Latest news with #batterybackup
CNET
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Move Over Telsa Powerwall. EcoFlow Says This New Battery Is Better for Disaster-Prone Areas
Between floods, hurricanes, and brownouts, being a homeowner in states like California, Texas and Florida can make it challenging to keep the lights on. A whole-home battery backup is usually a good solution, letting you charge the battery while the power is on and then kick in when the power goes out. EcoFlow is the latest to enter this market with the Ocean Pro, which the company says is the first 'full integrated, multi-source home energy system in the US.' What that means in simpler terms, is that, unlike other whole-home backup systems like the Tesla Powerwall 3, the Ocean Pro has an "infinite backup supply." This system doesn't just rely on one energy source, like solar panels or the grid, to keep itself topped up. It can automatically pull power from a variety of sources, including solar panels, high-capacity batteries, portable generators and even gas standby generators. That means multiple layers of power backup options if one option fails. The EcoFlow Ocean Pro works with EV chargers and other home appliances. EcoFlow Technically, this isn't an unprecedented technology. Large portable power stations like the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can accept power from a gas generator, AC input and solar input, though you won't find the gas generator input on a fixed system like the Powerwall. 'Ocean Pro isn't just backup power, it's complete energy independence made simple,' said Jenny Zhang, President of North America Residential Energy Business at EcoFlow. 'We're excited to bring a powerful solution like Ocean Pro to the US. market and give families a smarter, stronger and more reliable energy system built for the challenges they face today.' Power and capabilities The Ocean Pro can be expanded to work with multiple batteries and inverters. EcoFlow EcoFlow is positioning the Ocean Pro to outperform competitors like Tesla's Powerwall 3, claiming twice the solar capacity, double the backup power and 67% more peak power. One Ocean Pro battery provides 10kWh. Need even more power? You can add a second inverter to double the system's output and storage capacity, which is expandable up to 80kWh. With 24kW of continuous output, EcoFlow says the Ocean Pro can support all of a home's appliances simultaneously, including up to two 5-ton HVAC systems, EV chargers, pool pumps and refrigerators. During an outage, the Ocean Pro has a switchover of 10 milliseconds. It's also designed for durability, with a fire-prevention module, enhanced flood resistance up to 2.6 feet, IP67 waterproofing, UL 9540B safety certification and a 15-year warranty, which is five years longer than industry standards. Energy savings The Ocean Pro can intelligently monitor energy prices to decide when the time is right to sell energy back to the grid or run your home off battery. EcoFlow Beyond just backup, EcoFlow is touting potential electricity bill savings. Through the EcoFlow app, users can monitor their energy usage in real time and use AI-powered forecasting to predict weather, pricing trends and energy consumption so it can take over running their homes during times of high peak demand. There's also smart home integration built in for thermostats, EV chargers, Apple Home, Google Nest and Alexa. EcoFlow says the Ocean Pro can give you savings of up to 118% a year on electricity costs. Perhaps the biggest selling point for those keen on saving on energy bills is that the Ocean Pro can also operate in grid-tied mode across all markets, allowing homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid once the battery is fully charged. EcoFlow is also setting up its Virtual Power Plant network, which manages the energy you're selling back based on real-time grid conditions and electricity prices. By design, the Ocean Pro will discharge power during peak pricing peak grid demand, letting your system optimize battery use and earning you additional income even when solar generation is limited. All this makes the Ocean Pro a potentially very compelling alternative to the Powerwall, though more portable systems like EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra and the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can offer most of the same backup options, including solar panels and gas generators, without needing the same costly install. They also have smart chops if you use the compatible smart panel like the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 and Anker Solix Home Power Panel. Pricing and availability EcoFlow is working with 100 installation partners for the Ocean Pro. EcoFlow The Ocean Pro already has a counterpart in Europe, called the PowerOcean series, that has 17,000 installs. In the US, preorders for the EcoFlow Ocean Pro begin on July 15. You can register on EcoFlow's official website to learn more and place your order through an authorized EcoFlow installation partner. Each installation includes a free one-on-one energy consultation, app-based progress tracking and local support. Nearly 100 installation partners have signed up with EcoFlow ahead of the launch. The Ocean Pro is available in three finishes: aluminum, walnut wood and carbon fiber. Pricing information isn't available yet, but we'll update this article when we learn more.
CNET
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Move Over Telsa Powerwall. EcoFlow Claims This New Battery is Better for Disaster Prone Areas
Between floods, hurricanes, and brownouts, being a homeowner in states like California, Texas and Florida can make it challenging to keep the lights on. A whole-home battery backup is usually a good solution, letting you charge the battery while the power is on and then kick in when the power goes out. EcoFlow is the latest to enter this market with the Ocean Pro, which the company says is the first 'full integrated, multi-source home energy system in the US.' What that means in simpler terms, is that, unlike other whole-home backup systems like the Tesla Powerwall 3, the Ocean Pro has an "infinite backup supply." This system doesn't just rely on one energy source, like solar panels or the grid, to keep itself topped up. It can automatically pull power from a variety of sources, including solar panels, high-capacity batteries, portable generators and even gas standby generators. That means multiple layers of power backup options if one option fails. The EcoFlow Ocean Pro works with EV chargers and other home appliances. EcoFlow Technically, this isn't an unprecedented technology. Large portable power stations like the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can accept power from a gas generator, AC input and solar input, though you won't find the gas generator input on a fixed system like the Powerwall. 'Ocean Pro isn't just backup power, it's complete energy independence made simple,' said Jenny Zhang, President of North America Residential Energy Business at EcoFlow. 'We're excited to bring a powerful solution like Ocean Pro to the US. market and give families a smarter, stronger and more reliable energy system built for the challenges they face today.' Power and capabilities The Ocean Pro can be expanded to work with multiple batteries and inverters. EcoFlow EcoFlow is positioning the Ocean Pro to outperform competitors like Tesla's Powerwall 3, claiming twice the solar capacity, double the backup power and 67% more peak power. One Ocean Pro battery provides 10kWh. Need even more power? You can add a second inverter to double the system's output and storage capacity, which is expandable up to 80kWh. With 24kW of continuous output, EcoFlow says the Ocean Pro can support all of a home's appliances simultaneously, including up to two 5-ton HVAC systems, EV chargers, pool pumps and refrigerators. During an outage, the Ocean Pro has a switchover of 10 milliseconds. It's also designed for durability, with a fire-prevention module, enhanced flood resistance up to 2.6 feet, IP67 waterproofing, UL 9540B safety certification and a 15-year warranty, which is five years longer than industry standards. Energy savings The Ocean Pro can intelligently monitor energy prices to decide when the time is right to sell energy back to the grid or run your home off battery. EcoFlow Beyond just backup, EcoFlow is touting potential electricity bill savings. Through the EcoFlow app, users can monitor their energy usage in real time and use AI-powered forecasting to predict weather, pricing trends and energy consumption so it can take over running their homes during times of high peak demand. There's also smart home integration built in for thermostats, EV chargers, Apple Home, Google Nest and Alexa. EcoFlow says the Ocean Pro can give you savings of up to 118% a year on electricity costs. Perhaps the biggest selling point for those keen on saving on energy bills is that the Ocean Pro can also operate in grid-tied mode across all markets, allowing homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid once the battery is fully charged. EcoFlow is also setting up its Virtual Power Plant network, which manages the energy you're selling back based on real-time grid conditions and electricity prices. By design, the Ocean Pro will discharge power during peak pricing peak grid demand, letting your system optimize battery use and earning you additional income even when solar generation is limited. All this makes the Ocean Pro a potentially very compelling alternative to the Powerwall, though more portable systems like EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra and the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can offer most of the same backup options, including solar panels and gas generators, without needing the same costly install. They also have smart chops if you use the compatible smart panel like the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 and Anker Solix Home Power Panel. Pricing and availability EcoFlow is working with 100 installation partners for the Ocean Pro. EcoFlow The Ocean Pro already has a counterpart in Europe, called the PowerOcean series, that has 17,000 installs. In the US, preorders for the EcoFlow Ocean Pro begin on July 15. You can register on EcoFlow's official website to learn more and place your order through an authorized EcoFlow installation partner. Each installation includes a free one-on-one energy consultation, app-based progress tracking and local support. Nearly 100 installation partners have signed up with EcoFlow ahead of the launch. The Ocean Pro is available in three finishes: aluminum, walnut wood and carbon fiber. Pricing information isn't available yet, but we'll update this article when we learn more.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
8 Best power banks UK for 2025
POWER banks are a lifesaver when your battery's running low and there's no plug in sight. After testing options to suit every budget, I've rounded up the best power banks that'll keep your devices charged wherever you are. 9 Keeping our devices charged used to be a real hassle, while being tethered to a wall socket or watching your battery percentage drop wasn't exactly ideal. I know that panic all too well, especially when your phone dies right when you need it most. To save myself (and you) from any more of those moments, I've tested the best power banks on the market. From high-capacity beasts to slim, pocket-sized chargers, I've put them all through their paces. The best ones deliver enough power to keep your gadgets going for multiple charges, while the most convenient models include wireless options to make life even easier. And it's not just power banks on my radar this month, I've also checked out the best Bluetooth speakers to keep your tunes flowing no matter where you are. But when it comes to staying powered up, these portable chargers are the ones you can count on. Read on for my handpicked choices of the best power banks you can buy today. How I tested I used these portable chargers daily for the last few weeks to keep my iPhone 13 fully charged and ready to go. Since my phone uses a Lightning connection, I made sure every option on this list either made the most of MagSafe or had both Lightning and USB-C compatibility. As someone who hates carrying around anything bulky (I'm not one for lugging everything and the kitchen sink), I focused on lightweight and easy pack options. Most importantly, I looked for power banks that packed enough juice to keep me going without the stress of running out of charge halfway through the day. Best power banks - tried and tested Anker MagGo Anker MagGo, £89.99 £59.99 BUY HERE Pros: Excellent battery capacity, handy battery level screen, fast Qi2 wireless charging, sturdy MagSafe connection Cons: Slightly heavier than it looks, higher price tag Rating: 9/10 Anker's MagSafe power bank strikes a near-perfect balance between size, capacity, and everyday convenience. It packs a hefty 10,000mAh battery, and delivers almost two full iPhone charges without weighing you down, though at 220g, you'll still feel it in your pocket. That said, the trade-off is worth it: it's compact enough to take anywhere, and Qi2 wireless charging took me from 0 to 50% in around 40 minutes. The MagSafe connection is seriously solid too, you really feel it snap into place, and there's no worrying about it coming off. I'm a big fan of the little battery level screen on the right of the battery pack. It's a simple touch, but makes a huge difference. There's no guessing how much juice you've got left, and it even gives you the hours and minutes it'll take to get you to 100%. Sure, it's a tad pricier than other options out there, but you're paying for quality, reliability, and smart design. It feels sleek and solid in the hand, and honestly, it just works. I've tested a lot of power banks, and this one's a clear front runner. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 220g, Wireless charging: Yes (Qi2) Anker Zolo 20K 9 Anker Zolo 20K, £39.99 £33.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in lightning cable, good size-to-power ratio Cons: Slightly chunky feel Rating: 8.5/10 The Anker Zolo Power Bank was larger than I expected, but it packs a seriously large battery. The built-in Lightning cable worked perfectly with my iPhone 13, and having an extra built-in USB-C cable made it easy to charge my AirPods and other USB-C devices without lugging around extra cords. It also has additional USB-C and USB-A ports, so you can plug in even more devices or cables when needed, which adds a lot of flexibility. With a hefty 20,000mAh capacity, it outperforms other chargers of a similar size, giving me multiple full charges and reliable all-day power. That said, it's on the heavier side, so it's better suited for tossing in a bag rather than carrying around for light travel. For Samsung users, it supports 30W wireless charging, though not an Android user myself, I didn't get a chance to test that feature. While it's not the smallest or lightest power bank out there, it's impressively convenient, especially if you need to keep several Apple devices powered up while on the move. If you want a fuss-free, reliable option that cuts down on cable clutter, this one's definitely worth considering. Anker 622 MagGo 9 Anker 622 MagGo, £35.99 £26.99 BUY HERE Pros: Very slim and light, handy fold-out stand, strong MagSafe hold Cons: Slower charge speed, gets hot when charging Rating: 7.5/10 The Anker 622 was one of the ones I was most looking forward to test-driving, with the fold-out stand and slim profile a big part of the appeal. It's all about convenience here, weighing just 145g and staying surprisingly pocketable, even when snapped onto your phone. With a 5000mAh capacity, you're looking at roughly one full charge, which is nothing groundbreaking, but enough for when you're out and about without easy access to a plug. Charging speeds aren't the fastest, especially compared to wired options or bigger batteries, but that's par for the course with something this compact. It got me to 20% from a dead battery in just over half an hour, which isn't bad going for wireless charging on the go. One thing to flag: it does get noticeably warm while charging. It's not a major issue, wireless charging naturally generates heat, but because of the thinner design, you're more likely to feel it. On the plus side, the built-in stand is genuinely handy. It flips out with ease, feels sturdier than you'd expect, and is perfect for propping your phone up. There's no display or flashy extras like the larger MagGo models, but that simplicity is part of its charm. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 5,000mAh, Weight: 145g, Wireless charging: Yes Anker Laptop Power Bank Anker Laptop Power Bank, £89.99 £74.99 Pros: Huge capacity, charges multiple devices, built-in and retractable cables Cons: Very heavy Rating: 9/10 This thing is a powerhouse, plain and simple, with a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W total output that can handle multiple devices simultaneously. The Anker Laptop Portable Charger 25K can recharge a laptop, tablet, and phone all at once, making it ideal for digital nomads or anyone who hates being tied to a plug socket. My MacBook's battery is on its way out and often runs low quickly, but this charger gives me back the portability I need until I finally replace my tired laptop. Thanks to its 165W power delivery, it can charge a MacBook from zero to about 50% in just around 30 minutes: that's seriously impressive for a portable pack. The built-in, retractable USB-C cables are a tidy, hassle-free touch, and the digital battery display is crystal clear. It's got all the right ports, too: USB-C and USB-A, plus the built-in USB-C cables, so you're covered for just about everything. Yes, it's heavy at 630g, you'll definitely feel it in your bag, but for this much power, it's absolutely worth it. I wouldn't carry it daily, but for travel, long workdays, or whenever you need serious, reliable backup, it's a no-brainer. Sure, it's an investment, but worth every penny and will be coming with me on an upcoming road trip to keep the whole family's devices charged and happy. Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A and USB-C built-in, Capacity: 25,000mAh, Weight: 630g, Wireless charging: No iWalk LinkMe Plus 9 iWalk LinkMe Plus, £21 £15 Pros: Tiny and lightweight, plugs directly into iPhone, cheap and cheerful Cons: Very low capacity, not fast charging Rating: 6.5/10 I've been using the iWalk LinkMe Plus 3350mAh for a while now, and it's a really handy little backup charger to have around. It plugs directly into your iPhone's Lightning port, so there's no need for extra cables, and it doesn't get in the way or add bulk while you're using it. At just 75 grams, it's easy to carry around without feeling like a burden and you'll barely notice it in your pocket or bag. The capacity is pretty low at 3,350mAh, which means it gives me about a 50% charge: enough to get through the end of a night out or a long journey, but don't expect it to power your phone all day. It does recharge quickly, so I can get it ready for the next time I need a boost without much downtime. Overall, it's a solid emergency option that I'd keep in my coat pocket or bag just in case, but it's not something I'd rely on as my main charger. At just £15, it's cheap and cheerful option, and it's simplicity works in its favor. Connections: Built-in lighting, Capacity: 3,350mAh, Weight: 75g, Wireless charging: No Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic 9 Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K, £69.99 BUY HERE Pros: Qi2 wireless charging, good capacity, sturdy and well-made Cons: No display, a bit bulky for pockets Rating: 8/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K is a solid choice for anyone who loves MagSafe wireless charging. At 8,000mAh, the capacity is good enough to charge most phones about one and a half times, which is perfect for a full day of power. The wireless charging is smooth and surprisingly quick thanks to the newer Qi2 standard, so it doesn't feel sluggish or unreliable. It sticks firmly to my iPhone, so there's no awkward slipping or misalignment while charging. That said, it's a bit bulky for pockets, so it's better suited for keeping on hand in your bag rather than slipping into your jeans. I do wish it had a battery level display to show how much charge is left, which would be a handy addition. On the plus side, it's a reliable MagSafe power bank for anyone wanting wireless convenience and is great for what it offers. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe (Qi2), Capacity: 8,000mAh, Weight: 205g, Wireless charging: Yes(Qi2) Belkin BoostCharge Pro 9 Belkin BoostCharge Pro, £54.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in cables (USB-C and Lightning), great capacity, simple design Cons: Slightly bulky shape, no wireless option Rating: 8.5/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is a great everyday essential power bank, with the biggest selling point being the built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. With 10,000mAh capacity, it gives me roughly two full charges, which covers a full day or two without access to a wall charger. I appreciate how the cables tuck neatly into the sides, making it easy to keep everything organised and tangle-free. It also includes a USB-A port, which is handy when charging a third device or helping out friends with different gadgets. This power bank is perfect for people who switch between iPhones and Android devices since it supports both cables. The only downside is that it's slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact models, but the extra cables and capacity more than make up for it. There's no wireless charging here, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but for me, the practicality of built-in cables wins out here. Connections: USB-C, Lightning (both built-in), USB-A, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 240g, Wireless charging: No Belkin 3-Port Laptop Charger Pros: Big capacity, multi-device support, well-balanced design Cons: No built-in cables, quite heavy Rating: 8.5/10 If you're like me and juggle laptops, tablets, and phones, the Belkin 3-Port Laptop Power Bank is a solid addition to your tech gear. It has a huge 20,000mAh capacity, and can fully charge my laptop once and still have enough power left to recharge my phone or tablet a couple of times. It has three ports, two USB-C and one USB-A, so I can charge multiple devices at once. The design is clean and minimal, and compared to other power banks with similar capacity, this one is actually smaller, which I appreciate. It charges fairly quickly too, and the display shows you exactly how much charge is left, which is super handy. A minor niggle for me is that it doesn't have built-in cables, and while most of us already carry the cables we need, it would have been nice to see a built in option. That said, it's a dependable and well-designed power bank that does exactly what you need. Best power banks FAQs Which brand is the best power bank? Anker and Belkin are standout brands for power banks. Anker is known for its high-quality builds and reliable performance, while Belkin offers sleek designs with plenty of handy features. Both are great choices that won't let you down. How do I choose a good power bank? Think about how you'll use it. If you're always out and about, go for something small and easy to carry. But if you need serious power, pick one with a higher mAh. It's also worth checking for fast charging, extra ports, and whether it works with your devices. Features like wireless charging or MagSafe can be a real bonus too. Should I get a 10,000mAh or a 20,000mAh power bank? It depends on how you use your devices. A 10,000mAh power bank is small and easy to carry, and it'll give most phones one or two full charges, which is perfect for daily use. If you're heading off on a trip or want to charge bigger gadgets like tablets or laptops, a 20,000mAh one is a better bet, it's a bit chunkier, but it'll keep you going for longer. How do you charge a power bank? Most portable chargers come with their own cable to charge the power bank itself. You'll usually see little lights that show how much charge it has, and the best ones have a clear display that tells you exactly how much battery is left. If your power bank supports fast charging, using a high-wattage wall plug can give it a much quicker boost. Can you take a power bank on an aeroplane? Yes, but it has to go in your hand luggage, not in checked bags. Most airlines are fine with power banks under 100 watts (around 20,000mAh), which covers most models. If you're not sure, it's always worth checking with your airline before you fly. Which is better wireless charger or a power bank? It depends on where you're using it, with a wireless charger is brilliant for home or office setups, keeping things cable-free. A power bank, on the other hand, is a must-have for charging on the go. If you want the best of both, look for a power bank that supports wireless charging alongside a wired connection. How long does it take for power banks to charge? It depends on the size and what charger you're using. Smaller ones (like 10,000mAh) usually take three to five hours, while bigger ones (like 20,000mAh) can take anywhere between six to 10 hours.
Gizmodo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Now 40% Off on Amazon, This Bluetti 1800W Portable Battery Is Perfect For Camping Trips And Power Outages
Just think about having a dependable, portable source of power for anything life throws your way. Whether you're camping in the wilderness, preparing for an unexpected power outage or working remotely without access to the grid and simply wanting to keep all your essential running in emergencies, a good battery back is needed, not a luxury! The Bluetti AC180 1800W portable power station is your ultimate solution with its reliable power and performance and peace of mind for countless uses! It's perfect for your small appliances and gadgets and keeping things operating during a blackout. This powerhouse is something everybody should consider having in their home. Currently, Amazon has the Bluetti AC180 listed at a record sale price of $448, down from the list price of $699 (almost 40% off). See Bluetti 1800W power station at Amazon See Bluetti 1800W power station + 220W solar panels at Amazon 11 Outlets, Solar Charging Battery This power plant utilising a 1,152Wh LiFePO4 battery can last a long time, charges fast (0-80% in 45 minutes) and fully charged in around one hour at a 1,440W AC input. So, you are always ready, getting ready to go camping, road trips or preparing for a storm. With the ability to produce 1,800W output (boostable to 2,700W using the BLUETTI app) and 11 different outlets, the AC180 allows you to hook up just about anything: laptops, devices, mini-fridges, power tools, medical devices, etc. One of the bigger selling points of the Bluetti AC180 is that it can use the sun to charge (solar panels are sold separately): The built-in MPPT charge controller can take up 500W of solar input, getting a full charge from the sun in 2.8 to 3.3 hours. For those looking for a solar setup, there is an entire bundle with a 220W solar panel available for $679 on Amazon (discounted from $1,099), which offers an additional price decrease. Besides its uses in the outdoors, the Bluetti AC180 also serves as a rugged home battery backup. Its ultra-fast 20 millisecond switchover time means you'll have no fear of not powering your must-use devices when the power goes out. It's a dependable UPS (uninterruptible power source) should you use it for sensitive electronics (think routers, computers, and medical devices). The unit comes with some necessary accessories (AC charging cable, car charging cable, solar charging cable, and user manual) so it's ready to use right out of the box, regardless of use cases. With a limited-time offering by Amazon, there has never been a better time to buy. What are you waiting for? See Bluetti 1800W power station at Amazon
