DJI has discreetly unveiled a high-powered car charger designed for its substantial portable battery lineup, the Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger. Retailing at $299/€269, this charger leverages the power of a vehicle’s alternator to deliver up to 1000W of charging power to compatible DJI power stations while the engine is running. This release marks a significant development in the portable power sector, as a growing number of manufacturers of solar generators and power stations are adopting DC-to-DC charging technology, providing convenient charging solutions for those who utilize these devices for remote work, travel, or emergency preparedness. The increasing popularity of these powerful portable power systems coupled with the flexibility of alternator charging offers a compelling solution for maintaining power on the go.
The DJI Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger integrates seamlessly with DJI’s portable power ecosystem. Installation involves mounting the charger within the vehicle and connecting it to the car battery via the provided 5-meter fused cable. Once installed, the charger connects to the proprietary SDC port on compatible DJI power stations, such as the recently reviewed DJI Power 1000. Furthermore, it supports charging DJI’s 2048Wh Power 2000 Expansion Batteries, which can be daisy-chained using SDC cables to achieve a combined storage capacity of up to 11kWh. The charger also features a reverse-charging capability, allowing it to replenish the vehicle’s battery and prevent depletion, a valuable feature for extended use or emergency situations.
The charging performance of the DJI Power 1kW is impressive. At its maximum output of 1000W, it can fully charge the 1024Wh battery of the DJI Power 1000 in just over an hour of driving. However, the charger’s default output is limited to 500W. To unlock the full 1000W charging potential, users must acquire the DJI Power Dongle, a separate $25 accessory. The dongle, in conjunction with the DJI app, allows users to configure the charger to its maximum output. As a promotional incentive, DJI is currently including the dongle as a complimentary gift with new purchases of the Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger in the US market.
This release from DJI follows recent entries into the alternator charger market by other prominent portable power manufacturers. The 800W EcoFlow Alternator Charger and the 560W Bluetti AC500 provide similar functionality, albeit with varying approaches. The EcoFlow charger, mirroring DJI’s design, employs a proprietary connector, optimizing its performance with its own battery systems. The Bluetti AC500, on the other hand, offers broader compatibility, capable of charging power stations from various manufacturers, although at a lower charging rate compared to the DJI Power 1kW. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any of these chargers depends on the capacity of the vehicle’s alternator to provide sufficient amperage.
The emergence of high-powered alternator chargers signifies a significant step forward in portable power technology. The ability to rapidly recharge large-capacity power stations from a vehicle’s alternator provides users with an invaluable tool for various applications. Whether it’s powering remote work setups, supporting off-grid adventures, or providing emergency backup power, these chargers offer a convenient and efficient way to stay powered up on the go. The increasing adoption of DC-to-DC charging technology by leading manufacturers indicates a growing demand for these versatile charging solutions.
The choice between different alternator chargers will ultimately depend on individual needs and preferences. Users invested in DJI’s ecosystem will find the Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger to be a seamless and powerful addition. Those seeking broader compatibility may gravitate towards options like the Bluetti AC500. Regardless of the specific choice, the availability of these high-powered car chargers empowers users with greater flexibility and independence in managing their portable power needs, opening up new possibilities for work, travel, and emergency preparedness.
