Ecoflow Delta 2 in the TechStage test: The best power station under 1200 euros The solar generator Delta 2 from Ecoflow is almost identical to the previous model – but there are differences that are decisive for the purchase. TechStage tested it. 4:02 p.m. tech stage

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Brian Adam
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ecoflow delta 2 in the techstage test the best power.jpeg
ecoflow delta 2 in the techstage test the best power.jpeg

The mobile solar generator Delta 2 from Ecoflow is almost identical to the previous model – but there are differences that are decisive for the purchase. TechStage tested the Delta 2.

Solar generators with an integrated battery enable a self-sufficient power supply far away from the power grid. Thanks to various connection options including a 230 V socket and sufficiently high continuous output, the devices are not only ideal for camping and leisure, but also for work and as an emergency power supply. The power stations can be charged using either a power supply unit or a photovoltaic panel, and it usually takes seven to eight hours. The Ecoflow Delta 2 can do that better, which we also checked.

This individual test is about the successor to an Ecoflow Delta (test report) , which has made it into the best power stations in our top 10 thanks to a successful overall package with great extras. Apart from the 1800 W continuous output and more than 1000 Wh capacity, the fast charging and UPS functions were already attractive in the predecessor. The changes to the first variant can only be seen at second glance, but we took a close look at and tested version 2. This individual test is part of the Powerstation theme world .

On the left the Ecoflow Delta 2, on the right the previous model.  

At first glance, the revised Ecoflow Delta 2 looks like the previous model, only the height has increased by one cm. The Delta 2 now measures 21 × 40 × 28 cm (W/L/H). At 12 kg, the power station weighs around two kg less than the previous model, which is noticeable when carrying it. Thanks to the two handles on the short sides, the power station is mobile, but less suitable for hikes or bike tours due to its heavy weight.

The biggest changes concern the internal batteries. Instead of NCM batteries with a nominal capacity of 1260 Wh, Ecoflow uses LiFePO4 batteries with 1024 Wh for the Delta 2. Apart from the lower weight and the lower capacity, this is primarily noticeable in the service life. In the first variant, the manufacturer promises 80 percent residual capacity after more than 800 charging cycles. The Delta 2 retains this 80 percent even after 3000 charging cycles – according to the data sheet.

Ecoflow Delta 2  

The design taken from the Delta looks modern and high-quality. Unlike other manufacturers, Ecoflow does without flashy colors and so this mobile socket looks more appropriate for the trade fair stand and in the office than for the beach or campsite. The wide rubber feet ensure a stable hold, but the surface attracts dust and lint. The case with the open ventilation slots is not waterproof. The processing of the Delta 2 is impeccable, even if we would have liked protective covers for the connections.

Connections and screen are distributed over a total of three sides and not arranged centrally. The bright and clear status display, a total of six USB ports, their power button and the on/off button are on the front. In addition to the input and output power, the screen shows the available battery capacity as a percentage and the calculated remaining running time. If that is not enough, you can also communicate with the power station via WLAN and Bluetooth and change various settings, switch outputs on and off or monitor the performance data via the app.

Ecoflow Delta 2  

The internal fuse of the power station and the inputs for the solar panel and mains cable are hidden behind a plastic flap – but no longer on the side, but centrally above the four 230 V sockets on the back. The 12 V car connection (cigarette lighter) and two newly added 12 V round sockets are attached below the Schuko sockets. The 12 V consumers also have an illuminated power button. Apart from the car socket, the outputs are all unprotected. Behind the flap on the right side of the housing of the Delta 2 is the connection for further additional batteries from the manufacturer. The available battery modules deliver an additional 1024 Wh to 2016 Wh. The costs for the extensions are between 800 euros and 1700 euros.

In addition to the power station, a mains cable for charging at the socket and a car charging cable are also included in the scope of delivery. An adapter cable to MC4 connectors for connecting a solar panel is not included. You don’t need a bulky external power supply unit, like the Bluetti power stations. In addition to the power station, the manufacturer has made its 400 W photovoltaic panel available to us.

Using the Delta 2 is self-explanatory thanks to clear labeling. After switching on or plugging in the mains cable or solar panel, the display lights up and shows the values ​​for input and output power, the current capacity in percent and the calculated remaining running time with constant consumption. You can also see which outputs are switched on. After a few minutes, the screen turns off automatically. If you want to query the values, press the power button on the USB outputs and the display lights up again. A small LED in the respective power button shows whether the outputs are active.

Ecoflow Delta 2  

After unpacking, we first fully discharge the power station and do our first practical tests. The consumers connected, whether with direct or alternating current, all worked properly. Charging USB gadgets works just as well as powering our MacBook Pro via USB-C with PD up to 100 W. Moderate consumers such as drone chargers, coolers, PC workstations, drills or lamps do not upset the Delta. Heavy consumers such as a saber saw, lawn trimmer, 1300 W fan heater or our toaster also worked. Even the 1800 W kettle works reliably thanks to the energy buffer with the so-called X-Boost (up to 2400 W). Only with our miter saw with a starting current of over 3000 W do we push the Delta 2 to its limits.

Now it’s time to charge the empty battery. We use the full 1200 W power of the internal power supply for this. Connected to the socket, the Delta 2 immediately takes off. This is noticeable in the rapidly increasing capacity display and the noise level. The charging performance of the Delta 2 is impressive, after just 51 minutes the batteries are already 80 percent full. It took us exactly 87 minutes before we reached 100 percent, which is even three minutes less than specified by the manufacturer. With other manufacturers, only the Anker Powerhouse 757 (test report) couldconvince with a similarly short loading time and comparable equipment. Many power stations, even much smaller and weaker ones, usually need between six to eight hours to fully charge via the power supply. At full charging power, however, the fans of the Delta 2 also run at full speed, loud and clear. With a volume of just under 62 dB(A), it is advisable to charge the power station in the basement or a distant room. It’s a shame, as noise could certainly have been reduced with other fans or an optimized airflow. So the motto is: either fast and loud or slow(er) and quiet(er). If you reduce the charging power, you can also reduce the volume. However, the Delta 2 is never completely silent when charging via the power supply.

The fans can be clearly heard. Underneath is the connection for additional batteries.