BLUETTI Charger 1: Charge Portable Power Station While Driving

FAQS

• Q1: Why do I need Charger 1? How does it compare to the cigarette lighter port?
  A:

  A standard cigarette lighter port in a 12V vehicle outputs around 100W, while a 24V vehicle outputs about 200W. Charger 1, on the other hand, delivers up to 560W of power while your vehicle is running, allowing you to charge your power station much faster than with a regular cigarette lighter.

• Q2: What vehicles are compatible with Charger 1?
  A:

  Charger 1 can be used with any vehicle with a 12V or 24V starter battery, including RVs, vans, and trucks.

• Q3: Can I use Charger 1 on a hybrid or EV?
  A:

  Charger 1 can be used with hybrid vehicles, as long as the vehicle has an alternator and a starter battery. However, it can’t be used with EVs because their charging and battery management systems operate differently from those in traditional gasoline-powered cars.

• Q4: Will Charger 1 drain my car battery? Do I need to turn it off each time?
  A:

  Charger 1 features an intelligent algorithm that monitors the connected battery. It automatically stops drawing power from your car's battery 3-6 seconds after the engine is off, preventing battery drain. While the engine is running, Charger 1 remains active and can be controlled through the BLUETTI app, allowing you to start and stop charging your power station as needed.

• Q5: Will Charger 1 harm my car battery or affect its lifespan?
  A:

  No, Charger 1 monitors your car battery’s voltage and adjusts its output accordingly. If the battery voltage is low, Charger 1 reduces power output; if the voltage is high, it increases output. If the battery drops below 12,0V/26,0V, Charger 1 triggers undervoltage protection and stops charging. With proper maintenance, your car battery will last as long as intended even when using Charger 1.

• Q6: Does using Charger 1 affect my car's fuel consumption?
  A:

  Charger 1 uses excess power from the alternator to charge your power stations, with minimal impact on fuel consumption.

• Q7: Is it safe to install Charger 1 by myself since it requires a connection to the car battery?
  A:

  Yes, Charger 1 comes with a 6AWG cable and a circuit breaker. By flipping the switch on the circuit breaker, you can safely disconnect the cable, preventing shocks or electrical sparks during installation. If you're unsure, it's always best to seek help from a professional.

• Q8: What tools or what preparations do I need to install Charger 1?
  A:

  You’ll need a wrench to work on the car battery's screw nuts and install the cable wire lugs. If you plan to mount Charger 1 on the side of your trunk/boot, a drill and a board are required. Just be sure to leave enough space for ventilation. Charger 1 also comes with a small hex screwdriver for connecting the cables.

• Q9: Is it necessary to install or hang Charger 1 exactly as instructed?
  A:

  No, you can install Charger 1 in a position that suits you, as long as you ensure there is enough space for the fan to ventilate properly.

• Q10: Can I install it even if I have little knowledge about cars/vehicles?
  A:

  Absolutely! While working under the hood may seem intimidating at first, the installation process is easier than you might think. We provide a detailed instructional video to guide you through each step. The most challenging part is usually routing the cable from the engine compartment to the trunk, but with our guidance, you'll have it done in no time!

• Q11: Why does the optional input cable come with a 60A circuit breaker?
  A:

  The 60A circuit breaker is included to protect your vehicle, Charger 1, and power station. In the unlikely event of a high surge current, the circuit breaker will automatically trip, disconnecting Charger 1 from the vehicle battery and safeguarding all connected components. You can easily reset the circuit breaker by flipping the handle back to restore the connection. It's a user-friendly and reliable solution for protecting your equipment.

• Q12: Is it necessary to purchase the optional input cable? What if I already have my own cables?
  A:

  The optional input cables are not mandatory; you can certainly use your own cables if you prefer a DIY approach. However, we recommend using 6 AWG cables for optimal safety. Our package also includes tube terminals and OT terminals, making it easy for you to complete your installation with your own cables.

• Q13: Why isn’t my Charger 1 charging my power station when my car is running?
  A:

  If your Charger 1 isn't charging, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Turn off your engine and ensure all cables are properly connected. Double-check that the positive and negative cables are correctly attached and securely tightened.
  2. Restart your engine and observe the indicator light on Charger 1. Refer to the instruction manual to understand what the light indicates and whether Charger 1 is functioning correctly.
  3. Let your engine run for a while to allow the car battery to charge fully. Charger 1 is designed not to operate when the car battery is low.

  If these steps don’t resolve the issue, please contact our support team for further assistance.

• Q14: Which power stations are compatible with Charger 1? Can it charge third-party power stations?
  A:

  Charger 1 is compatible with all BLUETTI power stations, as well as third-party power stations or solar generators that use MC4 connectors for solar charging. Please note that in rare cases, third-party power stations may experience an unstable charging rate.

• Q15: Do I need to adjust settings on Charger 1 for different power stations?
  A:

  Yes, once Charger 1 is activated, you'll need to adjust the "Charging Voltage" to match the specifications of your power station. This can be easily done through the BLUETTI app. The default output voltage of Charger 1 is 27V, which is ideal for smaller power stations like the AC2A, EB3A, EB55, EB70S, AC60, and AC50B. For larger power stations, such as the AC70, AC180, AC180T, AC200MAX, AC200L, AC240, AC300, and AC500, a higher output voltage setting is recommended.

• Q16: Can I save a specific charging setting for one power station?
  A:

  Yes, you can save a specific charging setting as the default for one power station. However, remember to adjust the charging voltage if you use Charger 1 with a different power station.

• Q17: Why isn’t my BLUETTI Power Station charging at the claimed 560W?
  A:

  First, ensure that the power station connected to Charger 1 is capable of handling a 560W DC/solar charging input. Next, check the output voltage of Charger 1. The default setting is 27V, but to achieve 560W charging, you need to set Charger 1 to a 56V output.

• Q18: Will Charger 1 work if my car gets really hot in the sun?
  A:

  Yes, Charger 1 is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 140°F / -20°C to 60°C. If it gets too hot, the built-in fan will automatically turn on to cool the device and prevent overheating.

• Q19: How much power does Charger 1 actually draw?
  A:

  Charger 1 draws up to 50A from 12V vehicles and up to 25A from 24V vehicles.

• Q20: Why is Charger 1’s 560W output six times faster than normal car charging?
  A:

  Typically, car charging through a 12V cigarette lighter port can reach up to 100W, but it often drops to around 80W. In contrast, Charger 1 delivers a consistent 560W output, making it about six times faster than charging through a cigarette lighter port, based on lab testing results.

• Q21: What is the operating battery voltage for Charger 1?
  A:

  For 12V vehicles:
  12,5V: Power on
  12,6V: Start charging
  12,0V: Stop charging

  For 24V vehicles:
  25,0V: Power on
  25,2V: Start charging
  26,0V: Stop charging

• Q22: Can I connect two Charger 1 units in parallel to charge my power station?
  A:

  No.