It is a great time to be a digital nomad.
Flexible work-from- home arrangements were enacted during the Pandemic and are now permanent. Musk's little Starlink RV service has been a boon to remote working by bringing relatively fast internet to great swaths of digital wilderness. Digital workers of foreign-based employers can now get temporary residency permits in a number of countries.
Thanks to the advancement of solar panels and batteries, you can take your nomadic existence off the grid. Thanks to the adoption of LiFePo4 chemistry, high-capacity batteries now charge faster, last longer, weigh less, and offer improved safety. If you want to live and work from the beach, forest, or mountain top, you will need a lot of power.
You can't rely on the sun's power on its own. You will need the ability to replenish those batteries with whatever resources you have at your disposal, be it AC outlets at an RV park, a diesel generator or wind turbine. The EcoFlow Power Kits are here.
The Power Kit series is an all-in-one solution to bring power to remote cabins and RV's. It is meant to improve and simplify everything from planning and installation to operation compared to the custom electrical systems sold today by industry stalwarts.
EcoFlow claims that its Power Kits can fit any van size and can be set up in five minutes. The claims were put to the test by both novices and professionals.
The novice installation was done in an old Ford Transit Westfalia Nugget by a man who knows how to install lights. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the gold standard for vanlifers and was installed by the owner of Origin Travelvans.
He is redesigning the interiors of his custom adventure vans to fit the Ecoflow Power Kit. Even though it is not a perfect system, EcoFlow's solution has more positives than negatives.
Make sure the employer you work for supports your dreams. The prices of EcoFlow Power Kits are high. Add any solar panels before that.
There is a wide range of configurations that can be scaled for different needs. The Power Hub, cables, and batteries are included in the base configuration.
48V system automatically steps down for 12V and 24V systems.
The 2kWh battery is rated for 3000 cycles before hitting 80 percent capacity.
A smart distribution panel.
DC output: 12 fused DC positions, six of which can be controlled via the Power console Kit and app.
All of the inputs and outputs are connected to the Power Hub, which is the brain of the system. It requires their own boxes and external wiring. Inside the Power Hub, you can find a solar charge controller, an inverters, a step-down conversion, and a battery charger. It can be beneficial to have multiple smaller devices that can be tucked into any available nooks when space is limited.
You can add a $299 AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel and a $349 wired seven-inch touchscreen console display for independent control over all of your vehicle's electrical devices. The console is redundant for some since it just mimics the functions already included in the EcoFlow app, but others will happily pay to have a dedicated display mounted inside their van or tiny home.
You cannot mix 2kWh batteries with 5kWh batteries in the Power Hub. The batteries are heated to allow them to discharge and charge when the temperature drops. Charge heating turns on automatically when temperatures fall below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) and consumes power from the external charging source, whereas the battery powers discharge heating, which is why it must be enabled manually.
No solar panels are included in the Power Kit bundles. The Power Hub can connect to any of EcoFlow's own rigid, flexible, or portable solar panels, but only if their maximum open circuit voltage doesn't exceed 150V. It can support up to 5000W of total solar input.
Campers built around 12V or 24V systems can use the Power Hub because it uses a step-down DC-DC module. For the same power output, 48V has a number of advantages, including lower current and thinner cables.
It is possible to power just about any AC appliance you would want to install inside the van with the Power Hub. Eco Flow also makes one of those. Thanks to EcoFlow's X-Boost tech, the Power Hub can power AC devices drawing up to 5000W. X-Boost can sometimes help you out of a jam.
The Ecoflow Power Kit components are laid out like a mirror, with a comparable system from Victron Energy used in the vans. The blue boxes from Victron have become the go-to brand for van builders around the globe. Knowledge about an experienced electrician is required in order to choose the right components and mount them correctly. It's possible for professionals like Fabian to fine- tune Victron configurations to the exact needs of a particular build, which can save money and space.
There are some other features.
The AC power is sent directly to the appliances in the van from the outside. The van's starter battery is connected to the power hub's alternator port. The Power Hub doesn't draw current when the vehicle is not in use. EcoFlow is able to manage inputs and outputs over a range of frequencies. The battery management system keeps everything operating safely. Power Kits can be used with some wind turbine in the 12-60V, 30A range. A portable wind turbine product is being explored by Eco Flow. EcoFlow sells a generator that can be plugged into the Power Hub for charging. As long as you have propane or diesel, it will run.
When they received their review units, both of them said it was all like Apple. The experience begins with a gee-whiz unboxing that reveals great looking hardware and an app experience that overdelivers, all very unusual in the world of van builders.
The hardware and software experience was said to be similar to Apple's.
There is a power button on the Power Hub.
The cable is labeled to make it easier to understand.
Installation was helped by simple touches like this template.
Installation benefits from easy to understand instructions available in many languages, quick and informative support videos on EcoFlow's YouTube channel, and a 1:1 scale paper template to help maximize placement and avoid any time consuming mistakes.
Victron's manual contains a lot of information that elaborates on the system. Sometimes that can get confusing. The manual is small but explains how to install it. For a lot of people, it's better.
EcoFlow's cables are labeled to make sure they are not confused. Lock washers come fitted to bolts in a way that prevents them from coming loose and being lost, and screws and other small parts are grouped together to make it easier to find. The attention to detail was appreciated by both people. It's very difficult to make a mistake.
Making a mistake is very difficult.
The fit and finish on the Power Kit components is atypical for systems that are installed inside cabinets or under seats. The cables look great compared to the mess of wiring needed for other power systems. You can see the status lights for charging and output when you put the Power Hub out in the open. If you don't feel like firing up the app or walking over to the Power console kit display, that might be helpful.
Ecoflow nailed the rugged yet refined adventure van aesthetic, something Fabian had already adopted for his custom van builds.
Origin Travelvans is a Dutch company that builds custom VW Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for true adventurer and digital nomad lifestyles. His adventurous spirit and mechanical know-how are shared by his brother, who makes rugged accessories for adventure vans in Europe and the US. The brothers have experience in both inside and out of vans.
The 15kWh Power Kit system for installation in his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L2H2 was the most expensive in the world. This custom six-meter van is a personal test vehicle for Fabian, where he can live with new technologies, components, and layout before offering them to customers for prices that can exceed $150,000.
Before installing the Eco Flow Power Hub, Smart AC/DC Distribution Panel, and batteries in the reclaimed space, he had to remove the power system from his van. A reasonable approximation to test EcoFlow's claim that the Power Kit can be set up and installed five times faster than competing systems is shown in the picture.
First, he had to remove his system.
The Smart Distribution Panel was installed to the left of the power hub. Later, the wiring from the Victron system will be removed.
The power hub and smart distribution panel have been installed. Cable management is all that is left.
It's a good idea to Tuck everything away for a clean finish.
Before making the Power Kit installation permanent, Fabian needs to redesign his custom aluminum cabinets to make it easier to get in and out of the building. After spending a few weeks with the Power Kit, Fabian is confident that his future Origin Travelvans will be built around EcoFlow systems, even though he has had a few problems along the way.
The AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel is one of the best parts of the power kit. It simplifies the installation and makes it safer by isolating the DC and AC cable from each other by using quick- connect wire snaps. Six of the AC positions and 12 of the DC positions can be controlled and monitored from the EcoFlow app or Power console display. It is more difficult to set up since it requires multiple modules that have to be linked together with software and wiring.
If you max out your Power Kit with three 5kWh batteries, you would have enough capacity to power all of the following devices for the durations listed before needing a refill.
Air conditioner: 2400W/6h, laptop: 120W, fridge: 200W, lights: 10W-12h, Starlink RV: 42W.
You can charge off solar, your van's alternator, shore power, and even EcoFlow's dual-fuel Smart Generator with the Power Kit.
To simplify his installation process, Fabian standardizes his builds around a couple ofVictron system configurations. The Power Kit system allows me to have new setup without having to completely change the distribution. It is wonderful for me as a builder. Everything is made simpler by it. It's a big difference fromVictron.
The van owner will benefit from the smart distribution panel. Seeing both historic and real-time power consumption for specific AC devices can help users live more efficiently in order to maximize their off- grid time.
The power kit isn't a perfect system.
The power kit isn't a perfect system.
The Power Hub placement is limited by the length of the LFP battery cables. It's not a problem for systems with less battery capacity, but Fabian's 15kWh config has three giant 5kWh LFP batteries to cable back to the Power Hub. The location of the Power Hub and the battery that is farthest away are related. EcoFlow likes to show its three- battery systems in vans. It makes no sense for the 4x4 vans that perform better with the interior weight distributed low to the ground.
The 15kWh configuration is better suited for off-grid homes with heavy-duty appliances than a typical van. It's definitely a bonus if you're living and working off the grid. You should be okay with one 5kWh battery for a general system in a van. A showcase van loaded with power-hungry kitchen, environmental, and entertainment tech will be built thanks to all of that capacity.
Installation is constrained by EcoFlow's large Ventilation requirements that take up a lot of space. The Power Hub needs at least 10 cm on three sides to make sure there's proper air flow. The Power Hub is small and portable. According to the manual, it needs a lot of room for air movement. The Victron elements are small and separate so you can find better uses for space.
The Power Hub's fans can be loud. The Power Hub was plugged into shore power. With the current state of fast-charging tech, Eco Flow has a reputation for its loud fans. If you need to charge at an RV park while trying to sleep, you can reduce the charging amperage in the app.
There are bugs as well. The batteries were draining even though his AC and DC devices were being shut off, with two of his batteries discharging quicker than the third. The issues were solved with a series of updates. EcoFlow is a fast squashing of bugs. You have to wonder how such obvious issues allowed the product to ship in the first place and what new problems will be discovered over the long term.
The last issue is a small one. Most of the cables that come with the kit are too long. Every gram counts as European restrictions kick in above 3.5 metric tons. He wants to shorten the cables that run from the Power Hub to the starter battery. In order to cut and connect the internal wires, the plugs are supposed to be opened. The work that was done pales in comparison to the cables that were created for the Victron systems.
It is true that the Power Kit can be installed five times faster than other systems. His installation took less than five hours to complete. The speed claim is only true for systems that are fully specced. The Power Kit won't save a lot of time if your needs are simple and you don't need a lot of wiring.
He is confident enough to wire up a light switch and install his own panels. He doesn't want to become fodder for the internet's advertising engines.
The 2kWh Power Kit was the smallest that was given to him. This is a proof that the Power Kit can fit any van size.
He had to remove his gray water collection tank to fit the Power Hub and single 2kWh battery. He wasn't using the tank, so it wasn't much of a sacrifice.
Part of the bed is supported by a cabinet where everything is installed. Solid shelf or mattress will cover the space for a long time. Since there wasn't enough room to follow EcoFlow's exact mounting instructions, Roel had to come up with his own brackets. It only took a few holes and bolts to complete the work.
The gray water tank was removed to make room for the Power Kit.
There was enough space for the smallest power kit after the gray water tank and battery were removed.
There wasn't room for EcoFlow's Smart Distribution Panel so he used his existing distribution panel.
There might be an issue with the power kit living below the cushion.
The area between the Power Hub and the battery was too small for the EcoFlow components to fit. The cables will be shortened to make room for more air. He did cut some holes into the cabinets, but they are not in line with EcoFlow recommendations.
The Netherlands has a very mild climate, which makes it a good place to live. It's not known how well the Power Hub will hold up over time, especially on long family trips to southern Europe during the summer.
There wasn't enough room for the AC/DC smart distribution panel. He used his Nugget's distribution point. He wants to find more space for it because he wants the per- device management that Fabian is enjoying.
EcoFlow's system is more expensive.
There are a few bugs with the system. He found a cold weather charging issue that was patched during testing after suffering from the same battery drain issues. A noncritical bug that showed 600W constantly flowing from his alternator to the battery was not fixed by the time this review was published.
It took one and a half hours to unpack, six hours to read the manual, and four hours to figure out how to remove the gray water tank.
The Power Kit would have made better use of his van's limited space because of the price calculations. Ecoflow's system is twice the price.
The display on the console shows the 40 percent full battery charging, with 1.20 kilowatts of total input from his solar panel, AC shore power, and alternator.
The EcoFlow app can be used to monitor and manage the power kit.
Even though he is enjoying the EcoFlow app, he is still learning about his power hungry appliances and lights. He had no idea how long he could stay off the grid. I have electricity. It's good. If I started with a new van, I would score it 9 out of 10. It is easier to use separate elements that can be scattered around the van. 7.5 out of 10 is a good score for retrofits in a small van.
The Power Kit can fit any van size according to EcoFlow. It has nearly 5000 watt of solar power that can be connected, and you can put up to 15kWh of battery, so it could be a bit smaller. It's made for larger installations. It does work.
EcoFlow's power kits are up to the company's claims. The most expensive option can be installed in less than a day. If novices are willing to make a few compromises, they can fit the entry level Power Kit inside a small van.
If you want to use a battery-based power system in an off-grid cabin in the woods or in an RV, the all-in-one Power Kit is a great solution.
Nowadays, the term "game-changer" is thrown around a lot. EcoFlow's Power Kits have changed the game for people who can't afford it. If you own one you could be the first step in starting a whole new life.
Thomas Ricker is a photographer.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
