Bluetti AC200P Power Station Review: Clean, Green, and Heavy

PROS:


  • Can be charged using solar power only

  • Includes two wireless charging pads

  • Has enough power for small appliances

  • LCD touch display for information and controls

CONS:


  • Very heavy

  • Separate power adapter

  • Single 60W USB-C port

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Bluetti AC200P offers excellent value for those who need portable or emergency power that doesn't put an additional burden on the environment.

The need for emergency power generators has never been greater. Erratic weather patterns, natural and man-made disasters, and power shortages all seem to conspire to make these generators a staple in every home. At the same time, people have started to appreciate the great outdoors even more. Camping and glamping have become trendy, both of which require power to support many modern amenities, especially smartphones. Typical fuel-chugging generators, however, can no longer be trusted because of the dangers they pose not just to people but also to the planet. A new breed of battery-powered generators has risen to the challenge of delivering safe and sustainable convenience, no matter the situation. The Bluetti AC200P is one such power generator, and we gave it a test drive to see if it checks all the right boxes.

Designer: Bluetti

Aesthetics

The Bluetti AC200P isn’t going to win any beauty pageant, and expecting it to be stylish and elegant is missing the point entirely. It’s not ugly, just to be clear, but its appearance is informed totally by its purpose. It is, after all, a power generator that is expected to experience some rough handling, even when just at home. It is designed to be durable, rugged, and, most importantly, well-protected against accidents that could damage the battery inside and potentially lead to a disaster.

The AC200P comes as a very large box that definitely looks the part of a rugged piece of equipment. At 16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches (42 x 28 x 38.65cm), it is no dwarf, and its 60.6 lbs (27.5kg) weight is no laughing matter. It almost looks like a large speaker or amp, but it’s definitely less portable than those given what it’s packing inside.

The silver aluminum frame contrasts nicely with the flame-retardant ABS plastic that covers all the power generator’s sides. The front, sides, and top faces have diagonal ridges that further emphasize the device’s rugged design. Four rubber feet at the bottom keep the entire thing from slipping on smooth surfaces, not that its weight would make that likely to happen. Molded handles on each side at the top try to make it easier to carry the AC200P, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a heavyweight.

All of the interesting parts of this Bluetti power generator are on the front, where almost all but the two input ports can be found. All these openings are covered with rubber flaps, further protecting them from dust, moisture, and liquids, banishing any remaining doubt about the ruggedness of this device. Smack in the middle of the ports is a colorful LCD screen that not only displays information but also allows users to change the generator’s settings.

At the end of the day, the AC200P’s looks are a perfect match to its purpose. Rugged and utilitarian, it doesn’t spare any room for unnecessary embellishments that might get in the way of its use. A straight-out box with no protruding parts, this power generator is meant to be stuffed in places, hidden from view, and at times even forgotten, at least until the next power outage or camping trip requires its presence.

Ergonomics

The Bluetti AC200P is easy to use yet also a bit of a pain to set up. The biggest factor that weighs it down is its own weight. For something billed as a portable generator, it takes a great deal of strength to carry this contraption from one place to another. That’s a bigger problem when it will be packed with some camping gear for a few days outdoors, not so much at home where it can stay in one place for long periods of time. Bluetti’s larger power generators do have wheels, but this earlier model is completely dependent on muscle power than physics to go from one place to another.

Each of the ports on the power generator has its own rubber cover. On the one hand, that’s a necessity for protecting the entry points of these ports. On the other hand, that also makes it cumbersome to use those ports, seeing as how you’ll need to uncover and cover them individually every time. You could leave the ports uncovered, of course, but you’ll still have to raise the flap to expose the ports.

Fortunately, all of the most used ports are in the front, so you won’t have cords sticking out on every side. The placement of these ports, as well as the wireless chargers on the top, are conveniently placed, ensuring easy plugging and unplugging, save for those rubber flaps. The input ports for the AC adapter and solar panels, however, are on the left side of the AC200P. It’s a double-edged sword that does keep input separate from output at the expense of expanding the power generator’s total footprint when in use.

A word has to be said about that AC input option that requires the use of the included power adapter. Despite its size and bulk, that power brick isn’t built into the generator. It might be due to some power efficiency or heat management, but it also means there’s a part that could be forgotten or even lost. It’s not a complete deal-breaker, but it does affect the power generator’s overall usability.

Performance

The Bluetti AC200P contains a 2,000Wh battery with a 2,000W output and a surge of 4,800W. In practical terms, this means that the power generator will be able to run a wide range of small home appliances, including blenders, coolers, radios, and more. It can even power car refrigerators or even low-wattage microwaves and hairdryers, but it really all depends on how power-hungry they are. The biggest consideration is that, while there are six AC outlets, they all share that same 2,000W of power.

Electronic devices like smartphones and laptops, however, will most likely use the DC connections instead. There are a variety of options here, but the majority are occupied by four 5V/3A USB-A ports. There is a single USB-C port and it’s capable of dishing out 60W of power. While that’s plenty for smartphones and tablets, needier laptops won’t be satisfied by this. Those devices will just have to compete with other appliances for one of those AC outlets. There are also two wireless charging pads on the flat surface of the AC200P’s top, each capable of putting out 15W.

When it comes to charging the power generator itself, there is also some flexibility available. The most direct and admittedly the fastest is through that AC adapter that, as mentioned, exists as a separate accessory you’ll have to bring with you all the time. This method tops you up to full in just four hours, which is ideal if you’re in a rush. When you’re outdoors and are confident about your car’s tank, you can even slowly charge it via the typical car charger.

The most environment-friendly is, of course, using solar panels, though that will take some time as well. If, however, you reach the peak 700W input with multiple solar panels, your total time will actually be faster at around three hours. You can also combine both solar and AC charging at the same time for a maximum of 1,100W input to shorten the charging time even further.

The AC200P’s LCD display is a convenient way to easily see important information, especially thanks to a high-contrast scheme and an always-on backlight. Unfortunately, the latter means that this screen also sips up some of the battery that could be used by connected devices instead. It’s also a touch screen, so all of the operations for driving the power generator can be found here. It definitely doesn’t get easier than this, though it would have probably been easier if you could control all those from a smartphone as well.

Sustainability

The biggest benefit of these portable power generators over traditional fuel generators is the use of a battery. Specifically, most of them use a lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 battery that also finds its way into electric vehicles. It’s a type of battery that’s known for its safety, reliability, and longevity, which are pretty much the most-desired properties for an emergency power backup.

With a battery inside, you won’t have to scavenge for gasoline to survive as long as you eventually get the generator charged one way or another. More than just convenience, this means that using the generator doesn’t further the planet’s demise, directly or indirectly. It also means that it’s safe to use indoors and also quiet, making it an excellent home power backup that you can leave running overnight if necessary.

The Bluetti AC200P’s real sustainability pull is the ability to be totally green if you really want to. The generator can be charged using solar panels only, which frees you from having to look for non-existent AC outlets when out in the wild. This also means you don’t have to rely on fossil fuel burned by power grids just to charge your battery. Whether you just want to live in a sustainable fashion or you want to journey off the grid, this semi-portable power generator has you covered. Sure, those solar panels will be quite an investment and take up a lot of space when completely laid out, but they will easily pay for themselves over time, especially when you’re trying to live a green life.

The one thing that keeps the AC200P from earning a perfect score is that its construction and build aren’t sustainable themselves. Aside from aluminum, there are plenty of plastic and rubber to go around, materials that don’t exactly translate to being eco-friendly. It’s understandable that Bluetti chose to focus first on durability and ruggedness at this point in the company’s history. The portable power generator market is quite young, so we’ll hopefully see some improvements towards sustainability as the industry grows.

Value

Given the rather rapid growth of the battery-powered generator market in the past two or so years, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of options already available in the market today. Even this Bluetti AC200P is actually one of the company’s older models from last year, and its age shows in the absence of some features like remote control via smartphones. At the same time, the myriad choices available and quick turnout of new generators means that it’s also harder to pick a solid and reliable option. Fortunately, the AC200P has stood the test of time.

At $1,599 (normally $1,699), the Bluetti AC200P offers the standard features of a somewhat portable power generator. The weight might be an issue for those who constantly move around, but the generator is perfect for a stationary emergency power source at home. The 60W USB-C might be a bit disappointing, but most laptops still use a proprietary power brick anyway. The separate AC adapter requires extra attention, but that might only be a problem when you’re bringing the generator outside.

Those nitpicks are very minor, and the AC200P still gets the job done with minimum fuss. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re a bit cash-constrained and don’t have time to save up for a newer but pricier model. Even after a year since it launched, it still has great value, especially with its current price cut. It has the perfect balance of features, though you might want to come up with a way to give it some wheels if you find yourself constantly moving it around.

Verdict

We have become terribly dependent on electronic devices and, in consequence, on electricity. That means that we’re also burning fuel at an alarmingly faster rate, and power from renewable sources isn’t able to catch up with the demand. Things take a turn for the worse when the power grid fails us or when we travel off the grid, leaving us scrambling for ways to keep the lights on or to keep phones and laptops powered up.

The Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Generator is one such solution that offers great value during those dark times. It has enough power to run essential appliances and charge critical devices without going overboard and burning a hole through your pocket in the process. More importantly, it offers the option to survive completely off the grid and in a sustainable manner, borrowing some power from the sun to power through disasters or camping trips. Safe, clean, green, and a little hefty, the AC200P lets you enjoy the conveniences of modern life even during an emergency without feeling guilty that you’re endangering lives, both the planet and yours.

The post Bluetti AC200P Power Station Review: Clean, Green, and Heavy first appeared on Yanko Design.

This solar panels covered electric car solves the charging time issues of its competitors!

The world is in a health crisis and we are hoping to solve that with a vaccine. But there is another one already knocking at our door – the climate crisis and for that, we need to make changes to our lifestyle. One of the industries making spearheading this change is the automotive industry, they are responsible for a lot of pollution and by switching to electric vehicles we can make a reasonable difference. Aptera is not only a part of this positive wave of change, but it is also the first car that is built like a reverse tricycle!

Steve Fambro started Aptera with the goal of a mobility solution that could overcome electric vehicles’ most glaring problems — range and charge times. The hood, roof, and dash are covered in solar panels to charge on-the-go which extends the car’s range and reduces charging time when you need to make a pit stop. It boasts of a massive 1,000-mile range, of course, keeping in mind it depends on how sunny it is where you live but even if it has a 500-mile range it is an achievement. Aptera was designed to be lightweight and ultra-aerodynamic without compromising on performance, it can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4 seconds.

Its aesthetics almost remind me of the flying cars in the Jetsons cartoons – sleek and smooth like an airplane for the road. Aptera wanted to deliver efficiency – in manufacturing as well as performance. Even though it is lightweight, it is super safe and claims to have one of the strongest safety cells of any vehicles on the road. Aptera could help its user reduce their carbon footprint by over 14,000 pounds of CO2 per year!

Designer: Aptera Motors

 

This portable solar panel will charge your mobile faster than a regular power socket

It’s a solar panel that’s designed and engineered to charge your phone, tablet, DSLR, drone, or even your 14W laptop. It does so at a speed faster than plugging your device into a wall socket, and most importantly, it’s portable. Rapid Sol set itself on a mission in 2016 to help harness the power of the sun as a truly free and reliable source of energy. Even back in 2016 the Rapid Sol Gen 1 was proved to be faster and better than a traditional 1amp plug point, and now, three years later, Rapid Sol Gen 2 continues to hold that title, despite breakthroughs in phone batteries and fast-chargers. The Rapid Sol Gen 2 is your unlimited power-source outdoors. Tapping into free and omnipotent solar power, Rapid Sol Gen 2 lets you charge all your gadgets on the go. Its portable design fits three flexible solar panels as well as a 3700 mAh battery pack right into your pocket, letting you power your devices anywhere you may be.

Over the years, the team behind the Rapid Sol have continued to perfect their solar panel technology. The Gen 2 features highly durable Monocrystalline Semi-Flex solar panels encased in a ballistic nylon case that keeps the panels water-resistant and completely dust-proof. Sitting above the panels is a rugged 3700 mAh bright-red battery pack with a 2.7 amp USB-C output and a split-cable that lets you charge up to 3 devices simultaneously while being conventionally faster than most other charging adapters. The Gen 2 even comes with an LED battery indicator, as well as eyelets on the top to help you secure the solar panels to your bag while traveling.

I’d be severely undercutting the abilities of the Gen 2 if I said it was just for the avid traveler. The Rapid Sol Gen 2 isn’t just for the outdoorsy types, it’s for anyone who wants to tap into the abundance of free solar power. Whether you’re on an outdoor shoot with a USB Powered drone that needs frequent charging, or you find yourself spending a lot of time commuting or on the roads, or if you’d like to have a source of power in an emergency power outage, the Rapid Sol Gen 2 is a portable, flexible, durable, and very capable solution to your power-woes!

Designers: Samraat Ghosh, Ricardo Zapata, Evolution Wear, SEG UNIVERSE & SuncoreSolar

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $150 ($61 off). Hurry, only 3/85 left! Guarantee delivery of the first 2000 units by December.

Rapid Sol Gen 2 – Fast Solar Charging in your Pocket

The Rapid Sol Gen 2 by Evolution Wear is the verified fastest solar charger on the market. It’s portable and engineered to charge your phone, tablet, DSLR, action cameras, drone, or even your 14W laptop.

Tech Specs:

– 7.5W 24% Raw Grade A Silicon 22.5% Fully Encapsulated SunCore Wafers Custom built for Evolution Wear®
– 5V 2.7 AMP USB C Output
– 3700 MAH Battery 3.7v
– 1LB weight

Demo (raw video)

Time lapse real charging (raw video)

Sleek design that fits seamlessly in your life.

Ultra durable.

The Panel is fully water resistant.

Onboard flashlight.

Charges all your mobile devices.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $150 ($61 off). Hurry, only 3/85 left! Guarantee delivery of the first 2000 units by December.

Apple Looks Into Induction, Motion and Solar Charging for iWatch

Apple iWatch Charging Methods

The latest rumors surrounding Apple’s yet to be officially announced iWatch refer to the charging options this smartwatch could come with.

Not long ago, it was rumored that Apple hired a team of medical tech experts to work on a health-focusing Fuelband-inspired iWatch. Now, the company is reportedly analyzing the ways their smartwatch could charge, and the options include induction, motion and solar charging. If these rumors were true, it would mean that Apple is finally bringing something revolutionary to the table. All of these charging methods take a turn from the traditional ways that typically involve cables and power sockets, and suggest that Apple could be thinking of a waterproof design.

Battery life is indeed one of the greatest concerns of anyone buying a mobile product, be it a smartwatch or a tablet. From this point of view, Samsung Galaxy Gear turned out to be a disappointment, and maybe this is exactly what Apple stakes on. Pebble’s e-Ink display is at the other end of the specter, but I doubt that such a fancy company as Apple would ever make a smartwatch with an e-Ink display. Still, considering last year’s patent application, it’s pretty certain that the iWatch will have a curved screen. Knowing how power hungry todays gadgets are, minimizing the power consumption of the display would be a great deal that could help Apple differentiate itself from the competition.

Inductive, motion and solar charging would mean that people could actually forget about charging their iWatch. On top of that, data collected by the motion sensors would be entered in Healthbook, an app that Apple is reportedly working on. This means that the iWatch could determine our fitness levels by the way we move our hands. Rumor has it that this app will be integrated in the next mobile operating system made by Apple, iOS 8.

Considering that back in 2008, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak told The Telegraph that “Apple’s future could lie in an ‘iWatch’,” and six years later that product has yet to materialize, I’d say that this company is moving at a snail’s pace. In April 2013, a board member brought up the word “watch”, but I’m pretty certain that the context was something among the lines: “Man, look at that [insert name of tech company that launched a smartwatch here] watch!”

If you liked this post, please check the initial rumors about the iWatch and the VACHEN app powered Android smartwatch.

Sunshine Solar Charger Doesn’t Look So Utilitarian While Doing Its Job

Sunshine-Solar-Charger

Charging your gadgets with the power of the sun is an increasingly enticing activity, given our society’s concern for all things green. But it’s not because you’ve got a bunch of solar panels that things have to look drab and utilitarian in the process. The Sunshine Solar Charger livens things up a bit by attempting to look like a bouquet of flowers in a pot, with 5 charging panels filling up an integrated 2,600mAh battery that will then transfer its stored sun-power to your device once you connect it.

The Sunshine is made of 45% bio-based material derived from plants not oil. As a consequence this products reduces CO2 emission by 35% compared to a products that is entirely made of plastic. Leading to carbon footprint reduction. The biomaterial is made of Corn residue, therefore naturel color shades and deviations may occur, but this do not affect the function.

The pictures look like CG renderings so we’re not 100% sure the product exists, but you can try to order it from the website for €89.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ HolyCool ]

Sticks of light save your snowbound night

For those about to camp in dangerous or otherwise unsettling environments, remember that you’ve always got LED lamps on your side. In this case is via Kairi Eguchi’s design LET Touch Stick, a device which breaks up into parts for easy carrying and otherwise provides solar-charged sticks of light for safety. These lights are able to stay on all night or blink off and on throughout the night so you can safely be rescued by the forces that be from your long-lost place of snow-bound camp.

This design is made to be both easily packable and easy to use in emergency situations. As Eguchi notes, you’ll want to leave the charging panels revealed to the sun all day long, then toss your lights out at night if you do so happen to come into an emergency situation. And for those of you looking to get some extra use out of these lovely beasts if you’re not in trouble – just flip em on in your tent!

Designer: Kairi Eguchi

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(Sticks of light save your snowbound night was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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