One of the cheapest power plants I’ve tested that makes road trips a breeze

ZDNET Key Points

• The Bluetti AC70 is a portable power station that won’t break your back (or cost you a fortune, since it’s on sale for $429).
• This is a powerful device, capable of producing 1,000W of power for normal loads and increasing to 2,000W for resistive loads, such as heaters and hair dryers.
• You will need the companion app to access more advanced features.

Portable battery packs have revolutionized power. Forget noisy, smelly gasoline generators or long extension cords; these battery packs are a convenient way to take power on the go.

Power stations come in all shapes and sizes, from small devices that can easily fit in a backpack to large ones that have to be wheeled around. I prefer something in between — a power station that’s large enough to power a heavy load for long periods of time but small enough to be easily portable.

Also: This portable battery station can power your home for 2 weeks!

Over the past few weeks, I have been experimenting Bluetti AC70A portable power station has enough capacity to easily handle energy-intensive appliances, such as hair dryers, electric kettles, and space heaters.

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Features of Bluetti AC70

• Power: Rated power 1,000W/Lifting power 2,000W
• Capacity: 768Wh
• AC Charger: Turbo Charger 950W, 45 minutes to 80%
• Solar charger: 500W solar fast charging, fully charged in two hours
• Output: AC: 2×120V/8.33A, 1,000W total | USB-C: 2×100W max | USB-A: 2×5VDC/2.4A 12W total | 12V DC: 1×12V/10A
• Battery: LiFePO₄, rated for over 3,000 charge cycles
• Application: Smart remote control via BLUETTI application
• UPS response time: 20ms
• Weight: About 22.5lbs/10.2kg
• Size: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1 inches / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8mm
• Guarantee: Five years

When testing a power plant for evaluation, I will consider several important aspects.

First, I verify that the unit meets the claims made in its spec sheet, which for power plants include battery capacity and the load it can handle. I also want to see how the power plant handles loads beyond its rated capacity, hoping it will shut down gracefully rather than sputter, spark, and cause a ruckus.

The AC70 passed all my tests with flying colors. It’s a well-built, well-engineered device that delivers exactly what it promises.

I was particularly impressed with the longevity of the device. Bluetti has incorporated LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries into this power station, which are known for their durability. The cells in this device are rated to be recharged 3,000 times before needing to be replaced, significantly better than the typical 500 to 800 recharges of standard Lithium-Ion batteries.

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This device can be charged from an AC outlet, solar panel, or a 12V vehicle outlet.

Safety, especially in terms of heat management, is a primary concern. While most power plants handle heat well, some are hot garbage. I expect a power plant from a premium brand like Bluetti to have no safety issues, and the AC70 does not disappoint.

Durability is also an important aspect of my testing. Despite the challenges of standardizing real-world testing, I subject all power plants to harsh conditions for weeks. This extreme testing includes extensive use, transportation in cars and trucks, and intentional drops onto hard surfaces to assess durability.

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I am particularly concerned about the overall integrity of the device. I am not intentionally breaking the package, but I would like to know if any plastic pieces or components with serial numbers on them have come loose and started rattling around inside the device.

Once again, the AC70 excels in passing every durability test.

Finally, usability. I look for controls that are easy to use, accompanied by a display that shows all the necessary information without being cluttered or confusing.

The AC70 excels in this area as well. The display is bright and clear, complemented by three backlit buttons, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.

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For me, the AC70 is the perfect “Goldilocks” power station. While I own larger units that are ideal for powering substantial off-grid setups and smaller units that are suitable for day trips, the AC70 strikes the ideal balance. It’s portable enough to be easily transported but has enough capacity to handle the needs of a small crew for multiple days. I’ve relied on the power station to efficiently charge my smartphone, camera, drone, and laptop.

The AC70’s versatility is greatly enhanced by its multiple charging options, including AC, solar, and 12V DC inputs. I found the 12V car outlet charging station to be particularly effective at keeping my devices charged, as long as you avoid letting the battery drain too much. This feature ensures that the charger doesn’t require long recharge times, which can be inconvenient when on the go.

Additionally, Bluetti offers an app to control advanced features of the power station, such as adjusting the charging speed or enabling eco mode. While I prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons, which is an admission of my old-fashioned preference, I do acknowledge the appeal and convenience that smartphone control offers to many users.

ZDNET Buying Advice

Given the high cost of power plants, the large amounts of power they store, and the dire consequences of battery failure, I strongly recommend investing in a quality unit. My experience with poor quality products from lesser-known brands has underscored the importance of choosing power plants from reputable, premium brands.

Also: This power plant has an irreplaceable emergency feature.

Bluetti stands out as one of these prestigious brands and AC70 exemplifies a commitment to quality. With its performance and portability, I can see this power station accompanying me on many adventures in 2024 and beyond.