Who is EcoFlow?
EcoFlow is based in Shenzhen/San Francisco and was created by former DJI engineers. The company currently specialises in compact electric battery banks. EcoFlow got its start with the help of a very successful Kickstarter, and they are still using the platform to create new products – for example, they are currently fundraising for the DELTA Pro version, which has already been boosted to the tune of USD 12 million. So the future of the Delta Pro is pretty certain.
What are the advantages of portable electric battery banks? Are they worth it?
It depends on what they are used for. Of course, if you are working in construction and travelling from one place to another, a fuel-powered generator will provide the most power (up to 20 000W). A portable generator is also an excellent backup power source for larger household appliances such as fridges or washing machines. One of the best features of an electric battery bank is that you can run it safely indoors, as it is clean energy and does not create noise or smoke. An electric battery bank can help to power all small electrical appliances such as a phone, laptop, desk lamp or even small tools.
Of course, portable e-banking also has its drawbacks. As they are battery powered, they have a limited charging capacity and depending on the model you use, you can get between 3-9 hours of power – a fuel-powered generator can give 8-13 hours of power from a tankful. When the battery runs down, the battery bank needs to be recharged, which then requires a wall socket or an alternative electrical charging source such as a car battery or solar panels. The sun is a good way of generating electricity, but solar panels are not always as reliable and practical as expected. To be fully effective, sufficient sunshine is needed, which is actually quite limited in Estonia.
Given the large capacity of many electric battery banks, some models weigh up to 40 kilograms, making them less portable than some smaller generators. Ultimately, reliable models can cost between €500 and €6000 depending on capacity, which is quite a considerable outlay compared to portable fuel-powered generators, which cost on average around €500 for 2000W (comparable to the output of high-quality e-battery banks). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and depending on the purpose for which the additional power is needed, an electric battery bank can sometimes be inadequate.
EcoFlow’s latest iterations of battery banks are the RIVER series, which include products such as EcoFlow RIVER pro (720Wh), EcoFlow RIVER Max (600Wh) and EcoFlow River(288Wh). Let’s delve into the details and specifications of the EcoFlow RIVER Pro review, and highlight how we see this product and the other RIVER series electric battery banks as the power sources of the future.
Overview
If you’re looking for a backup power source with an output comparable to a fuel-powered generator, Delta is for you. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something more refined and compact with similar charging capabilities, the RIVER series (specifically the EcoFlow RIVER Pro) is the right choice for you.
The RIVER Pro can charge up to 10 devices simultaneously, with three 600-volt AC outlets and three pure sine wave outlets, the preferred power connection for sensitive electronics.
Like the EcoFlow DELTA, the RIVER Pro, thanks to its patented lithium-ion X-stream technology, is capable of charging up to 80% of its power in 1 hour; a full charge requires only 1.6 hours of waiting time. This is a great feature especially for people who camp or are constantly on the move and therefore don’t have time to wait all day to charge their device. In addition to the fast charging speed, the RIVER Pro offers an extra battery and connection that doubles your charging time from 720 Wh to 1440 Wh. This means you can charge more devices for longer and don’t have to adjust your power reserves as often when you’re outdoors.
What differentiates the RIVER Pro from the DELTA and other portable e-banking products is its power for its size. The RIVER pro measures 29 x 18 x 24 cm and weighs around 7 kilos, small enough to fit in a large backpack and light enough that it doesn’t add excessive weight compared to your other tech. This is a huge advantage for those, for example, who travel with limited portability.
Even if you don’t lead an adventurous life, having a compact power source is always a big advantage, especially if you’re cutting down on power consumption or trying to live a minimalist, ‘off-grid’ lifestyle. In addition to its portability, the RIVER Pro is designed to operate in a variety of extremes, allowing it to charge in temperatures ranging from 0-45°C and discharge in temperatures from -20-45°C, which is valuable for travellers, campers or working people in a wide range of extreme temperatures, whether in the desert, beach, forest or mountain.
Like other EcoFlow models, the RIVER Pro offers flexibility in its charging. Using a standard AC wall socket, the RIVER Pro reaches full charge in 96 minutes. If you use a 12/24 volt car adapter, a full charge will take approximately 6.5 hours. Using two 110-watt solar panels in direct sunlight, you can get a fully charged battery bank in 4.5 to 9 hours; a single solar panel takes about 7.5 to 11.5 hours. Charging with solar panels is fairly simple, although it is recommended to use panels with the correct voltage and power so that they do not overload the battery.
Once properly connected, 2 solar panels can be connected in parallel for maximum charging capacity (although a parallel connection cable must be purchased separately). Whether you’re looking for a reliable source of power when on the road or a means to disconnect your equipment from the mains, the RIVER Pro’s versatile charging capabilities make it a suitable electric battery bank for a variety of situations.
In addition to its 600-watt charging capacity, the RIVER Pro is capable of delivering up to 1200 watts of power thanks to its patented X-Boost technology. This allows you to power high-powered appliances such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, electric fryers and grills that typically exceed the capacity of the battery bank. When fully charged, the RIVER Pro will maintain power for up to 1 year, a great option for those looking for a backup power source in the event of infrequent power outages.
Like the other EcoFlow models, the RIVER Pro is durable and has a cycle life of 800 cycles; when the battery eventually gets old, you can take it to a designated recycling point and keep it on an environmentally friendly lifecycle. Even with this reliability, EcoFlow offers a 24-month warranty to cover any manufacturer defects. Considering that it’s tested and certified to CE, FCC, RoHS, RCM and UL standards, there shouldn’t be many problems using this environmentally and health-conscious product.
RIVER Pro is made safe and reliable. In addition to short-circuit and overload protection, its control system also includes overvoltage protection, overload protection, overheating protection. These powers allow it to work optimally and safely, charging a variety of devices at once (such as Macbook, GoPro, Nintendo Switch and drones up to 60 W). In addition to AC charging power, the RIVER Pro offers a nice range of outputs, including:
- Car charger / 12Vdc 8A Max
- AC output (x3)/600W (over voltage 1200W) total, 120Vac (50Hz/60Hz)
- USB-A output (x2) / 5Vdc, 2.4A, max 12W per port
- USB-A fast charging (x1) / 5Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 2.4A, max 28W
- USB-C output (x1) / 5Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 15Vdc, 20Vdc, 5A, 100W Max
- Auto power output (x1)/ 136W, 13.6Vdc, 10A Max
- DC5521 output (x2) / 13.6Vdc, max 3A per port
Summary
- The RIVER Pro is made user-friendly and easy to use: an LCD display shows the remaining battery life and charging time, while at the same time indicating various connected devices, fan indicators and overload warning indicators, and more.
- RIVER Pro can be remotely controlled via the EcoFlow app (your device’s wi-fi network)
- The RIVER Pro housing can be cleaned very easily with a dry, non-abrasive cloth.
- The RIVER Pro comes with:-RIVER Pro battery bank
-AC input charging cable
-car input charging cable
-Personal charging cable and DC5521-DC5525 charging cable
-User manual
-Warranty card. - Additional batteries and solar panels must be purchased separately, although RIVER Pro is compatible with third-party solar panels.
- 3 x 600 W AC sockets and 720 Wh power: can power up to 10 devices simultaneously with multiple output options, including 3 pure sine wave AC sockets.
- Power up to 720 Wh and weighs just 7 kilograms
- Powering a wide range of appliances: can power some appliances up to 1800 W when X-Boost mode is switched on, allowing you to power around 80% of essential appliances such as kitchen appliances and power tools. To get the most out of the product, use appliances below 1200W.
- Charges 0-80% in 1 hour: the patented EcoFlow X-Stream technology allows you to charge the RIVER Pro 0%-80% in one hour and provides a full charge in just 1.6 hours.
- Double the power from 720Wh up to 1440Wh. Add the RIVER Pro extra battery to double the power from 720Wh up to 1440Wh. It’s ideal for situations like travelling, camping or group work outdoors where you need more power for more devices.
- The RIVER series battery banks also come with a small LED torch.
Charging and operation examples (EcoFlow River Pro 1 full cycle):
- Phone (11Wh): 59 charging cycles
- Drone battery (40Wh): 16 charging cycles
- Laptop (60Wh): 10 charging cycles
- Fan (40W): 12 hours
- WiFi router (10W): 22 hours
- Mini fridge (60W): 9 hours
- TV (110W): 5 hours
- PS5 (200W): 3 hours
- Coffee machine (1000W): 50 minutes