Anker SOLIX S2000 Portable Power Station
Anker SOLIX S2000
There was a time when the only battery powered devices we took camping were a torch and maybe a transistor radio. Things have changed and for many of us there are all the comforts of home. While i still like the experience of cooking on an open fire and being disconnected from my phone, for long travel some appliances and technologies are hard to ignore.
And while an induction cooktop, a coffee machine or a Thermomix might be options, a fridge freezer is a camping essential, made possible by the development of reliable portable lithium battery power.
Anker is a new player in the local market and they have recently introduced their answer to keeping powered appliances running longer.
The SOLIX S2000 is a 2kWh (2000Wh) lithium battery pack that they claim is the smallest and lightest in its class. Admittedly at 16.2kg, it's unlikely you will take it in a pack on the Larapinta Trail but its' still light and small enough to easily move around camp and pack in the back of your vehicle.
Build and Design
Out of the box, the SOLIX S2000 feels solid and well-engineered. from the boot of your 4WD to the caravan annex. The outer casing has impact-resistant materials designed to take the bumps and vibrations of corrugated dirt tracks and it features integrated ergonomic handles on both sides, making it a manageable carry.
On the front face, you get an LCD screen that displays real-time input and output wattage, remaining battery percentage, and an estimated run time based on your current load. Below the display, the unit provides 240V AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports (including 100W Power Delivery for laptops), and a standard 12V cigarette lighter outlet. The rear has two additional 240V outlets to keep things neat.
Battery Capacity and Inverter Performance
At the heart of the S2000 is a 2048Wh LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery. LiFePO4 chemistry is the preferred choice for touring and off-grid applications due to its long life cycle, thermal stability, and overall safety compared to traditional lithium-ion cells. Anker rates this unit for 10,000 charge cycles and a 15 year lifespan. Anker claim to have the longest runtime by programming the unit to use only 10w at idle for a 10% higher efficiency.
The continuous 1500W AC inverter has 3000Wof peak power, so it should run a lot of high capacity appliances. For anyone who want to run a 12V fridge, recharge camera batteries, run LED camp lights, and power a portable fan all through the night, the 2048Wh capacity offers plenty of capacity. The pure sine wave power means its rated for sensitive electronics like computers.
Charging Options
When it comes to topping up the internal battery, the S2000 offers flexibility. 240V mains power plugs straight in and allows you to top up from zero to 80% in around an hour and a half. The unit features an integrated MPPT solar charge controller capable of accepting up to 1000W of solar input. Or you can charge directly from your tow vehicle 12V socket while on the move.
Power When You Need It
In a typical camp setup, the S2000 serves as an excellent standalone power hub or a supplementary system for your caravan so it's a great backup option in rainy weather. I could even see it backing up at home in the event of a blackout.
The built-in cooling fans kick in when the inverter is under heavy load, but noise levels remain low and unobtrusive. Additionally, the companion mobile app connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to monitor power consumption and more.
Does it Work?
When the Soilx S2000 arrived I topped it up to a full charge and first connected it to my Dometic 35L fridge freezer. Anker suggest a cooler will run for up to 10 days which is impressive. The Dometic drew only 35w and the readout implied 38 hours of runn time, but that disregards the idle when the fridge isn't cooling. After two days running the readout was still at 80% so that's pretty impressive.
I was keener to see how high power appliances work so We set up our home air fryer to cook some stake. The unit measured 1450W and the battery powered the cooker for 9 minutes and delivered a steak that I enjoyed without fuss. The battery percentage dropped only a few points.
The Wrap
The ANKER SOLIX S2000 is a versatile, self-contained power solution that fits seamlessly into modern caravan and 4WD touring setups. With its durable build, long-lasting LiFePO4 battery cells, a variety of recharging capabilities, and strong inverter performance, it provides clean, quiet power wherever your travels take you. Its a lot more neighbour friendly than a generator and with solar input its free.
The Solix S2000 has an introductory price of $1399. It has a five year guarantee and a 30 day return policy. ANKER SOLIX Available at www.ankersolix.com
