EcoFlow launched new versions of the River Series of portable power stations today; The River 2 (268Wh), River 2 Max (512Wh), and River 2 Pro (768Wh). The River 2 line upgrades the River series to Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and adds a new look and feel. They all feature pure sine wave outputs ranging from 300W to 800W, with a surge capacity using EcoFlows’ X-Boost to double the output in certain scenarios. This review looks at the EcoFlow River 2 Max.

EcoFlow launched new versions of the River Series of portable power stations today; The River 2 (268Wh), River 2 Max (512Wh), and River 2 Pro (768Wh). The River 2 line upgrades the River series to Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and adds a new look and feel. They all feature pure sine wave outputs ranging from 300W to 800W, with a surge capacity using EcoFlows’ X-Boost to double the output in certain scenarios. This review looks at the EcoFlow River 2 Max.

The EcoFlow River 2 Max advertises a 512Wh capacity and is capable of 500w of pure sine wave output, with 1000w surge capability. The River 2 Max includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with the EcoFlow App, and 3 options for charging the unit, making it an extremely capable addition to a road trip, camping trip, or other outings where space is at a premium.

This unit is currently listed for $470 after coupon on Amazon.

EcoFlow River 2 Max Features

The River 2 Max adopts an overall new design for the River lineup from EcoFlow and is a much-welcome change from the previous generation. Moving the handle to protrude from the back makes it much easier to stack, or store the power station, while still giving you a large enough handle to grip and not feel too bulky.

The River 2 Max has 4 AC outputs, 2 of which are 3 prong with grounding, and the remaining two, are two prong ungrounded AC power plugs. Additionally, there is a set of 3 USB-A outputs, capable of 12 watts, and a USB-C port that is capable of 100w of both input, and output. You also get 2 options for DC output as well, one cigarette lighter car-style output, and a pair of DC 5521 jacks. The AC and DC outputs have discrete power buttons while the USB is on if the unit is on.

First Impressions

In the box, you get the EcoFlow River 2 Max, an appropriately rated AC charging cable, a car charging cable, a DC 5521 barrel jack cable, and the quick start guide with warranty information. It comes packaged well; the review sample came with an outer shipping box, and an inner box, with closed cell foam surrounding the unit for secure transport.

The overall build quality is solid, and the plastics of the case seem durable and stood up to being flung around and packed away with all of the accessories, with no signs of scratches or damages.

The new location of the handle being on the back works well. Being able to stack up other devices on top of the unit is nice and the location of all the buttons and switches are right next to their respective outputs. The AC and DC inputs are around back below the handle, and it was a notable annoyance when having other items stacked on top of the River 2 Max to try and flip it around, especially with the non-skid feet making it a bit difficult to spin the unit around to get the ports.

Benchmarks and Testing

In the remote lab, the River 2 Max performed amicably. Accounting for typical 80% efficiency losses that are standard in the power station market, the 512-watt hours of capacity managed to deliver precisely as expected; finally powering off after putting out 410 watt hours.

Charge times were also impressively good, with the unit taking just under 1 hour to complete a recharge from 2% capacity to 100%, drawing in 581 watt hours from the wall, consistently drawing 615 watts. The charge rate was checked from the wall every 10 minutes and showed between 609w up to 620w at each check-in.

Power measured out of the unit was bang on at 120v 60.0hz with no apparent flicker when powering incandescent or LED lights. It is also worth noting that the River 2 Max does passthrough power when plugged into the wall, including passthrough of the grounding lug to the mains.

EcoFlow River 2 Max Specifications

Capacity	‎512 Watt Hours
Item Weight	13.4 Pounds
Input Voltage	‎100-120 Volts AC
Product Dimensions	10.6″L x 510.2″W x 7.7″H
Battery Type	Lithium iron phosphate
Model Name	EcoFlow River 2 Max
AC Output Wattage	500 Watts, 1,000 Watts Surge
Car Power Output	126 Watts
DC 5521 Output	2x 13.6V 3A
USB-A	12 watts
USB-C	100 watts
Solar Input	11-50 Volts, 220 Watts
Car Charging	12 volts and 24 volts 10A
AC Charging	100-120 Volts 10A

EcoFlow Application

The setup was refreshingly simple. After opening (or downloading) the app and signing in, then standing next to the River 2 Max, the App discovered and prompted me to add the unit.

Next, you can select your Wi-Fi network or setup the unit to work without internet connectivity, and from there, that was it; Setup was complete and I could view and manage the River 2 Max.

The settings available include:

• A custom name for the device.
• AC Charging Rate adjustable form 50w to 660w.
• Car Input, 4A, 6A and 8A.
• Forcing the DC Mode between Solar charging, Car charging, and Auto.
• Toggle of the X-Boost to enable surge capability.
• Setting Charge and Discharge Limits.
• Unit, Power, and Screen timeout times.

EcoFlow River 2 Max Field Testing

In the field, the River 2 Max was a great addition to the workflow. I took the power station out for a night of astrophotography education at a school-sponsored event, and it was able to power a telescope, a 65″ LED TV, two laptops(which were fully charged prior to starting), and charged a few phones with power to spare for the 4-hour duration of the event. Its sleek design was much appreciated when packing up the not-insignificant amount of gear in the back of the SUV and was easy to find a spot to put it and stack other items on top of it.

Closing Thoughts

The EcoFlow River 2 Max is a welcome evolution of the product line. The updated battery chemistry and a plethora of features make the River series a solid choice for those in search of an outdoor and travel-focused power station. It performed as expected and lived up to the EcoFlow reputation for a solid product. With the River 2 line moving to the LFP battery chemistry, and the implications that has for longevity, it makes a strong case to be in my lineup of portable power stations.

EcoFlow River 2 Max at Amazon

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