This portable power station has a standout feature that makes camping safer

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Anker Solix C800 Plus transportable energy station is presently obtainable on Amazon for $600.
• It is a highly effective, well-made energy station that delivers on every little thing it guarantees, and the tenting lights are a helpful addition.
• I simply want it was weather-resistant and the highest compartment was much less fiddly to shut.

Energy stations have completely flipped the script on how I get issues achieved after I’m off the grid. Hauling round a sturdy field full of energy has been a whole recreation changer. Plus, the flexibility to hook it as much as photo voltaic panels for a recharge? That is the form of freedom I used to solely dream about. 

However now, we have hit a degree the place, except for the model and the way a lot energy they will maintain, there’s not a lot that units one energy station aside from one other. That’s till somebody decides to shake issues up. And guess what? Anker went and did precisely that with the Solix C800 Plus, the primary transportable energy station with removable 3-mode tenting lights.

Notice that I’m testing the UK model, so the AC ports are completely different from that discovered on the US model. 

Anker Solix C800 Plus tech specs

• Capability: 768Wh
• AC Output: 1200W (SurgePad 1600W)
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 5x AC Output, 1x automobile socket
• AC Output: 120V~10A, 60Hz, 1200W Max
• USB-C Output (100W): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓3A / 20V⎓5A (100W max)
• USB-C Output (30W): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓2.5A (30W max)
• USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A (12W Max) per port
• Automobile Charger Output: 12V⎓10A
• AC Enter: 750W commonplace, 1100W UltraFast charging, 1440W max in Bypass charging mode
• XT60 Enter: 300W max
• Battery Kind: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Equipment: 2 x tenting lights (8 – 130 hour runtime), 3.3 ft/1 m retractable pole
• Dimensions: 14.61 x 8.07 x 9.96 in/371 × 205 × 253 mm
• Weight: 24 lb / 10.9 kg
• Working Temperature: -4°F-104°F / -20°C-40°C
• Charging Temperature: 32°F-104°F / 0°C-40°C
• Guarantee: 5 years 

The Solix C800 Plus, at its coronary heart, is an influence beast, filled with sturdy LiFePO4 batteries that may stash a whopping 768Wh of energy. Plus, it is received ten ports able to cost up all of your devices. It is just like the Goldilocks of energy stations; it is simply the proper dimension, packing loads of punch with out being a problem to lug round.

That stated, at 24 kilos, it isn’t one thing you are going to slip right into a pocket or be carrying for miles, however it’s gentle sufficient to haul a few dwelling, workshop, or camp.

The interface on this unit is strictly what I search for in an influence station — just some buttons to handle powering it on and off, controlling the AC outputs, turning the front-mounted LED gentle strip on and off, and enabling and disabling Bluetooth. Moreover, it is received this super-clear LCD panel that is a breeze to learn day or evening.

After I assessment energy stations, I put them via the wringer to examine in the event that they actually stay as much as what’s promised on the spec sheet — and which means testing battery capability, how rapidly the unit recharges (it takes slightly below an hour), what every port can really output, and see if the AC can deal with a little bit of overload with out freaking out or exploding. Since you have already learn the headline, you’ll be able to ensure that the Solix nailed all these exams with flying colours.

The unit can also be extremely well-built. Anker has housed the Solix C800 Plus’ industrial-grade elements and superior circuitry in a troublesome, drop-proof, unibody development shell. I can stand and bounce on this unit and it does not flex or creak or seem to be it will implode, which is nice.

However that is all fairly commonplace for a good-quality energy station. The place the Solix C800 Plus shines are the equipment hidden inside a flip-top compartment on the highest of the unit. 

Inside this compartment are two battery-powered LED lights and a telescopic pole. 

The lights have variable brightness and will be switched between candle, floodlight, or flashlight mode, and these have a length of between eight and 130 hours relying on the brightness. 

These lights recharge routinely when housed of their compartment.

Tucked in there with the lights is that this cool telescopic pole. It expands out to three.3ft (about one meter) and attaches securely to the facility station via a customized attachment level. 

The true stroke of genius is in how the lights hook as much as the pole. It is simple however good! On the pole’s tip is a steel ball, and the sunshine snaps on with a magnet. What’s cooler is you can angle the sunshine any which method you want.

This setup is unbelievable. Certain, numerous energy stations include a light-weight, however having a light-weight down on the bottom is not all the time the brightest thought. It is far more helpful to have it up at hand peak, proper the place you are working.

At first, I assumed this characteristic was only a flashy gimmick, however with the ability to elevate the sunshine from the bottom to a extra sensible peak turned out to be extremely helpful.

I am completely bought on this characteristic now!

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Anker Solix C800 Plus just isn’t your bizarre energy station; it is received a particular twist. At first look, it appears like your run-of-the-mill, sturdy energy station constructed for top-notch efficiency and sturdiness. And after a number of weeks of placing it to the take a look at, it hasn’t dissatisfied me in any respect. It is managed to energy up every little thing I’ve wanted, from kitchen devices to hefty energy instruments.

However here is the place it will get fascinating — the addition of the tenting lights. These aren’t simply any lights; they might double as work lights or be a lifesaver throughout a blackout. What’s cool about them is their adjustable brightness and their surprisingly lengthy battery life, even on the very best setting. Belief me, having lights that may transfer up from the ground to wherever you want them is far more helpful than you’d suppose.

For $600 it is a unbelievable energy station that will not disappoint and provides you with years of service.