Review of Bluetti AC60 portable power station with expansion battery.When you’re hiking, you need power, but a standard power bank isn’t enough, and Anker’s PowerHouse models are too heavy to take with you? The Bluetti AC60 and B80 may be ideal options for those looking for something in between.The AC60 can be a great companion on your next trip, as well as a power source for your RV lifestyle. It is compact, splash-proof and expandable from 400 to 1200 Wh. And you can turn it into a solar generator by adding one or two folding solar panels.
Follow our review of the Bluetti AC60 with Expansion Battery and Solar Panel to see if it suits your off-grid system.
Bluetti AC60 portable power station: first impressions and characteristics
Blueetti is known for its portable solar generators, and after testing several other portable power stations from brands like Anker and Ugreen, I finally got my hands on the AC60 model with B80 expansion battery and PV120 panel.
The portable power station is now my daily companion and plays a crucial role in my daily life. It helps me cook and boil water while camping, keeps all my gadgets charged, and even serves as a light source at night. However, some of the power stations I reviewed may be too powerful for some needs and simply too large to carry.
That’s where the AC60 and B80 come in, each weighing just around 9kg, so you can easily carry them both up stairs or up and down (which would be impossible with larger models weighing over 30kg).The AC60 is also IP65 rated, which means it’s splash and dust resistant, so you won’t have to worry about your gadget getting exposed to water, be it light rain or wet grass. Carefully protected and sealed ports ensure they are weatherproof when not in use. 
Moving on to the AC60 specifications, the power station has a 403Wh battery that delivers 600W of power output. What sets it apart, however, is its Power Lifting technology, which allows it to increase its power output to an impressive 1200W. This feature is invaluable when powering high power appliances such as hair dryers, space heaters or barbecue grills. 
On paper, the Bluetti AC60 strikes an impressive balance between portability, versatility and incredible power. Whether you’re an avid adventurer who loves the outdoors or someone looking for a reliable backup power source for home use, this portable power station ticks many boxes.But before we dive into the portable power station review, here is the complete list of Bluetti AC60 specifications:
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.5 x 9.7 inches (29 x 20.5 x 23.4 cm)
- Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Capacity: 403 Wh (AC60); 1209 Wh (with B80 expansion battery added); 2015 Wh (with the addition of two B80)
- Output power: 600 W continuous / 1200 W peak (boost mode 1200 W)
- Lifespan: >3000
- Battery type: 402Wh LiFePO4 battery with 600W pure sine wave inverter
- Solar charging: up to 200W, 12-28V, 8A
- USB outputs: AC60 – 2 AC, 2 USB-A 15 W, USB-C Cigarette lighter PD 100 W, 12 V. B80 – USB-A 15W, USB-C 100W, DC 12V socket (cigarette lighter port)
- Wireless charging pad: max. 1 x 15W
- Waterproof: IP65 splashproof
- Other outputs: LED light bar.
- Warranty: 6 years.
- Price: US$599 for AC60 only or US$1,377 for AC60 and B80 + PV120 expansion battery combination. solar panel on the Blueetti website and on Amazon.
Design and unpacking
If you’ve used a powerhouse before, the Bluetti AC60 can still surprise you. The first thing that will strike you as unusual is how compact and light it is for such power. Measuring just 11.3 x 8.5 x 9.7 inches and weighing less than 20 pounds, it will fit in almost any space, be it a home, car or camper. Both the AC60 and B80 feature a handle that folds neatly for easy packing into the trunk of your car.
What’s in the box
Here’s everything you’ll find when you unbox your Bluetti AC60:
- Bluetti AC60 Portable Power Station
- AC Charging Cable
- Car Charging Cable
Solar charging cable
- User manual and warranty card
The AC60 and B80 share the same signature design with a large Bluetti logo on the front.On the front of the station, you’ll find neatly placed AC ports and a single power button, while all DC and USB options are grouped together. This includes a 12V car cigarette lighter, a 100W USB-C port, and two 15W USB-A ports. 
While it may not offer a lot of range given the power of the AC60’s 403Wh battery, these options are enough to power important electronics on the go. There’s also a convenient 15W wireless charging pad on top, eliminating the need for one of the USB ports. 
Moving on to the display, things are simple and straightforward, with input and output displayed on the left and right respectively. The middle section shows the remaining percentage, as well as several other informative icons. 
Bluetti AC60 and B80 bring another surprise – IP65 splash protection. This means they are weatherproof and protected from light jets of water and dust from any direction, which is a significant advantage, especially for outdoor use.While camping, I caught some light rain and decided to test the AC60 by leaving it in the drizzling rain for about half an hour. The experiment was a success and all I had to do was wipe off the excess water from the rough surface of the station to continue using it.Another feature I appreciate is the massive LED panel on the back. In a portable battery designed for outdoor adventures such as camping, this feature is essential. Be sure to activate the DC output before turning on the light.
Bluetti B80 expansion battery
The Bluetti AC60 inherits the capacity expansion feature found in its predecessors such as the AC300 and B300, but with one twist: it is the first Bluetti battery with a capacity of less than 1000 Wh to offer this capability. You can increase the power by connecting one or two B80 units, adding 806 Wh each. One B80 increases the power to about 1200 Wh, and with two it increases the power to a whopping 2000 Wh. 
Remember that the B80 is a battery and not an AC inverter. It offers a degree of independence with a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a 12V cigarette lighter port. You can charge it separately from AC power or solar power.The B80 is similar in size and weight to the AC60, being about 3cm shorter and almost the same weight. They’re easy to connect, but the result is a cable that sticks out, which can be a problem if you store the station in a tight space (and it’s unsightly). Be sure to cover the ports and cable with secure rubber plugs to keep them waterproof when not in use.Once connected, the remaining percentage is adjusted to reflect the expanded capacity. This expandable system has the dual benefit of cost-effectiveness and significant power up to 2000 Wh without sacrificing portability.If 600W output is not your main concern and you need more power, this is the perfect option for you. In my experience, two smaller boxes are easier to work with than one large one. Plus, you can leave the expansion battery on if you don’t need it during a trip, increasing the adaptability of your power solution.
Folding solar panel Bluetti PV120
In AC60 and B80, input power can come from the wall, 12V or solar panels. Both batteries support autonomous solar charging up to 200W. Each one can accommodate a 12-28V, 8A solar panel, which works well with their portable design. While this may not be ideal for large stationary solar panels, it is ideal if you want to use foldable solar panels with them. 
I tested the Bluetto PV120 portable solar panel with a rated power input of 120W. I was able to fully charge the AC60 in about 4 hours, which is a little longer than I expected. And the B80 took about 5 hours to reach 50% on solar charging, after which we ran out of sun. 
While the foldable panel is portable and easy to take with you, I would recommend purchasing at least the PV200 model with a 200W solar panel if you are serious about using solar power to charge the AC60.
Performance and features
We have already touched on what this power plant is capable of. The presence of multiple output ports and a wireless charging pad makes it a great solution for charging a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to heavier appliances. 
While the AC60 may not be suitable for extremely power-hungry gadgets like e-bikes, the AC60 charged my smaller e-scooter, the Unagi Model One, perfectly. The AC60 also features Power Lifting, which increases AC power output allowing more power-hungry 1200W devices to run smoothly. This includes kitchen appliances such as kettles or small power tools with motors. 
The Power Lifting mode differs from the peak load mode – a short-term voltage surge when the device is turned on. This feature provides consistent performance at higher levels. It’s an intelligent voltage regulation that ensures your devices run a little slower or run a little hotter but still get the job done.The AC60 has three charging modes: turbo, standard and silent. They allow you to choose how quickly you want to charge it. In turbo mode the power boost is 573W, in standard cruise it is 243W, and in silent mode it is 149W. You decide how fast you want it to be.This choice is vital when the charging circuit is shared with other gadgets. You can control the AC60’s power consumption so it doesn’t trip the circuit or disrupt other devices.I usually use the standard mode, but the Silent mode is ideal if you remember that your powerhouse is running low right before bed and needs to be ready for the next morning. Even if you sleep in the same room the same night, you won’t be disturbed by the AC60’s silent charging sound.
Software and Connectivity
For more precise control of your power plant, you can connect the AC60 to the Blueetti app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Before you can use it, you need to create an account and add your device to the list. 
The app allows you to download new firmware and updates, view detailed statistics about your station, turn the station and its various ports on and off, and change the charging mode from standard to turbo to silent. You can also enable Power Lifting and LED lighting directly from the app.
Battery life
Thanks to BLUETTI Turbo Charging technology, the AC60 power station can be fully charged in just an hour using an AC charger. When you’re done preparing for your outdoor adventure, the AC60 will be ready and powered up.In addition to fast plug-in charging, the AC60 supports other charging options. Whether in the sun, on the road or in your car, this powerhouse is always ready. The ability to charge solar, car and even lead acid batteries ensures that the AC60 is always charged and at your service. 
Charging from zero to full power from an AC outlet takes just over an hour, and charging the solar panel with a 120W foldable solar panel takes about four hours. Charging the AC60 from a car outlet can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on your settings.The AC60 comes with a 6-year warranty for peace of mind. Blueetti also promises around 3,000 full charge cycles before the battery reaches 80% capacity, which is a pretty impressive lifespan for a portable battery.
Is it worth buying a Bluetti AC60 power station with expansion battery?
There’s a lot to love about this Bluetti power station, from its rugged design to its portability and ability to extend its battery power. With the ability to choose when to add an extra battery, you can control your power setup. Use it when you need an extra boost, or make it compact for easier trips.In short, if you’re looking for increased power but also value portability and adaptability, the AC60 with B80 Expansion Battery could be your ideal power solution. It’s about having extra power when you want it, where you want it.
Review of Bluetti AC60 portable power station with expansion battery
Review of Bluetti AC60 portable power station with expansion battery