One of the cheapest power plants I tested made the road trip a breeze

ZDNET’s key findings

• The Bluetti AC70 is a portable power station that won’t break your back or the bank, as it’s on sale for $429.
• It is a powerful device with an output of 1,000 W at normal load and up to 2,000 W at resistive loads such as heaters and hair dryers.
• You need the companion app to access advanced features.

Portable battery packs have revolutionized power. Forget loud, smelly gas generators or extension cords lying around; these packs are a convenient way to take power with you on the go.

Power stations come in all shapes and sizes, from small devices that fit easily in a backpack to large units that must be transported on wheels. I prefer something in between – a power station that’s big enough to power heavy loads for extended periods of time, but small enough to be easily carried around.

Plus, this portable battery station can power your home for 2 weeks!

In the last few weeks I have tested Bluetti AC70a portable power station with enough power to easily operate energy-intensive appliances such as hairdryers, kettles and heaters.

View on Amazon

Features of the Bluetti AC70

• Performance: 1,000W rated power/2,000W lifting capacity
• capacityPower: 768 Wh
• AC charging: 950 W turbo charging, 45 minutes to 80 %
• Solar charging: 500W fast solar charging, fully charged in two hours
• expenditure: AC: 2 × 120V/8.33A, 1,000W total | USB-C: 2 × 100W max. | USB-A: 2 × 5VDC/2.4A 12W total | 12V DC: 1 × 12V/10A
• battery: LiFePO₄, designed for over 3,000 charging cycles
• App: Intelligent remote control via BLUETTI app
• UPS response time: 20ms
• Weight: Approximately 22.5 lbs/10.2 kg
• Mass: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1 inches / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8 mm
• guarantee: Five years

When I test a power plant for a review, I examine several important aspects.

First, I check that the unit matches the specifications on the data sheet, which for power stations includes the battery capacity and the loads the unit can handle. I’m also curious to see how the power station handles loads that exceed its rated capacity and hope that it shuts down smoothly rather than spitting, sparking and making a racket.

The AC70 passed all my tests with flying colors. It’s a well-made, well-engineered device that does exactly what it says on the tin.

I’m particularly impressed with the device’s durable design. Bluetti has incorporated LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries into this power station, which are known for their longevity. The cells in this device are designed to last 3,000 charge cycles before needing to be replaced, far exceeding the typical 500 to 800 charge cycles of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Also: The best portable power stations

The device can be charged via an AC outlet, solar panels, or a vehicle’s 12V outlet.

Safety, especially with regards to heat management, is a major concern. While most power stations handle heat well, some are hot junk. I expect the power stations from a premium brand like Bluetti to be free of safety concerns, and the AC70 did not disappoint.

Durability is also a critical aspect of my testing. Despite the challenges of standardizing real-world testing, I subject all power plants to harsh conditions for several weeks. These rigorous tests include extensive use, transportation in cars and trucks, and intentional dropping onto hard surfaces to evaluate durability.

Also: The Jackery Explorer 1000 is one of the best portable power stations

I’m particularly concerned about the overall integrity of the device. I don’t want to intentionally destroy the packaging, but I do want to know if any plastic parts or components with part numbers come loose and start rattling inside the device.

Once again, the AC70 performed excellently and passed all durability tests.

Finally, there is usability. I look for controls that are easy to use and have a display that shows all the necessary information without being cluttered or confusing.

The AC70 is unmatched in this area too. Its bright and clear display, complemented by just three backlit buttons, offers the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.

Also: The best home generators

For me, the AC70 is the perfect “Goldilocks” power station. I own both larger units that are ideal for powering large off-grid installations and smaller ones that are suitable for day trips. However, the AC70 offers the ideal balance. It is portable enough for easy transport, but has enough capacity to meet the needs of a small group for several days. I rely on the power station to efficiently charge my smartphone, cameras, drones and laptops.

The versatility of the AC70 is greatly enhanced by its wide range of charging options, including AC input, solar and 12V DC. I’ve found that charging the station from a car’s 12V outlet is particularly efficient at keeping the device charged, as long as you avoid draining the battery too much. This feature ensures that the pack doesn’t require a long recharge time, which could be inconvenient while driving.

Additionally, Bluetti offers an app to control the advanced features of its power stations, such as adjusting the charging speed or activating eco mode. Although I prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons, which is a nod to my old-fashioned preferences, I recognize the appeal and convenience that smartphone control brings to many users.

Buying advice from ZDNET

Given the high cost of power stations, the significant amount of energy they store, and the devastating consequences of battery failure, I strongly advise investing in a high-quality unit. My experience with inferior products from unknown brands has underlined the importance of selecting power stations from top-notch, established brands.

In addition: This power plant has an irreplaceable emergency function

Bluetti is one of these renowned brands and the AC70 exemplifies its commitment to quality. Given its performance and portability, I can see this powerhouse accompanying me on many adventures in 2024 and beyond.