The Ultimate Guide to EcoFlow Portable Power Station Specs
Trying to wrap your head around the specs and terminology used to describe portable power stations and home battery backup systems can get confusing at best — or overwhelming at worst.
This concise but comprehensive Ultimate Guide explains each and every specification given for EcoFlow portable power stations and solar generators in plain English.
We break down the concepts behind the numbers one by one — and explain why you should care.
No more facepalming while trying to decipher our specs…
Instead, breathe a sigh of relief — safe in the knowledge you’ve made the right decision for your off-grid electricity needs.
Read on to learn all about our portable power station specs — and what they mean for you.
Specifications for EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3
We’ve chosen the latest model of our award-winning flagship portable power station (PPS) for this article: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.
Aside from whole home generators like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3 is our most expandable and highest output PPS — it’s got some specs that don’t apply to smaller portable power stations like the EcoFlow RIVER and Trail series of off-grid power stations.
However, the principles behind the specs remain the same across all of our portable power stations.
You can use this guide for reference for any EcoFlow portable power station you’re interested in, including the new DELTA 3 Series.
Let’s start at the top.
Rated Capacity
Rated capacity indicates the maximum amount of electricity a portable power station can store in its battery when fully charged. If you allow your portable power station (PPS) to discharge completely before recharging, the capacity is the maximum amount of electricity you can consume. Battery storage capacity is measured in watt-hours (wH) or kilowatt-hours (kWh) — just like you’ll find on your electricity bill. Portable power stations can operate while recharging – for example, when using solar panels. You don’t have to wait for the battery to recharge for the PPS to function. The current range of EcoFlow portable power stations utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) battery chemistry, which supports deep cycles (fully charging/discharging) without nearly as much impact on performance and lifespan as other battery types, such as Sealed Lead Acid (SLA/VRLA) batteries.
Expandable Capacity (Single Unit)
Expandable Capacity indicates if a portable power station’s storage capacity can be expanded by purchasing additional batteries — and by how much. EcoFlow DELTA Pro whole-home battery backup solutions are all expandable. For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is expandable to 90kWh — enough power to run many homes for a month off-grid. Each EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is expandable up to 12kWh of storage with 2 x DELTA Pro 3 Smart Extra Batteries.
AC Continuous Output
AC Output indicates the maximum wattage (electricity) that the portable power station can deliver continuously on demand. If any appliance you want to operate exceeds the AC output, the PPS can’t run it. Similarly, the total wattage of all the appliances you want to operate at the same time can’t exceed the maximum AC output — in this case, 4000W.
Thanks to EcoFlow’s proprietary X-Boost technology, the DELTA Pro 3 can operate up to 6000W of high-wattage appliances simultaneously, utilising AI-enhanced smart power management. However, AC Continuous Output remains the more reliable spec when determining how much power you need to meet your requirements.
Expandable Capacity (System*)
Several EcoFlow portable power stations and solar generators give you the option to chain 2 or more of the same units together or connect other compatible EcoFlow products, giving you even more flexibility to meet your electricity output and storage goals.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 supports the chaining of up to 3 units operating in parallel for a maximum continuous AC output of 12000W and storage capacity of 36kWh with 6 x DELTA Pro 3 Smart Extra Batteries.
If that’s not enough power or storage, you can also connect a compatible inverter generator. EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) runs on gasoline or propane (LPG) and can provide an additional 12kWh of energy storage when the tank is full.
Unlike portable power stations, any portable or standby generator that burns fossil fuels cannot be operated indoors and should only be used at a safe distance from your home (20 feet minimum from doors and windows).
AC Surge Output
Many high-wattage appliances, especially those with motors like refrigerator compressors and air conditioners, require significantly more power to start than they do to run. When you’re shopping for a generator or home battery backup, understanding the difference between starting and running watts is essential.
Many portable, standby, and inverter generators that run on fossil fuels provide minimal surge power above their continuous AC output wattage — often as little as 10-20%. For example, a 5kW generator may only offer a starting wattage of 500W-1000W above its continuous AC output. If you’re trying to run multiple high-wattage appliances like refrigerators, freezers, HVAC systems, space heaters, etc, starting an engine-driven device while the generator is operating near full-load can cause it to auto-shutdown or even cause permanent damage.
If the same generator has insufficient surge power capacity to start an appliance that requires a short burst of power to fire up, like a central air conditioner, you won’t be able to operate the system at all without purchasing a different generator or plugging it into grid power.
Many people are unaware that starting wattage is a “thing” until they start shopping for a generator or home battery system. Most manufacturers list the continuous (running) wattage as the operating requirement, and starting watts may not be specified on the label or in the product manual.
Surge power is rarely an issue when your appliances are connected to grid power, unless you overload a circuit breaker, causing it to trip. But everyone’s had the experience of the lights dimming slightly when a fridge or AC unit kicks on — that’s due to surge power causing a momentary voltage drop on the circuit.
One of the many benefits of EcoFlow portable power stations and generators over traditional fossil fuel models is the ability to output double their continuous AC output as surge power. Thanks to X-Boost, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 delivers 4000W continuous/8000W AC surge output.
Cell Chemistry
Cell Chemistry indicates the type of battery used in the PPS. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 features lithium iron phosphate (LFP/LifePO4) battery cell chemistry.
Chemistry | Average Lifespan (Years) | Primary Factors Affecting Lifespan | Notes |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 3-8 | Maintenance (watering), Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, cycle life. | Cheap, but requires regular maintenance and has the shortest lifespan. Not frequently used for new solar installations due to maintenance demands and inferior performance |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 3-7 | Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, overcharging | Commonly referred to as Deep Cycle or Maintenance Free. Sensitive to overcharging. |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 5-10 | Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, cycle life | Commonly referred to as Deep Cycle or Maintenance Free.More robust than Gel Cell, good for high-discharge applications. |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 5-10 | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Energy-dense, used in many EV/portable device applications. Less suitable for photovoltaic applications than newer Li-ion subtypes like NMC and LFP. |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 7-15 | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Very common in EVs and power tools. Good energy density. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 10-20+ | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Generally considered safer and more stable than NMC. Longer lifespan, but slightly lower energy density. Very popular for solar storage and new EVs. |
LFP batteries are more compact, energy-dense, and longer-lasting than other types of lithium-ion batteries or so-called lead acid “deep cycle batteries.”
Additionally, LFP batteries don’t require cobalt — an essential element in other Li-Ion batteries — which is often sourced unethically and has a greater negative impact on the environment when mined, recycled, or discarded than the minerals/metals in LiFePO4 batteries.
Battery IP Rating
Ingress protection (IP) ratings are the international standard measurement for the waterproofing and dustproofing of electronic devices and appliances.
As anyone who's ever dropped a phone in the sink or the ocean knows, electronic circuits are susceptible to water damage.
Most phones, laptops, and other devices designed for indoor and outdoor use come with some level of water and dustproof protection.
IP Ratings for Portable Power Stations and Electronic Devices
IP Rating | Description | Solid Protection (1st Digit) | Liquid Protection (2nd Digit) | Typical Use Case |
IP20 | Protection against solid objects >12.5 mm, no protection against water | 2 (fingers) | 0 (none) | Indoor electronics, basic power strips |
IP44 | Splash resistant and protected against objects >1 mm | 4 (most wires/tools) | 4 (splashes from any direction) | Outdoor lights, small appliances |
IP54 | Limited dust ingress, splash resistant | 5 (dust protected) | 4 (splashes) | Worksite tools, outdoor speakers |
IP55 | Limited dust ingress, protected against water jets | 5 (dust protected) | 5 (water jets) | Industrial electronics, outdoor cameras |
IP65 | Dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets | 6 (dust tight) | 5 (water jets) | Portable power stations, LED lighting |
IP66 | Dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets | 6 (dust tight) | 6 (powerful water jets) | Marine equipment, outdoor junction boxes |
IP67 | Dust-tight, protected against immersion up to 1 m | 6 (dust tight) | 7 (immersion ≤1 m for 30 min) | Outdoor battery packs, rugged portable electronics |
IP68 | Dust-tight, protected against long-term immersion | 6 (dust tight) | 8 (immersion beyond 1 m, manufacturer-specified) | High-end smartphones, solar generators, underwater sensors |
IP69K | Dust-tight, protected against high-pressure, high-temperature jets | 6 (dust tight) | 9K (close-range, high-pressure/high-temp) | Food processing equipment, off-road gear, some rugged power stations |
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 offers IP65 rating protection for its battery pack components. However, other sensitive electronic components of the PPS are not IP65 rated and shouldn’t be subjected to “spray from low-pressure water jets,” for example.
The main power station unit, which houses the outlets, ports, and display, has an IP20 rating. IP20 protects against solid objects larger than 12.5mm (like fingers) but offers no protection against water.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is safe for indoor use and sheltered outdoor use in most conditions. However, performance and durability can be negatively impacted by extreme temperatures, hot or cold and under no circumstances should you let the PPS get wet or be submerged in water.
More on operating temperatures for DELTA Pro 3 below.
Cycle Life
Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion battery types like LFP don’t degrade significantly over time; they degrade with use. A “cycle” is a full discharge/charge of a rechargeable battery.
Cycle life is a laboratory-tested spec that estimates the number of times a battery can be fully charged and discharged during regular use. All current rechargeable battery cells perform better and last longer when you DON’T fully charge and discharge the battery pack to 100%.
Cycle life is closely related to other crucial specs, such as depth of discharge and state of charge, which measure how much energy is stored in the battery relative to its maximum storage capacity.
Average Cycle Life by Battery Chemistry Type
Chemistry | Approximate Cycle Life (at 80% DoD) | Notes |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 500-1500 | Cycle life is heavily affected by maintenance and DoD. Regular maintenance and shallow discharges are crucial for achieving the higher end of this range. |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 500-1000 | More sensitive to deep discharges and overcharging than AGM. |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 800-1500 | Generally more robust than Gel Cell for cycling applications. |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 500-1000 | (Older Li-ion chemistries) Cycle life can vary depending on the specific formulation. |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 1000-3000 | Very common in EVs and power tools. Good energy density. Cycle life can vary based on specific formulation and operating conditions. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 3000-6000+ | Generally considered safer and more stable than NMC. Significantly longer cycle life, especially at shallower DoD. |
As you can see from the table above, LFP batteries like those found in EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Series portable power stations and solar generators have a far longer lifespan than other currently available battery types.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 has a cycle life of 4,000 cycles before its storage capacity diminishes to 80% of its original capacity out of the box. That means you can expect the power station to retain at least 3200Wh of storage capacity even after 10 years or more of daily use.
So-called “deep cycle” battery types, such as Gel Cell and AGM, last about 75% less, based on average cycle life.
Keep in mind that you can significantly extend the lifespan of any battery by not fully discharging/charging it. The recommended depth of discharge for EcoFlow DELTA Series portable power stations is +/-80%.
Because EcoFlow whole-home generators are designed to be connected to grid power and auto-switch to battery power during a blackout, the advanced Battery Management System (BMS) keeps the PPS at the optimal state-of-charge when connected to a household electricity and not in use.
But that doesn’t mean you should let the PPS gather dust in between power outages. Thanks to Smart Energy Management through the EcoFlow app and optional products like EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2, you can save up to 75% on electricity bills if dynamic pricing — also known as Time of Use (ToU) rates or on-peak/off-peak billing — is available where you live.
UPS
If you have a home office or rely on sensitive electronic devices, like desktop computers and hard drives, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a must-have.
Blackouts, brownouts, and voltage surges can permanently damage computers and other precision electronics and lead to catastrophic data loss.
Surge protector power strips offer limited protection against voltage spikes, but none for voltage drops and brownouts. Even imperceptible variations in voltage and current can wear down computers and result in lost data and corruption of hard drives.
Most home UPS devices only give you 10-20 minutes to shut down your computer properly in the event of an outage. That should be enough time if you’re at your desk when the power goes out, but even then, it can make life hectic. More sophisticated models may offer a USB connection and software that shuts your computer down automatically before the UPS battery runs out.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 offers a data-centre-level uninterruptible power supply that automatically switches to battery power in under 10 milliseconds, preventing damage to your valuable devices and data. Not only that, it can run your desktop, laptop, hard drives, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi routers, television, etc., for hours during a blackout.
If you only need a UPS for your computer, hard drives, and router, EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is an affordable option that offers much more electricity storage than most dedicated home uninterruptible power supplies.
AC Output
Unlike many other portable power stations, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can output both 120V and 240V of electricity. The vast majority of home appliances in the United States run on 120V (voltage) at 60Hz (hertz). However, some high-wattage systems, like central HVAC, rely on 240V of electricity.
With EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, you have the option to start and run 240V appliances up to 4000W (8000W surge) with split-phase power.
12V DC Output
12V DC Output refers to the output capacity of the DC5521 and Anderson ports on the unit. DC5521 plugs are also known as barrel plugs. This outlet charges or operates smaller electronics that run on DC electricity, including many devices designed for use in cars, RVs, or other vehicles.
Some mobile WiFi routers also accept DC5521 – DC5525 DC input. If using a DC5521 cable is an option for your device, you can avoid energy loss from DC to AC inversion.
An Anderson port is a high-voltage DC outlet commonly used to power the circuitry of RVs and camping trailers.
Built-In Power Outputs
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 provides plug-and-play power just about anywhere thanks to the numerous output ports built into the unit, including:
120V AC Outputs
4 x standard grounded three-pin household electricity plug outputs (NEMA 5-20R, 20A)
1 x NEMA TT 30R, 30A AC Output: A single, specialized 30-Amp, 125-Volt electrical outlet designed specifically for connecting Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers (TT) to shore power.
120/240V AC Output
1 × NEMA L14-30R, 16.7A output: A single, heavy-duty, locking power outlet (NEMA L14-30R) that provides both standard 120V and high-power 240V AC, just like a home's main electrical panel. The physical outlet is a standard 30-Amp part, but the PPS can supply a maximum continuous current of 16.7 Amps, delivering ~4000W. Its primary purpose is to safely connect EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 to your household electrical panel (grid power) using a transfer switch, making it ideal for running large appliances like well and sump pumps or furnace fans during a power outage.
USB-A
The PPS has two fast-charging USB-A ports that can power phones and other small electronics. Each port can deliver a maximum of 18 watts of power, allowing for rapid charging, and both can be used simultaneously for a total power output of 36 watts. USB-A Fast Charge ports output a greater wattage than standard USB-A ports. A fast-charging cable enables compatible USB-A-powered devices to charge more quickly when plugged into one of these ports.
USB-A and USB-A Fast Charge ports and cables look identical, but the cables are typically labeled as “fast charging” on the package or in the product description. USB-A was the original USB protocol, and it’s still used to charge older and low-wattage devices. Today, it’s more commonly used to connect computer peripherals, like a mouse or keyboard, that don’t require battery charging.
USB-C
The PPS has 2 high-power USB-C ports, each capable of delivering up to 100 watts. The output is powerful enough to rapidly charge demanding electronics, such as laptops, mobile workstations, and tablets, with a total combined output of 200 watts when both ports are used simultaneously. According to MakeUseOf: “More than 700 technology companies, including Apple, Google, Intel, and Microsoft, collaborated on USB-C’s initial design and adoption. USB-C is truly universal and will not fade into obscurity.”
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 has two modes when connected to grid power via a standard wall plug or other household electricity outlet.
Charge Only mode indicates that with 100-240V `15A 50/60Hz input capacity, the power station can charge from almost any power outlet worldwide. Standard grid power voltages vary significantly by country. In the US, the standard is a 120/240V split-phase system, operating at a frequency of 60 Hertz (Hz). However, many homes and apartments only have 120V power. Some large appliances and HVAC systems use 240V outlets.
Common circuits are typically rated for 15 Amps or 20 Amps.
Bypass Mode is used when the PPS functions as a backup power supply (UPS) for 120V systems, passing wall power directly to your devices while keeping the battery charged. For safety, it can handle a full 15-Amp load for up to three hours, but is rated for a continuous 12-Amp load to prevent overheating during long-term use.
Solar Charging Input
Solar Charging Input indicates the maximum direct current (DC) output from solar panels or other PV modules that the PPS can process, store in the solar battery, and deliver as AC or DC electricity.
As a result, the solar charging input also dictates the maximum rated power (and number) of solar panels you can connect. There isn’t a minimum rated power wattage for solar charging, but you can’t exceed the maximum charging input by connecting more panels. If you do, you won’t generate any additional electricity; in some cases, you may damage the PPS.
You can, however, double or triple EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3’s solar charging input to 5200W or 7800W by chaining two or three units together.
When deciding how many solar panels you need, it’s critical to understand that PV modules don’t always deliver their full rated power output during all hours with sunlight…
Car Charging Input
Car Charging Input indicates the voltage and amperage of car batteries that can recharge the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3. 12 or 24V batteries are standard in most cars, RVs, and other vehicles.
The DC outlet in cars and trucks is sometimes called the cigarette lighter outlet, but is more commonly used to power rechargeable devices in new vehicles.
Net Weight
Net Weight indicates how much the portable power station weighs in pounds and kilograms. Generally, devices from the same manufacturer with a higher capacity will be heavier. The weight of portable power stations and generators with a similar capacity to EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can differ significantly between manufacturers.
Dimension
Dimension refers to the unit’s physical footprint. Use this spec to determine how much space it will consume (volume). As with weight, models from the same manufacturer with a greater capacity tend to take up more space. However, the volume of portable power stations and generators of similar capacity from different manufacturers can vary dramatically, often based on fuel or battery type.
Warranty
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 comes with a 5-year warranty, but with a battery cycle life of 4,000 full charges and discharges (80% DoD), most users can expect 10+ years of regular daily use before seeing a noticeable dip in performance.
Connection
All current EcoFlow portable power stations (and many other products) offer remote monitoring and control via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Download the EcoFlow app for your smartphone and operate the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 from anywhere with an internet signal. If you’re near the PPS, Bluetooth works too.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is part of an ever-expanding ecosystem of backup batteries, generators, Smart Devices, and accessories that make off-grid backup power accessible and affordable at home or on the road.
CAN stands for Controller Area Network, often called a CAN bus, which ensures extensive cross-compatibility between the PPS and many other EcoFlow products, as shown in the graphic above.
An investment in EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is an investment in the future in so many ways, as new products are constantly being added to the range.
Charging, Discharging and Storage Temperatures
The performance of all rechargeable battery types is impacted by extreme heat and cold.
The ideal operating temperature range for a power station depends primarily on the battery chemistry, but it also depends on what state of charge the battery is in.
The Temp spec breaks down the operating and storage conditions under which you can expect peak performance. Variations outside that range could impact how well the battery works or, in extreme cases, damage the battery and system.
The three stages are:
Discharging: The battery is supplying power and is not plugged into an electrical outlet.
Charging: The battery’s storage capacity is depleted, and you’re recharging it with one of the available charging methods
Storage: DELTA Pro 3 is not currently in use, and you’re keeping it in storage. For example, if you’re using the PPS to power your RV and you keep it in the garage during winter, you should try to keep it somewhere between 14° and 113°F if you want it to retain most of its charge and work as expected when restarted.
Average Temperature Range by Battery Type
Chemistry | Charging Range | Discharging Range | Storage Range |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) | 32°F to 77°F (0°C to 25°C) |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 5°F to 104°F (-15°C to 40°C) |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 5°F to 104°F (-15°C to 40°C) |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 14°F to 131°F (-10°C to 55°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 14°F to 95°F (-10°C to 35°C) |
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries offer one of the widest operating ranges of commonly available rechargeable power stations.
If you live in an area that regularly experiences sub-zero temperatures or heatwaves and are concerned about battery performance due to the installation location of the portable power station, consider EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra.
Its dedicated heating and cooling systems ensure peak performance even for sheltered outdoor use at almost any temperature you’re likely to experience at your location.
And with up to 21.6kWh of AC Output and 90kWh of storage, it’s a whole-home generator solution that can run most homes off-grid for up to a month without recharging or indefinitely with enough solar panels and peak sunlight.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all off-grid or whole-home generator solution that’s right for everyone.
Understanding the basics of solar and home battery backup power solutions is essential for making an informed purchase decision.
DELTA Pro 3 is just one of EcoFlow’s wide range of innovative power solutions, which is one of the reasons why we’re the world’s #1 direct-to-consumer retailer and wholesaler of portable power stations.
Check out our selection today!