The Bluetti AC200L portable power station is a recent upgrade to their much-admired AC200MAX model. This all-new solar generator boasts massive improvements which include, higher wattage output, increased battery capacity, and incredible recharge times, to name but a few.
Whether it’s a portable power station for camping, running tools on a jobsite, or providing backup power at home during an outage, Bluetti has gained a reputation as one of the best solar generator brands.
I’ve been keeping an eye on these guys since they hit the outdoor generator market in 2013. In this relatively short space of time, Bluetti has gone from obscurity to one of the most recognized names in the solar power business.
As they’ve gone from strength to strength, the brand has hit the mark with consumers, receiving rave reviews from customers. In part, this is due to their relentless pursuit of perfection and constant innovation.
All the Bluetti products that I’ve reviewed over the years have left me suitably impressed. I can say, without a doubt, that the Bluetti AC200L has done more than impress me. I’m quite blown away by this portable battery power system. It’s great for an RV solar power supply, outdoor fun, a jobsite generator, and supplying reliable, quiet emergency power for the home.
In this review, I’ll be expanding on all the reasons why I think this is an absolutely fabulous solar generator.
Bluetti AC200L Review
Specs & Features:
- Battery capacity: 2,048WH
- Battery type: LiFeP04
- Battery lifespan: over 3,000 cycles
- Battery expansion options: up to 2 X B210 (2,150 WH), 1 X B230 (2,048 WH), or 2 X B300 (3,072 WH)
- Battery management system (BMS)
- MPPT solar charger
- Recharge time: AC charger – 1.5 hours, Solar – 2 hours in ideal sunlight, 12V/24V car charger – 10/20 hours, AC charger and solar – less than 2 hours.
- Pure sine wave inverter
- AC power output: 2,400W constant 120V, 3,600W Power Lifting mode, 4,800W surge power.
- AC Power outlets: 4 X 120V 20A outlets and 1 X 120V/30A NEMA TT30 (RV) receptacle.
- USB ports: 2 X USB-C (100W max), 2 X 18W USB-A
- DC outlets: 1 X 48VDC/8A RV outlet and 1 X 12V/10A car outlet.
- Charging inputs: 120V AC – 2,400W; Solar – 1,200W max VOC 12 – 145VDC (15A); car input: 12/24VDC (10A).
- Bluetooth/WiFi app
- Weight: 62.4 LBS
- Warranty: 5 years
Review:
A cursory observation of the Bluetti AC200L spec sheet reveals that this model is a major upgrade on the previous generation AC200MAX model. The new battery is marginally better, up from 2,000 WH to 2,048 WH. Charge times have improved significantly. For example, the old model took 4 hours to charge the battery using a 120V wall charger, the AC200L does this in only 90 minutes.
The Bluetti AC200L has a 3600W Power Lifting mode, which the AC200MAX did not. Although, Bluetti Power Lifting mode does not float my boat, as I’ll explain in the review. The new model also has a Bluetooth and WiFi app.
Quiet Inverter Power
Power to the AC outlets is supplied by a pure sine wave digital inverter. The continuous power output is 2,400 watts. This means you can load up to 2,400W for any length of time without the unit overheating or tripping. It has a surge capacity, supplying 4,800W for a short period of time. This is to allow for the startup current required for inductive load, like air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwave ovens.
The Bluetti AC200L also has a power lift mode, which is something I’ve encountered on other Bluetti models. I am not a big fan of this feature, even though it increases the continuous power output. To supply the extra watts, the voltage is reduced. If you’re using the full 3,600W available in Power Lift mode, the voltage drops to around 90V. Most appliances are fine operating at this voltage. However, it does reduce efficiency and may cause damage to some appliances over time. If an appliance is designed to use 110V – 120V, that is what should be supplied.
The power Lift mode can be really convenient if used occasionally but should not be used regularly, for the reasons I’ve explained. This is not a fact that is revealed in the owner’s manual, and you should be aware of it.
Even with a cooling fan, the unit is exceptionally quiet, less than 50dBA.
Lithium-Ion Battery Storage
The Bluetti AC200L is equipped with a 2,048WH lithium/iron/polonium (LiFePo) battery. This is one of the best battery platforms for a portable power station, rated for 3,000 cycles up to 80% discharge. This means that it should last around 10 years with normal daily use.
Apart from the built-in battery, you have several battery expansion options. Using the most advanced, and most expensive, Bluetti expansion battery pack (B300), you can increase your battery storage to 8,192WH. There are cheaper battery expansion options, but these don’t have the same sophisticated BMS system as the B300. As a result, the cheaper batteries don’t offer as much charging and storage capacity.
With over 8,000 WH battery capacity, you can keep your home or RV powered up for 2 – 3 days without compromising on electricity usage. If you make a conscious effort to reduce consumption, this can be considerably longer.
Improved Charging Capacity
Battery charge times are phenomenal. The 120V 2,400W wall charger will fully charge the battery from 0% in only 1½ hours.
If the sun is shining bright, and there aren’t any clouds, the 1,200W MPPT solar charger will get the battery from zero to 100% in 2 hours.
To improve solar charging times, The Bluetti AC200L can use both the solar and AC charging port simultaneously up to a maximum of 1,200W. This means you can take full advantage of the electricity savings by utilizing solar power and still charge the battery to full within about 2 hours.
The AC charger, solar, and AC/solar combo allow for through charging. This means that you can use the power outlets whilst the unit is charging. It can, therefore, be used as a UPS, providing continuous emergency power during an outage. It will automatically switch from utility to battery backup when the utility electrical supply goes down. It will switch from mains to battery in 0.02 seconds.
I like that the car charging port also accepts 24V as many RVs have a 24V system. This means you can charge the Bluetti when on the road. It takes a long time to charge the battery, but a trickle charge to your battery station on long road trips can have its benefits.
You should be aware that all stated battery charging times are calculated for the internal battery only. If you use additional battery packs, charge times will be proportionally longer.
Portability and Convenience
The Bluetti AC200L measures 17” (L) X 23” (W) X 23” (H) and weighs 62.4 pounds. While this is quite heavy to carry, it is very reasonable for the amount of power and battery storage it provides.
The Bluetti AC200L has two very comfortable molded handles but lacks a wheel kit.
No modern appliance seems to be without a Bluetooth app these days. The AC200L is no exception. You can control and monitor the power station remotely from your phone using a Bluetooth or WiFi-connected app on your phone.
Final Thoughts
Bluetti has become a formidable force in the portable solar power world. With the modern trend toward clean, renewable electricity, the Bluetti AC200L is in line with consumer expectations.
This is a pretty awesome machine, providing the amps needed to supply your RV or home with basic requirements, like refrigeration, lighting, and air conditioning. While I’m not overly impressed with the Power Lift mode, it can come in handy, like quickly heating water for a cup of coffee or tea, without switching off your refrigerator or AC to do so.
The general quality is great. So much so, that Bluetti has increased the warranty period from 4 years to 5 years for this model. They obviously have a lot of confidence in its ability to last. This should instill a sense of confidence in anyone buying the Bluetti AC200L.
