Portable power stations are revolutionizing the way we access electricity, providing a powerful, mobile solution for outdoor activities, emergencies, and everyday use.
Among these, the Bluetti AC180 stands out as a middleweight choice. For the past 4 months, I've incorporated this unit into my daily routine, testing it in extreme cold (-18C) and sweltering heat (30C). While it has delivered as promised, there are still some quirks when using this unit.
In this review, I will give personal insight into its performance, durability, and overall experience to give you an in-depth understanding of this product from a digital nomad's perspective.
Bluetti AC180 Product Overview
The Bluetti AC180 is a portable power station designed to meet a broad range of electrical needs. Whether you are camping, dealing with power outages, or simply need a reliable power source on the go. The full price of this unit is CAD 1399.00 as of the writing of this article.
The unit houses a powerful 1152Wh (36Ah) LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery capable of enduring 3,500+ life cycles to 80% of original capacity. It features a competent management system including an MPPT Controller and a Battery Management System (BMS).
The AC180 offers 4×120V/15A AC outlets, delivering up to 1800W in total, with a surge capacity of 2,700W. For something that uses a condenser, like a fridge, it can handle the initial surge in electricity.
It also includes a 1 × 100W Max USB-C port, 4 USB-A ports (2 sets of 5VDC/3A, 15W in total), a 12V/10A DC outlet, and a 15W Max wireless charging pad.
The input options are also extensive, with AC and car input, as well as a solar input accepting up to 500W Max., VOC 12-60VDC. Charging times are impressive, with AC charging taking 1.3-1.8 hours (often less) and solar charging requiring 2.8-3.3 hours.
This is not a light unit. It weighs approximately 35.27 lbs. (16kg). However, Its dimensions are 13.39" x 9.72" x 12.48" (340mm x 247 mm x 317 mm), which makes it a compact solution.
The company touts that the unit performs well in a variety of climates with an operating temperature range from 0°C～40°C and storage temperature from -20°C~40°C. Which in my experience is fairly accurate
What I Was Charging
During my extensive use of the Bluetti AC180, I put the power station to the test by charging a wide variety of devices. These include:
Three laptops
Four DSLR camera batteries
Three DJI Action 3 camera batteries
Wireless charging station
Portable battery banks
Portable internet router
Two Android phones
Multiple portable game systems
Portable lights
Bluetooth speakers
Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries
Two camera gimbals
LED flashlights
I'm sure there is much more I could've subjected it to but I was charging these things multiple times a day at one point.
Performance and Efficiency
The performance of the Bluetti AC180 generally aligned with my expectations. The unit charged devices in a reasonable time frame, although I did notice that the charging rate slowed as more devices were plugged in.
Based on the devices above I would have to charge the AC180 once every 2-3 days depending on usage. While this may seem like a lot, charging the AC180 itself is not a terrible experience.
There were a couple of instances of an "overload" error when I connected my internet hub, but this seemed to be more of an issue with the device than the power station. Interestingly, if the hub was turned on while charging, the Bluetti AC180 functioned without any error.
While the user manual advises against outdoor use, I used the unit outdoors regularly without problems. However, it's important to note that colder temperatures, specifically below 1°C, impacted the unit's performance. The charging process slowed down, and the discharge rate increased in such conditions. On the other hand, the unit performed well in temperatures up to 31°C.
The built-in fan, required for managing higher wattages, was effective and not overly loud. It's worth noting that it did kick into operation more frequently in higher temperatures.
Overall, despite a few minor hitches, the Bluetti AC180 proved to be a reliable and efficient portable power station for all of my needs.
Design and Quality
The Bluetti AC180 is noticeably larger compared to other portable power stations I've used in the past. Although I don't think its size should be a deterrent as it's not "too big" to handle.
The outer casing feels durable and sturdy. It should be noted that minor scratches, especially on the top charging pad, may become visible with regular use. Despite its robustness, I have reservations about its survival if subjected to a hard fall, which I luckily did not experience during my use.
Due to its size and weight, long-distance carrying might not be ideal for everyone. The design does incorporate two handles which make the unit manageable, even though it's not exactly lightweight.
Given its overall design and size, I would primarily recommend the AC180 as a base camp power station. It might not be the best choice for backcountry camping unless you have a sled or ATV for transportation.
Despite these considerations, the Bluetti AC180's design and quality meet my expectations for a portable power station, effectively balancing durability and manageability.
Charging and Power Capacity
One of the standout features of the Bluetti AC180 is its super-fast charging capability. I was thoroughly impressed with the charging times of this unit.
The moment you plug it in, you'll be greeted by the hum of the jet engine-like fan, creating the exciting impression of preparation for takeoff. Depending on the available power source, this unit has shown the ability to pull in over 1400 watts, enabling a full charge in less than 40 minutes.
There were instances when I returned just five minutes after plugging in the unit to find it fully charged from a 15% state. This doesn’t occur consistently, and the factors influencing it remain unclear. But it's a pleasant surprise when it does happen.
Bluetti claims a 1.3-hour charge time, but I can attest that on occasion, a full charge can be achieved in just 10 minutes. Yes I have witnesses.
I also love how there is just a standard cable that plugs into the AC180 for charging, there is no huge transformer that is attached to the cable like with other units.
The car charging cable is simply too short to be effectively. I have to have the unit in my front seat in order for the 2 foot long cable to reach. Charging via the car took up to 6 hours based on the input.
The unit's app includes a 'Turbo Charging Mode' that facilitates the drawing of extra wattage from the wall. Conversely, an 'Eco Mode' is designed to conserve power when low wattage is being pulled - a feature I chose to disable.
Power Lift mode permits the running of electronics up to 2700 watts. I never utilized any device that required such power, but it's reassuring to know the capability exists. In colder conditions, the unit charges swiftly but also tends to discharge quickly.
Despite this, I recommend the Bluetti AC180 for its stellar quick-charging capability via a wall outlet.
Port Selection and Other Features
The Bluetti AC180 is well-equipped with a sufficient number of outlets to meet my needs. However, an additional USB-C port would have been a desirable inclusion, given that USB-C cables are a staple in my device arsenal.
The unit features a reliable wireless charging pad which worked seamlessly with my phone, ensuring efficient charging of the device. That said, it's noteworthy that the unit didn't facilitate "super fast charging" unless a USB-C connection was employed.
The AC ports, while abundant, could benefit from more generous spacing. Bulkier chargers, such as those for my camera batteries and rechargeable battery chargers, obstruct the neighboring outlet due to their size.
One standout feature of the AC180 is its companion app. It conveniently displays the unit's status and allows easy toggling of features. The app is so user-friendly that I rarely found myself needing to use the settings button on the AC180 itself. It's easy to turn off the unit using the app before heading to bed, but remember, once the unit is powered down, it can't be switched back on using the app.
All things considered, the Bluetti AC180 boasts an impressive selection of ports and smart features that make it a sturdy companion for powering devices.
Final Thoughts
The Bluetti AC180 power station impresses with its fast charging capabilities, sufficient outlets, and innovative features such as the user-friendly companion app. While minor improvements such as additional USB-C ports and better-spaced AC outlets would enhance its utility, these are not deal-breakers.
The device's versatility - serving as an office-on-the-go, providing power in a hunting camp during hunting season, or ensuring consistent power supply on a road trip - makes it a worthy investment despite the price tag. If you seek a dependable power resource with smart functionality, the Bluetti AC180 is a solid choice.
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