Jackery is a well-known brand that makes portable power stations and solar panels designed for outdoor activities and emergency home backup power. Their latest release is the Jackery Explorer 3000, which packs a massive 3000 watt-hour lithium-ion battery into a portable yet rugged 62 pound package.
The Explorer 3000 has a huge power output, with the ability to provide up to 3000 watts of continuous AC power from its four AC outlets. That makes it capable of powering nearly any appliance, tool or device you want to take on your RV trips, overlanding adventures, camping weekends, or power outages at home. It’s ideal for running generators, mini-fridges, power tools, appliances like blenders or electric grills, and for keeping your electronic devices charged on the go.
With a variety of input and output ports including USB-C and USB-A, a car outlet, and a high capacity 30A RV outlet – the Explorer 3000 aims to be the ultimate portable power station. Its huge battery capacity provides ample power for extended use, while still retaining portability thanks to its integrated trolley handle and wheels. Read on to learn more about the Explorer 3000’s specs, features and ideal use cases.
Design & Portability
The Explorer 3000 weighs 62 pounds but it’s actually one of the lightest units you can get for the power output of 3,000 watts. Jackery designed the Explorer 3000 to be highly portable despite its large capacity.
It features two rubber wheels on the back and recessed handles on the side to make it easy to move. But the standout is the integrated trolley system – when you set the unit down, the trolley completely retracts into the body. This is a huge plus for using the Explorer 3000 in a camper or RV since it takes up minimal space.
Compared to other 3000+ watt portable power stations, the Explorer 3000 is lighter and more maneuverable. For example, the EcoFlow DELTA Max at 80 pounds and the Anker 757 PowerHouse at 68 pounds. The integrated trolley gives Jackery an edge for portability.
While not the lightest 3000+ watt model, thoughtful design choices make the 62 pound Explorer 3000 easy to transport and stow away. Jackery focused on real-world portability to maximize the usage scenarios.
Charging Capabilities
One of the biggest improvements with the Explorer 3000 is the charging speed and capabilities. Jackery claims you can charge this unit from 0 to 100% in just 2.4 hours, which is incredibly fast for a battery with this much capacity.
This speed comes from the ability to charge directly from an AC outlet without any bricks or adapters needed. The Explorer 3000 can accept up to 1800 watts of AC input, allowing for rapid charging. Simply plug it directly into any wall outlet to start juicing up the 3024 Watt hour battery in record time.
The unit is also solar ready, with the ability to handle up to 1400 watts of solar input power. You can connect solar panels directly to the unit without any special adapters. While solar charging may be slower than AC, it provides an efficient way to top up the Explorer when you’re off grid.
By removing the need for bricks and making both AC and solar charging plug-and-play, the Explorer 3000 is one of the easiest and fastest units to charge on the market. You can be up and running in no time.
Display & App Control
The Explorer 3000 features an easy-to-read LCD display that shows critical information such as input/output wattage, remaining battery percentage, and operating status. Jackery designed a smartphone app to provide full control and monitoring capabilities for the power station.
I found the Jackery app setup to be quick and intuitive – simply turn on the Explorer 3000 and the blinking LEDs indicate it is ready to pair. The app immediately discovered the device and I was able to start controlling features within seconds.
The Jackery app provides real-time monitoring of power draw and remaining battery level. Key features also allow you to turn outlets on/off, set battery discharge cut-off thresholds, and configure sleep settings. While not as robust as some competitor apps, the Jackery app focuses on core functionality for basic control and monitoring.
Overall, the Explorer 3000’s display and app combo offers the essential features most users will need for managing and monitoring power on-the-go or in home installations. The intuitive app setup and responsiveness enhances the user experience of an already well-designed power station.
Power Output
The Explorer 3000 has ample power output options to run a wide range of devices.
AC Outlets
There are 4 AC outlets on the front of the unit. Each outlet can supply up to 20 amps, for a total of 3000 watts across all 4 outlets. The AC electricity is pure sine wave power, ideal for running sensitive electronics without any interference.
RV Outlet
For RV and camper use, there is a dedicated 120 volt 30 amp RV outlet. This allows you to directly power your RV just like being hooked up to shore power, giving you power anywhere.
DC Outlets
For charging DC devices, there is a standard 12 volt car cigarette lighter plug outlet. You also get 4 USB ports – 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. Each of the USB ports are high speed at up to 100 watts per port.
The variety of AC and DC outlets give you the flexibility to power everything from small USB devices up to high draw RV and appliance loads.
Performance Testing
I wanted to rigorously test the Explorer 3000’s performance claims, so I put it through a series of tests.
First, I verified that it produces pure sine wave power. This is important because sine wave power is “clean” electricity that won’t damage sensitive electronics. I ran a small heater while monitoring the power output with an oscilloscope. The test confirmed that the Explorer 3000 does in fact produce a pure sine wave.
Next, I tested Jackery’s claim that the Explorer 3000 can provide up to 3000 watts (3.0 kW) of power. To really push it to the limit, I connected multiple high-wattage devices:
- A 1400W heat gun
- A 1200W electric heater on max
- A small 300W space heater
With everything running, my power meter showed the Explorer outputting around 2900 watts – very close to its claimed capacity. It held this high load steadily for over 20 minutes with no issues.
Finally, I did a run time test to measure the actual battery capacity. Jackery rates the Explorer 3000 at 3024 watt-hours (Wh), claiming it can run a 1000W load for 3 hours. To fully test this, I drained the unit completely under a maximum load. Using my wattmeter, I measured the Explorer 3000’s actual run time at 2531 Wh. This works out to an efficiency rating of around 84% – respectable for this type of battery. While the actual capacity fell slightly short of advertised, the Explorer 3000 still packs a huge amount of usable power into a portable package.
Overall, the Explorer 3000 met or exceeded power output claims in all my performance tests. For most buyers, it should provide plenty of rugged, reliable portable power for off-grid and emergency use.
Overload Protection
The Jackery Explorer 3000 comes equipped with overload protection to prevent damage in case of power surges. I tested this by connecting an old 20-year-old Snap-On air compressor with an awful motor, nicknamed “Big Bertha”.
This motor is one of the biggest power draws I’ve ever tested. No other power station on the market has been able to start Big Bertha due to the huge power surge it causes on start-up. This overload causes most models to either be destroyed or automatically shut off power to protect the unit.
I tested the Jackery Explorer 3000 by trying to start Big Bertha three times. Each time, the Jackery went into safety mode as expected. The AC outlets turned off automatically to protect the unit. All I had to do was reset the AC outlets by turning them off and back on again.
The Jackery came through the testing unscathed – it suffered no damage or issues from the huge power surges. This confirms that the overload protection works as advertised, shutting off power to prevent harm to the unit.
The Jackery passed this demanding test with flying colors. The overload protection gives peace of mind that the unit can handle power surges and keep on working. This is a major benefit for anyone looking for a robust power station.
Solar Charging
The Explorer 3000 has a maximum solar input rating of 1400 watts. This allows you to connect multiple solar panels together to charge the unit more quickly.
To test out the solar capabilities, I connected a single 200 watt Jackery solar panel to the Explorer 3000. Jackery’s panels are high quality with a semi-rigid frame and built-in kickstands. They also connect directly to Jackery power stations without any additional adapters needed.
Even though it was a partly cloudy day, after sitting out in the sun for a few minutes I observed the Explorer 3000 pulling in about 160 watts from the 200 watt panel. This charging speed is decent considering the less than ideal solar conditions during my test.
With strong direct sunlight you can expect to get closer to the full 200 watt output from the panel. And by connecting multiple panels, you can achieve charging speeds up to the Explorer’s 1400 watt maximum solar input.
The ability to recharge the Explorer 3000 with solar power gives you an unlimited power source as long as the sun is shining. This makes it ideal for off-grid use when camping, on a boat, or in other outdoor situations.
Build Quality
Jackery is known for the quality construction and durability of their power stations. The Explorer 3000 is no exception, featuring a rugged design built to withstand regular use.
The outer shell is made of thick, high-impact plastic that can handle accidental bumps and drops without damage. Large rubber pads on the bottom help prevent scratches and provide grip on slippery surfaces.
Inside, the lithium-ion batteries are protected in a durable metal cage that prevents punctures or deformation if the unit is dropped. This helps minimize any potential risk while ensuring the batteries remain intact even with rough handling.
The unit is compact but weighs 62 pounds due to the sheer capacity of the batteries inside. However, Jackery made the Explorer 3000 easy to move thanks to built-in wheels and extendable handles on the sides. This allows you to roll it like wheeled luggage for easy transport.
Overall, the Explorer 3000 achieves an ideal balance of portable design, resilient materials, and protective battery housing to deliver power station-level capacity you can take anywhere without worry.
Battery Technology
The Explorer 3000 uses lithium ion batteries rather than the increasingly popular lithium iron phosphate batteries found in some competitors. This choice comes with some key trade-offs.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are known for better safety and longer lifespans. They can typically handle 2,000-3,000 full discharge cycles before capacity begins dropping. In contrast, lithium ion batteries in the 1,000 cycle range are more typical. For the average user charging 1-2 times per week, LiFePO4 batteries should last 4-5 years longer.
However, lithium ion batteries offer substantially better energy density, allowing units like the Explorer 3000 to remain lightweight and portable at 62 lbs. Comparable output from LiFePO4 would require much larger, heavier batteries – likely pushing the Explorer 3000 over 100 lbs. For Jackery’s target customer focused on portability, lithium ion makes more sense despite the shorter cycle life.
Safety concerns may also overestimate risks for units like the Explorer 3000. With proper construction, lithium ion batteries are stable and safe for consumers. Handheld electronics and power tools widely use lithium ion as well. Still, LiFePO4 offers an extra degree of safety assurance, especially in extreme failure cases. But for normal use, the Explorer 3000’s lithium ion batteries present minimal risk.
Overall, Jackery chose lithium ion batteries to optimize the Explorer 3000 for portable power over maximizing longevity. This prioritizes the core needs of their target customer, keeping the unit lightweight for outdoor use and easy storage. While lithium iron phosphate could improve lifespan, the loss of portability would compromise the Explorer’s primary appeal.
Pricing
The Explorer 3000 has an MSRP of $2799. However, there are often discounts available directly from Jackery that can lower the price.
At the time of writing, there is a coupon code available that brings the price down to $2519. That’s a savings of $280 off MSRP. There are also occasional sales around major holidays that can drop the price further.
Jackery only sells the Explorer 3000 through their own website or Amazon storefront. So be sure to check both places to find the best deal. Amazon sometimes has it for the same coupon discounted price.
Third party sellers on Amazon Marketplace sometimes offer lower prices. But it’s best to buy directly from Jackery to ensure you receive a unit with the full manufacturer’s warranty.
The Explorer 3000 is still a significant investment. But when you consider the large power capacity, pure sine wave output, and portable design, it can be well worth it for the right use cases. Be sure to take advantage of any coupon codes or limited time pricing if you decide the Explorer 3000 is the right fit for your needs.
Warranty
Jackery provides a 3 year warranty on the Explorer 3000 as standard. However, you can extend the warranty period to 5 years by simply registering your Explorer 3000 purchase on Jackery’s website.
Registration is free and only takes a couple of minutes. All you need to do is enter your name, email, address, and Explorer 3000 serial number. Then Jackery will have your purchase on file and the warranty will be automatically extended to 5 years.
The warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship. So if you experience any issues with your Explorer 3000 during those 3-5 years, Jackery will repair or replace the defective parts free of charge.
Just make sure to keep your receipt or order confirmation, as you’ll need proof of purchase for any warranty claim. Registering also makes the process faster, as Jackery will already have your purchase recorded in their system.
So in summary, registration on Jackery’s website is required to extend the included 3 year warranty to a full 5 years. But it only takes a minute or two, and gives you 2 extra years of coverage and peace of mind.
Ideal Use Cases
The Jackery Explorer 3000 is a versatile power station that can be ideal for several use cases depending on your needs.
Home Backup
With 3000 watts of power output, the Explorer 3000 can serve as an excellent home backup solution to keep essential appliances and devices powered during grid outages. It has enough capacity to simultaneously run smaller appliances like phones, laptops, lights, a refrigerator, and more. The pure sine wave AC outlets and ample ports make it easy to connect devices during a power outage.
RV and Camper Use
The Explorer 3000 is perfectly suited for RV and camper life. It can deliver full shore power to an RV via the 30 amp outlet, eliminating the need for hookups. You can run all of your onboard appliances and electronics on it as needed. The integrated cart with sturdy wheels and extendable handle allow you to easily transport the unit at a campsite.
Heavy Duty Outdoor Use
With its large power stations, rugged design, and portability, the Explorer 3000 works great for rugged outdoor use cases like off-roading, overlanding, road trips, outdoor events, and more. It provides plenty of juice to keep cameras, drones, laptops, and other gear charged. You can run small power tools, electric cooktops, or medical devices. The Explorer 3000 delivers reliable power anywhere.
So whether you need backup electricity at home, power on the go for an RV/camper, or robust off-grid power outdoors, the Jackery Explorer 3000 is built to handle the job. Its versatile capacity and output make it ideal for a wide range of uses.
Comparable Options
The Explorer 3000 competes primarily with other mid-range 3000+ watt power stations. The two main competitors are:
Bluetti EB3A
The Bluetti EB3A offers similar 3000 watt AC output and app control in a slightly smaller and lighter 54 pound package. The EB3A uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries instead of Lithium Ion, but has less battery capacity at just 2048 Wh. It charges twice as fast in 1.2 hours with AC, but max solar input is limited to 700W. The EB3A is missing an RV outlet but adds a wireless charging pad on top of the unit. It is usually a little less expensive around $2299.
Anker 757 PowerHouse
Anker’s PowerHouse 757 is another key competitor with 2560W AC output and 2576Wh capacity. It has integrated handles instead of wheels for portability. Charging is a bit slower at 1.8 hours with AC. It matches the Explorer’s solar input capacity but lacks an app. Anker uses LiFePO4 batteries and includes a 3 year warranty. Pricing is competitive at $2499.
The Explorer 3000 holds up well against competitors with its fast 2.4 hour charge time, light but durable design, and combination of lithium ion batteries with long 5 year warranty. For most buyers, it strikes a nice balance of power, features, and quality.
Conclusion
The Jackery Explorer 3000 offers impressive performance and power capabilities in a portable package. Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Generates 3000 watts of power, confirming Jackery’s claims during testing
- Uses pure sine wave power, safe for sensitive electronics
- Charges fully in just 2.4 hours with fast 1800W AC input
- Integrated trolley makes it easy to move around
- Durable construction and thoughtful design
Cons
- Expensive compared to lower capacity options
- Lithium-ion batteries instead of LFP have shorter lifespan
- Mobile app lacks some features of competitors
The Explorer 3000 is ideal for anyone who needs up to 3000 watts of portable power for uses like RV and camper travel, home backup power, or running power hungry devices on outdoor adventures. With fast charging and the integrated trolley, the portability doesn’t come at the expense of performance or convenience. This makes it one of the top picks for a portable power station in this high capacity range. Those with lighter power needs can likely get by with a lower cost, lower capacity model instead. But for the target use cases, the Explorer 3000 hits the sweet spot of power, portability and premium features.