In today’s South Africa, few concerns occupy our minds more than loadshedding. The all-too-familiar scenario of scrambling to charge your mobile phone in a mere 5-minute window before the power outage hits, often due to overlooking the loadshedding schedule, resonates with many. Amidst the various contenders for the title of the most irritating loadshedding slot, the EcoFlow River 2 emerges as a promising solution.
A Day in the Life of the River 2:
Dealing with loadshedding disruptions, particularly with a child in the mix, can be quite challenging. The usual morning routine of cartoons during breakfast is a cherished tradition. Weighing in at a mere 3.49 kilograms, the River 2 is incredibly portable. Transporting it to the TV and connecting it to the speaker, Google Chromecast, and FHD TV is a breeze. Within moments, our space is filled with laughter and the familiar tunes of rescue pups.
The River 2 comes equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to connect it with the EcoFlow app, available on both Android and iOS. This app proves invaluable in managing your battery’s performance and usage. It allows you to monitor your remaining power, charging speed, scheduled power-off times, and even update your EcoFlow device’s firmware. As someone constantly on the move, having a central hub for monitoring, even when away from home, keeps me well informed.
Working from home has its perks and drawbacks. One downside is not having a generator the size of a small car to power everything, from laptops to the coffee machine. However, the River 2 steps in to bridge that gap. It not only powers my laptop and monitor but also keeps the Fiber box running, ensuring uninterrupted internet access. Thanks to its less than 30-millisecond switchover feature, the River 2 keeps me prepared for loadshedding, never missing a beat. With a capacity of 256Wh and a total output of 300W, it provides more than 3 hours of power for all these devices, easily covering a 2-hour loadshedding session.
After a full day of use, with the battery nearly empty, the EcoFlow River 2 impressively charges from 0 to 100 percent capacity in under 60 minutes when plugged into a wall socket, delivering a maximum charging rate of 360W. While charging or in use, you might notice the fans briefly turning on to assist with cooling. Although noticeable, the noise is not obtrusive and lasts only a few seconds, contingent on the device’s temperature.
The EcoFlow River 2 features a standard set of ports, including a 3-pin socket, a 12V DC socket, 2 USB-A ports, and a single USB-C port. Many of these ports are used for charging the River 2, with the AC charging port located at the unit’s back, along with a solar charging socket compatible with EcoFlow’s proprietary solar panels. During testing, on a sunny day, it charged the River 2 from 0 to 100 percent capacity in 2 hours and 43 minutes, reaching a maximum output of 110W.
While we’ve discovered numerous use cases for the River 2, it’s essential to note that certain appliances, like kettles, toasters, and microwaves, are beyond its capabilities due to its size and output.
Conclusion:
Battery backup solutions, such as the EcoFlow River 2, have gained popularity in South Africa due to their affordability and user-friendliness. While other options like solar power, inverters, and generators exist, few offer both affordability and a 5-year warranty, along with LFP batteries capable of up to 3000 charges from empty or a lifespan of up to 10 years. This ensures that your investment in an EcoFlow River 2 will endure the test of time.
Selecting the right device that matches your needs and budget is crucial. If you require a solution with more power to handle larger appliances, consider exploring the River 2 Max or the Delta 2. For those in Cape Town, a visit to the EcoFlow Showroom in Canal Walk is highly recommended to receive expert advice on the ideal solution for your specific requirements.
