Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 review: at last, a high-output portable power station that I can actually lift

Jackery has hit a home run with the new Explorer 3000 V2 and developed a portable power station that packs a massive punch for its lower-than-average weight and dimensions. I’ve been using this 3.6kW beast for the past couple of months and, aside from my Miele oven, I have yet to find an appliance in my home that it’s incapable of running.

And that makes it a shoo-in for paranoid preppers, off-grid workers, van-lifers, canal boaters, family campers and reliable home emergency backup during a power outage.

Epic advances in portable power station tech are already bearing fruit with much lighter and smaller power station models that don’t require the biceps of a gorilla to lift and move, but this model is the icing on the proverbial cake when it comes to outright power delivery versus portability. Read on, there’s a lot to talk about.

Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 review

Price and availability

The Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 is available in the UK with our without the 200W SolarSaga panel. If you’re just going for the power station, head straight to the Jackery website where the Explorer is shipping with a free bag for £2,299. Yes, it’s not cheap, but then portable power stations are never cheap, especially those with this unit’s high level of output.

If you fancy the solar panel, too, figure in another 300 for the privilege of always keeping it topped up when away from home. And if you’re looking for an even better deal on this model, try Amazon, where the main unit is currently selling for a knockdown £1,999.

Stateside dwellers should head straight to the US Jackery store, where you can buy this model for $2,499. However, if you’re looking for a really cracking discount, try Power Gen Store, where it’s currently selling for an impressively low $1,699.

Specs at a glance

Power output: 3,600W

Max surge peak: 7,200W

Battery cell chemistry: LiFeP04

Battery capacity: 3,072Wh

Battery cycle life: 4,000

AC outputs: 3 x 230V, 13A

USB outputs: USB-C (2 x 100W); USB-A (2 x 18W)

DC outputs: 12V 10A

AC Input: 220V-240V, 10A max

Solar input: 2 x 8mm ports (1000W Max)

Charging time: AC 1.8 hours; 12v 36 hours

Dimensions: 41.6 x 32.5 x 30.5cm (16.4 x 12.8 x 12 inches)

Weight: 27kgs (59.5 lbs)

Warranty: 3+2 years

Why this power station is a top choice for home backup and off-grid tasking

I'm an advocate of smaller power stations, especially when it comes to home backup in an emergency. However, while most really small power stations like the 300W EcoFlow River 3 UPS are ideal for keeping the internet working for most of the day and a TV system functioning for around 1.5 hours, they simply won’t be able to handle a myriad of power-hungry appliances like a toaster, coffee machine or, heaven forfend, a 3,000W kettle.

By contrast, the Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 is capable of running even the most voraciously ravenous appliances like kettles, toasters and portable induction hobs for up to an hour at a time, and sometimes all at once. It is also an ideal model for outdoor workers using high-output power tools and a perfect long-term electricity supply solution for canal boaters, avid long-haul campers and those living off the grid.

To give you some idea of how useful this power station could be in a power outage or out in the field, I’ve compiled a list of essential home and work appliances that the Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 is capable of running and for how long. You know, the stuff that matters when you’re stranded at home without an electricity supply or working off-grid. As an added bonus I have also provided links to those products T3 has already reviewed, just because.

What will the Explorer 3000 V2 run and for how long?

Average WiFi system + several device hubs (average 21W) = 60.7 hours

Philips Hue light bulb (9.5W) = 82 hours

SMEG KLF03 kettle (3,000W) = 0.9 hours

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch espresso machine (1,450W) = 1.8 hours

Smeg A Modo Mio Lavazza coffee pod machine (1,250W) = 2.1 hours

Smeg TSF01 toaster (950W) = 2.7 hours

Philips 5000 Air Fryer & Steamer (2,750W) = 0.9 hours

Tefal Everyday Portable Induction Hob (2,100W) = 1.2 hours

Breville VST025 Sandwich & Panini Press (1,000W) = 2.6 hours

Kenwood Go Stand Mixer (800W) = 3.2 hours

Meaco Blow Heater (2,000W) = 1.3 hours

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Charcoal Grill & Smoker (18W) = 65.3 hours

Apple iMac 24-inch (100W max) = 21.4 hours

Samsung The Frame Pro 65-inch TV (112-190W) = 12.3 to 19.5 hours

LG OLED C4 48-inch TV (123W) = 18 hours

Sony Playstation 5 (50 - 220W) = 10.8 to 36.6 hours

Hisense RS9P628GPFE American Fridge Freezer (about 250W) = 9.6 hours

Bosch Series 2 KTR15NWEAG 85cm under counter fridge (100W) = 21.4 hours

Worcester Bosch Greenstar gas boiler (average 82W) = 25.1 hours

Electric corded lawn mower (1,300W) = 2 hours

Circular saw (average 1000-2000 watts) = 1.3 to 2.6 hours

Electric concrete breaker (2,000W): 1.3 hours

Design and features

I’ve become quite a fan of the Jackery brand since reviewing the company’s smaller Explorer 1000 V2 which is currently setup to feed emergency power to my entire TV, gaming and soundbar system in the event of a power cut. Jackery’s power stations are compact in design, thoughtfully laid out and fringed with attractive orange details that stand out amongst the competition. This model is no exception.

When it comes to portable power stations, the more power they provide, the heavier their weight and the greater their size. Indeed, weight alone can often be an overriding negative factor for most prospective PS users, especially those of small build and/or lower muscle mass like moi.

I’ve tested some truly elephantine models and have hardly been able to shift them even a few feet before the arms and back have called it a day. Well, I’m thrilled to announce that, in terms of power-to-weight ratio, the Explorer 3000 V2 is a game changer that, according to Jackery, is ’47% smaller and 43% lighter than the industry standard’.

While I can’t be sure that those stats are wholly accurate, I will say that this particular model is most definitely a lot lighter – and smaller – than anything else I’ve seen with this level of performance.

To give you some perspective, the huge Bluetti AC240 I reviewed in August 2024 has a standard output of 2,400W and weighs an almost unmanageable 33 kilos. By stark contrast, the Explorer 3000 V2 outputs more than 1kW more (3,600W) while weighing 6 kilos less (27kgs), which means I can actually carry it from room to room without a visit to the chiropractor.

And although the width and depth dimensions of these two units are pretty closely matched (41.95cm in width and 29.35cm in depth for the Bluetti and 41.6 x 32.5cm for the Jackery), the Bluetti’s 40.95cm height dwarfs the Jackery’s modest 30.5cm by a full 10cm (4”).

So how has Jackery managed this ground-breaking slice of size-and-weight reduction sorcery? Well, according to the blurb, the company has utilised Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology as used in the EV (electric vehicle) industry. To further explain, in a traditional power station, individual battery cells are grouped into modules, then placed inside a protective pack or case. This layered approach adds weight, takes up space, and slightly reduces overall energy density.

With CTB tech, the cells are integrated directly into the unit’s main structure (ie its body), eliminating the need for separate modules and casings. In essence, the battery pack itself becomes part of the product’s chassis, and this means more room for actual battery cells, which helps reduce the weight and size of the product while creating greater structural strength.

As briefly mentioned above, the Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 outputs a phenomenal 3.6kW of pure sine wave oomph, which is more than enough might for pretty much any appliance you introduce it to. And with a surge rating of a phenomenal 7.2kW, it will also easily handle the extra spike in power required by most energy-intensive equipment like blow heaters, circular saws and pumps during their initial booting-up phase

Aside from being used as a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for home electricity backup, these figures also make the Jackery a top choice for a myriad of commercial industries like outdoor construction and forestry, off-grid filming and remote medical work.

The UK-spec model we’re reviewing here comes with three AC 230v outlets (Americans get four 120v AC outlets plus a TT30 RV socket), plus two 100W USB-C and two 18W USB-A ports. Enough options, in other words, to charge and/or run several devices and appliances at the same time.

And, as is the case with every power station, it comes with an easy-to-read backlit LCD monitor that displays the remaining battery percentage, input and output power, and the length of running time when used to power your devices. And, of course, there’s also an app for it, but more on this later.

The Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 utilises LiFePO4 battery cells, which provide superior safety, a longer lifespan, and much better thermal stability compared to standard Lithium-Ion cells. According to the stats, the battery sports a capacity of 3,072Wh for those who understand what watt-hours actually mean (I prefer good old-fashioned watts when looking up an appliance’s draw and whether it will work with a specific power station).

The Explorer 3000 V2 supports dual charging inputs, allowing you to combine its AC and two 8mm solar ports for even faster top-ups – a spritely 1.8 hours when using its fast-charging mode. However, while I like the simplicity of Jackery’s circular 8mm solar connection system, I’m also disappointed that it isn’t compatible with any other type of third-party solar panel, and Jackery doesn’t include any kind of adaptor.

Hence, like Apple did with its old Lightning iPhone connector, you’re locked in to using only Jackery-branded solar panels – unless, of course, you’re able to track down a compatible solar adaptor (I’m still looking!).

Another thing I should mention, which could be a deal breaker for some, is that the Explorer 3000 V2 isn’t expandable by adding extra battery packs. I personally don’t consider this an issue for my kind of usage, but bear this in mind if you need a portable power station that can be expanded going forward.

SolarSaga 200W solar panel

Jackery also sent me its 200W SolarSaga panel with the Explorer and it’s an exemplary piece of kit that’s easy to set up by simply unfolding it and plugging it into one of the Explorer’s two DC inputs. This 200W panel will fully charge the Explorer 3000 V2 in about 22 hours, and half that if you use two panels.

The Explorer itself has a maximum solar charging capacity of 1,000W, but since Jackery’s highest power panel is this 200W model, you’d likely need five 200W panels daisy-chained using the appropriate splitter cables. Unless, of course, you can find an adapter to convert Jackery’s 8mm circular connector to the more widely used MC4 or XT60i connectors and use some more powerful third-party panels instead.

When folded, this IP68 waterproof panel measures 61.5 x 55.2 x 4.0cm (24.2 x 21.7 x 1.6 inches), and when unfolded, it’s 234 x 55.2 x 2.5cm (92.1 x 21.7 x 1.0in). It weighs in at a reasonable 6.2 kilos (13.7lbs) and comes with an integrated carrying handle.

Aside from its ease of setup (simply unfurl the panel and flip down the two Velcro-attached stands), I’m a big fan of Jackery’s simple sun-angle indicator, which helps align the panel so it can absorb as much direct sunlight as possible. Just don’t expect any fireworks when it comes to charging speed because most portable solar panels are pretty s-l-o-w at charging.

Jackery app

My current favourite portable power station app is the one from EcoFlow – mostly because of the pretty animations – but I have no issues to report regarding the Jackery app even if it isn’t as attractive to look at. Like most PS apps, you get a clearly defined home screen showing overall battery remaining percentage, input and output data, buttons to activate the DC and AC ports and a simple screen timer.

For behind-the-scenes access, click on the top nut-shaped icon to enter the settings menu where you change the Charging Settings from Fast to Quiet Energy Saving mode, which dictates how long the unit’s outputs stay on (for UPS use select ‘never turn off’), and Working Mode which, among other things, provides the option to select ‘Fully Use’ or a ‘Battery Saving Mode’ that allegedly extends the overall life of the battery by 30%. And that’s the extent of it, really.

In other words, nothing fancy but an easy-to-navigate layout that helps you keep on top of the power station’s input and output stats, along with live battery usage.

Performance

I’ll cut straight to the chase and proclaim that I’m absolutely blown away by this model’s power-to-weight ratio. At 27 kilos, I can actually carry it about 15 metres before needing a rest, and that means that two could carry it a lot further with no issues at all.

Try that with other models of similar power output and see how far you get. I also think its reduced size is much more travel-friendly than the norm, especially for those with smaller vehicles.

Given this model’s humongous 3.6kW (3,600W) output I was keen to see what it was capable of running and my test results scream ‘spectacular’. Searching the house for suitable devices, I alighted on a one-litre KitchenAid kettle rated at 1,300W, a Meaco blow heater (2,000W) and an IKEA portable induction hob (2,000W).

First I ran the kettle which settled at 1,080W during its boiling session – fiddlesticks for the Explorer. I then tried the Meaco heater on high and it drew around 1,600W – no problem. Finally, I boiled some water using the induction hob and it stayed at about 1,924W throughout the process. These appliances were all well within the Jackery’s capability.

I then tried the kettle and induction hob at the same time and they drew around 2,530W, still with no issues. So I tried all three appliances at once and switched the Meaco heater to its highest setting.

This clearly pushed the Explorer 3000 V2 to its limit because its screen and app showed a whopping draw of 5,039W (its surge rating is 7,200W) and the fan kicked in at full bore. I expected this test to last about three seconds but, remarkably, it continued for about 25 seconds before the inverter shut off.

My final test also involved all three appliances again, only this time I reduced the heater to low and the Jackery showed an initial draw of 3,361 before backing off to 3,022W, which equated to 0.8 hours of use. That’s pretty handy in my book.

For its vastly reduced weight and dimensions, I think these are remarkable figures that genuinely prove how well suited this eminently portable model is for use as backup system that’s capable of running the vast majority of appliances in the home, and then some.

Verdict

Weighing a comparatively light 27 kg, the Jackery Explorer 3000 V2 is designed to deliver serious off-grid energy for those who need more than just the basics. With its impressive 3,072Wh capacity and formidable 3,600W of power output, this muscular brute comfortably handles demanding appliances like kettles, microwaves, portable induction hobs, fridges, power tools and medical equipment, making it suitable not only for camping, RV use and a myriad of commercial off-grid scenarios, but also as an all-round emergency backup system for home. Top-tier stuff.