Anker’s Solix C300 DC moveable energy station actually is moveable

I used to be very happy to obtain the Solix C300 DC energy station for testing as a result of it has no AC output. It can not run a family equipment, not like all the opposite energy stations I’ve reviewed up to now. Initially, you may even see this as a unfavorable, however the removing of AC energy reduces the load, measurement and worth of this energy station.

Having a 288Wh battery is similar to small energy stations obtainable from different manufacturers — together with Anker, which does have a sister unit, the C300 power station — that each one embrace AC output. A 288Wh battery won’t final lengthy with an equipment drawing an inexpensive wattage, corresponding to a TV, which lasts about three hours. You additionally lose capability within the course of of adjusting DC energy from the batteries to AC energy.

What I see as the actual benefit of this product is in its capability to energy USB-C supported merchandise. USB-C is the brand new customary, and the Anker can present energy from 4 sockets, two of that are rated at 140W, one at 100W, and one at 15W. There are additionally two USB-A sockets rated at 15W and a cigarette socket rated at 120W. The whole output of all seven sockets can not exceed 300W directly.

When travelling, with the ability to energy my units with DC is probably the most economical. My spouse’s PC, with a full battery, attracts 20 to 30 watts, and my laptop computer with a discrete graphics card attracts as much as 75 watts. To cost a smartphone rapidly, you will want 20 – 60 watts, relying on the model. Drones, digital camera torches, and different units will all cost comfortably from this DC energy station. The cig socket can simply energy a tenting fridge, drawing round 40W.

Can I run a hairdryer? No, however similar-sized energy stations won’t actually run one both, and the battery could be used up in round 5 minutes. If you need to do this, purchase a bigger energy station.

Putting the ‘portable’ in moveable energy station

The Anker Solix C300DC weighs solely 2.8 kg, making it simple to hold in a backpack for a hike. The measurement distinction is obvious on this picture, which compares it to the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 energy station with the identical measurement battery, with the Anker measuring 12.5 x 12 x 20 cm.

A 140W USB-C to USB-C cable is the one accent discovered within the field. This cable can be utilized to cost the C300 or to attract energy to cost an hooked up gadget, corresponding to a cellphone. To cost the facility station from the mains, you will want a PD USB-C wall charger, which may be bought individually. The very best mannequin is rated at 140W, however a 20W cellphone charger will work, albeit at a a lot slower charging price. Two 140W chargers (280W) may be plugged in to ship an 80% cost in 1 hour.

I duplicated this with two 140W outputs, however once I used a 60W charger and a 100W charger, each plugged in, solely the 100W charger was accepted (not 160W). I’m assuming each chargers have to be the identical wattage. If it’s essential purchase a 140W charger, take into account that they retail for about $120, so take this into consideration when buying. If weight and measurement aren’t any challenge, the Anker C300 AC mannequin sells for $399 and features a mains energy twine for charging.

Powering the C300 will also be completed via an optionally available cigarette lighter automotive plug or by utilizing a 100W photo voltaic panel, each of which take round 2.5 hours. I’d have appreciated to have seen assist for 200W photo voltaic panels, that are rather more frequent however heavier.

A pop-up mild with three brightness settings, drawing lower than 3W, makes the Anker a useful device at a campsite, not just for charging your units but in addition for offering mild at evening.

For those that need to monitor their energy station, Anker provides an app that connects to the facility station by way of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, permitting you to trace enter and output energy by socket and remotely management the cigarette lighter socket and light-weight. Similar data and management can be found on the unit itself.

Anker Solix C300 DC energy station worth and availability

The Anker Solix C300 DC energy station is available from Anker for 9 (on sale for 9 on the time of writing). After testing, it has earned its rightful place in my tenting and caravanning setup, and can assist preserve our USB-C units charged on the go.