Bluetti Elite 30 V2

The Bluetti Elite 30 V2 is the sort of gadget you don’t realise you need until you’re camping, or sitting in the dark with two small telly addicted children during a power cut. Thankfully, this compact portable power station has enough going on to make itself useful well beyond the occasional emergency.

Weighing just 4.3kg, it’s portable enough to take on a weekend away but you certainly won’t be carrying it inside a rucksack. Inside is a 288Wh lithium iron phosphate battery, designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after more than 3,000 charge cycles.

The 600W output is enough for laptops, lights, small appliances and the inevitable collection of phones demanding a boost. Bluetti’s Power Lifting mode can also handle certain resistive appliances rated up to 1,500W, although don’t expect it to run your entire kitchen by the campfire.

Connectivity comes with a generous amount of options, with a UK mains socket, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports delivering up to 100W and 140W, and three DC outputs. That means you can charge several gadgets simultaneously without everyone fighting over priority.

Charging is quick, reaching 80% in around 45 minutes from the mains. You can also recharge using a compatible solar panel or your car, making it particularly handy for longer trips away from civilisation. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity let you monitor power levels and adjust settings through the Bluetti app.

There’s also a UPS function with a switchover time of 10 milliseconds or less, helping compatible devices stay powered during an outage. Handy when you’re halfway through something important and the electricity decides to quit on you.

The main limitation is capacity. At 288Wh, this is better suited to smaller devices and short emergencies than running power hungry appliances for hours. It isn’t waterproof either, so camping trips require a little common sense.

Still, the Elite 30 V2 packs plenty of useful features into a compact, practical package. It’s a reassuring little box of electricity that’s equally at home on a campsite or tucked away for the next power cut. RRP £239