Portable Power Stations and Portable Batteries

What is a portable power station?

It is a large lithium battery fitted with an inverter: it stores electricity and delivers it as 230 V (mains outlets), USB-C, USB-A and 12 V. Unlike a generator, it makes no noise or fumes and can be used indoors, in a tent or inside a car. It recharges from a mains outlet, from a vehicle's 12 V socket or with portable folding solar panels.

How to choose your portable power station

Two figures are all you need to choose:

• Capacity, in Wh: the amount of energy stored. It determines how long your devices will run. To estimate runtime, divide the capacity by the device's power, then subtract about 15% for losses: a 100 W device runs for about 8 h on 1,000 Wh.
• Output power, in W: the largest appliance you can plug in. It must exceed the power of your most power-hungry appliance (kettle, coffee machine, induction hob, power tool).

Also look at the battery chemistry: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) withstands several thousand cycles and ages much more slowly than NMC lithium. Some power stations accept expansion batteries so you can increase capacity later.

A portable power station with your Tesla or electric car

Teslas sold in Europe have neither a 230 V outlet nor a V2L function (powering appliances from the traction battery). A portable power station fills that gap: in Camp Mode, you can plug in a coffee maker, a laptop or a small low-power heater without eating into the car's range. You can recharge it while driving from the 12 V socket (around a hundred watts), from the mains at your stopover or with a solar panel. On electric cars equipped with V2L, it recharges directly from the car's outlet. However, it is not meant to charge the car itself: 1 kWh only represents a few kilometres of range.

Solar charging

Paired with one or more portable folding solar panels, a power station becomes a self-sufficient solar generator: ideal in a motorhome, a van or during an extended power cut. The accepted solar input and the compatible panels are listed on each product page.

Frequently asked questions about portable power stations

What is the difference between a portable battery and a portable power station?

None: both terms refer to the same device. It is also called a portable energy station, or a portable solar generator when it is sold with panels.

Can a portable power station be used indoors?

Yes. It emits no gas and stays silent, unlike a generator. Simply keep the ventilation grilles clear.

Can a power station be recharged while in use?

Yes, most power stations power your devices while they recharge from the mains or a solar panel (pass-through charging). Models with a UPS function switch to battery automatically in the event of a power cut.

How long does a portable power station last?

A LiFePO4 battery still retains 70 to 80% of its capacity after several thousand cycles, i.e. more than 10 years of everyday use. The exact number of cycles is given on each product page.

What warranty do Jackery power stations come with?

Up to 5 years: 3-year manufacturer's warranty, plus a free 2-year extension when you register on the Jackery support site after your purchase. Your invoice from GreenDrive, an authorised dealer, serves as proof of purchase.