I’ve tested dozens of power stations – this station handled everything I threw at it

You can divide power stations into three broad categories – small, highly portable units, huge units that roll around on wheels, and then in between, you have bulky – but still portable – units that you can move, just not very far.

I quite like this intermediate range because when I go camping or on photo/video/drone trips I can throw it in the back of a car or truck, and it will provide all the power I need for a few days.

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Recently, I used and abused one such power station: the Bluetee AC180And this unit ticks all the boxes I want from a device that can keep me running when I’m off-grid for a few days.

Note that the unit in the photos is the UK version of the AC180, but other than the differences regarding the AC outlet, it is functionally identical to the US version.

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When testing a power station for a review, I check a few key aspects.

First, I verify that the device lives up to the claims made on its spec sheet, including for power stations, battery capacity, and the load the device can handle. I’m also curious to see how the power station copes with loads exceeding its rated capacity, I want it to shut down cleanly, because no one wants a box full of high-power batteries to create sparks, spit and ruckus.

The AC180 passed all my tests with flying colors. This is a carefully crafted and expertly engineered unit that delivers what it promises.

Another strong point of the AC180 is longevity. BlueTea builds these power stations around LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which are renowned for their durability. The cells used in this unit are rated for 3,500 recharge cycles before being spent, which significantly outperforms the typical 500 to 800 recharge cycles of standard lithium-ion batteries.

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I also tested the charging claims, connecting it to an AC outlet, solar panel, and a vehicle’s 12V outlet.

For solar charging, I used a 120W Blueati Panel (also currently 33% off), which performed exceptionally well even in weak UK spring sunshine, making the power station feel close to maximum rated power. This robust, IP68-rated solar panel is the most cost-effective way to keep a power station topped up when you’re off-grid.

Safety is a major concern with regard to both electrical and thermal management. While most power stations go by without any problems, some are really hot messes that you won’t want anywhere near them while they’re working.

The AC180, as is the case with all BlueAT power stations, works perfectly, and I have no concerns about using this unit in a home, vehicle, or tent.

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Durability is an important factor in my evaluation. Despite the inherent challenges of standardizing real-world testing, I put all power stations under intense conditions for several weeks. This rigorous testing regimen includes extensive use, transportation in cars and trucks, and deliberate dropping on hard surfaces to fully assess their durability.

The AC180 performed excellently on all the durability tests I performed.

Finally, there is usability. I mean, it’s no good if you can’t actually use the power station. I look for controls that are easy to use, along with a display that shows all the necessary information without looking cluttered or confusing.

The AC180, as is the case with all BlueAT units I’ve tested recently, absolutely excels in this area as well. Its display is bright and clear, complemented by only three backlit buttons, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.

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ZDNET’s shopping advice

If I had to summarize Bluetee AC180 In one sentence, I can sum it up in three words – does not disappoint. This is a great power station and exactly what I expect from a BlueTie product.

BlueAT AC180 Technical Specifications

• Power: 1,800W rated power/2,700W lifting power (hoist)
• Capacity: 1,152Wh
• ac charging: 1,440W turbo charging, 60 minutes to 100% (silent charging at 300W also available)
• solar charging: 500W fast solar charge, fully charged in about 2.8 – 3.3 hours
• output: AC: 4×120V, Total 1,800W | USB-C: 1 × 100W max | USB-A: Total 4 × 5VDC/3A 15W | 15W Wireless Charging Pad | 12V DC: 1 × 12V/10A
• Battery: LiFePO4, rated for 3,500+ charge cycles
• Application: Smart Remote Control via BLUETTI App
• ups response time:20ms
• weight: 35.3 pounds/16 kg
• DIMENSIONS: 13.4 × 9.7 × 12.5 inches / 340 × 246 × 318 mm
• Guarantee: five years