Power stations are one of the increasingly present devices in the world of gadgets. In this case, the EcoFlow brand has just put its latest device on sale in Spain, the EcoFlow 3 River. I had the opportunity to try it a long time ago and that was my feeling.
EcoFlow River 3, power in a small format
This new charging station has a rated power 300W, but we can achieve double that thanks to X-Boost technology. A product that, accustomed to trying others from the same company with greater power and obviously larger size, caught my attention from the first moment. These are the characteristics of this device.
| Functionality | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ability | 245Wh |
| Dimensions | 255x212x113mm |
| Net weight | 3.55kg |
| battery chemistry | LiFePO4, 3000 cycles up to 80% capacity |
| UPS | <20ms |
| noise level | <30dB |
| Mains socket | 1 socket, 300 W (max. 600 W with X-Boost) |
| USB-A output | 2 ports, 5V⎓2.4A, 12W max. by port |
| USB-C output | 1 port, 100 W maximum. |
| Departure of the vehicle | 1 socket, 12.6 V⎓10 A, 126 W max. |
| AC Input | 320 W, 0-100% in 60 min |
| solar entrance | 110W, 0-100% in 2.6 hours |
| vehicle entrance | 100W, 11~30V, 0-100% in 2.8 hours |
| generator input | 320 W, 0-100% in 60 min |
| Optimal operating temperature | 20℃ – 30°C |
| Charging temperature | 0℃ – 45°C |
| Discharge temperature | -10℃ – 45°C |
| Storage temperature | 20℃ – 30°C |
| Protection | IP54 (water resistant) |
This small size and its weight of only 2.5 kilos are one of the fundamental pillars, since according to the manufacturer itself It is 30% smaller than an average station of the same capacity. It can be easily transported from one place to another, without compromising comfort. In the case of those who wish to have it in their vehicle or camper, this is a very important factor to take into account.
If there’s anything that caught my attention EcoFlow 3 River This is the short time it takes to fully charge it. Using the usual power, the charging time is 60 minutes, which is not bad at all. For the solar panel, which you have to buy separately, the time is two and a half hours, while if you use your car’s cigarette lighter socket you will do it in 2.8 hours.
As is usual with the brand, using this device is very intuitive and simple to use. For a better experience, use the application, available on Android and iOS, allows make the most of all the possibilities. More than anything, because you have a direct and expanded view of what appears on the panel. For example, what is the current consumption, the remaining time of station availability, or you can also turn off the device remotely.
An option that seems very appropriate to me is the possibility of Program the device to turn on or off. This is very useful for those using solar panels because they can configure the device to charge or activate it if you need to start a device at a specific time. A success which adequately completes an already very complete product.
Other models I’ve had the opportunity to test had something that, until now, was inevitable. When the battery reached a certain operating level, it was a bit noisy. However, This model is completely silent, It is obvious that it does not have very high power, but it is very appreciated to have this extra when used in completely normal use. Although, as you can see now, it surprised me by giving energy to a highly demanded product.
The ordeal by fire
Obviously, as a battery with this characteristic, you cannot expect to power a domestic ceramic hob, have an electric water heater at full capacity, or be able to power the tumble dryer at maximum temperature. with. It’s something pure logic, power is what governs and this device is intended for other types of use
But during all this time I have carried out several tests and, He was able to leave a 55-inch television on for an hour. When it comes to mobile devices, a great ally to charge them with energy, since it is capable of managing up to five at a time. Having it at home, in those moments when you realize your cell phones are down and your laptop needs power, the EcoFlow River 3 knows how to hold its own.
I thought a good option would be to try a program that wouldn’t demand a lot of power from my washing machine. For example, wash in cold water at 1400 rpm. Honestly, I doubted this would happen, so I scheduled this 28 minute wash and crossed my fingers.
Well, my surprise was huge when I discovered thatThe battery was able to provide enough power to complete the entire program. Obviously, with hot water this would no longer have been possible due to the energy demand, but it is proof that a battery with these characteristics is an ideal solution in many scenarios. For example, a country house which does not have guaranteed electricity, a caravan, as accompaniment during our outings, in the countryside, a garden party…
The EcoFlow River 3 is a good companion in many situationsand if there’s anything that demonstrates its versatile nature, it’s that it boasts IP54 water protection. For outdoor use it is ideal, and I think with the addition of solar panels it is a more than worthwhile investment to provide free energy.
Those who have a caravan, Through these panels they can benefit and provide themselves in this way without having to look for power outlets anywhere. Likewise, in the case that I mentioned previously, isolated houses in which there is not always electricity according to needs, there is no doubt that this is an important support.
Yes, the EcoFlow River 3 is a great option
Clearly, the North American brand is doing it again. This compact product It is an ideal solution for situations that are ultimately not demanding. For these purposes, the brand has other options. But it was a surprise to see EcoFlow River 3 achieve the best of the brand, its reliability, solvency and resistance to offer valid solutions in very diverse scenarios.
The EcoFlow River 3 is available on the manufacturer’s website at a price price 249€, And what’s more, you receive a training battery as a gift. There is no doubt that this product is a benchmark when it comes to power plants. This brand does not lack experience, which is probably the leader in power supply solutions, regardless of the power required. I have one left excellent taste in the mouth and with the feeling that an excellent job has been done.
