Is this the best lightweight power station for off-grid adventures and home backup?
Overview
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is the latest evolution of Jackery’s best-selling portable power station. With a 1070Wh LiFePO₄ battery, 1500W AC output, and 1-hour fast charging, it’s designed for campers, vanlifers, and homeowners who need quiet, reliable, and solar-compatible power.
Compared to the original Explorer 1000, the v2 brings major upgrades in charging speed, safety, and output capacity, while maintaining a compact, user-friendly design. Whether you’re powering a campsite, running tools off-grid, or preparing for a blackout, the Explorer 1000 v2 is built to deliver.
Key Specs
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1070Wh (LiFePO₄) |
| AC Output | 1500W (3000W surge) |
| DC Output | 1x car port, 1x USB-A, 2x USB-C |
| Charging Time | 0–100% in 1 hour (AC) |
| Solar Input | 400W max (dual MC3 ports) |
| Weight | 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 32.7 × 24.7 × 22.4 cm |
| Battery Life | 4,000+ cycles (to 70% capacity) |
| App Support | Yes (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi) |
| MSRP | £615–£699 (varies by bundle) |
What’s New in the v2?
The Explorer 1000 v2 isn’t just a refresh—it’s a complete overhaul of the original:
- LiFePO₄ battery: Safer, longer-lasting chemistry with 4,000+ cycles
- 1500W AC output: Up from 1000W in the original model
- 1-hour fast charging: Thanks to 1000W AC input and ChargeShield™ 2.0
- App control: Monitor and control via Jackery app
- Compact design: Smaller footprint with flip-up handle
- Integrated LED light: For campsite or emergency use
- Emergency Charging Mode: Boosts AC input to 1200W when needed
Real-World Performance
Power Output
With 1500W continuous and 3000W surge, the Explorer 1000 v2 can handle:
- Electric kettles and induction cookers
- Power tools (drills, saws, soldering irons)
- Mini fridges and CPAP machines
- Laptops, drones, cameras, and phones
It features pure sine wave AC output, ensuring compatibility with sensitive electronics.
Battery Life & Efficiency
The 1070Wh capacity translates to:
- ~85 phone charges
- ~12 laptop charges
- ~1.5 hours running a 1000W kettle
- ~10 hours powering a 60W fridge
The LiFePO₄ chemistry means you can expect 10+ years of use with regular cycling.
Charging Speed
- AC Wall Charging: 0–100% in 60 minutes
- Solar Charging: 4–6 hours with 2x 200W SolarSaga panels
- Car Charging: ~12–14 hours via 12V socket
The Emergency Charging Mode allows 1200W input for even faster top-ups—ideal during short weather windows or urgent prep.
App & Connectivity
The Jackery app (iOS/Android) connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, letting you:
- Monitor input/output power
- Check battery percentage and temperature
- Toggle ports on/off
- Update firmware
The interface is clean and responsive, and the app adds real convenience for remote monitoring—especially when solar charging outdoors.
Build Quality & Design
- Shell: Fire-resistant ABS plastic with reinforced corners
- Handle: Fold-flat for stacking or packing
- Display: Bright LCD with input/output/battery readouts
- Ports: Well-spaced and clearly labeled
- Cooling: Dual fans activate under heavy load—quiet but effective
The unit feels solid and well-balanced, with a low centre of gravity that prevents tipping. It’s compact enough to fit in a car boot or under a van bench.
Solar Compatibility
The Explorer 1000 v2 supports up to 400W of solar input via dual MC3 connectors. It pairs best with:
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W or 200W panels
- Third-party MC3-compatible panels (with correct voltage range)
While MC3 is slightly dated compared to MC4, it’s still functional and secure. A solar charge time of 4–6 hours makes it viable for daily off-grid use.
Use Case Scenarios
| Scenario | Performance Rating |
|---|---|
| Camping & vanlife | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Emergency home backup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Off-grid worksite power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Photography/film shoots | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Backyard events & tailgates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The Explorer 1000 v2 is quiet, clean, and easy to use, making it ideal for both outdoor adventures and indoor backup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Explorer 1000 v2 | Explorer 2000 Plus | EcoFlow Delta 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1070Wh LiFePO₄ | 2042Wh LiFePO₄ | 1024Wh LFP |
| AC Output | 1500W | 3000W | 1800W |
| Weight | 10.8 kg | 19.5 kg | 12 kg |
| Charging Time (AC) | 1 hour | 2 hours | 80 minutes |
| Expandable? | ❌ | ✅ (up to 12kWh) | ✅ |
| App Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price (RRP) | ~£615 | ~£1,999 | ~£999 |
Verdict: The Explorer 1000 v2 is the best lightweight option for users who don’t need expandable capacity but want fast charging and reliable output.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1-hour fast charging via AC
- 1500W output handles most appliances
- Long-lasting LiFePO₄ battery (4,000+ cycles)
- Compact and lightweight for its class
- App control and emergency charge mode
- Quiet, clean, and solar-ready
Cons
- No expandable battery support
- MC3 solar input is dated
- Not weatherproof—requires cover in rain
- Slightly pricier than some competitors
Final Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a standout portable power station for 2025. It combines fast charging, high output, and long battery life in a compact, user-friendly package. While it lacks expandability, it’s ideal for campers, vanlifers, and homeowners who want a plug-and-play power solution that just works.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, solar-compatible power station that can handle real appliances and recharge in an hour, the Explorer 1000 v2 is one of the best options on the market.
