Bluetti AC2A

Bluetti AC2A​

I'm amazed at how often these small power stations get used at my house. I recently decided to pick up a Bluetti AC2A to try something different.



Right out of the box, it was at 63%

Let's start with some basic specs.

Capacity: 300W / 204.8Wh
AC Output: 120V/300W (2)
DC Output (Cigarette lighter style): 12V/10A (1)
DC Output: USB-C (1) 100W, USB-A (2) 5V/2.4A
DC/PV Input: XT60 connector, 12-28V/200W max
AC Input: 250V (takes a standard computer power cord)

The display is a very easy to read LCD panel with blue and grey colors. There are a couple of red warning icons in the lower left, but I haven't seen those come on yet.

It comes with an AC cable, Solar cable (MC4 to XT60), grounding screw, and owners manual.

I initially charged it with an AC power cable that I had laying around, and it charged at 129W. Normally, I would only charge a unit like this with solar, but I overlooked the DC input port type. This was not compatible with the solar panels that I already have. Thankfully, that wasn't a big issue, as I was able to order an adapter cable on Amazon for under $12. (

$12 ELFCULB XT60 to DC 8mm Adapter Cable,14AWG XT60 Female to DC 7909 Female Solar Panel Cable Compatible for Portable Power Station Solar Generator and Solar Panel(5FT)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBM4RV1L?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) Regardless, I wanted to run some tests, so I started with AC power.

A quick note on charging with AC power. One of Bluetti's top competitors, and a brand that I have multiple products from, supplies (or at least supplied) AC power bricks similar to that of a laptop on their smaller units. These power bricks would get quite hot, so I appreciate being able to connect a standard computer power cord into the side of the unit. It's one less thing to worry about misplacing, and it doesn't get super hot like the others. If I ever do misplace the power cord, I have dozens of spares already on hand.

My standard test, as this is what I like to think is my standard use case, is running my 12v fridge. How long will it last?





I started my test at 11:00AM with 100% battery. I checked it throughout the day, but decided to stop the test at 5:00PM as I would no longer be sitting beside my desk and wanted a nice even number of hours for the test. The battery had been reduced to 42% after the 6 hour test.



One thing I found interesting is that the AC2A did not register any power draw when the compressor was not running. IIRC, my other units will show 1-2W just to power the display, and around 55W when the compressor is running.

The reduction of 58% equates to about a 10% loss per hour. The fridge was not opened during the test, and it was already at operating temp; so the 10% loss was simply maintaining the internal temp of the fridge (37*F +/- 3*).

After the fridge test, I continued to use the unit for my actual standard use case....charging electronic devices without being tethered to a wall....mostly for my kids. Not knowing how much charge their tablets had to start, or how long they charged, this was a harder test to capture drain.

I did take it with us camping last weekend. The kids had fall break, so we thought we'd get out into the woods for a few days. We have 2 tents, as we found that our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids under 8) could not comfortably fit in an 8-person tent. I used it to charge my phone while running a sound machine app. Don't get me started on using a sound machine while camping. I'll just say that some battles aren't worth fighting. I was a little shocked that it used nearly 40% capacity in one night. I expected to wake up to 80% or more, but again, I've not run that test on any other units.



Our campsite was VERY close to the parking lot, so I opted to leave the fridge in the car and just grab whatever we needed when we needed it. That also protected everything from animals at night. My 1000W unit that will power the fridge for about 4 days without opening it only lasted about 36 hours with the fridge getting opened and closed constantly. So, I used the Bluetti to keep it at the preferred temp until we were ready to go.



Overall, I like the unit. The only negative thing I can say is that it doesn't last as long as I think it should. I appreciate the flat top with the carry handle that stays flat. This makes it easy to pack, and provides a level surface if you need to put something on top. It is light enough that my 5 year old can carry it around the house with his tablet in the other hand.

I also appreciate that it will get over 100W input when charging with solar. I was using a 200W panel on a partially cloud day (for the picture).



I also like the built in estimator that will show expected life at the current draw, and time to full charge at the current input level.

Oh, and probably one of the most important features to me....PASS THROUGH CHARGING. If you aren't familiar with pass-through charging, this is simply using the unit (discharging) while simultaneously charging it. The thought of disconnecting everything from a device just to charge it seems counter-intuitive to me. What if I want to go on a hike and have my fridge powered on while having the unit hooked up to a solar panel. Yeah...pass through charging is important.

Oh, and one last thing....5 year warranty!

 

https://www.bluettipower.com/products/ac2a

Normal price is $249, but it's on sale right now for $159.