EcoFlow Power Kit evaluate: off-grid residing made straightforward

There’s by no means been a greater time to turn out to be a digital nomad.

Many employers not named Elon Musk now supply versatile work-from-home preparations, enacted throughout the pandemic and made everlasting in 2022. Ironically, Musk’s little Starlink RV service has been a boon to distant working by bringing comparatively quick web to nice swaths of digital wilderness, even whereas driving. And for these seeking to go really distant, dozens of countries, like Spain, Barbados, Namibia, and Malaysia, now supply non permanent residency permits to digital employees of foreign-based employers. 

You may take your nomadic existence off the grid due to advances in photo voltaic panels and batteries. High-capacity batteries now cost sooner, last more, weigh much less, and supply improved security due to the adoption of lithium iron phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4) chemistry. That’s good since you’ll be needing plenty of energy if you wish to stay and work from the seashore, forest, or mountain high comfortably.

But you’ll be able to’t rely on the solar’s energy alone. For prolonged off-grid stays, you’ll want the power to replenish these batteries with no matter assets you’ve got at your disposal, be it AC shops at an RV park (aka, “shore power”), your van’s alternator, and even a diesel generator or wind turbine in a pinch. That’s the place the brand new EcoFlow Power Kits are available. 

EcoFlow introduced its expandable Power Kit collection again in June as an all-in-one turnkey resolution to simply convey energy to distant cabins and RVs. It’s meant to enhance and simplify all the pieces from planning and set up to operation in comparison with bespoke electrical programs offered right now by trade stalwarts like Victron Energy. 

In explicit, EcoFlow claims that its Power Kits can match “any van size” and be arrange “five times faster” than conventional programs. So I put these claims to the take a look at with the assistance of each novice {and professional} installers.

The novice set up was executed in an previous Ford Transit Westfalia Nugget — the van you rebuild as a result of your mother and father offered it to you low-cost — by Roel, a daily man able to putting in a light-weight swap or two. The skilled set up was executed in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — the gold normal for vanlifers — by Fabian van Doeselaar, the proprietor of Origin Travelvans.

Fabian got here away so impressed that he’s redesigning the Victron-based interiors of his customized journey vans to accommodate the EcoFlow Power Kit. It’s not an ideal system, particularly for Roel’s smaller van, however EcoFlow’s resolution has much more pluses than minuses.

Just ensure that the employer that helps your goals of escapism additionally pays effectively. EcoFlow Power Kits aren’t low-cost, with costs beginning round $4,000. And that’s earlier than you add any photo voltaic panels.

EcoFlow sells its Power Kits with a variety of configurations that may scale for various wants. The base configuration comes with the Power Hub, cables, and selection of batteries for a complete capability between 2kWh and 15kWh. 

The Power Hub is the brains of the system and supplies a central level of connectivity for the batteries and all the inputs and outputs. It combines a number of capabilities that will sometimes require their very own bins and exterior wiring. Inside the Power Hub, you’ll discover three MPPT photo voltaic cost controllers, an inverter charger, a DC-DC step-down converter, and a DC-DC battery charger. For many installations, this all-in-one strategy is a bonus, however when house is severely restricted, it may be advantageous to have a number of smaller gadgets that may be tucked into any obtainable nook (extra on that later).

Optionally, you’ll be able to add each a $499 AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel and a $349 wired seven-inch touchscreen console show for unbiased management over all your automobile’s electrical gadgets. The console is perhaps redundant for some because it simply mimics performance already included within the wonderful EcoFlow app, however others will gladly pay to have a devoted show mounted inside their van or tiny residence.

Up to 3 batteries could be plugged into the Power Hub, however you’ll be able to’t combine 2kWh batteries with 5kWh batteries. The batteries are heated, permitting them to each discharge and cost when the temperature drops under freezing outdoors with out affecting their efficiency or lifespan. Charge heating activates robotically when temperatures fall under 32 levels F (0 levels C) and consumes energy from the exterior charging supply (equivalent to photo voltaic panels), whereas the battery powers discharge heating, which is why it have to be enabled manually to keep away from surprising battery depletion.

Power Kit bundles don’t embrace any photo voltaic panels. The Power Hub is designed to simply hook up with any of EcoFlow’s personal inflexible, versatile, or transportable photo voltaic panels, nevertheless it additionally works with third-party panels (utilizing normal MC4 connectors or adapters) as long as their most open circuit voltage doesn’t exceed 150V. It helps as much as 4800W of whole photo voltaic enter unfold throughout three 1600W ports.

The Power Hub is a 48-volt system that makes use of a step-down DC-DC module to make it suitable with campers constructed round frequent 12V and even 24V programs. 48V has an a variety of benefits together with decrease present for a similar energy output, permitting for a lot thinner (and lighter) cables for use all through the automobile. 

The Power Hub inverter is able to producing as much as 3600W (7200W peak), which is sufficient to simply energy nearly any AC equipment you’d wish to set up contained in the van, together with induction cooktops and air conditioners. (Yes, EcoFlow makes a kind of, too.) The Power Hub may even energy AC gadgets drawing as much as 5000W due to EcoFlow’s X-Boost tech, which lowers the output voltage, thereby lowering the efficiency of high-wattage gadgets. It’s greatest to consider X-Boost as a security web that might often get you out of a jam.

The picture above exhibits all the EcoFlow Power Kit elements laid out like a mirror with a comparable system (with a lot smaller battery capability) from Victron Energy utilized in Fabian’s vans. Victron’s little blue bins are fantastically succesful and scalable, which has made them the go-to model for van builders all over the world. But they require information approaching that of an skilled electrician with the intention to select the best elements after which mount and wire them collectively appropriately. On the opposite hand, professionals like Fabian can fine-tune Victron configurations to the precise wants of a specific construct, which might get monetary savings and possibly even a bit house.

Some different notable options:

• Automatic Bypass mode sends externally related AC energy on to AC home equipment within the van whereas the batteries cost.
• The Power Hub’s alternator port is wired on to the van’s starter battery (which is related to the automobile’s alternator). The Power Hub stops drawing present when the automobile is idle by default, though that may be overridden within the app.
• EcoFlow’s iOS and Android app works over Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi to handle inputs and outputs with spectacular granularity.
• An built-in Battery Management System (BMS) displays temperature, voltage, and present to maintain all the pieces working safely.
• EcoFlow tells me that Power Kits work with some wind generators within the 12-60V, 30A vary to cost with DC. EcoFlow is exploring a conveyable wind turbine product for potential launch someday in 2023.
• EcoFlow sells a $1,399 dual-fuel Smart Generator that may plug into the Power Hub for emergency AC or DC charging energy. It’ll proceed to run for so long as you’ve got both propane or diesel to gas it.

Both Roel and Fabian had the identical remark upon receipt of their evaluate models: “It’s all very Apple-like.” The expertise begins with a gee-whiz unboxing that reveals nice wanting {hardware} and an app expertise that overdelivers — all extremely uncommon on the earth of van builders.

The set up advantages from straightforward to grasp directions obtainable in lots of languages, fast and informative assist movies on EcoFlow’s YouTube channel, and a 1:1 scale paper template to assist optimize placement and keep away from any time-consuming errors.

“By comparison, Victron’s manuals contain large amounts of information that elaborate on the whole system. That can get confusing, sometimes,” says Fabian. “EcoFlow’s manuals are small but explain enough to know how to install it. For many people I think it’s better.”

EcoFlow’s cables are additionally effectively constructed and labeled to keep away from any confusion. Screws and different small elements are bagged individually to maintain issues organized, and lock washers come fitted to bolts in a manner that stops them from coming unfastened and being misplaced. Such consideration to element was appreciated by each installers. “It’s very hard to make a mistake,” says Roel.

The stage of match and end on every Power Kit part can also be uncommon for programs that sometimes get put in inside cupboards or beneath seats. Even the monochromatic cables look good in comparison with the mess of wiring spaghetti wanted for different energy programs. Both Roel and Fabian would haven’t any drawback leaving some, or all, of the elements uncovered of their builds. Mounting the Power Hub out within the open permits you to see the standing lights for charging and output whereas additionally offering fast entry to buttons that activate and off the AC and DC outputs. That would possibly come in useful in the event you don’t really feel like firing up the app or strolling over to the Power Kit console show. 

EcoFlow actually nailed the rugged but refined journey van aesthetic, one thing Fabian had already adopted for his customized van builds.

Fabian is the proprietor of Origin Travelvans, a Netherlands-based builder of customized VW Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for “true adventurers and digital nomads.” His adventurous spirit and mechanical know-how are shared by his brother Mathieu, who makes rugged equipment for journey vans in Europe and the US via his firm Dutch Van Parts. The brothers are specialists in van customizations, each in and out.

Fabian acquired the most important (and costliest at $15,000) 15kWh Power Kit system for set up in his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L2H2, the workhorse panel van used all through Europe. This customized six-meter (virtually 20-foot) van is Fabian’s private take a look at automobile, the place he can stay with new applied sciences, elements, and layouts earlier than providing them to clients for costs that may exceed $150,000.

His Sprinter van was already fitted with an influence system from Victron Energy, which needed to be eliminated previous to putting in the EcoFlow Power Hub, Smart AC/DC Distribution Panel, and batteries within the reclaimed house. What you see pictured, together with all the leftover pink cabling, is just not Fabian’s last meeting, nevertheless it’s an inexpensive approximation to check EcoFlow’s declare that the Power Kit could be arrange and put in “five times faster” than competing programs.

Before making the Power Kit set up everlasting, Fabian first wants to revamp his customized aluminum cupboards to optimize the match of every EcoFlow part for simple entry and air flow. See, after spending a couple of weeks with the Power Kit, Fabian is assured that his future Origin Travelvans can be constructed round EcoFlow programs, regardless of experiencing a couple of hiccups alongside the best way (extra on that later).

The AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel is perhaps Fabian’s favourite a part of the Power Kit. First, it simplifies the set up and makes it safer by terminating all of the wiring inside a central field utilizing quick-connect wire snaps, whereas isolating all the DC and AC cable runs from one another. It has six AC positions and 12 fused DC positions, six of which you can management and monitor independently from both the EcoFlow app or Power Kit console show. Other programs (like Victron) can do that, nevertheless it’s extra time-consuming and complicated to arrange because it requires a number of modules that must be linked along with software program and wiring.

Fabian at the moment standardizes his builds round a few Victron system configurations — one for medium energy wants and one for prime — to simplify his set up course of. “But now the Power Kit system allows me to really quickly have new setups and new possibilities without having to completely redesign the distribution,” says Fabian. “And for me as a builder, it’s absolutely great. It simplifies everything. It’s a huge difference from Victron.”

The Smart Distribution Panel can also be useful to the van proprietor. Seeing each historic and real-time energy consumption for particular AC gadgets like air conditioners and induction cooktops and DC gadgets like fridges and lights may also help customers stay extra effectively with the intention to maximize the time spent off-grid.  It additionally brings many smart-home conveniences to vanlife.

The Power Kit is just not an ideal system, nonetheless.

To begin with, Power Hub placement is restricted by the size of the LFP battery cables, which measure simply 1.5m (4 toes, 11 inches). That’s not an issue for programs with much less battery capability, however Fabian’s 15kWh config has three big 5kWh LFP batteries to cable again to the Power Hub, every measuring 19.7in (50cm) huge. As such, the battery that’s furthest away goes to find out the placement of the Power Hub and vice versa. That’s most likely why EcoFlow is so keen on exhibiting its three-battery programs stacked vertically inside vans. But that doesn’t make a lot sense for Fabian’s 4×4 vans that carry out higher with the inside weight evenly distributed low to the bottom. 

In reality, Fabian says his 15kWh configuration is overkill for a typical van and is best suited to tiny off-grid properties fitted with heavy-duty home equipment. “I think if you are living and working off-grid, three batteries is definitely a bonus. But for a general system installed in a van, I think you should be okay with one 5kWh battery.” Nevertheless, Fabian plans to faucet into all of that capability to construct a propane-free showcase van loaded with power-hungry kitchen, environmental, and leisure tech.

Installation can also be constrained by EcoFlow’s comparatively massive air flow necessities that whittle away at treasured house. The Power Hub requires at the least 10cm (about 4 inches) on three sides (5cm / 2in on the left facet) to make sure correct air flow. “The Power Hub is a nice compact unit. On the other hand, it does need a lot of room for ventilation according to the manual,” says Fabian. “The Victron elements are smaller and separate, so you can find better ways to use available space.” 

The Power Hub’s high-speed followers can get actually loud as effectively. They spin up shortly after plugging the Power Hub into shore energy for charging. EcoFlow has a status for its loud followers, however that’s unavoidable with the present state of fast-charging tech. Fortunately, you’ll be able to cut back the charging amperage within the app to decrease the fan speeds, which may very well be a lifesaver if it’s good to cost in a single day at an RV park whereas attempting to sleep.

There’s additionally the difficulty of bugs. After set up, Fabian found that the batteries had been draining regardless of all of his AC and DC gadgets being shut off, with two of his batteries discharging sooner than the third. These points had been resolved via a collection of firmware updates over a interval of about 4 weeks. EcoFlow has a status for being fast to squash bugs. That’s good, however it’s a must to marvel how such apparent points allowed the product to ship within the first place and what new issues can be found over long-term testing.

Fabian’s last difficulty is a minor one. Unlike the LFP battery cables, a lot of the cables that ship with the package are just too lengthy. Fabian focuses on constructing light-weight journey vans with the intention to keep away from European restrictions that kick in above 3.5 metric tons — so each gram counts. As such, he ultimately plans to shorten the cables that run from the Power Hub to the starter battery and Smart Distribution Panel. That’s no drawback, although, because the connectors are designed to be opened with the intention to minimize and reconnect the inner wires. And that work pales compared to all the cables Fabian needed to create from scratch for the Victron programs he’s been utilizing.

With regard to EcoFlow’s declare that the Power Kit could be put in “five times faster” than competing programs, that’s true, in response to Fabian. His set up took lower than 5 hours and included a deep dive into the manuals. Fabian notes, nonetheless, that the pace declare is just true for totally specced programs just like the one he put in. If your wants are easy and due to this fact don’t require a number of cabling and configuration, then the Power Kit gained’t save a ton of time, he says.

Roel is assured sufficient round residence electrical energy to wire up a light-weight swap and set up his personal photo voltaic panels. He has no real interest in turning into fodder for the web’s promoting engines, although, which is why I agreed to withhold his final identify.

Roel acquired the smallest 2kWh Power Kit ($4,000) to put in in his 16-year-old Ford Westfalia Nugget. When EcoFlow says its Power Kit can match “any van size,” effectively, that is the campervan to show it. 

To match the Power Hub and single 2kWh battery, he needed to first make room by eradicating his grey water assortment tank, which shops runoff from the sink. He wasn’t utilizing the tank, so it wasn’t a lot of a sacrifice — however not each small van proprietor could have that type of flexibility.

The cupboard the place all the pieces is put in doubles as storage throughout the day and helps a part of the mattress at evening. That means the house can be lined by a strong shelf or mattress for lengthy intervals of time. The tight house required Roel to get inventive with the mounting brackets since there wasn’t sufficient room to comply with EcoFlow’s actual mounting directions. Fortunately, that work solely required drilling a couple of holes and attaching some bolts.

Space for the EcoFlow elements was additional infringed upon by the spools of lengthy cable that needed to be tucked into the world between the battery and Power Hub. Roel plans to shorten the cables to unencumber more room for air flow. He did minimize some air flow holes into the encompassing cabinetry, however he’s not throughout the 10cm tolerances EcoFlow recommends for correct air flow. 

Fortunately, Roel lives within the Netherlands, which has a really gentle local weather. But it stays to be seen how effectively the Power Hub holds up over time, particularly on lengthy household journeys to southern Europe throughout the summers.

To his dismay, Roel didn’t have sufficient room to put in the non-obligatory AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel. Instead, he tapped into his Nugget’s present distribution level. He hopes to ultimately discover some additional house for it as a result of he actually desires the per-device administration that Fabian is having fun with.

Like Fabian, Roel additionally found a couple of bugs with the system. He suffered from the identical battery drain points but additionally found a chilly climate charging difficulty that was patched throughout testing. A noncritical bug whereby Roel’s system confirmed 600W continuously flowing from his alternator to the battery caught at 99 % full was unresolved by the point this evaluate was printed. 

In whole, Roel’s novice set up took a bit greater than 13 hours: one-and-a-half hours to unpack and browse the manuals, six hours to determine his van’s wiring, 4 hours to determine the right way to take away the grey water tank and vogue a Power Hub mount, and about two hours to put in the Power Kit and troubleshoot.

Roel made some value calculations on the Power Kit versus a comparable Victron Energy system that will have made higher use of his van’s restricted house. EcoFlow’s system is roughly twice the worth.

Still, Roel is having fun with the EcoFlow app and what it’s educating him about his power-hungry home equipment and lights. “Normally, I have no idea how long I can stay off the grid,” he mentioned after all the pieces was related. “I have AC power now. It’s great. Overall, if I would start with a new van, then I would score it a 9 plus. But for a retrofit, it’s easier to use separate elements that you can scatter around the van in different locations. So for retrofits in a small van like mine, maybe 7.5 out of 10.”

With regard to EcoFlow’s declare that the Power Kit can “fit any van size,” Roel had this to say: “It’s big. I would say it could be a bit smaller, but that’s also because it has nearly 5,000 watts of solar power that can be connected, and you can put up to 15kWh of battery and I’m using only 2kWh. So it’s made for bigger installations. But it does fit.”

EcoFlow’s Power Kits stay as much as the corporate’s claims. The costliest possibility actually could be put in about 5 occasions sooner than present options by knowledgeable installer. And novices can match the entry-level Power Kit inside a small campervan in the event that they’re keen to make a couple of compromises. It’s additionally competitively priced on the excessive finish, particularly when factoring within the previous adage that point is cash.

Moreover, the all-in-one Power Kit has confirmed itself to be a turnkey resolution that takes a lot of the guesswork and complexity out of putting in and utilizing a battery-based energy system inside an RV — or an off-grid cabin within the woods, if that’s your choice.

The time period “game-changer” is tossed round fairly loosely as of late. But EcoFlow’s Power Kits actually have modified the sport for anybody who can afford to turn out to be a digital nomad. Prices begin at $4,000 and may exceed $15,000, however proudly owning one may very well be step one in beginning an entire new life — and that’s priceless.

Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge