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Trying to wrap your head around the specs and terminology used to describe portable power stations can get confusing — or overwhelming.
This concise but comprehensive ultimate guide explains each and every specification given for our portable power stations.
We break down the concepts behind the numbers one by one. — and explain why you should care.
No more facepalms while trying to decipher our specs…
Instead, breathe a sigh of relief — safe in the knowledge you’ve made the right decision for your off-grid electricity needs.
Read on to learn all about our portable power station specs — and what they mean for you.
Specifications for EcoFlow Delta Pro
We’ve chosen our flagship portable power station (PPS) for this article: DELTA Pro.
DELTA Pro is our most expandable and highest output PPS — it’s got some specs that don’t apply to smaller portable power stations like the RIVER 2 series.
However, the principles behind the specs remain the same across all of our portable power stations.
You can use this guide for reference for any EcoFlow portable power station you’re interested in.
Capacity
Capacity indicates the maximum amount of electricity a portable power station can store in its battery when fully charged. If you allow your portable power station to discharge completely before recharging, the capacity is the maximum amount of electricity you can consume. Battery storage capacity is measured in watt-hours (wH) or kilowatt-hours (kWH) — just like you’ll find on your electricity bill.
Portable power stations can operate while recharging – for example, when using solar panels. You don’t have to wait for the battery to recharge for the PPS to function. Additionally, every current EcoFlow portable power station (except the DELTA Max) uses LiFePO4 battery chemistry, which supports deep cycles (fully charging/discharging) without nearly as much impact on performance and lifespan as other battery types.
Extra Battery
Extra Battery indicates if a portable power station’s storage capacity can be expanded by purchasing additional batteries — and by how much. Only DELTA 2, DELTA Max, and DELTA Pro portable power stations are currently expandable. You can add up to two DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries or chain two DELTA Pros together using the Double Voltage Hub to add up to four extra batteries and increase your electricity storage capacity to 25kWh.
AC Output
AC Output indicates the maximum number of watts (electricity) the portable power station can deliver on-demand simultaneously. If any appliance you want to operate exceeds the AC output, the PPS can’t run it. Similarly, the total wattage of all the appliances you want to operate at the same time can’t exceed the maximum AC output — in this case, 3600W.
Surge Power: Many high-wattage appliances require more watts to start than they do to run. The starting and running watts on most devices will be listed on the manufacturer’s label. If listed, the starting wattage will always be higher than the running wattage — sometimes up to double.
It’s crucial to consider the starting wattage requirements of the appliances you want the PPS to run. If they exceed a PPS or generator’s maximum surge power, you won’t be able to turn them on. All of EcoFlow’s portable power stations offer proprietary X-Boost technology, which provides a short burst of up to double the AC output to get high-wattage appliances up and running. DELTA Pro can deliver surge power (starting wattage) of up to 7200W.
Max Device(s) Power Supported by X-Boost
Max Device(s) Power Supported by X-Boost refers to the total wattage of appliances the PPS can support using X-Boost. Not only does X-Boost supply surge power, it automatically reduces the amount of operating electricity used by higher-wattage appliances, allowing them to run in lower power conditions. Technically, X-Boost does not increase the rated AC output of the PPS. But thanks to intelligent power management, it allows you to operate appliances with a total running wattage of up to 2400W.
USB-A Output
USB-A Output indicates the number of USB-A ports on the unit. This spec also lists the maximum volts, amps, and watts provided for each port.
USB-A was the original USB protocol, and it’s still used to charge older and low-wattage devices. Today, it’s more commonly used to connect computer peripherals like a mouse or keyboard that don’t require battery charging. <H3> USB-A Fast Charge
USB-A Fast Charge ports output a greater wattage than standard USB-A. A fast-charging cable enables compatible USB-A-powered devices to charge more quickly when plugged into one of these ports. USB-A and USB-A Fast Charge ports and cables look identical, but the cables are typically labelled as “fast charging” on the package or in the product description. This spec again indicates the number of ports and the maximum power output for each.
USB-C Output
USB-C Output refers to the number of USB-C ports on the device, the combinations of volts and amps supported, and the maximum watts per port.
USB-C cables are used to charge most modern smartphones and many other personal electronic devices. According to MakeUseOf: “More than 700 technology companies, including Apple, Google, Intel, and Microsoft, collaborated on USB-C’s initial design and adoption. USB-C is truly universal and will not fade into obscurity.”
Again, this spec indicates the number of ports and the electricity output for each.
Car Power Output
Car Power Output indicates the car outlet’s maximum volts, amps, and wattage output. Typically, you would use this to power RV appliances and other portable devices designed to operate using the DC power outlet of a motor vehicle (often referred to as the “cigarette lighter” plug.
DC5521 Output
DC5521 Output refers to the output capacity of the DC5521 port on the unit. DC5521 plugs are also known as barrel plugs. This outlet charges or operates smaller electronics that run on DC electricity, including many devices designed for use in cars, RVs, or other vehicles. Some mobile WiFi routers also accept DC5521 – DC5525 DC input. If using a DC5521 cable is an option for your device, you can avoid energy loss from DC to AC inversion.
Anderson Port
Anderson Port indicates the voltage and amps delivered by the Anderson port on the DELTA Pro. An Anderson port is a high-voltage DC outlet commonly used to power the circuitry of RVs and camping trailers.
AC Charging Input
AC Charging Input indicates the maximum amount of electricity a portable power station can use to recharge using a standard AC (household) outlet. The Delta Pro is the only EcoFlow portable power station capable of handling 3000W/240V input, allowing you to recharge your PPS at an electric vehicle (EV) charging station.
Solar Charging Input
Solar Charging Input indicates the maximum amount of solar power the PPS can convert and store as AC electricity. As a result, the solar charging input also dictates the maximum rated power (and number) of solar panels you can connect. There isn’t a minimum rated power wattage for solar charging, but you can’t exceed the maximum charging input by connecting more panels. If you do, you won’t generate any additional electricity; in some cases, you may damage the PPS.
You can, however, double the DELTA Pro’s solar charging input to 3200W by chaining two DELTA Pros together using the Double Voltage Hub. This allows you to connect up to 8 x 400W Rigid or Portable Solar Panels — or any combination of compatible PV panels that doesn’t exceed 3200W of total rated power.
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Car Charging Input
Car Charging Input indicates the voltage and amperage of car batteries that can recharge the DELTA Pro. 12 or 24V batteries are standard in most cars, RVs, and other vehicles.
Battery Chemistry
Battery Chemistry indicates the type of battery used in the PPS. All current EcoFlow portable power stations utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) batteries, except the Delta Max, which uses a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad battery).
LiFePO4 batteries are the latest innovation in Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery technology. LFP batteries are more compact, energy-dense, and longer-lasting than other battery types. LFP batteries also don’t use cobalt — an essential element in other Li-Ion batteries — which is often sourced unethically.
Cycle Life
Cycle Life indicates the number of total discharges and recharges a battery can provide before diminishing in performance. Unlike other battery types, LiFePO4 batteries don’t degrade over time. The number of cycles it can provide is its best indicator of longevity. DELTA Pro’s LFP battery can cycle 3,500 times before reaching 80% of its original storage capacity and 6,500 times before it reaches 50%. Reduced capacity doesn’t mean the battery won’t function — it just won’t last as long between charges.
With regular daily use, you can expect the DELTA Pro to operate for 5-10 years before any noticeable decrease in performance. Depending on your usage, it can last even longer.
Connection
Connection: All current EcoFlow portable power stations (and many other products) offer remote monitoring and control via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Download the EcoFlow app for your smartphone and operate the DELTA Pro from anywhere with an internet signal. If you’re near the PPS, Bluetooth works too.
Net Weight
Net Weight indicates how much the portable power station weighs in pounds and kilograms. Generally, devices from the same manufacturer with a higher capacity will be heavier. The weight of portable power stations and generators with similar capacity to DELTA Pro can differ significantly between manufacturers.
Dimension
Dimension refers to the unit’s physical size. Use this spec to determine how much space it will consume (volume). As with weight, models from the same manufacturer with a greater capacity tend to take up more space. However, the volume of portable power stations and generators of similar capacity from different manufacturers can vary dramatically.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all off-grid power solution that’s right for everyone.
Understanding the basics of solar and battery backup power solutions
is essential to make an informed purchase decision.
Whether you’re looking for a compact solution for your next camping trip or power your whole home, EcoFlow has you covered.
Check out our portable power stations, solar panels, and power kits today!