BLUETTI’s tough new AC240 power station resists dust, mud, and rain
Your outdoor adventures – no matter how rugged, rough, wet, or muddy – are in capable hands with the latest innovation of power products provider BLUETTI: the BLUETTI AC240 Weatherproof Portable Power Station. The first of its kind to feature a truly systemwide IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, this durable power station can handle any kind of weather you throw at it, on land or even at sea, making it the ideal companion to your RV, boat, or any other vehicle.
Launching April 2, this rugged powerhouse is game-ready for pelting rain, splashing waves, heavy-caked mud and dust, and even sea breeze corrosion – delivering an impressive 2,400W output. It’s dust-tight to stave off intrusion from particles, and resilient to low-pressure water jets from all angles, so you can clean it off without worrying about water leaking inside.
The BLUETTI AC240 also features patented technology that includes independent air ducts, sealed electronic compartments, special drainage, vacuum-coated fans, and double-layer protected ports. Of course, some water may sneak its way in, but no fear because a built-in exhaust fan swiftly expels water, while the heat-dissipation system ensures rapid water evaporation. This safeguard system keeps it airtight so that no job or adventure is too demanding. That makes the AC240 perfectly suited for off-grid power for RVs, boats, outdoor adventures, and first responders.
Powerful and portable – with powerlifting mode
Packing the BLUETTI AC240 along in your truck, RV, or boat is easy too. It weighs just 72 pounds (33 kilograms) and is about the same size as a microwave oven. The station comes with an impressive 2,400W output to power up a host of devices, everything from heaters and coffeemakers to microwaves, air conditioners, TVs, and refrigerators. Its 1,536Wh (30Ah) lithium iron phosphate battery can sustain a 20-cubic-foot fridge for at least one day at 1.2kWh/day. For heavy power loads (a hot plate, for one, can draw up to 3,500 watts), its Power Lifting mode has an output of 3,600W, ensuring that no task is too demanding.
Integrated power solution for land and sea
Even better, it comes with a plethora of outlets including a direct power supply for RVs and boats through the TT-30 port. In addition, you get two standard AC outlets, a car outlet, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V/30A RV port. Whether you are on a long trip or just a weekend getaway, the AC240 is the best way to power up what you need for self-sustained travel and off-grid living.
Plus it fast-charges with AC charging at 2,400W max in just 70 minutes, and 80% in 45 minutes. To get that power output of 2,400 max, you can pair the AC240 with BLUETTI’s B210 expansion battery to always keep ahead of the power curve – in fact, the AC240 can accept up to four B210 packs at 2,150Wh each, for a total capacity of 10,135Wh. These packs can also function independently as water-resistant power banks with three DC outputs and charging options.
For longer hauls, take along BLUETTI’s foldable solar panels for 1,200W solar intake, which recharge in two hours. As long as the sun is shining, you are guaranteed a steady supply of clean energy wherever your adventures take you.
Parallel functionality for double the power
The AC240’s output is also expandable with a truly parallel connection. You can link two AC240 units via the Parallel Box P480, delivering a substantial 4,800W/120V output without altering voltage – that’s a feat you won’t find anywhere else in the industry. What this gives you is incredible ease in charging even large 120V appliances without the hassle of complex manual settings.
Even more, it’s the first energy storage system that allows parallel connection to the grid while still powering your devices. Coupled with its UPS function, the AC240 detects outages and automatically switches to battery power within 15 milliseconds – that’s a speed you won’t find anywhere else. As a home backup power system, it offers a straightforward and robust solution to keep things up and running, without all the worry.
Sturdy, reliable, and packed with smart tech
The BLUETTI AC240 uses the safest and most reliable lithium iron phosphate battery to achieve up to 100% depth of discharge and maintain 80% of its original capacity even after enduring 3,500 charge cycles – that’s equal to a decade of consistent use. Plus it comes equipped with the BLUETOPUS AI BMS, an AI-powered battery management system, to ensure smooth, safe operation and optimal performance. Plus its app lets you manage power, adjust charging speeds, switch UPS modes, and more via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For extra peace of mind, it comes backed by a six-year warranty.
The BLUETTI AC240 is available for purchase on BLUETTI’s official website and Amazon store now at an initial price of just $1,399 – a 26% savings from its retail price of $1,899. But act fast because this amazing deal only lasts through April 15.
As a special bonus, Electrek readers can get an extra discount of $100 by using the code electrek240 on both the AC240 and AC240 bundles. Check out the AC240+B210 bundle for a special discount of $2,468, a whopping 27% savings from the original price of $3,398. But don’t wait: This offer is only valid from April 2 to April 29.
About BLUETTI
Backed by more than 10 years of experience and a fierce commitment to the environment, BLUETTI has curated an extensive and reliable product portfolio tailored for adventures, emergency backup power, and off-grid living, making a tangible and positive impact on minimizing its carbon footprint for the planet. That’s why BLUETTI is an industry leader available in more than 100 countries and trusted by millions of customers around the world.
Photos: Courtesy of BLUETTI
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Environment
This solid-state EV battery maker is going public after a real-world test clears 745+ miles
Its solid-state batteries are already showing promise with real-world tests delivering over 745 miles of range on a single charge. Now, Factorial Energy is going public as it aims to bring the promising new battery tech to market as soon as 2027.
Factorial Energy to accelerate solid-state EV battery tech
A modified Mercedes EQS, fitted with solid-state EV batteries, drove over 745 miles (1,200 km) without stopping in September. And it still had some charge left.
The battery cells that Mercedes is already calling “a true gamechanger” were supplied by US-based solid-state specialist, Factorial Energy.
Factorial is working with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor, and other major OEMs to commercialize the promising new battery tech.
The batteries may be in vehicles sooner than expected. Factorial is planning to tap into the public markets to fund its next growth stage through a business merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III.
Cartersian III is a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, designed as a blank-check company to acquire a business for listing on a public stock exchange.
Factorial’s CEO, Dr Siyu Huang, called the agreement “a pivotal inflection point” as it transitions from the lab to real-world testing and commercialization. “We’ve proven our solid-state platform delivers what customers want – longer range, lighter weight, and greater cost efficiency,” Huang said.
The battery cells have been proven on public roads, as seen in the Mercedes EQS equipped with Factorial’s 106 Ah cells.
Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis verified 77 Ah cells in lab testing, “demonstrating high energy density, fast charging, and robust performance across temperature extremes.”
Outside of electric vehicles, Factorial plans to offer solid-state battery cells for other markets, including defense, aerospace, and robotics.
The proposed merger is expected to close in mid-2026. Once closed, the company will list on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol FAC. The merger values Factorial at about $1.1 billion, and provides the company with $100 million to fund growth.
During an interview with The New York Times, Huang said Factorial’s batteries could be powering EVs as soon as 2027. According to Huang, they will likely launch in high-performance or luxury models at first, such as the Dodge Charger Daytona, before becoming more widely available.
Factorial is not worried about US automakers, such as Ford, pulling back on EV plans, because it believes new battery technology will help boost adoption.
“The existing battery is not big enough and it’s not light enough, it’s not efficient enough,” Huang said during the interview, adding that “there needs to be a next generation to address the issues that our U.S. consumers are facing.”
Are Factorial’s solid-state EV batteries the answer? That’s what the battery specialist is banking on.
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Environment
Fed chair candidate Hassett says U.S. is way behind the curve on lowering interest rates
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Tuesday that the Federal Reserve is not cutting interest rates quickly enough, even though the U.S. economy grew at a much faster-than-expected pace in the third quarter.
Hassett, a leading contender to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell when his term ends in May, said the artificial intelligence boom is boosting economic growth while simultaneously putting downward pressure on inflation.
“If you look at central banks around the world, the U.S. is way behind the curve in terms of lowering rates,” the top White House economic advisor told CNBC in a “Money Movers” interview.
U.S. economic growth came in at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter, faster than the Dow Jones consensus of 3.2%. Hassett said 1.5% of that growth was due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs reducing the U.S. trade deficit.
The Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter point on Dec. 10, the third cut this year, but the central bank indicated that the pace of future reductions could be slower.
Three Fed governors voted against the quarter-point move, the most dissents since 2019. After this month’s meeting, Powell said the decision to cut a quarter point was a “close call.”
Trump has repeatedly bashed the Fed for not lowering rates as quickly as he would like. Hassett’s candidacy has raised concerns among some Fed watchers that he is too close to the president.
Hassett told CNBC last week that the Fed’s independence is “really important.”
Trump said in an address to the nation last week that he will announce his nominee for Fed chair soon, emphasizing that he will pick “someone who believes in lower interest rates by a lot.”
The president’s primetime speech focused on affordability. His approval rating on the economy stood at 37% in a CBS News/YouGov published on Sunday.
When asked about Trump’s sagging approval rating, Hassett said that public sentiment often does not reflect the economic numbers.
“In the end, it turns out that I think it has a lot to do with news coverage and how people are processing, their glimpse of the outside world,” Hassett said.
Tesla Energy has secured another massive Megapack project in the UK. Matrix Renewables announced today that it has signed a full EPC agreement with Tesla for a 500 MW / 1 GWh battery energy storage system in Scotland.
The UK has been one of Tesla’s strongest markets for energy storage. We have frequently reported on the company deploying large-scale Megapack projects in the region, including the Pillswood project, which was previously one of Europe’s largest.
Now, a new project is set to dwarf many existing installations.
Matrix Renewables, a global renewable energy platform, confirmed the deal in a press release today. The company stated it has signed a “Full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) agreement” with Tesla for a standalone system located in Eccles, Scotland.
The specs are impressive: 500 MW of power capacity and 1 GWh of energy capacity.
While the press release refers to it generally as a “battery energy storage system (BESS),” a project of this size and the specific partnership with Tesla confirms the use of Megapacks.
Mike Snyder, VP of Energy and Charging at Tesla, commented on the announcement:
“We are excited to support Matrix Renewables with their entry into the UK, bringing Tesla’s track record in the market together with Matrix Renewables’ expertise and vision. We highly value the partnership with their team and look forward to executing this landmark project together.”
The project is strategically located along key transmission corridors between Scotland and England. This is a critical spot for grid flexibility, as wind generation in Scotland often exceeds local demand and needs to be transmitted south or stored.
Sergio Arbeláez, Managing Director, Europe & Latam at Matrix Renewables, added:
“We are delivering infrastructure at the scale required to support the UK’s transition to a clean, secure, and resilient power system. This installation demonstrates our ability to execute complex, utility-scale storage projects through strong partnerships and a long-term strategic vision.”
Matrix says that all planning conditions have been discharged and full consent has been secured to commence construction.
This 1 GWh project joins a rapidly growing list of GWh-scale Megapack projects globally. Tesla has been ramping up production at its Lathrop Megafactory in California to meet this exact type of demand, and it recently secured a multi-billion dollar contract for over 15 GWh of deployment in the US.
Electrek’s Take
This is a huge project. For context, 1 GWh of energy capacity is roughly enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes for the two-hour duration of the battery.
Tesla’s energy division is the only part of the business that is growing financially, and large projects like this one add to the momentum.
The UK grid is becoming a fascinating case study for renewables. They have massive wind potential in the north, but the load centers are in the south. Projects like this one in Eccles are going to be essential to stop curtailment (turning off wind turbines when there’s nowhere for the power to go) and instead store that cheap energy for peak times.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this project also utilizes Tesla’s Autobidder software, which has been a standard feature for most of their large UK deployments to manage real-time trading on the energy market.
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