EcoFlow Unveils RIVER 3 Series: Compact portable power stations 20% smaller than RIVER 2

EcoFlow has introduced its latest line of portable power stations – the RIVER 3 Series. This new range aims to provide an accessible entry point for those new to portable power solutions, offering a blend of affordability, compact design, and robust performance.

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RIVER 3 Series Overview

The RIVER 3 Series comprises three main models:

1. RIVER 3
2. RIVER 3 Plus
3. RIVER 3 Max
4. RIVER 3 Max Plus

Each model in the series is designed to cater to different power needs while maintaining a focus on portability and efficiency.

RIVER 3: The Compact Powerhouse

The base model, RIVER 3, boasts a 245Wh capacity and 300W output, with the ability to surge up to 600W using EcoFlow’s X-Boost technology. Its compact size, measuring 255 x 207 x 113 mm, makes it highly portable, comparable in size to a small projector.

Key features of the RIVER 3 include:

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with <20ms response time
• 1-hour fast charging capability
• 110W solar charging support
• Quiet operation at <30dB

RIVER 3 Plus: Expandable Power

The RIVER 3 Plus steps up the game with a 286Wh capacity and 600W output, capable of surging to 1200W with X-Boost. This model offers expandability, allowing users to increase capacity up to 858Wh with an additional battery pack.

Notable features include:

• Faster UPS response at <10ms
• 220W solar charging capability
• Expandable capacity with extra battery options

RIVER 3 Max: With Wireless Options

The RIVER 3 Max combines the RIVER 3 Plus with a 282Wh extra battery (EB300), resulting in a total capacity of 572Wh. It maintains the 600W output and 1200W X-Boost capability of the Plus model.

Additionally, there will also be a model that includes a wireless QI charging pad.

Advanced Technology Integration

The RIVER 3 Series incorporates several advanced technologies that set it apart in the portable power station market.

GaN Technology

EcoFlow has utilised Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor materials in the RIVER 3 Series, marking a first for the portable power station industry. This technology allows for higher efficiency and less heat generation, enabling a more compact design without compromising on performance.

X-GaNPower

This proprietary technology enhances energy efficiency, particularly for low-wattage devices. EcoFlow claims that the RIVER 3 can power light-duty appliances (under 100W) for up to twice as long as other 300Wh portable power stations.

X-Stream Fast Charging

The RIVER 3 Series supports four fast charging options, with AC charging capable of fully recharging the unit from 0-100% in just one hour. This rapid charging is achieved without compromising battery longevity, thanks to EV industry-inspired full-tab technology and a trickle charging mechanism after reaching 90% capacity.

X-Boost Technology

X-Boost allows the RIVER 3 Series to exceed its rated output limits, enabling support for higher-power appliances. For instance, the base RIVER 3 model can handle loads up to 600W, despite its 300W rated output.

Practical Applications

The RIVER 3 Series is positioned as a versatile power solution for various scenarios:

1. Outdoor Adventures: Its compact size and portability make it suitable for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
2. Home Backup: With the ability to power 90% of essential home appliances, it serves as a reliable backup during power outages.
3. Remote Work: The extended runtime for low-wattage devices like laptops and routers makes it ideal for remote working setups.
4. Small Recreational Vehicles: Its compact size fits well in limited spaces such as small motorhomes or trailers.

Comparative Advantage

EcoFlow emphasises the RIVER 3 Series’ advantages over other 300Wh portable power stations:

Feature	RIVER 3	Other 300Wh Stations
Light (9W) Runtime	17h	10.3h
Wi-Fi Router (3W) Runtime	30.8h	14.7h
AC Charging Time	60 min	1.9h (1h in fast mode)
Solar Charging Time	2.8h	3.3h
Car Charging Time	3h	5h

These comparisons highlight the efficiency gains and faster charging capabilities of the RIVER 3 Series.

Warranty and Support

EcoFlow provides a 2-year warranty for the RIVER 3 model and extends this to 5 years for the RIVER 3 Plus and Max models. This extended warranty period for the higher-end models may indicate EcoFlow’s confidence in the longevity and reliability of these units.

EcoFlow River 3 vs River 2 Specification Comparison

Looking at the EcoFlow River 3 vs River 2 specification comparison below, you will see there is practically no difference between generations. The EcoFlow River 3 is worse in some respects, as it lacks USB-C input.

The main difference is the dimensions, which are:

• EcoFlow River 3: 255 x 207 x 113 mm
• EcoFlow River 2: 245 x 214 x 142 mm

This makes the River 3 much flatter than the older model, although it is slightly longer.

Looking at the volume that gives us:

• EcoFlow River 3: 5964705 mm3
• EcoFlow River 2: 7445060 mm3

This makes the EcoFlow River 3 20% smaller in volume than the EcoFlow River 3. This isn’t something I would normally care about that much, but considering these devices are designed to be used for things like camping then any space you can save is always a huge bonus.

Specification	River 3	River 2
Capacity	245Wh/76800mAh	256Wh
Cell Chemistry	LFP (LiFePO4)	LFP
Cycle Life	3000 cycles to 80% capacity	80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
Discharge Temperature	-10°C to 45°C	-10°C to 45°C
Charge Temperature	0°C to 45°C	0°C to 45°C
Optimal Operating Temperature	20°C to 30°C	20°C to 30°C
Storage Temperature	-10°C to 45°C (20°C to 30°C is best)	-10°C to 45°C (20°C to 30°C is best)
AC Input	200~240V, 3A Max, 50/60Hz, 300W	220-240V 50Hz/60Hz, 360W Max
Solar Input	11-30V, 8A, 110W Max	11-30V, 8A, 110W Max
Car Input	11~55V, 8A Max, 100W Max	12V/24V, 8A, 100W Max
USB-C Input/Output	No USB-C Input 1 port, 5/9/12/15/20V⎓5A, 100W Max per port	5/9/12/15/20V, 3A, 60W Max
Car DC Output	1 port, 12.6V, 10A, 126W Max	12.6V, 8A, 100W Max
USB-A Output	2 ports, 5V⎓2.4A, 12W Max per port, total 24W	5V, 2.4A, 12W Max
AC Output	1 ports, 230V~50Hz, 300W total (Surge 600W, X-Boost 600W)	Pure Sine Wave, 300W total (surge 600W), 230V 50Hz/60Hz
App Control	Wi-Fi &Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
AC Charging Time	0~100% in 60 min	0-80% in 48 minutes, 0-100% in 60 minutes (360W Max)
Car Charging Time	0-100% in 2.8 hr	3 hours
USB-C Charging Time	N/A	6 hours
Solar Charging Time	0-100% in 2.6 hr （45W input 0-100% in 6.3 hrs） （60W input 0-100% in 4.7 hrs）	2.5 hours
Net Weight	3.5 kg/7.7 lb	Approximately 3.5kg
Dimensions	255 x 207 x 113 mm	245 x 214 x 142 mm