One of the most versatile power stations I tested is currently $420 off on Amazon

Key points of ZDNET

• The Bluetti AC180 available from Amazon for $579 ($420 off) with a Prime membership.
• Its build offers simple functionality that delivers outstanding power efficiency.
• It’s quite heavy for its capacity, weighing around 37 pounds.

You can divide power plants into three main categories – there are small, highly mobile devices, giant devices that roll on wheels, and in between, you have bulky but still mobile devices that You can take it with you, just not too far!

I quite like this midrange because I can throw one in the back of my car or truck when I go camping or on photography/videography/drone trips and it will provide all the power. the amount I need for a few days.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Tested by experts

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using and abusing the Bluetti AC180, and the device ticks all the boxes for what I want from a powerhouse that can keep me going when I’m off the grid for a while. some days.

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Bluetti AC180 technical specifications

• Power: Rated capacity 1,800W/Lifting capacity 2,700W (surge)
• Capacity: 1,152Wh
• AC charging: Turbo charging 1,440W, 60 minutes to 100% (can charge silently at 300W)
• Solar charging: 500W Fast solar charging, fully charged in about 2.8 – 3.3 hours
• output: AC: 4×120V, total 1,800W | USB-C: up to 1×100W | USB-A: Total 4 × 5VDC/3A 15W | 15W Wireless Charging Pad | 12V DC: 1×12V/10A
• Battery: LiFePO4, rated for over 3,500 charging cycles
• Application: Smart remote control via BLUETTI app
• UPS response time: 20 milliseconds
• Weight: 35.3lbs/16kg
• Size: 13.4 × 9.7 × 12.5 inches / 340 × 246 × 318 mm
• Guarantee: Five years

Note that the device in the photo is the UK version of the AC180, but aside from differences regarding the AC outlet, it is functionally identical to the US version.

When inspecting a power plant for evaluation, I look at several key aspects.

First, I verify that the device meets the requirements given on its specification sheet, which for power plants includes battery capacity and the load the device can handle. I would also like to see how the power plant copes with a load exceeding its rated capacity and find a way to turn it off neatly, because no one wants a box full of high-power batteries to start emitting sparks. electric fire, erupting and causing a brouhaha.

The AC180 passed all my tests with flying colors. It’s a meticulously and expertly crafted device that delivers exactly what it promises.

Another strong aspect of the AC180 is its longevity. Bluetti builds these power stations around LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries and they are renowned for their durability. The cells used in this device are rated for 3,500 recharge cycles before they are considered used, significantly outperforming the typical 500 to 800 recharge cycles of lithium-ion batteries. standard.

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I also tested the charging claims, connecting the device to the vehicle’s AC outlet, solar panel, and 12V outlet.

For solar charging I used Bluetti 120W control panel, delivers outstanding performance even in the weak UK spring sunshine, giving the feeling of the power station being close to its maximum rated capacity. This powerful, IP68-rated solar panel is the most cost-effective way to keep your power plant running off-grid.

Safety, both electrical and related to thermal management, is a major concern. While most power plants operate without any problems, some are really hot garbage that you don’t want anywhere near while they’re running. The AC180, as is the case with all Bluetti power stations, performed flawlessly and I had no concerns about using it in the house, in the car or in a tent.

Durability is an important factor in my rating. Despite the inherent challenges in standardizing real-world testing, I subjected all power plants to extreme conditions for several weeks. This rigorous testing process includes extensive use, transportation in cars and trucks, and intentional drops on hard surfaces to thoroughly evaluate their durability.

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The AC180 was excellent, laughable in all the durability tests I did.

Finally, there’s usability. I mean, it’s no good if you can’t actually use the power station! I look for controls that are easy to use, accompanied by a screen that displays all the necessary information without being cluttered or confusing.

The AC180, as is the case with all the Bluetti devices I’ve tested recently, also absolutely excels in this area. Its display is bright and clear, complemented by just three backlit buttons, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.

ZDNET Buying Tips

If I had to summarize Bluetti AC180 in one sentence, I can do it in three words — doesn’t disappoint. It’s a great power plant and exactly what I’d expect from a Bluetti product.

For $579, you get a top-of-the-line powerhouse at an attractive price.