Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I like power plants. It’s the off-grid adventurer’s answer to a power bank. It’s an enormous box of batteries that may be used to charge USB devices and run gadgets that require AC power.
But power plants may be large and heavy objects. That’s nice if you might have a vehicle to get the equipment to your destination, but when you’re going on foot, most power plants are just too heavy to lug around.
And most of those which are sufficiently small to hold are too small to be useful.
The EcoFlow River 2 Max it sits in the middle – compact enough to be portable and huge enough to be practical.
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Technical data EcoFlow River 2 Max
- Capacity: 512Wh
- Net weight: 13.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches
- Cellular chemistry: LFP (lithium iron phosphate)
- Life cycle: 80%+ capability after 3000 cycles
- AC input: 100-120V, 50Hz/60Hz, max. 660W
- Solar entrance: 11-50V, 13A, 220W max
- Car entry: 12V/24V, 8A, 100W max
- USB-C input/output: 5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W max
- AC output: 120V, 50Hz/60Hz, 500W (1000W overvoltage)
- DC output: 12.6V, 10A/3A/3A, max. 126W
- USB-A output: 5V, 2.4A, 12W max
- DC5521 output: 12.6V, 3A, 36W max
- Application Control: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Pressing temperature: 14°F to 113°F/-10°C to 45°C
- Charging 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 (preferably 68°F to 86°F)/-10°C to 45°C (preferably 20°C to 30°C)
Please note that the version I’m testing is the UK market variant, so it has different AC sockets and power inputs/outputs, but otherwise the device is the same as the US variant.
I actually have already tested the smaller brother River 2 Max, river 2 (also currently 42% off). Weighing 7.7 kilos, rated at 256 Wh, and providing a relentless AC output of 300 W (600 W max), this smaller power station is ideal for when you would like to get power outdoors but don’t need much of it.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
River 2 Max takes all the pieces to the next level. The capability has been doubled to 512 Wh, the weight has increased to 13.4 kilos, and the AC output power is 500 W (max. 1000 W). While 13.4 kilos is lots, it’s roughly 22% lighter than previous generation EcoFlow units with comparable specifications.
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You can charge the River 2 Max using one of 4 methods – AC, solar, 12V in-car, and USB-C. If you select AC, the device can charge from zero to 100% in an hour, meaning you’ll be able to leave charging until the last minute.
If you would like to completely disconnect from the network, EcoFlow offers a 160W solar panel (they’re now 80% off), so you’ll be able to charge your River 2 Max in about 4 hours. The panel is durable and waterproof to IP68, making it the perfect adventure companion for the River 2 Max.
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The solar panel adds weight and bulk, but transforms the River 2 Max into a very off-grid solution.
And it really works rather well. I tested this in the UK in May and was in a position to get 125W from the panel when it was placed flat on the roof and in hazy sunlight, which is superb performance.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
You could also be nervous that each one the charging and discharging will wear out the River 2 Max, but you mustn’t.
If we were to totally charge and discharge the River 2 Max six times per week, EcoFlow claims that the lithium iron phosphate batteries will last for 9.6 years before their capability drops to 80%.
The built-in fan turns on and cools the batteries while charging and discharging at high power. The fan generates a maximum of 62 dB of noise, which is the sound level you’ll be able to get from a house dishwasher. I had this power plant running next to my head and didn’t find the noise that noticeable.
If you don’t need to waste time pressing buttons, River 2 Max may be controlled remotely using the EcoFlow app. Control charging levels, adjust settings and adjust charging speeds, all on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
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River 2 Max can be used as a backup device in the event of a power outage. It can detect a mains power failure and switch to battery inside 30ms, meaning connected devices will proceed to operate as if nothing had happened.
A bit of context: a typical Wi-Fi router draws about 10W, which suggests this device can last for about 16 hours.
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The device is durable and well-built to face up to the bumps and knocks it is going to inevitably experience during use.
Currently available for $399 EcoFlow River 2 Max it’s competitively priced and highly really helpful for those in search of a very portable power solution. I plan on taking it on more adventures soon.
Credit : www.zdnet.com
