EcoFlow Alternator/Charger

[TheX]

This is a very cool device, especially if you camp, etc. and risk running the battery flat.

https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/alternator-charger-800w?lang=en_US

My question is around the BS alternator. Some cars have an issue with this setup, others don't. I'm sure this has been done by users here, any info to share?

Sponsored

 

[Mark S.]

What is it? The webpage describes use and installation, but there's nothing about purpose. Is it just to connect a portable power battery to your car? If so, how is it different from just plugging your portable battery into the power outlet in the back?

 

[jkernitzki]

What is it? The webpage describes use and installation, but there's nothing about purpose. Is it just to connect a portable power battery to your car? If so, how is it different from just plugging your portable battery into the power outlet in the back?

It's primarily designed for RV's, so you have your portable power station either charging directly from the vehicle's alternator (better charging rate than solar or 12V accessory charging), or alternatively reversing that and charging either the chassis or house batteries from the power station. Good idea, but likely overkill for weekending in a BS.

 

[TheX]

What is it? The webpage describes use and installation, but there's nothing about purpose. Is it just to connect a portable power battery to your car? If so, how is it different from just plugging your portable battery into the power outlet in the back?

It has a dual purpose, it also allows me to use big 12vdc batteries easily and most important, efficiently. I will be powering my shed with the EcoFlow Delta Pro and a bank of these batteries.

The shed roof is sunlight all day so it is being filled with rigid panels. It also sets me up to go off-grid if I ever decide to do so.

 

[Mark S.]

I will be powering my shed with the EcoFlow Delta Pro and a bank of these batteries.

Ah, ok. As @jkernitzki said, perhaps overkill for off-roading.

 

[TheX]

Ah, ok. As @jkernitzki said, perhaps overkill for off-roading.

The bank of batteries is in a shed, it is the perfect device for a BS that goes off-road.

 

[Dude]

The one thing to be wary of for ‘21-‘24 Bronco Sports is the videos statement “if your vehicles charging system is not robust..”

I don’t know about 2025 Bronco Sports but I would be wary of the charging system design in at least the ‘21-‘24 Bronco Sports - we know very little about the design of the charging system however we have learned some about how it does operate from various TSBs which updated BMS/PCM software correcting certain shortcomings about the way the alternator charges the vehicles battery.

I probably would also not use the vehicles auto stop/start whenever the EcoFlow Alternator/Charger is in use.

The EcoFlow Alternator/Charger does look like a great device for the features it provides - I would thoroughly test it out under various operating environments with the Bronco Sport within the free return window (whatever that is to return the EcoFlow Alternator/Charger).

 

[The Shark]

I can tell you the EcoFlow Alternator works great on my Bronco with the 2.7 engine, I use it in conjunction with a EcoFlow battery to power my Dometic fridge. But Dude brings up a good point about not knowing the charging system on the BS. You can dial down the amount of watt's it puts out which would put less strain on your charging system.

 

[TheX]

The 800 watt version went online in my shed today. Paired with an EcoFlow Delta Pro and a bunch of batteries. 18 volts @ 1,600 watts on the shed roof.

 

[payhurt]

I have it installed in my 2023 Big Bend to charge a Delta 3 plus for car camping. (Definitely not a "robust" alternator). I've tested it up to the full 800w rated output, and there were no immediate adverse effects. (Even at night with highbeams, fog lamps, ac on, rolling windows up down etc) Having said that - a little research will show that heat kills alternators - therefore, I always adjust the power out to match the scenario. For example - If I'm driving for 2 hours, and the battery needs X input power for x amount of time, i adjust the power to meet that. (I don't just leave it full power). Ecoflow has also enabled car play - so I can keep tabs on everything via the center screen. Pretty cool.

 

[payhurt]

It has a dual purpose, it also allows me to use big 12vdc batteries easily and most important, efficiently. I will be powering my shed with the EcoFlow Delta Pro and a bank of these batteries.

The shed roof is sunlight all day so it is being filled with rigid panels. It also sets me up to go off-grid if I ever decide to do so.

Love this idea!

 

[TheX]

Ok, so 10 panels fit on the roof. More batteries arriving today.

Sponsored