Over the past couple of years there’s been quite a dramatic shift in the way people are powering their off-grid camping setups with more and more lithium power stations entering the market providing people with a great and portable alternative to conventional power setups. I’ve been fortunate enough to test out a few different lithium power stations over the years with the goal of helping you guys decide which one if any is right for your needs. Today, Jackery has sent out their latest and greatest unit the 2000 plus which I’ve been testing out for the past few weeks.
About Jackery
Jackery has been a major player in the portable power station market for over 11 years. In fact, they were the first company ever to release a lithium power station back when the technology was still new. Now with over a decade of experience under their belt, Jackery has continued to innovate and release new lithium power station models.
The release of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus represents the culmination of their experience and expertise in the lithium power station market. It utilizes their latest LifePO4 lithium battery technology to deliver improved performance and longevity compared to previous lithium power station models. With Jackery’s long history and status as the original lithium power station maker, they are a company you can trust when it comes to off-grid portable power.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Overview
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is the company’s latest and most advanced portable power station yet. What really makes this model stand out is the high-quality LifePO4 lithium battery technology. This provides incredible longevity – the batteries are rated for over 4,000 charge cycles while still maintaining 70% capacity. In comparison, a typical lead acid battery may only last 500 cycles before needing replacement.
With a 2000 watt-hour (Wh) capacity, the Explorer 2000 Plus packs a ton of power into a portable and durable package. To put this into perspective, it can provide roughly 160 amp-hours, comparable to a large deep cycle RV or marine battery bank. But at just 28 lbs with a retractable handle and wheels, you get that power in a much more portable form factor.
However, the most impressive feature is the huge pure sine wave inverter. The Explorer 2000 Plus puts out a massive 3000 watts of continuous AC power, with a 6000W surge capability. That’s enough to start up and run high-draw appliances you wouldn’t expect a portable power station to handle – induction cooktops, electric kettles, power tools and more. Most competitors top out around half that inverter size.
Power Capacity
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus boasts an impressive power capacity of 2,000Wh (242Wh to be precise). To put this into perspective, when compared to a standard deep cycle lead acid battery, the Jackery’s capacity equates to about 160 amp hours. That’s a substantial amount of power that should be able to run most simple camp setups for multiple days before needing a recharge.
In testing, I’ve found that my particular camp setup with an 85L fridge, lighting, and charging devices uses around 500Wh per day. Your power consumption will vary based on your specific devices and their usage, but this gives you a rough idea of the Jackery’s capabilities. With its ample capacity, the Explorer 2000 Plus eliminates “battery anxiety” and allows you to run your gear confidently without worrying about running out of juice.
Inverter Capabilities
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus comes equipped with a heavy-duty pure sine wave inverter to power your appliances on the go. This inverter has a max continuous output of 3000W with a surge capability up to 6000W.
To test the capabilities of this powerful inverter, I simultaneously ran an air fryer and induction cooker outdoors. The air fryer pulls around 1500W on its own, while the induction cooker intermittently peaked over 2000W. Running both appliances at the same time resulted in over 3000W of power draw.
The Jackery powered both appliances without any issues, despite exceeding the rated 3000W continuous power. Having 3000W of continuous power makes the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus the most capable portable power station I’ve tested. No other comparable lithium power station can provide this much power continuously.
The large 3000W rating gives you the flexibility to run high-draw appliances like induction cookers, air conditioners, power tools and more from the Jackery. For most other lithium power stations, running devices like large air fryers or induction cookers is not recommended or even possible.
So if you need serious off-grid power to run appliances like fridges, freezers, or AC units, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus has the inverter capabilities to handle the job. The high capacity 3000W pure sine wave inverter makes this the most heavy-duty portable lithium power station on the market.
Testing the Inverter
One of the standout features of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is its massive 3,000 watt pure sine wave inverter, which provides enough power to run most appliances you’d use while camping. I wanted to put it to the test, so I plugged in my air fryer and induction cooker at the same time – two appliances that normally require a lot of power.
I put some sausages on the induction cooker and started air frying some potato gems. After about 30 seconds, the power draw hit over 3,000 watts! The inverter handled it like a champ. For the next 15 minutes, it hovered between 2,500-3,000 watts as both appliances cooked away.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus had no problem running the air fryer and induction cooker simultaneously, despite their high power demands. This really shows the versatility of this power station and its ability to handle most appliances you’d want to use off-grid. I was seriously impressed with its performance during this test.
DC Power Options
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers a good selection of DC power outlets to keep devices charged on the go. There are:
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2 quick charge USB type A ports that provide high-speed charging for compatible devices like smartphones and tablets. The quick charge functionality helps charge devices up to 4 times faster than standard USB ports.
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2 100W USB type C ports designed for powering larger devices like laptops. The 100W output provides plenty of power for most laptop charging needs.
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A standard 10 amp cigarette lighter socket located under a protective flap. This is useful for powering 12V accessories, though the 10 amp limit means high-power devices like large 12V fridges may trip the protection circuit.
The whole DC panel, including the ports, can be turned on or off with the press of a button. This helps prevent the ports drawing phantom power when not in use.
One downside is the unit does not offer any wireless charging pads or high-powered 12V outlets. So some adapters may be required to connect certain accessories and setups. But overall the DC options provide a versatile solution for keeping devices powered while on the go.
App Connectivity
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus can be connected to the Jackery app on your phone for remote monitoring and control. The Jackery app provides a slick and easy to use interface that lets you view the remaining charge percentage, current power draw, and estimated runtime.
You can also use the app to turn the AC and DC power outlets on or off remotely. This allows you to conserve power when appliances are not in use or manage your devices from a distance.
The Jackery app enables a few handy settings as well. You can enable “Quiet Charging Mode” which will charge the Explorer 2000 Plus at a slower rate but with less fan noise if you need it to charge quietly overnight. There is also a “Recharge” setting where you can customize the recharge rate based on your available solar panels or wall outlet.
Overall, the app connectivity provides helpful remote insight into power levels and usage. It also enables useful controls over the outlets and custom recharge settings for convenience and power management. The Jackery app integration is a handy addition to an already robust and full-featured portable power station.
Recharge Time
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus charges incredibly fast for a high capacity power station. It can go from 0% to 100% charge in under 2 hours when plugged into AC power.
The AC adapter for charging is built-in so there’s no bulky power bricks to carry around. You just use the included orange cable to plug into an outlet. This makes recharging on the go very convenient.
For solar charging, there are two DC input ports that will accept up to 1400W combined from Jackery solar panels or other compatible solar panels using an 8mm cable.
The included 100W folding Jackery solar panel pairs perfectly with the Explorer 2000 Plus. While the panel can’t charge the unit from 0-100% by itself due to its lower wattage, it can help significantly extend time between charges when paired with occasional AC charging. Even a couple hours per day of solar charging can make a difference.
The fast recharge time both via AC and solar give you a lot of flexibility when off-grid. You can top up the charge conveniently and get back to powering appliances and devices quickly.
Included Solar Panel
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus solar generator kit also includes Jackery’s 100W folding solar panel. This panel is designed specifically for use with the Explorer 2000 Plus power station.
The solar panel is ultra slim and portable. It has a built-in handle and folds up neatly for easy transport. The panel sections connect together magnetically when opened for setup.
For testing, I set up the 100W panel outdoors in direct sunlight. Despite it being late afternoon, the panel generated 70W of power input to the Explorer 2000 Plus. This equates to charging about 1% of the power station battery capacity per hour.
I tested again the next day at noon when sunlight was at its peak. The 100W solar panel generated 95W of power input to the Explorer 2000 Plus in these ideal conditions. This shows the panel can deliver its full rated wattage under optimal sunlight.
While convenient, a downside is that the solar panel uses a proprietary connector that only works with the Explorer 2000 Plus power station. An adapter would be needed to connect the panel to anything else like a car battery or other power station.
Overall, the included 100W folding solar panel provides a streamlined portable solar charging solution for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus power station. Its plug-and-play connectivity makes on-the-go solar charging simple and efficient.
Who is it For?
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is perfect for off-grid enthusiasts who need a powerful yet portable power station to run appliances and devices in various locations.
With 2000 watt-hours of capacity and a high-powered 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter, this unit can handle larger appliances like induction cooktops, air fryers, blenders, power tools, and more. So it’s ideal for campers, overlanders, and vanlifers who want to enjoy the comforts of home while off-grid.
The Explorer 2000 Plus strikes a good balance between power and portability. At 30 pounds, it’s light enough to carry short distances or transfer between vehicles. The built-in wheels and extendable handle also make transport easy. So you can use it at a basecamp site, move it closer to your vehicle as needed, or even bring it indoors during power outages.
Its fast recharge time is another major perk. You can recharge from 0-100% in under 2 hours by plugging into shore power. Or continuously top it off with the included 100W solar panel. This allows you to use the Explorer 2000 Plus in multiple locations day after day without disruption.
In summary, with its ample power capacity, fast recharge time, and easy portability, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is ideal for off-grid enthusiasts who need to power appliances and devices in various campsites, vehicles, or buildings. Its versatility makes it a valuable investment for anyone seeking true mobility and energy independence.
Pros
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus has several standout features that make it a compelling option compared to other portable power stations on the market:
Huge Inverter Capacity
The 2000 Plus packs a massive 3000W pure sine wave inverter, the largest of any comparable lithium power station. This huge inverter capacity allows you to run high-draw appliances like induction cooktops, air fryers, blenders, power tools and more. Most other portable power stations top out at around 1800W, so the Jackery’s 3000W inverter is a game changer for powering appliances off-grid.
Fast Recharge Time
Thanks to dual AC and DC fast charging inputs, the Explorer 2000 Plus can recharge from 0-100% in under 2 hours. This rapid recharge time allows you to quickly top up the battery during short stops while on road trips or camping. Slower recharge times of 5+ hours can make it hard to fully recharge portable power stations during short overnight stops, so the Jackery’s less than 2 hour full recharge time is a major advantage.
LifePO4 Battery
The Explorer 2000 Plus utilizes advanced LifePO4 lithium ion battery technology instead of cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries found in some competitors. LifePO4 is the safest and most stable lithium battery chemistry available. It’s rated for over 4000+ cycles before any noticeable degradation occurs. This gives the Jackery a much longer lifetime than cheaper portable power stations. You can expect over 10 years of use even depleting it fully every day. The LifePO4 battery technology is a key factor that makes the Explorer 2000 Plus worth the premium price.
Cons
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus does have some downsides to consider:
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Expensive – There’s no getting around the fact that the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus carries a hefty price tag. At around $2000 for the generator and solar panel bundle, it’s a significant investment upfront. While the long battery life means you likely won’t have to replace it for many years, the initial cost is prohibitive for some buyers.
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Heavy – Tipping the scales at over 60 pounds with the solar panel, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is not a lightweight unit. The built-in wheels and extendable handle help for transporting short distances. However, the bulk and weight likely makes it impractical for longer treks into remote locations far from your vehicle.
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No Wireless Charging – With no built-in wireless charging pads, you’ll need to keep track of cables to charge devices like phones and tablets. While not a dealbreaker, wireless charging would have provided a nicer user experience. Having to plug in cables is an inconvenience compared to just setting your device on a charging pad.
Comparison to Competition
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has some key advantages over competitors:
Power Capacity – With 2000 Wh capacity, the Jackery holds more power than many competitors like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X (1516 Wh) and Bluetti AC200MAX (2048 Wh). This gives you more power for running appliances and devices off-grid.
Inverter Size – The 3000W AC inverter dwarfs most competitors, allowing you to run more high-draw appliances simultaneously. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X has a 2000W inverter, while the Bluetti AC200MAX has a 2200W inverter.
Recharge Time – One of the Jackery’s most impressive specs is the ability to recharge from 0-100% in under 2 hours on AC. This is much faster than competitors like the Bluetti AC200MAX (4+ hours) or Goal Zero Yeti 1500X (4.5 hours).
Weight – At 28 kg, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is heavier than some competitors like the Bluetti AC200MAX (27 kg) and Goal Zero Yeti 1500X (20 kg). However, the built-in wheels and handle improve portability.
Price – The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro has an MSRP of $1899, which is comparable to competitors. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X costs $1899, while the Bluetti AC200MAX is $1799. You get excellent value for the power capacity and features.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro stands out with its large power capacity, high wattage inverter for running multiple appliances, and extremely fast recharge time. The power and performance specs make it competitive within the premium portable power station market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jackery 2000 Plus stands out as a powerful portable power station thanks to its high capacity, fast recharge times, and robust 3,000-watt pure sine wave inverter. While it may not be the lightest or most compact unit, the 2000 Plus is ideal for off-grid users who need to run high-draw appliances like induction cooktops, electric kettles, power tools, etc.
The ability to recharge from 0 to 100% in under 2 hours makes the 2000 Plus very versatile. You can top it up quickly during a long road trip or while on a short stopover at a powered campsite. This rapid recharging really expands the possibilities for off-grid use.
While the 2000 Plus isn’t cheap, it can deliver long-lasting portable power with its LifePo4 battery. For remote touring or boondocking where shore power isn’t available, the 2000 Plus allows you to run appliances and electronics anywhere. The peace of mind of not worrying about your devices dying is worth the investment for some.
The main tradeoff is portability. At 28kg with its rugged wheels, the 2000 Plus gives up some compactness and light weight found in smaller units. So it may not be ideal for hiking trips or other situations where you need an ultra-light package. But for vehicle-based adventures where you have room to pack it and need serious off-grid power, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus stands out as a top choice.