BioLite BaseCharge+: Upgraded portable power stations recharge up to 4x faster yet cost up to 30% less
First launched almost two years ago, BioLite’s BaseCharge portable power stations have received consistently positive reviews for being lighter than the competition for their capacity, and for their reliable output and clean design. Now, the company has updated the two models with the BaseCharge 1500+ and BaseCharge 600+ with faster recharging and lower prices.
The BaseCharge 1500+ has a 1521 Wh capacity and 1200 W sustained output (2400 W in short bursts, say for a blender or electric saw). Thanks to updated firmware and a new charging cable, it can now recharge fully in around 3.5 hours from a wall outlet (down from 12 hours previously), and in 3 hours when connected to four of BioLite's 100 W solar panels.
Meanwhile, the BaseCharge 600+ has a 622 Wh capacity and 600 W output (1000 W surge). It can now recharge from two 100 W solar panels instead of one, in around 3 hours – about the same time as from a wall outlet.
BioLite claims both models are significantly lighter than the competition for the same power – up to 19 pounds (8.6 kg) less in the case of the 1500+. The BaseCharge 1500+ weighs 12.1 kg (26.5 lbs), and the 600+ weighs 5.9 kg (13 lbs). For comparison, the DJI Power 500 and Power 1000, with their 512 Wh and 1,024 Wh capacities, weigh 7.3 kg (16 lbs) and 13 kg (28.5 lb) respectively.
BioLite does a good job of listing out how long each BaseCharge model can power various devices and appliances on its website. The LCD panel usefully shows you not just remaining battery percentage, but also the current power being drawn and/or recharged, and the “hours to empty” at that rate.
There are plenty of options for output ports, including a 10 W wireless charging top surface, AC sockets, USB-A, USB-C (with and without PD), a 12 V car port and DC barrel ports. The BaseCharge power stations also feature extensive built-in electrical safety measures, and have been tested for drops, vibrations, surges/overloads and thermal shock. Unlike some competing models, however, they are not weather-sealed to any degree, and must be sheltered from the rain.
The BaseCharge 1500+ is now priced at $1299 (down from $1699 previously), while the BaseCharge 600+ now costs $599 (instead of $699). Both are available on BioLite’s website.
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