EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus Evaluation: Is This Mobile Power Station Capable of Charging Your Electric Vehicle?
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Quick Read
- The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus is capable of charging an electric vehicle but is restricted by its 1 kWh capacity.
- To successfully charge, the car’s settings must be adjusted to avoid overloading.
- A separate grounding adapter is not necessary for the Delta 3 Plus.
- Weighing 12.5 kg, the power station is unwieldy for regular car use.
- It is more suitable for backup at home or for camping rather than for increasing EV range.
Charging an Electric Vehicle with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
Is it possible to charge an electric vehicle, such as the new Hyundai Inster urban EV, with a portable power station like the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus? This power station holds 1 kWh of energy and is equipped with four 240V AC power outlets, compatible with a standard car charger cable.
Grounding the Delta 3 Plus
The Delta 3 Plus is constructed to operate grounded without needing an additional adaptor. As stated on its online support page, the unit’s AC output and internal mechanism are grounded, sharing the same grounding as grid electricity when in use.
First Charging Attempt
Open the car to reach the charging port. Connect the Hyundai charger to one of the Delta 3 Plus’s sockets and the vehicle. After powering on the station, confirm that the AC sockets are switched on as well. The Hyundai Inster will indicate that charging has begun with a “Start charging!” alert. However, the Delta 3 Plus’s 1 kWh capacity means that it can only provide charge to the vehicle for around 23 minutes at a rate of 2.2 kW.
Problem: Overload and Solution
During testing, the Delta 3 Plus halted charging due to an “Over Load” error because the car attempted to draw more current than what the station could provide. To fix this, modify the car’s settings to limit the current draw to 6 amps, bringing the charging rate down to 1.3 kW.
Successful Charging at Reduced Power
With the new settings, the vehicle successfully charged at a rate of 1.25 kW. The Delta 3 Plus can maintain this output without overheating or straining. Keep in mind that the power station’s rated output is 1,800W, with a temporary boost capability of 2,400W using the X boost feature, though this will lower the voltage.
Conclusion
While the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus can technically charge an electric vehicle, its cumbersome weight and restricted energy capacity render it impractical for increasing EV range. Weighing in at 12.5 kg and priced at $1400, it is better suited for land or camping scenarios. Until improvements are made in weight and cost for these power stations, they won’t provide a viable option for EV charging in isolated or emergency contexts.
Summary
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus showcases the capability of charging an electric vehicle, yet its practicality is hindered by weight, energy capacity, and expense. It serves a better purpose for home or camping backup power instead of extending EV range while traveling.