a portable and compact power station

Small, light and affordable, I tested the entry-level of the new nomadic power stations fromEcoflow, the River 2as well as a solar panel kit.

The Ecoflow brand, specialized in renewable and sustainable energy solutions, has recently offered a new range of portable and nomadic batteries called RIVER. This range is divided into 3 products: the River 2, the River 2 Max and the River 2 Pro. Article in commercial collaboration.

But what is this portable power station worth? This is what we will see in this test article.

Ecoflow, the brand in a few words

Ecoflow’s mission is to provide clean, reliable and affordable power solutions for everyone to charge electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops and digital cameras.

The company offers a complete range of products from the nomadic to the most powerfulincluding portable batteries, solar panels and integrated power systems.

Ecoflow is committed to providing eco-friendly power solutions which reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The company also works to promote responsible energy use by encouraging consumers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Test of the RIVER 2 portable energy generator: compact, nomadic and LFP

Presentation

The RIVER 2 Ecoflow is a portable power generator designed to power electrical and electronic devices. This battery is equipped with LFP chemistry batteries allowing up to 3000 recharge cycles! Then its capacity drops below 80%. Its lifespan is 3 times longer than the latest generation of charging stations.

Due to its low weight and small footprint (3.5 kg and 245 x 214 x 142 mm), it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

If it takes almost 3 hours of recharge for the River 2 Pro, on the contrary, the River 2 only needs1 hour of electric current domestic (via a wall outlet) to be on top (but almost 6 hours of sunshine via solar panels)!

This electric generator is comes with a variety of ports (USB ports, AC ports, DC ports) making it ideal for powering many electronic and electrical devices. It also comes with a wall charger and a cigarette lighter charger.

Technical characteristics

• Name: RIVER 2
• Brand: EF ECOFLOW
• Watt: 600 Watt
• Fuel type: solar
• Power Type: Solar powered
• Weight: 3.5 Kilograms
• Output power: 600 Watts
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Solar input: 11-30V, 8A, 110W Max
• Car input: 12V/24V, 8A, 100W Max
• USB-C Input/Output: 5/9/12/15/20V, 3A, 60W Max
• DC Output: 12.6V, 8A, 100W Max
• USB-A output: 5V, 2.4A, 12W Max
• Special Feature: Portable
• Components included: Cable
• Dimensions: 245 x 214 x 142 mm
• Weight: 3.5 kilograms
• Lifespan: More than 80% capacity after 3000 cycles
• Discharge temperature: -10°C to 45°C
• Charging temperature: 0°C to 45°C
• App Control: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Indicative price: €299.00

Unboxing

The package arrived in a protective cardboard. It also has the role of hiding the brand visible on the product carton. This avoids temptations, it’s well thought out.

Inside, we find, super well packaged by hard foam protectionsthe RIVER 2 portable electrical station. The instructions as well as the charging cables accompany the charging station.

I was surprised by the size and weight of the River2. This is the entry level (and new for 2022) of the Ecoflow portable generators but frankly it doesn’t take up much space.

The advantages of the River 2 charging battery

Fast recharge time

It only takes 60 minutes on wall outlet to recharge this generator (ultra-fast charging).

Acoflow assures that it is 5x faster than the industry standard portable power stations. And 38% faster than the previous generation.

But plan ahead, always recharge your River2 in advance, so that you are always ready for a last minute trip (or use)!

Safe and reliable for 10 years of use.

Thanks to the long-lasting LFP battery improved, you can almost use the River 2 every day for 10 years (i.e. 3000 battery cycles at 100%), before she loses speed. Even at high temperatures. It is 6 times more than the sector average.

And it is for this reason that Ecoflow guaranteed for 5 years its River range.

River 2: 4 charging possibilities

The River range can be recharged almost anywhere you are, at home or outside. It is ideal for nature outings, camping or even small DIY projects outside the house.

And with four different charging modesthere is a charging option for every occasion:

• charging on domestic current,
• car charging,
• solar charging (panels sold separately),
• USB-C charging.

Intelligent battery protection system

To keep your LFP battery running for years to come, the Battery Management System (BMS) continuously monitors the RIVER 2’s voltage, current and temperature.

Home emergency power (excluding small appliances)

YOU work at home ? You are afraid of upcoming power outages ? Thanks to its AC output (300 W) and fast switching speed (30 ms), X-Boost mode will power many of your eclectic devices (computer, small household robots, small DIY tools with battery, aquarium, etc.).

The Ecoflow app

Use theEcoFlow application to control and monitor RIVER 2, even remotely. Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for use near or far. In addition, it is in French and easy to use.

View charging levels, customize settings and adjust charging speeds even if you’re not at home!

My opinion on the River 2 electric charging battery

It’s the first portable electric battery which I test. I admit to being surprised not by its size and weight, but also by the multiple options available with this device.

On wall outlet, in 1 hour it is fully charged. It then allows you to recharge all small electronic devices (phones, tablets, camera, radio, lamp, etc.).

But beyond that, and this is one of the interests that pushed me to want to test it, is that it is possible to use it to compensate for power outages for many electrical devices.

With the cuts announced for 2023, this type of charging stations is ideal for recharging your PC (in case of teleworking) or start your kitchen robot to make the meal (basically any device consuming up to 600W). But also stay connected without your phone running out of juice. I even wonder if it would be possible to plug my LiveBox into it to keep my Internet connection at home? I have to test it… Failing that, we can share the phone’s 4G. Unless the antenna relay is also cut O_o

Space-saving and quite light, it can be easily stored in a cupboard or in the cellar. And compared to a gasoline transformer, River 2 is almost silent!

Ecoflow 110W portable solar panel review

In order to be able to test all the charging modes of the River 2, but also to take advantage of the free energy from the sun, I received a 110W solar panel kit for testing. This panel plugs into the charging station via a supplied USB cable.

it is perfect for camping, for a road trip or simply for use in your garden, terrace or on a balcony.

Just like the River range, this solar panel is portable, lightweight and not very bulky.

Unboxing

Well packaged in its cardboard box, the kit comes with a carrying case (case). This also serves as a support for the solar panel.

Package contents:

• 1 x 110 W Solar Panel,
• 1 x Briefcase,
• 1 x 1.5m solar charging cable to XT60,
• 1 x User Manual.

ECOFLOW recommends the use of its own solar panels. They cannot be held responsible for damage caused by solar panels from other suppliers.

Instructions for use of the 110W Ecoflow solar panel

The case has a rubber handle and a flexible stand.

Simply open the kit, unfold it, straighten it and finally tilt it to adjust the panel for maximum efficiency (orientation adjustment from 0 to 180 degrees). Easy as pie !

Waterproof and durable

Intended for outside employment, we are never safe from bad weather, this solar panel resists the elements! Thanks to its high-strength composite construction, it is completely waterproof (Waterproof Rating IP67) and dustproof.

And if your solar panel is dirty, you can immerse it for up to 30 minutes to clean it, without any adverse effect on the product.

Technical characteristics :

• Name: ECOFLOW 100W solar panel
• Brand name: EF ECOFLOW
• Power: 110 watts
• Product dimensions (L x W x H): 82 x 50 x 3.2 cm;
• weight: 7 kg
• Warranty: 24 months
• Indicative price: €299

OUR : the charging time of your device will depend on the input power of the solar panel (strength of sunshine, outside temperature, weather, etc.).

Chaining function

This chaining function allows you to connect several ECOFLOW 110W solar panels using a solar cable. This panel coupling (4 maximum) allows you to increase the charging time of your device(s).

My opinion on the Ecoflow 110W solar panel

We must be honest, it is faster to recharge the River 2 from a wall outlet than from a solar panel alone. Allow several hours (until 6:00 a.m.) with a single kit and good weather conditions for a 100% charge

The interest here is above all its nomadic side. He is ideal for camping or a nature outing in order to recharge your charging station. But it can be a good secondary support in your garden or to save on your EDF bill. ;-D

Ideally, a chaining of several panels would be recommended. The brake of such a system and the price per solar panel.

To conclude on this Ecoflow River 2 test

The advantages of the River 2

• Small, solid and compact,
• Nomadic,
• Fast charging,
• Very very long lifespan (LFP battery),
• Can power large appliances of 600W,
• Multiple possible uses,
• Can be recharged by solar panel,
• Fair price.

The disadvantages of the River 2

• Limited autonomy, not worth a thermal group (but that’s not the goal either).

Conclusion

This entry-level River series is small but does its job. Nomad, he can be taken everywhere. This charging station ensures charging of small devices such as a phone or tablet. But it is also capable of providing enough power to overcome a power outage for a small electric heater, a computer, etc.

{Products received for testing}