Bluetti’s Charger 2: How 1200W of Car Power Could Change Vanlife Forever

For vanlifers and off-grid adventurers, recharging a power station in 75 minutes of driving instead of a full day of waiting is a game-changer—if the math checks out.

Bluetti’s Charger 2 combines a vehicle’s alternator (up to 800W) and solar inputs (up to 400W) to deliver 1200W of charging power for compatible power stations.

This is particularly relevant for users with high energy demands, such as the author’s 1.6kWh/day usage, where faster charging translates to more time spent on activities rather than waiting for batteries to fill.

The reverse charging feature allows the Charger 2 to jump-start vehicles or maintain starter batteries when paired with Bluetti’s Apex300 power station. However, this functionality is limited to Bluetti models, unlike competitors like DJI and EcoFlow, which offer similar capabilities within their own ecosystems.

When parked, the Charger 2 can funnel 600W of solar power to a connected power station without draining the starter battery.

Installation is described as DIY-friendly for most users but becomes complex when integrating solar panels or the DC Hub for 12V devices. The $349 price tag is available as a limited-time discount through February 7, after which it will rise to $599. Existing users can upgrade for $99, and the Charger 2 reuses cabling from the original Charger 1.

Bluetti claims 95% compatibility with power stations, but reverse charging features work only with its own models. This creates a trade-off between ecosystem exclusivity and broader usability.