I tested this 9-in-1 off-grid portable power station that claims a 17-year lifespan – here’s my verdict

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is a powerful yet compact portable power station, about half the size of most 2kWh units
• The automotive-grade LiFePO4 cells offer a 6,000 recharge cycle lifespan
• Despite the compact size, this unit still weighs almost 60 pounds.

I admire companies that work to make a better product rather than try to make a product that’s cheaper than the competition. And sometimes I come across a product that really shifts the goalposts in a market. 

Also: The best portable power stations to last through power outages

For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing one of Bluetti’s latest portable power stations, the Elite 200 V2, and this one redefines for me what makes a decent power station. 

First, note that I’m testing the UK version, so the type and number of AC outlets will be different from the US version. However, all the specs that I will give you will be for the US version.

The Elite 200 V2 is a 9-in-1 portable power solution that’s built to deliver a lot of power for extended periods. Bluetti has focused on durability and reliability, using automotive-grade LiFePO4 cells that have a 6,000-recharge cycle lifespan, allowing them to offer up to 17 years of continuous service.

That’s quite something. 

The unit holds 2,073Wh of power, but packs this into a portable power station not much bigger than ones I’ve used that only have half that (the Elite 200 V2 measures 13.8×9.8×12.7 inches). Bear in mind that it still weighs 53.4 lbs, so portability depends on your fortitude or how many helpers you have handy. The ammo crate-style handles on each side of the unit are solid and comfortable enough, and the abrasion-resistant ABS exterior shrugs off the wear and tear these units experience.

The four AC ports can push out 2,600W, enough to handle most home appliances that you might want to run when off-grid or when the power is out, and it can also handle resistive loads — think heaters and kettles — up to a whopping 3,900W. For your gadgets, the unit has two 100W USB-C ports, two 15W USB-A ports, and a car auxiliary port that can output 120W. 

Also: Can this cheap Amazon multitool get the job done? Here’s my expert advice

When it needs recharging, it can be done using AC or solar power. It can be fully charged in under 90 minutes and ready to go again.

I recently used this power station to run a completely off-grid “office” for a few days. Over a long weekend, it handled my satellite internet, laptop, and other gadgets with ease. I didn’t even bother with solar panels because the 2,073Wh of power reserve was more than enough for my needs. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is an amazing portable power station, packing a lot of power into a small space. It’s got enough power to run most appliances that people need to run when away from home, and enough power reserve to be able to handle being away from a recharge if your power demands are modest. 

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