EcoFlow Revolutionises Portable Power with Compact River Series
EcoFlow has unveiled its latest innovation in portable power, the fourth-generation River series, with a focus on enhanced energy capacity in a compact form. These new models, designed for convenience on short excursions such as day trips and camping, promise significant improvements in terms of size and weight over their competitors.
The River 260 Gen4 model possesses a 256Wh capacity battery, and the River 520 Gen4 offers a 512Wh capacity. To put it in perspective, these power station batteries store up to 2.5 and 5 times more energy than the largest airline-approved power banks, respectively. Both models incorporate the more stable and long-lasting LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry. The River 260 Gen4 is equipped with four USB ports and a single AC output for 300W maximum continuous power. In contrast, the River 520 Gen4 offers the same USB configuration with two AC outputs, sustaining up to 500W.
These models boast notably high energy density, allowing them to be more portable than those from competitors with similar specifications. This makes them particularly suitable for scenarios requiring reliable off-grid power, such as outdoor photography or camping. Importantly, the River 520 Gen4 can power a typical fridge for about four hours during an outage.
The River 520 Gen4, with a capacity of 512Wh, measures 13.9 × 17.7 × 22.9 cm, has a volume of 5.63 litres, and weighs 4.6 kg, achieving a volumetric energy density of 90.9 Wh/L. Comparatively, the River 260 Gen4 is smaller, at 13.9 × 17.7 × 17.5 cm, with a volume of 4.30 litres and weight of 3.0 kg, resulting in a density of 59.5 Wh/L.
EcoFlow’s innovations include Ultra-Fast Charging, with both power stations featuring a 140W bi-directional USB-C PD3.1 port, enabling direct charging from a compatible wall charger or solar panel, foregoing traditional charging bricks. The UPS functionality allows these units to switch to battery power with a cutover time of less than 10 milliseconds, providing continual power to computer systems and other electronics.
Addressing a common issue faced by power stations, EcoFlow minimises energy loss from DC to AC conversion, preserving battery capacity for more practical applications like charging devices or running small appliances. The River 260 Gen4 is set to be available in Europe by Q4 2026, while the River 520 Gen4 is expected to launch in Q1 2027. Detailed pricing will be released closer to the availability dates.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.