Ego Battery Nexus Power Station: Complete Review + Top 4 Alternatives []: Read BEFORE Buying
Table of Contents
- Just Want To Know What The #1 EGO Nexus Portable Power Station Alternative Is?
- A Quick Background on Portable Power Stations (& Solar Generators)
- The Ego Nexus Power Station: Complete Review
- Pros & Cons of The Ego Nexus Power Station
- Ego Nexus Power Station Specs
- How Much Does the Ego Nexus Power Station Cost?
- Should I Buy the Ego Nexus Power Station?
- Top 4 Alternatives for the Ego Nexus Power Station
- Final Words
Top 3 Product Recommendations
Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary
The article discusses portable power stations, often called solar generators, which provide rechargeable electricity for indoor use. They can be recharged via AC, DC, or solar panels. Key components include batteries and output options, with battery life determined by cycle and shelf life.
The Ego Nexus Power Station is highlighted as a unique option designed to replace gas generators, offering durable, clean energy. Its swappable battery system allows for continuous power use, and it can hold up to four batteries. However, charging with solar panels requires a special adapter and is slow. While the Ego Nexus has a high output capacity and durability, it has limited outputs, high price, and slow charging. Alternatives like the EcoFlow Delta 1800 and Bluetti AC200P offer similar or better features at comparable prices. The article concludes that while the Ego Nexus is powerful, other options provide better value and technology.
Introduction
Here at Shop Solar Kits, we tested and sold thousands of power stations, and it is always exciting comparing and reviewing different brands and models. The Ego Nexus is an extremely unique power station, so I want to highlight (and warn people about) some of the device's key features.
After a brief background on battery-powered outlets, I will cover its features, abilities, pros, and cons to give you a full understanding of what the Ego Nexus Power Station is capable of.
If you already know a lot about portable power stations, feel free to jump to the Ego Nexus Power Station: Complete Review Section. When you’re ready to explore your options, you can also find The Best Alternatives for the Ego Nexus Power Station at the end of this article.
Just Want To Know What The #1 EGO Nexus Portable Power Station Alternative Is?
By far, the #1 best EGO Nexus Power Station alternative is the EcoFlow Delta 1800 [Quad Kit] - $1,799
The EcoFlow Delta 1800 solar generator has TWICE as much battery capacity as the Ego Nexus and is a more all-round mini portable system.
It’s easy to see why so many people choose the EcoFlow Delta 1800 [Quad Kit] over the EGO Nexus Power Station.
A Quick Background on Portable Power Stations (& Solar Generators)
Portable power stations are commonly referred to as solar generators and serve as rechargeable sources of electricity rated for indoor use. You can generally recharge portable power stations via AC (wall plug) electricity, DC (car output) electricity, or solar panels.
Some of the most important components of power stations are the batteries and output options. The power station's battery (or battery bank) determines the watt-hours available to run your devices and appliances. The generator's output capacity determines the amount of continuous (and surge) wattage power that the device can run. Generally, portable power stations have many plug-in options (wall outlets, DC ports, and USBs) to run electricity in the most efficient way possible.
The life of a power station depends on its rated cycle life, which refers to the number of times you can fully discharge it. The shelf life of a power station refers to the amount of time the unit holds a charge while staying dormant (hence, on a shelf).
The Ego Nexus Power Station: Complete Review
The Ego Nexus is an extremely unique portable power station designed to replace gas generators. It is mainly marketed as a gas generator alternative for job sites that require safe, fume-free indoor power use.
Without a doubt, it is a durable, battery-backed system for delivering high amounts of clean energy. But is it worth it? Below, I outline some of the most important aspects of the Ego Nexus Power Station.
The Unique Ego Battery System
The Ego Nexus swappable battery system is perhaps the most unique feature of this portable power station. Each lithium-ion battery is rated at 7.5 Ah and can deliver approximately 420wH of continuous power. Currently, the Ego Nexus comes with two batteries included.
The manufacturer makes it easy for users to purchase a battery bank as large as they need by selling individual, specially designed battery packs. You can hot-swap batteries for continuous power use, and the system can hold four batteries at one time.
Can You Charge the Ego Nexus Power Station with Solar Panels?
Before the release of the Ego Solar Panel Charger, I speculated that the battery system of the Nexus was so unique that it would likely require a special part or adapter, and that speculation was correct.
Ego recently introduced the Ego Solar Panel Charger, the only approved solar charger for the Nexus for use with recommended solar panels. While using solar to charge the Nexus is a step in the right direction, it would be much more convenient if you could do so with a universally adaptable solar input.
Reviews are mixed, and while people are happy that this product is finally available, it doesn't perform the way they'd hoped. The biggest design flaw is that it doesn't let you charge and use the unit simultaneously. Some people report that it gets very, very hot when in use. Heat is not good for the internal components and makes me wonder how long it will last.
How to Charge Your Ego Nexus Batteries
To charge the Nexus with solar power, you must invest in the previously mentioned Ego Solar Panel Charger, which costs about $150. The device is limited to 100W, which means it could potentially take a long time to get a full charge, even in peak conditions.
You can also use the built-in battery charging system. The system charges the batteries at an approximate rate of 2.3 Ah per hour of charging, meaning that it would take about seven hours to recharge two 7.5Ah battery packs or 13 hours for four 7.5Ah batteries.
Ego Nexus Battery Storage Capacity
The Nexus comes with two batteries, each rated at 420 wH. So, the out-of-the-box storage potential for the Nexus is roughly 840wH. At about the same retail price, the EcoFlow Delta has a built-in 1300wH.
Having many small, lightweight, and portable batteries is extremely convenient, but there are still financial and logistical limitations. The included charger for Ego Power batteries can only charge four batteries at once. You can choose to buy multiple batteries and charge and shelf them until you need them, but this isn’t necessarily a great solution. Large-capacity lithium batteries, like that of the Bluetti, have a cheaper cost per watt-hour and do not require the attention and frequent replacement that many small batteries do.
Ego Nexus Output Capacity
Without a doubt, the Ego Nexus is a powerful portable generator. The system can deliver 2000W of continuous power (3000W surge), stacking it up against traditional gas generators. This capacity lets you use power tools, small air conditioning units, kitchen appliances, medical devices, and more (but not simultaneously, of course). With that said, there are many solar generators with similar and greater output capacities. Take, for example, the Titan solar generator that can deliver 3,000 watts of continuous power.
Best Uses for the Ego Nexus
Ultimately, the Ego Nexus is best for those who need large amounts of clean energy for relatively short periods. The Nexus is durable and fairly portable (44 lbs + battery weight), so you can easily transport it to the areas of a job site that do not have any ventilation.
To make sense financially, however, most people should consider a portable power station with a larger built-in battery capacity. For long-term power solutions, choose portable generators that can be recharged quickly with solar panels over the Ego Nexus.
Pros & Cons of The Ego Nexus Power Station
Nexus Power Station Pros
- High output capacity
- Extremely durable design
- Easy-to-replace battery system, essentially endless power supply
- Helpful LED screen
Nexus Power Station Cons
- Limited outputs, only 3 wall plugs, and no DC port or USB type C
- High price tag compared to alternatives
- Slow battery charging
- Solar changing required purchasing a special adapter
Ego Nexus Power Station Specs
- 3000W peak, 2000W continuous
- 3 120V A/C Outlets
- 4 USB Ports
- Bright LED Display Shows Run Time
- Robust steel handles
- 4-port battery charger (when plugged in)
- Weather-resistant construction
How Much Does the Ego Nexus Power Station Cost?
Right now, the Ego Nexus Power Station costs roughly $1,150 + shipping on Amazon. The unit comes with two lithium0ion batteries. You can purchase additional batteries individually or in packs to increase the capacity of your system.
Should I Buy the Ego Nexus Power Station?
Right now, I cannot honestly recommend the Ego Nexus Power Station. Whereas it is an interesting concept, there are simply too many better alternatives on the market today for clean, renewable, portable electricity. Below, I’m going to suggest a few portable power stations that beat out the Ego Nexus in price, capabilities, and more.
Top 4 Alternatives for the Ego Nexus Power Station
Although I’ve mentioned a few of these power stations above, here is a quick look at some of the best Ego Nexus Power Station alternatives.
1. EcoFlow Delta 1800 [Quad Kit] - $1,799 (click on picture below)
The most efficient way to recharge the Ego Nexus is by plugging the charger into an AC wall outlet. If this is how you plan to charge your power station, why not purchase one that does this way more efficiently? The EcoFlow Delta 1800 [Quad Kit] can charge its 1300wH battery (approximately 3 Ego Power batteries) in as little as two hours! This can save a lot of headaches down the road if you forget to charge your Ego Nexus batteries overnight.
Additionally, the EcoFlow Delta 1800 [Quad Kit] has comparable and better features for the same price as the Nexus. Although slightly smaller, the Delta is still rated for 1800W of continuous capacity and has a higher surge rating (3300W) than the Nexus. The Delta is also lighter and has more outlet options (more wall plugs and USBs) than the Nexus.
Learn more about the EcoFlow Delta 1800
2. Bluetti AC200P [Quad Kit] - $2,459
The much anticipated Bluetti AC200P solar generator hit the market in mid-2020 and has lived up to the hype. It has a 2000wH battery suitable for running high-powered appliances, like your fridge, window A/C unit, or coffee maker.
What sets this system apart is the built-in LiFePo4 battery with 3,500+ lifecycles, which is insanely impressive. Everything you need for setup comes in the quad kit, and you'll be up and running in less than an hour.
There are a few things that stand out as putting this unit well ahead of the Nexus. For one, you can use it and charge it from the solar panels simultaneously, something you cannot do with the Nexus. Plus, it charges much faster. It can handle up to 700W of solar input compared to the Nexus's 100W or so.
Learn more about Bluetti AC200P here
3. Bluetti EB240 or EB150 Solar Generator - $2,349
Depending on your budget, MaxOak likely has a Bluetti model that better suits your electricity needs than the Nexus. The new Bluetti EB240 is one of the most popular and exciting solar generators to date. If you want to spend a bit more money on a long-term investment, there are few better options than the EB240.
The EB240 can hold 2,400 wH of electricity (more than five Ego batteries).
Although the Bluetti is limited to a continuous output of 1000W, it makes a great alternative for those looking to power fewer things for longer periods. Those looking to pay about the same amount as the Nexus should consider the Bluetti EB150.
Learn more about Bluetti EB150 here
4. Titan Solar Generator - $2,995
If power is what you want, a Titan solar generator is what you should get. The Titan solar generator has overcome every objection that traditional gas generator users have about adopting a renewable energy source. It can deliver clean, emission-free, indoor-friendly power at 3000W of continuous electricity (1000W more than the Nexus).
The system allows for 2000W of solar charging for the best possible continuous use of electricity. Although it comes at a premium price, if you want to back up your home’s power or run a significant amount of remote machinery, the Titan is your best choice in today’s market.
The system comes with a comparable battery-stacking supply system for endless amounts of electricity.
Learn more about the Titan here
Final Words
Ultimately, if you are looking for a portable power station, then there are many options available. The Ego Nexus is a powerful and convenient machine, but its charging limitations and technology for the price are easily overcome by some of today’s best solar generators.
Ego indeed added solar charging capabilities, but the fact that they were playing catch up to meet consumer demand and still put out a product that leaves much to be desired should be a pretty good sign that they are not the best choice in portable power.
I hope that this guide helped answer any questions you may have about the Ego Nexus. For more alternatives, you can read our comprehensive solar generator buying guide.
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