DJI Mini Power Station Packs Big Energy in Small Size
▼ Summary
– The DJI Power 1000 Mini is a 1kWh portable power station that is almost half the size of its predecessor and is currently the smallest of its capacity from major brands.
– Its compact size and portability made it frequently useful for powering devices like projectors, Starlink internet, and air compressors during the author’s testing.
– Key features include a built-in retractable USB-C cable, a remote-controlled light, an integrated MPPT controller for solar charging, and a fast-charging option from a vehicle’s alternator.
– To achieve its small size, it uses a less powerful 800W continuous AC inverter and relies on proprietary SDC port dongles for expanded connectivity, which are trade-offs.
– Its sale in the US is currently pending authorization, and it is part of DJI’s expansion beyond drones into innovative product categories.
For those embracing a mobile lifestyle, every piece of gear must justify its space. This reality makes the DJI Power 1000 Mini a compelling proposition. It packs a full 1kWh of battery capacity into a form factor that is almost half the size of its predecessor, currently standing as the most compact unit of its class from a major brand. Its design cleverly integrates a retractable USB-C cable, a remotely controllable light, and a built-in MPPT controller for solar charging, offering a versatile power solution for life on the move.
During two months of testing while traveling with a much larger battery system, the Power 1000 Mini proved unexpectedly indispensable. Its compact size made it a go-to for powering a projector for outdoor movies, keeping a Starlink Mini online in remote fields, or running an air compressor after a beach trip. Priced at €579 or £449, this portability involves some compromises, primarily the need for proprietary dongles, but DJI has achieved a remarkable balance between size, utility, and power. Its availability in the US remains uncertain, pending regulatory authorization.
DJI continues to expand beyond its drone roots, and the Power 1000 Mini exemplifies this shift by redefining expectations for portable power station dimensions. A comparison with competitors highlights its space-efficient design.
| Power Station | Capacity | Weight | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Est. Volume | | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | | DJI Power 1000 Mini | 1008 Wh | 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs) | 314 × 212 × 216 mm | ~14.3 Liters | | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1070 Wh | 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) | 327 × 224 × 247 mm | ~18.0 Liters | | Anker SOLIX C1000 | 1056 Wh | 12.9 kg (28.4 lbs) | 376 × 205 × 265 mm | ~20.4 Liters | | EcoFlow DELTA 2 | 1024 Wh | 12.0 kg (27.0 lbs) | 400 × 211 × 281 mm | ~23.7 Liters | | Bluetti AC180 | 1152 Wh | 16.0 kg (35.2 lbs) | 340 × 247 × 317 mm | ~26.6 Liters |
Part of this size reduction comes from an 800W continuous AC inverter, lower than the 1800W offered by some rivals. This is sufficient for appliances like a small microwave but not for high-draw tools. In testing, it handled an 800W water boiler and even a Nespresso machine’s 1200W surge. It cannot run both simultaneously on battery power, but when plugged into a wall, its bypass mode activates, delivering up to 2200W on 240V systems.
The unit’s proprietary SDC (Smart DC) port is central to its adaptability. Using various dongles, this single port can become a 12V barrel jack output or an MC4 connector for up to 400W of solar input. DJI also sells a car battery charging cable that can replenish the station at 400W from a vehicle’s alternator, a significantly faster rate than a standard 12V socket. For DJI drone users, proprietary adapters enable the fastest charging available from any power station.
A standout feature is the integrated, magnetically-secured 100W USB-C cable, long enough to reach a tabletop from the floor. While it and the standard USB-C port do not support the higher 140W charging of the original model, both ports are bidirectional. The built-in LED light, controllable via a smartphone app, proved useful for late-night tasks without disturbing others.
When pushed beyond its limits, the unit shuts down gracefully with an overload warning, easily reset with a power cycle. Its LFP (LiFePO4) battery chemistry contributes to its weight but ensures longevity, rated for 4,000 cycles while retaining 80% capacity.
Ultimately, the DJI Power 1000 Mini shifts the paradigm for portable power. While other 1kWh stations were too bulky for casual use, this model’s exceptional portability and clever features make it a grab-and-go essential, prioritizing adaptability and convenience for those who don’t always need maximum raw output.
(Source: The Verge)
