This moveable energy station has a standout characteristic that makes tenting safer

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Anker Solix C800 Plus moveable energy station is at the moment out there on Amazon for $600.
• It is a highly effective, well-made energy station that delivers on the whole lot 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 accomplished after I’m off the grid. Hauling round a strong field filled with energy has been a whole sport 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. 

Additionally: The most effective moveable energy stations you should purchase: Knowledgeable examined

However now, we have hit a degree the place, except for the model and the way a lot energy they’ll 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 moveable energy station with removable 3-mode tenting lights.

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

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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
• Automotive Charger Output: 12V⎓10A
• AC Enter: 750W normal, 1100W UltraFast charging, 1440W max in Bypass charging mode
• XT60 Enter: 300W max
• Battery Sort: 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, full of sturdy LiFePO4 batteries that may stash a whopping 768Wh of energy. Plus, it is acquired ten ports able to cost up all of your devices. It is just like the Goldilocks of energy stations; it is simply the right measurement, packing loads of punch with out being a trouble 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 mild sufficient to haul a few residence, workshop, or camp.

Additionally: I examined the world’s smallest energy station, and it is a solar-charging beast

The interface on this unit is precisely what I search for in an influence station — only a few buttons to handle powering it on and off, controlling the AC outputs, turning the front-mounted LED mild strip on and off, and enabling and disabling Bluetooth. Moreover, it is acquired this super-clear LCD panel that is a breeze to learn day or night time.

Once I assessment energy stations, I put them by 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 shortly the unit recharges (it takes just below an hour), what every port can truly 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 make sure that the Solix nailed all these assessments with flying colours.

The unit can also be extremely well-built. Anker has housed the Solix C800 Plus’ industrial-grade parts and superior circuitry in a tricky, drop-proof, unibody building shell. I can stand and leap on this unit and it does not flex or creak or look like it’ll implode, which is nice.

Additionally: Essentially the most sturdy energy station I’ve examined dares Mom Nature to do her worst 

However that is all fairly normal 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 might be switched between candle, floodlight, or flashlight mode, and these have a period of between eight and 130 hours relying on the brightness. 

These lights recharge robotically 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 by a customized attachment level. 

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

Additionally: The most effective moveable energy stations for tenting in 2024: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed

This setup is implausible. Positive, numerous energy stations include a lightweight, however having a lightweight down on the bottom is not at all times the brightest concept. It is far more helpful to have it up at hand top, proper the place you are working.

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

I am completely bought on this characteristic now!

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Anker Solix C800 Plus will not be your strange energy station; it is acquired a particular twist. At first look, it seems to be like your run-of-the-mill, sturdy energy station constructed for top-notch efficiency and sturdiness. And after just a few weeks of placing it to the check, it hasn’t dissatisfied me in any respect. It is managed to energy up the whole lot I’ve wanted, from kitchen devices to hefty energy instruments.

However this is the place it will get attention-grabbing — 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 implausible energy station that will not disappoint and gives you years of service.