I love power stations. They are the answer to the off-grid adventure for power banks. It is a big box of batteries that may be used to charge USB devices and run gadgets that require AC power.
But power stations may be big, heavy things. This is effective if you’ve gotten a vehicle to hold your gear to your destination, but if you happen to’re going on foot, most power stations are too heavy.
And most which might be sufficiently small to hold are too small to be useful.
gave Eco Flow River 2 Max Sits in the middle — compact enough to be portable, large enough to be practical.
Eco Flow River 2 Max Tech Specs
- Ability: 512Wh
- net weight: 13.4lbs
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches
- Cell chemistry: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- Cycle life: 80%+ capability after 3,000 cycles
- AC input: 100-120V, 50Hz/60Hz, 660W Max.
- Solar input: 11-50V, 13A, 220W max
- Car input: 12V/24V, 8A, 100W max
- USB-C input/output: 5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max.
- AC output: 120V, 50Hz/60Hz, 500W (Surge 1000W)
- DC output: 12.6V, 10A/3A/3A, 126W Max
- USB-A output: 5V, 2.4A, 12W Max
- DC5521 output: 12.6V, 3A, 36W max
- App control: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Discharge temperature: 14°F to 113°F/-10°C to 45°C
- Charge temperature: 32°F to 113°F/0°C to 45°C
- Optimum operating temperature: 68°F to 86°F/20°C to 30°C
- Storage temperature: 14°F to 113°F (68°F to 86°F is best)/-10°C to 45°C (20°C to 30°C is best)
Note that the version I’m testing is the variant geared toward the UK market, so it has different AC outlets and power inputs/outputs, but apart from that the unit is the same as the US variant. Is.
I have previously tested the smaller sibling of the River 2 Max, River 2, which weighs 7.7 kilos, has a power of 256Wh, and is capable of a continuing AC output of 300W (600W maximum). That little power station is ideal for those times while you want power outside, but you do not need much of it.
River 2 Max takes things to the next level. Capacity has doubled to 512Wh, weight has increased to 13.4 kilos, and it’s capable of a continuing AC output of 500W (1,000W maximum). While 13.4 kilos heavier, it’s some 22% lighter than previous-generation EcoFlow units of comparable specs.
You can recharge the River 2 Max using one of 4 methods — AC, solar, 12V in-car, and USB-C. If you select AC, the unit can go from zero to 100% in an hour, which suggests you possibly can leave charging until the last minute.
If you need to go completely off-grid, EcoFlow offers a 160W solar panel. which might recharge the River 2 Max in about 4 hours. The panel is durable and waterproof to IP68, so it’s the perfect adventure companion for the River 2 Max.
The solar panel adds weight and bulk, but it turns the River 2 Max into a very off-grid solution.
And it works rather well. I’ve tested it in the UK in May and I can get 125W laid flat on the roof and in the sun, which is superb performance.
You could be fearful that all the charging and discharging is draining the River 2 Max, but you mustn’t be.
If you fully charge and discharge the River 2 Max six times per week, EcoFlow claims the lithium iron phosphate batteries will last for 9.6 years, before their capability drops to 80%.
A built-in fan keeps the batteries cool and cool when charged and discharged at high wattage. The fan produces a maximum noise level of 62db, which is about the same level of noise you’ll get from a household dishwasher. I have this power station running with my head and I do not get that much noise.
If you do not need to spend your time jibbing buttons, the River 2 Max may be controlled remotely via the EcoFlow app. Monitor charging levels, adjust settings, and adjust charging speeds out of your iPhone or Android smartphone.
The River 2 Max may also be used as a backup device when the power goes out. It can detect that mains power is down and switch to battery in 30ms, which suggests connected devices will proceed to run as if nothing happened.
Some context: A typical Wi-Fi router draws about 10W, which suggests this unit can keep the router going for about 16 hours.
The unit is rugged and well built and resists the knocks and bumps that it will inevitably receive during use.
Currently available for $499. Eco Flow River 2 Max Competitively priced and highly advisable for those in search of a very portable power solution. I plan to take him on more adventures soon.
