Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 with the included accessories

Power stations have revolutionized charging and powering gadgets outdoors. Rather than having to rely on 12V inverters or gasoline generators, I can take what is essentially a huge power bank with me into the outdoors, and charge everything off that. And when that runs out, I can charge the power station either from AC power, a vehicle's 12V outlet, or solar.

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This way, the outdoor fun never has to end.

And power station technology has improved dramatically in the time that I've been using them. The units themselves have become more compact and robust, and battery technology has advanced as well.

One of the biggest changes has been the shift from lithium-ion battery technology to  LiFePO4 batteries. These aren't as power-dense as their lithium counterparts, but they're safer (i.e., less likely to catch fire) and have a much longer lifespan. How much longer? Up to six times longer.

In real terms, while lithium-ion batteries are good for anywhere from 500 to 2,000 recharge cycles, LiFePO4 batteries can handle 3,000 recharge cycles, making them ideal for long-term usage.  

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For the past few weeks, I've been testing a new power station from Ugreen -- thePowerRoam 1200 . I have a lot of Ugreen gear -from chargers and cables to power banks -- and it's a brand that I have grown to trust. This is the company's first power station. 

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Ugreen PowerRoam 1200

Ugreen's PowerRoam 1200 is one of the most advanced power stations on the market, offering  2100W of power, USB and AC outlets, high-quality EV-rated LiFePO4 batteries, and super-fast charging (from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes and fully charging in 1.5 hours with AC input).

PowerRoam 1200 tech specs

• Dimensions: 34 x 22 x 27 cm/ 13.4 x 8.7 x 10.6 inches
• Weight: 11.5 kg / 25.4 lbs
• Battery rated energy: 1024Wh 40Ah 25.6V
• Inputs
  AC: 100-130V~60Hz 15A Max
  Solar: 12-48V?15A 400W Max
  DC/car charger: 12V/24V?8A Max
• Outputs
  AC (x6): 120V~60Hz 10A 1200VA/1200W Max
  USB-A (x2): Single-Port: 5V?3A/9V?2A/12V?1.5A/5V?4.5A 22.5W Max (Dual-Port: 45W Max)
  USB-C (x2): Single-Port: 5V?3A/9V?3A/12V?3A/15V?3A/20V?3A/20V?5A 100W Max (Dual-Port: 200W Max)
  12V output: 12V?10A 120W Max
  DC5521 (x2): Single-Port: 12V?5A 60W Max (Car charger + DC5521 x 2 = 120W Max)
• Total power output: 1565W Max
• Working temp (discharging): -10