12 Apr, 2024

EcoFlow: Innovative power systems for caravans, tiny homes and houses

by John Ford

We first discovered this new power system on the Legend Caravans models we recently took for a review around Lake Eildon in southern Victoria (check out the reviews at the end of this article). EcoFlow is a Chinese electronics company that provides innovative power systems for RVs, tiny homes and even houses. And, as we discovered, we’re starting to see them in caravans, and I have to say they are super impressive.

The company has been around since 2017 and, while it is relatively new to Australia, it counts two and a half million users across 100 countries, so it is making a big impact.

The kits come with 2kWh or 5kWh 48V batteries, and a mix of inverter/chargers and control modules. Part of the system’s simplicity and improved installation is combining two MPPT solar controllers, a battery charger, a DC-DC step down converter and an inverter charger into one Power Hub.

It’s a fully modular system with either 2kWh or 5kWh batteries that you can scale up to 15kWh as we saw in the Legends. Owners choose the level of solar they need to power the batteries and the amount of 240V supply from a choice of 2600W or 3600W inverters. The system is a compact plug-and-play design for RV and caravan applications where simplified installation is essential. Dedicated power cables with different plugs and inputs for multiple applications make installation foolproof and fast, although Australian regulations require a licensed electrician to install the units.

What stands out is how it’s installed. The wiring is so neat and tidy, and the inverter/charger combos have massive amounts of charging capacity and 240V of power that could take you fully gasless in your caravan and backup power for your home.

The systems are all 48V, which delivers a higher voltage and a lower current than a 12V setup and means reduced cable size and less power loss across the installation. An important aspect for local caravan industry is EcoFlow’s willingness to talk to and work with manufacturers to provide wiring looms that are just straight plug and play.

You can order full kits for your tiny home or your RV directly from Eco Power World or EcoFlow Australia’s website and we think it’s reasonably priced especially when you consider ease of installation and the quality of the components.

Another detail that really stood out is that the batteries have a 3500-cycle warranty and have their own battery management system (BMS). They even have small heaters built in to maintain the perfect temperature in cold climates. The EcoFlow app allows remote monitoring via your phone and it’s super easy to use, which is great. You can easily see how much solar you’re bringing in and how much charge might be coming in from your car or from a smart generator. Plus, you can turn on and off individual channels for things like lights, fridges, air conditioning and monitor each channel for how much power is being used. Being able to turn on a suitable air con half an hour before returning to your van will appeal to many. The app is really user friendly and being this easy to install I’m sure it’s going to be popular with more manufacturers.

The EcoFlow Power Hub powered induction cooking inside and outside the Legend Caravans vans

The power systems have a five-year warranty. Prices for the kits start at $13,489 for the 5kWh system, $20,979 for the 10kWh and $28,469 for the 15kWh setup. A more basic 2kWh system is $8150 plus solar.

Shipping is a flat rate of $275 to most states. All systems include the battery modules, power hub and control panel. Something to consider is weight and size. Each 5kWh battery weighs 40.6kg and measures 500mm x 260mm x 300mm and they need a dedicated sealed storage space to meet the latest design rules. The 2kWh batteries are 17.1kg and measure 348mm x 200mm x 285mm.

Legendary performance

EcoFlow systems are finding their way into local brands like Wonderland Caravans, Kimberley Kampers and Paradise Motorhomes. We were able to experience the system first hand with the Legend Groundbreaker Ultimate 48V we had on review recently and over several days, the electronics package didn’t miss a beat. The Legend boasted the top-of-the-line kit that included three lithium iron phosphate 5kWh batteries for 15kWh of power and seven 200W solar panels for an impressive total of 1400W. An innovative power hub combined various charging applications and 3600W of pure sine wave 240V power and can charge from solar, a generator, the vehicle alternator or a 240V input.

The three batteries and the power hub live in a sealed hatch at the driver-side rear of the van, so the system meets the latest ADR rules and is well protected from the elements and damage. The inverter, distribution/fuse panel and video screen are all inside, and a phone app is available for remote monitoring.

In practice, the system worked seamlessly over our three-day adventure and with thoughtful use, you should have enough onboard power to keep things running. Charging with up to 1000W from the tow vehicle alternator is an excellent backup for long periods of cloudy weather. During the review of the Legend Groundbreaker Ultimate 48V we saw 870 watts pumped in from sunny skies and that was enough to run the AC by itself without even relying on the massive battery bank.