Powerstations have already been around for a few years. But owners of such a mobile energy storage device were always tiredly smiled at. Over time, however, the devices found favor with the masses. It all started on a small scale. After all, powerbanks were becoming increasingly popular as a mobile charging solution for smartphones and the like. The step to a power station wasn’t really that big anymore. Strictly speaking, it is nothing more than a powerbank in large format. But with the size also grows the range of possibilities. Whether it’s an outdoor barbecue, camping vacation or festival. The mobile energy storage devices can supply your electrical devices with power anytime and anywhere. Today we want to take a look at a really large power station – the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000. Thanks to its capacity of over 2000 Wh, it can also be used as a temporary emergency power supply. With the right solar panels, you are also independent of an external power source. Whether the device can deliver what the successful Kickstarter project promises, you can read in the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 test.
Technical data
| Capacity | 2,203 Wh |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion battery |
| Dimensions | 438 x 340 x 283 mm |
| Maximum output power | 3000 W |
| Average output power | AC: 1,600 W DC: 440 W |
| Outputs | 2x USB-C (PD60W), 4x USB-A (36W), 2x DC port (12 V), car port (12 V), 4x AC port (1600 W permanent, 3000 W maximum), 2x wireless charging (10 W) |
| Inputs | AC input, 2x DC input |
| weight | 22 kg |
| Price | € 899.00 * (-25% coupon basic2000) |
Scope of delivery
In addition to the power station, the package also includes a power cord and a cable with an Anderson connector for connecting a solar panel. Of course, the user manual should not be missing either.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 review: design and workmanship
- Robust casing and good workmanship
- Weighs 22 kg
- Two convenient carrying handles facilitate transport
The almost identical name with the AlphaESS BlackBee 1000 (test) is of course no coincidence. Strictly speaking, the BlackBee 2000 is the bigger sister device, which not only offers more battery capacity, but also more ports. However, nothing has changed in the basic design. The large version also comes in a color combination of black and yellow – just like a bee. Besides the color scheme, the sturdy casing also matches.
With the BlackBee 2000, it’s easy to see that it’s got all the bells and whistles and can also be used as a real workhorse. Thus, one should certainly be able to use the power station on the construction site without any problems. AlphaESS is not only true to itself when it comes to the design, but also takes its cue from other powerstations. This means that the power station comes in a practical cuboid shape. Unlike the Jackery Explorer 500 (test), however, there is no carrying handle in the way when you want to stack something on the powerstation.
Instead, AlphaESS relies on cutouts on the left and right side here. This makes the BlackBee 2000 portable, but you can still put things on it. So you can pack your trunk in good old Tetris fashion. However, with dimensions of 438 x 340 x 283 mm and a weight of 22 kg, the BlackBee 2000 then clearly differs from its smaller sibling. After all, this power station isn’t necessarily suited for being carried over longer distances.
So that you don’t cause any serious damage with the heavy device, the manufacturer relies on rounded corners here. The case not only looks good, but also has a very high-quality build. AlphaESS relies on an extremely resistant plastic for the most part. Somehow they managed to make the otherwise hard plastic wonderfully grippy. This feels very good. The rubber coating on the underside also prevents the power station from slipping.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 review: Mobility thanks to rolling case
AlphaESS naturally also offers practical accessories for its BlackBee 2000. The most interesting one, in view of the weight, is the rolling case. Here you can comfortably store the rather heavy power station. You can then roll it behind you like a suitcase. It should be noted that the rolling case is not part of the scope of delivery, but will be delivered free of charge by customer support if required.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 test: inputs
- Inputs hide under flap on rear panel
- 1x power connector and 2x Anderson connector for solar panels
Let’s start with the inputs. Here you can supply the BlackBee 2000 with new energy, if the large almost 2000 Wh battery should ever come to an end. When charging, you have the choice between different charging options, which are hidden under a convenient flap on the back.
While the top flap houses the ports, the flap below houses the cables. On the one hand, the power station can be charged via its mains connection.
On the other hand, you can use the DC ports to charge the BlackBee 2000 with up to two solar panels. Unlike the BlackBee 1000, there is no flashlight on the back here. I think that’s a bit of a shame.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 review: outputs
- Place for up to 15 devices
- 6x USB, 4x Schuko, 2x DC, 1x car connector
- Two wireless charging options on the top
The AlphaEss BlackBee 2000 is a jack-of-all-trades when you take a look at the connectivity options. The manufacturer places all of them on the front of its power station. On the one hand, there are a total of six USB outputs. There are two USB-C and four USB-A ports on the right side. Furthermore, it offers a total of three 12 V outputs in the form of two DC ports and a connection for your car’s cigarette lighter. Beyond that, there are a total of four Schuko ports. These are capable of outputting 1,600 W of continuous power and a whopping 3,000 watts of maximum power.
This means that heavy construction equipment such as circular saws, grindstones or impact drills can be operated with the BlackBee 2000 without any problems. This was only possible to a small extent with the BlackBee 1000. A look at the upper side should look familiar to connoisseurs of the BlackBee 1000. After all, AlphaESS also provides its Maxi Power Station with Qi charging surfaces. Two of the wireless charging options are used. This allows you to charge your smartphone without a cable with a power of 10 watts.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 review: display
- Display with a lot of information
- Input and output power is displayed
- Time indication for expected complete emptying or filling of the battery
The AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 comes with an amazingly large display. Here, the manufacturer relies on a high-quality LCD. Compared to the 1000, the screen is not only significantly larger. On top of that, even more status information about the power station can be read here. On the one hand, you can see how much battery is left in the energy storage. You don’t just get a mere battery indicator with little significance, as is the case with the Flashfish E200 (test), for example. Instead, there is a meaningful remaining battery capacity number next to the battery indicator. And not only that.
On top of that, the display shows you how long the powerstation will last at the current output power. Furthermore you can see how high the current incoming and outgoing power is. This is especially important when you want to calculate how long it will take to charge the battery using solar panels. Once again, an estimated charging time is displayed. This is especially reliable when charging via the classic household socket. However, since the performance of solar panels can fluctuate, the remaining time to fully charge the battery is only suitable as an orientation.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 Test: Rapid charging possible
- Input power of maximum approx. 1200 watts via mains connection
- With a combination of mains connection and solar connection full charge possible within one and a half hours
When it comes to charging the power station, you do not have to choose between mains connection or solar input. If it must go fast, you can also charge the BlackBee 2000 simultaneously via both inputs. With maximum input power via solar panels (2x 300 watts) and mains connection, the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 can be charged from 0 to 100 percent in less than 90 minutes.
Considering the gigantic battery capacity, that’s a really impressive value. However, the BlackBee 2000 can also be charged quickly via the mains connection alone. An input power of maximum 1,200 W ensures this. If this power is reached, the AlphaESS can be fully charged within two hours.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 test: solar panels SP300
- Solar panel comes in convenient carrying case
- Connection cable on the back
- Handle also on panel itself
Given the gigantic battery capacity, the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 can also be happily used as an emergency power supply over a period of time. Since the output power can be constantly up to 1600 watts and at its peak up to 3000 watts, this can be used, for example, also conveniently operate your refrigerator. But sooner or later even the big battery of the busy bee is empty. What if the power fails?
Those who want to be independent of the public power supply can buy the BlackBee in a bundle with the SP300 solar panels. These allow an input power of up to 300 watts. You can attach up to two solar panels to the two DC inputs, which enables an output of up to 600 watts. While one panel takes about 7:20 h to charge the power station, it takes just under 3:40 h with two SP300s connected.
Not only people who are afraid of a sudden power outage will get their money’s worth. Also fans of adventure vacations far away from big cities will be happy about this charging possibility. After all, with the help of the right panels, you can always produce your own green electricity in good weather. Given the current weather conditions, it’s hard to verify that the panels can actually deliver the promised power.
We’ll just assume it for them. What is certain is that the installation of the panels is child’s play. The cable with the so-called Anderson connector is permanently installed on the panel and only needs to be connected to the counterpart on the back of the power station. In order to carry it comfortably from A to B, AlphaESS includes a practical carrying bag. This also contains the brackets for the panel.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 review: unfortunately, no LiFePO4 batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries are used
- Approximately 1600 charge cycles are promised by AlphaESS in terms of lifespan
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty (3 years possible if the device is registered)
AlphaESS relies on battery cells based on lithium-ion technology for its BlackBee 2000. These bring a decisive disadvantage with them, which does not fit so at all to the sustainability that the mobile energy storage in combination to the SP300 exudes. After all, experience shows that lithium-ion batteries lose their stamina after quite a short time. Models from the competition are already a step ahead here. For example, the EcoFlow River 2 Max (test) relies on LiFePO4 batteries, which can not only be produced in a more environmentally friendly way. On top of that, these are characterized by an amazing longevity and high safety. EcoFlow’s Powerstation lasts for more than 3000 charging cycles thanks to its safe, battery-saving technology.
With the BlackBee 2000, it’s said to be “only” a good 1600 charge cycles lifetime, according to the manufacturer. This may sound like a huge difference, but in view of the large battery capacity, it should take a few years to exhaust these cycles. AlphaESS gives the buyer a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Those who register their product can even benefit from a total warranty of 3 years. In the end, it is a matter of taste which battery type one prefers. After all, lithium-ion batteries also have advantages in power stations. They can usually be recharged faster. On top of that, they offer a higher energy density, which means that more battery capacity can be accommodated in the battery.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 test: practical test
- Perfectly suited for use on the construction site
- High output power allows connection of many devices
- Unfortunately, the integrated lamp is missing
Most important, of course, is the performance in practice. And here you have to praise the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 in the highest tones. Thanks to the constant output power of 1600 watts, you can plug in a lamp here in parallel with the impact drill and additionally also charge smartphone, notebook and Co. Should the constant power reach its limits, the BlackBee 2000 also holds its own with its maximum output of 3000 watts. However, it was not only the pure performance that convinced me in practice. The variety of connections is also remarkable. Everyone should be able to find what they are looking for here.
A small downer for me, however, is the lack of an integrated light. This is on the back of the smaller BlackBee 1000. I would like to see a corresponding illumination option in a next version. After all, this light source is especially suitable for use on construction sites. And the BlackBee 2000 should definitely feel at home there. After all, even power-hungry machines can be operated with it. Thanks to the large battery capacity, it does not run down quickly. If you still want to be on the safe side, you can charge the power station simultaneously via mains connection or solar panel.
Conclusion
What the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 offers at an unbeatable price of 1,499.00 euros is already remarkable. The robust power station not only scores with a good build quality. On top of that, you get a lot of ports, which should fit pretty much every electrical device in your possession. Thanks to a constant output power of 1600 watts and a short-term peak power of up to 3000 watts, it is also possible to operate several devices without any problems. This makes it not only perfect for any camping vacation, but also fits perfectly on the construction site.
There are small deductions in the B grade for me on the one hand because of the battery types. In my opinion, lithium-ion batteries should no longer be used in power stations. LiFePO4 technology simply offers too many advantages in terms of safety, resistance and longevity. I also miss the practical light, which was present in the BlackBee 1000. With the small minus points, however, you always have to consider the price-performance ratio that is available here.
AlphaESS BlackBee 2000
Workmanship
Hardware
Performance
Value for money
91/100
With the AlphaESS BlackBee 2000 you get concentrated power at a low price.
