BLUETTI AC500 + B300S Home Battery Backup (In a Van) Review
The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is an expandable power station that’s robust enough to be used as a home battery backup or, in my case, as the source of power in my van (until I can afford to install a more permanent solution).
It’s a two-piece system: the AC500 inverter and the B300S battery. You can expand the system by daisy-chaining multiple B300S batteries, up to a maximum of six B300S batteries at 3,072Wh each. With a maximum input of 8,000W and multiple charging options, it’s not difficult to make sure you’re system is always topped off and ready to go.
Here’s everything you want to know about the BLUETTI AC500 + B300S.
Pros and Cons
+ Expandable up to 18,432Wh with six B300S batteries
+ Inverter capable of handling up to 8,000W and can be charged multiple ways (and accepts dual solar arrays)
+ Huge number of output options and B300S can be used with or without AC500
+ Quiet operation
– Cords to connect pieces are clunky and bulky
– Only two USB-C ports on AC500
– Heavy at over 140 lb / 64 kg for inverter + one battery
– Expensive system that locks you into proprietary parts
– No 240V output
AC500 Specs
- Rated Power: 5,000W
- Surge Power: 10,000W
- Capacity: Expandable capacity from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh
- Battery: LiFePO4 battery with 3,500+ life cycles to 80%
- Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
- Rechargeable Via: AC, solar, car, generator, lead-acid battery, dual charging (AC/AC + solar)
- AC Outlets: 3 x 120V/20A, 1 x 120V/30A L14-30, 1 x 120V/30A TT-30, 1 x 120V/50A NEMA14-50
- USB Ports: 2 x 5V/3A USB-A, 2 x 18W USB-A, 2×USB-C 100W max
- DC Outlets: 1 x 12V/30A (RV outlet), 1 x 24V/10A (car outlet)
- Wireless Charging Pad: 2 x 15W max
- AC Charging Cable Input: 4,500W max (with one B300S), 5,000W max (with two or more B300S)
- Solar Input: 3,000W max, VOC 12-150VDC, 15A
- Car Input: 12/24V
- Maximum Input: 4,500W (W/ 1*B300S), 8,000W (w/ 2 or more B300S) with AC and Solar Input Simultaneously
- 240V Split Phase Bonding: Yes
- App Control: Yes, Wifi and Bluetooth
- Scalability: Expandable with up to 6 x B300S or 4×B300
- Simultaneous Recharge & Discharge: Yes
- Operating Temperature: -4-104℉ / -20-40℃
- Storage Temperature: -4-104℉ / -20-40℃
- Dimensions (in): 20.5 x 12.8 x 14.1
- Dimensions (cm): 52 x 32.5 x 35.8
- Weight: 66.2 lb / 30 kg
- Warranty: 4 Years
B300S Specs
- Capacity: 3,072Wh (51.2V, 60Ah)
- Cell Chemistry: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- Life Cycles: 3,500+ Cycles to 80% Original Capacity
- Shelf-life: Recharge to 80% Every 3-6 Months
- Management System: MPPT Charge Controller, BMS, etc.
- USB-C Port: 1 x 100W max
- USB-A Port: 1 x 18W
- DC Outlets: 1 x 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
- AC Input: 500W max
- Solar Input: 500W max, VOC 12-60VDC, 10A
- Car Input: 12/24V from Cigarette Lighter Port
- Maximum Input: 1,000W, with D050S DC Charging Enhancer
- Simultaneous Recharge & Discharge: Yes
- Weight: 83.8 lb / 38 kg
- Dimensions (in): 20.5 x 12.5 x 10.5
- Dimensions (cm): 52 x 32 x 26.6
- Operating Temperature: -4℉-104℉ / -20℃-40℃
- Storage Temperature: -4℉-104℉ / -20℃-40℃
- Certification: UL2743, UKCA, RCM, PSE, FCC, CE
- Warranty: 4 Years
Photo Gallery
The Good
The Outputs: The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S has a huge number of outputs, suitable for practically any device you could imagine. The AC500 has three 120V/20A outlets, one 120V/30A L14-30 outlet one 120V/30A TT-30 outlet, one 120V/50A NEMA14-50 outlet, two 5V/3A USB-A ports, two 18W USB-A ports, two USB-C 100W max ports, one 12V/30A RV outlet, and one 24V/10A car outlet. Each B300S has an additional USB-A port, USB-C port, and 12V car outlet. However, there is no 240V output which may frustrate some users who want to use this more as an off-grid home power solution and would like the ability to power 240V appliances such as washing machines or car chargers.
The Expandability: The BLUETTI AC500 can be used with a single B300S battery for a maximum capacity of 3,072Wh to as many as six BS300S batteries for a total of 18,432Wh. This makes things incredibly easy if you’re unsure of your power needs or want to invest in a system that isn’t going to be complicated to expand in the future. The AC500 and B300S are also stackable which can save you valuable space – especially in the confines of a van. That said, I would not recommend stacking them inside of a vehicle without properly securing them.
The Versatility: The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S combo can be used as a standalone portable power system, a power solution in a van or vehicle, or a home battery backup. The AC500 inverters can be used alone or combined into a 240V unit. With each inverter capable of handling up to six batteries, there are a huge number of possible applications for the system. The B300S can also be used without the AC500 as a standalone power station; it has one 100W USB-C, one 12V/10A car port, and one USB-A port. However, the AC500 requires at least one B300S to be used and cannot be used by itself.
The Okay
The Weight: The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is heavy. Yes, this is to be expected when you’re talking about large lithium-ion batteries. Still, this system is heavy enough that to some people, it would not qualify as “portable” as advertised. The AC500 weighs 66.2 lb / 30 kg, and each B300S battery weighs a whopping 83.8 lb / 38 kg – they’re heavy. Some people will need help transporting this system (and it will take multiple trips). Moving it inside from the van to charge is a pain (although it is convenient to charge from the car while driving), and I may simply employ a long extension cord in the
The App: The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S can be controlled via the BLUETTI app over WiFi or Bluetooth. I found the app to be more functional than the apps of other power stations I’ve used in the past (which left me with little hope this app would work at all, so the bar was pretty low). The app allows you to turn on and off outputs and monitor the system. However, the app was also a bit clunky and required me to constantly reconnect. It’s also filled with ads from BLUETTI and is more than just an app to control your device; it’s bloated with unnecessary features, information, and “features” that are annoying at best.
The Bad
The Cords: The BLUETTI AC500 is attached to the B300S with a proprietary cord that’s included in the kit. This cord is thick, not incredibly flexible, and has a hard attachment point that requires nearly a foot of clearance on the side to be connected. This makes positioning the system inside a van (or other confined space) a bit tricky. Efficient use of space is a high priority when living out of a vehicle, and this system will inevitably create some dead space where the required cable lives. Yes, the inverter and batteries are nice and rectangular and can be stacked nicely, but the cable ruins the whole aesthetic.
The Cost: No way to get around the fact that the BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is expensive. It retails for $4,800 but is commonly on sale (at the time of publication, it’s listed for $4,000). Shipping is free and there’s sometimes a bonus like a free trolley included with your purchase, but it’s a big investment for power. The inverter itself is $2,600, and each of the B300S batteries retails for $2,300. This means you only get a $100 price break for buying the packaged unit, which seems low. Probably best to grab the bundle when it’s on sale.
Wrap Up
The BLUETTI AC500 + B300S is an incredibly versatile plug-and-play solution for home battery backups, powering a camper van or RV, taking your vehicle on the road, or setting up an off-grid power solution.
Its high cost and proprietary nature may be a turnoff to some (I’ve also heard reports that BLUETTI’s customer service needs improvement), but for those willing to deal with the high initial startup cost and want a headache-free power solution, this is an excellent option.
Do you have questions, comments, or personal experience with the BLUETTI AC500 + B300S? Leave a comment below or get in touch, and let me know! You can check out the BLUETTI AC500 + B300S here.
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