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At almost 62 pounds, the Bluetti AC200Max is by no means lightweight, but it is relatively compact. The device has two built-in handles at the top to help you transport it.
The build quality of the station is sturdy. There is no creaking of plastics or rattles in components, and the integrated port covers are a nice touch. The out ports are located directly in front, lining up against a 4 inch LCD touch screen.
To some, going with a resistive touch screen instead of capacitive one, as smartphones do, might feel negative. However, in terms of performance, this is a good thing. That is because that means that even if you wear gloves or your fingers are damp, you can still use it – the controls still work.
On the left side of the device is an input port. You will find one to connect an AC adapter, and one using a locking-style plug to charge with a solar panel or DC car adapter. There are two other plugs on top of the two input ports to connect expander battery packs.
Bluetti AC200Max Specs
| Battery Info | Capacity: | 2,048Wh (51.2V, 40Ah) |
| Type: | LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | |
| Life Cycles: | 3,500+ Cycles to 80% Original Capacity | |
| Shelf-life: | Recharge to 80% Every 3-6 Months | |
| Management system: | MPPT Controller, BMS, etc | |
| Output | AC Outlets: | 4 x 120V/20A Outlets 1 x 120V/30A NEMA TT-30 2200W In Total |
| Inverter Type | Pure Sine Wave | |
| Surge Power: | 4800W | |
| USB-C Port: | 1 x 100W Max. | |
| USB-A Port: | 2 x 5V/3A USB-A 2 x 18W USB-A | |
| 12V DC Outlets: | 1 x 12V/30A (RV Outlet) 1 x 12V/10A (Car Outlet) 2 x 12V/10A DC 5521 (5.5mm Outlet) *All Regulated. | |
| Wireless Charging Pad: | 2 x 15W Max. (For Each) | |
| Input | AC Adapter Input: | 500W. |
| Solar Input: | 900W Max., VOC 10-145VDC, 15A | |
| Car Input: | 12/24V from Cigarette Lighter Port | |
| Max Input: | 1,400W, with AC+Solar Input | |
| Recharge Time: | AC Adapter (400W): | ≈5.5~6 Hours |
| Solar (900W): | ≈3~3.5 Hours (With prime sunshine, ideal orientation and low temperature) | |
| 12V/24V Car Outlet (100W/200W): | ≈10 or 20 Hours | |
| AC Adapter + Solar (1300W): | ≈2.0~2.5 Hours (With prime sunshine, ideal orientation and low temperature) | |
| Dual AC Adapters (800W): | ≈3~3.5 Hours (Extra adapter is REQUIRED) | |
| General | 240V Split Phase Bonding: | No. Need 240V power source? Explore here. |
| Scalability: | Expandable w/ Up to 2 x B230 or 2 x B300 | |
| Pass-through Charging: | Yes | |
| Weight: | 61.9lbs (28.1kg) | |
| Dimensions (LxWxD): | 16.5 x 11 x 15.2in ( 42 x 28 x 38.65cm) | |
| Operating Temperature: | -4-104℉ (-20-40℃) | |
| Storage Temperature: | 14-113℉ (-10-45℃) | |
| Certifications: | UL Standard, CEC, DOE, FCC, CA Prop 65 | |
| Warranty: | 48 Months |
The Bluetti AC200Max is compatible with the Bluetti B230 or B300 batteries from BLUETTI, offering up a maximum potential combined capacity of 8,192Wh. The Bluetti AC200Max Expandable Power Station uses LiFePO4 for the chemistry of its battery cells, instead of more common Lithium-ion or Lead-Acid. This battery technology makes for a much more power-dense battery pack, one that is safer and has a longer lifespan. Bluetti says when the station is charged at 80%, you can expect to get over 3500 cycles, while charging at 50% gives you more than 6000.
I have tested BLUETTIs AC200MAX power capacity in multiple environments and under different loads. The first major test that the generating unit received was over the new year, when I took it with me on the camping trip at Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) along the Gulf Coast of Texas.
My partner and I converted a closed-top trailer into our RV, and in order to save a little bit of money, we packed in food and drinks to eat during the 2000-mile round-trip trip. We had two small fridges for our camper, so we loaded up on food, drinks, and snacks, and plugged them into the full-powered camper, then took off. When we started driving south out of Kansas, it was around 22, with the end point around 75. I mention that, because that meant that there was a large shift in the ambient temperature, something the solar generator and refrigerator had to deal with within the tiny enclosed space. That environment contributed directly to how often the fridge compressor had to run, and to power requirements over the course of the trip.
These fridges were on average around 1,100W surge combined as compressors fired, and when we stopped at night after around 14 hours of drive, the Bluetti AC200Max was about 65% charged. Once we finally reached the beach and established our location, approximately 30 hours into the trip, the unit was sitting at 20% charge.
I was pleased at how well the Bluetti AC200Max handled the journey. Back home in Kansas, I used the AC200Max to power tools like my Miter Saw, Circular Saw, and Drill. Since February is extremely cold where I live, we had to run a heater in our trailer when it was time to clean the RV after a beach trip.
Plugging the RV in with a 30-amp RV plug – no adapter required – was such a joy. We were able to run our 1500W heater and a little ShopVac with no problem. When it came time to charge up the AC200MAX, there were plenty of options.
As mentioned with regard to input ports previously, you can connect an included 500W AC adapter directly into the unit. The DC car adapter will connect directly to the unit using the included cables. But solar would use two cables, both included, to plug into the station. You can charge a device from empty to full in around 2 hours, by pairing two power options to get a total of 1400W. Using AC only will take around 5.5 hours to bring the Bluetti AC200Max up to full.
Controlling your Bluetti AC200Max can be done two ways: via the units touchscreen, or via a companion app. The energy station must be powered with a satisfying push of the clicky buttons next to the display in order to use any of these methods. Once powered on, you can browse through the units menu to adjust different settings and to activate both DC and AC output ports. You can update the Bluetti AC200Max firmware using BLUETTIs smart app, as well as a few basic unit controls.
You can toggle DC or AC power options, as well as shut down the station itself. Since it uses Bluetooth connectivity, you will not be able to control the power station from a distance like you could with WiFi being the option.
Bluetti AC200Max, T500 AC Adapter and Cable, PV Charging Cable (XT90-MC4), Car Charging Cable (XT90), XT-90 Aviation Cable, QC Pass Certificate, User Manual, Warranty Card
What Could Be Improved
But there are some areas where I wish it had been improved, with my biggest gripe being with the included AC charging adapter. While 500W AC is nothing to sneeze at, it is a little on the slow side considering the batterys size. Sure, you could add in solar power to increase input speeds, or even get a second 500W AC unit from BLUETTI, but it takes more money and space for faster charging.
Speaking of space, AC charging adapters are massive and noisy. I get that by keeping that hardware out, BLUETTI could have made the station much smaller and lighter, but that adapter is a beast to carry.
The box is heavy enough as it is, so what is another couple pounds for putting an adapter inside. That is another thing to bear in mind about the Bluetti AC200Max: It is not lightweight. The AC200MAX tips the scales at almost 62 pounds, which may make moving it a bit difficult for some.
I wish we had seen some built-in wheels, or even an optional trolley. Especially if you decided to add expandable batteries to the station, that will just make it even less mobile.
Another area where there is room for improvement is in the displays. While I love the fact it uses resistive rather than capacitive tech for its touchscreen, it loses a bit of that handyness when you cannot read it. In medium-to-low lighting situations, the screen is easily legible. But once you are in a bright environment, such as outside, you will need to use your hands like a sunvisor to see what is on screen, or make adjustments on the device.
You need a portable energy source for running big appliances. You want a lot of capacity to last you long periods of time when you do not have grid power. You are camping in a motorhome or camper. You live in a neighborhood where blackouts occur frequently. You would like a charging capability that is greater than 500W right out of the box.
You are struggling with moving something heavy.
The Bluetti AC200Max is an excellent big-ass solar station, and it will cover almost every electric need of the average human. Being off of the electrical grid offers peace of mind knowing that you will be able to keep your critical appliances running. It is also an excellent unit to bring on a camping trip to get an experience without a power grid, provided you can handle a 62-pound battery pack, and there is a solar charging option.
However, if you are looking to quickly top off the Bluetti AC200Max, you won’t get it done right out of the box, thanks to a 500-watt-capable limited adapter. This solar generator could make a big difference in the way you travel or deal with an electrical emergency, both in terms of convenience and necessity. Know that no matter what the scenario, you will be able to power almost every common appliance or tool with Bluetti AC200Max thanks to its capability and power output. If you use all of the charging options that are available to you with AC200MAX, you can get a lot of juice out of it quickly so that it keeps going right away, at a maximum output of 1400W.
But, the 500W AC adapter that comes with the unit is both physically big, and slightly small in terms of output. It gets the job done; it is just a little slower. On its own, the station offers great performance and is fairly portable. As a system, the Bluetti AC200Max brings plenty to the table, with expanded power capacity and charging options.
