFlow range of products over Wi-Fi with the EcoFlow mobile app, which is available on iPhone and Android. Doing so will help users upgrade to the latest firmware and any upgrades of X-Boost mode.
The River 600 is the baby of the range, with Max, Pro and Delta models available. These models provide additional battery capacity, with the Delta said to rival some petrol generators. With an 1800W continuous power rating and a maximum surge of 3300W, it is easy to see why EcoFlow makes such claims.
The River 600 costs around £379 inc. VAT and is available, along with more information and details on the rest of the EcoFlow range, from https://www. hampshiregenerators.co.uk