Bluetti Charger 2: Power Up Your Solar Setup On the Go

When it comes to keeping power stations topped off, especially off-grid or on the move, flexibility is key. I recently got my hands on a pre-production model of the new Bluetti Charger 2, a DC-DC charger designed to revolutionize how we charge our portable power. The most surprising takeaway? Its ability to seamlessly combine solar and alternator charging, and even adapt its output for various third-party power stations.

Disclosure: Bluetti sent this unit for testing. All opinions and test results are my own.

What I Built

For this test, I set up the Bluetti Charger 2 with a Bluetti Apex 300 power station, a Redodo 12.8V 165Ah LiFePO4 battery, and two 370W bifacial solar panels. Everything was loaded onto a Gorilla Cart for easy movement around the yard. The Charger 2 was connected to the Apex 300 via its extra battery port, and to the Redodo battery for alternator simulation. The solar panels were wired in parallel and connected to the Charger 2's PV input.

Why It Works

The Bluetti Charger 2 acts as a smart DC-DC charger. It can take input from a vehicle's alternator (using a starter battery as the source for the test) and/or solar panels, then convert that power to efficiently charge a power station. The Charger 2 is designed to communicate with smart alternators in newer cars via its D+ port, triggering them to charge as needed. Its real magic lies in its ability to combine inputs and output a flexible voltage, making it compatible with a wide range of power stations, not just Bluetti's own lineup.

Parts & Specs

• Bluetti Charger 2 (DC-DC Charger):
  • PV Input: 13V-50V, 20A, 600W
  • CHG Output: 12V-56V, 24A, 1200W
  • DC Panel Output: 40V-58.5V, 12.5A, 600W
  • ALT (Alternator) Output: 800W (12.8V-62.5A, 25.6V-31.3A)
  • BAT (Battery) Output: 1000W (19.2V-52A, 25.6V-39A, 51.2V-19.5A)
• Bluetti Apex 300 Power Station
• Redodo 12.8V 165Ah LiFePO4 Battery
• 2x 370W Bifacial Solar Panels
• Car Battery Cables: 5m (16.4 ft), 6 AWG, with 75A fuse
• MC4 Input Cable: 200mm
• MC4 Output Cable: 200mm
• MC4 to XT60 Cable

Math & Run-Time Numbers

During my testing, the Bluetti Charger 2 consistently pushed about 500W into the Apex 300 when combining solar and the 12V battery. Individually, the solar panels provided around 400-500W depending on conditions, and the 12V battery also contributed in the 400-500W range. The Charger 2's overall output capacity is impressive, up to 1200W total. When charging an Ecoflow Delta 2, the Charger 2 successfully pushed around 400-500W, even without the XT60i connector, by adjusting the charging voltage in the app. The app also provided real-time wattage readings for both input sources and the power station being charged.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Versatile Input: Accepts both solar and alternator input simultaneously.
• High Power Output: Up to 1200W total charging power.
• Universal Compatibility: Adjustable voltage output via app works with various third-party power stations.
• Smart Alternator Control: D+ port for communication with modern vehicle alternators.
• Comprehensive Accessories: Includes all necessary cables and a terminal fuse for safe installation.
• Portable Panel Integration: Adjustable stands for rigid solar panels allow for optimal sun angle, increasing efficiency.

Cons:

• Pre-Production Issues: Encountered a reversed polarity on the PV pigtail (Bluetti confirmed this is a known issue being fixed for mass production).
• App/Display Quirks: Silent charging required enabling full charging first; Apex 300 display didn't show wattage when connected to the BAT port (expected behavior, according to Bluetti).
• Fan Noise: The unit has an audible fan, though not excessively loud.
• LiFePO4 Reverse Charging: Reverse charging is currently only supported for lead-acid batteries, not LiFePO4.

When To Use This vs. Alternatives

The Bluetti Charger 2 is ideal for RVers, van lifers, or anyone with a mobile setup who needs to maximize their charging options. If you frequently drive and also utilize solar, this device streamlines your power input, allowing you to charge your power stations efficiently from both sources simultaneously. Its adjustable output voltage means you're not locked into a single brand's ecosystem, making it a flexible investment. While it’s larger than the original Charger 1, its expanded capabilities, especially the dual input and higher wattage, make it a significant upgrade for those needing more robust and adaptable charging.

Bottom Line

The Bluetti Charger 2 is a powerful and highly versatile DC-DC charger. Despite being a pre-production unit with some minor app and cable quirks, its core functionality of combining solar and alternator inputs, along with its flexible voltage output for third-party power stations, is a game-changer for energy independence. Once the minor issues are ironed out in mass production, this will be an incredibly valuable piece of kit for anyone looking to super-charge their power setup on the go.

Final Wrap-Up

What are your thoughts on the Bluetti Charger 2? Do you see a use case for this in your setup? Let me know in the comments below! Your observations always lead to more great content. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more hands-on tests and reviews, and check out my gear page for links to everything in this video.