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EcoFlow makes the miniature power station even smaller
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- DeepHorus
EcoFlow has unveiled its fourth-generation River series, making its miniature power stations even smaller while packing in more energy. The new River 260 Gen4 and River 520 Gen4 are designed for day trips, weekend getaways, and emergency backup. Both models use LFP battery chemistry, which is longer-lasting and less volatile than traditional lithium-ion cells.
The River series has long been a go-to for portable power, but the Gen4 models push the concept further. They store roughly 2.5 times and 5 times the energy of the largest airline-approved power banks, respectively. That energy density allows EcoFlow to cut both weight and size compared with similarly specced competitors.
The River 260 Gen4 offers a 256Wh battery, four USB ports, and 300W of continuous output from a single AC jack. The River 520 Gen4 packs 512Wh, four USB ports, and two AC jacks delivering 500W of continuous output. According to EcoFlow, the 520 Gen4 can keep a standard US refrigerator running for about four hours during a blackout.
Both models include a state-of-the-art 140W USB-C PD3.1 port that is bidirectional. This lets users charge the power stations directly from a 140W USB-C wall charger or a portable USB-C solar panel, eliminating the need for a dedicated charging brick. They can also serve as a UPS for a computer, with a cutover time of less than 10 milliseconds.
The compact size and high capacity make these units ideal for overnight camping trips, field photo shoots, and powering devices such as drones, bike computers, phones, Starlink Mini, and compact fridges. EcoFlow says it has also minimized the energy spent converting stored DC to AC output. That reduces the standby drain that can eventually kill power stations left idling for long periods.
The River 260 Gen4 will be available in Europe from Q4 2026, while the River 520 Gen4 is expected to follow in Q1 2027. Pricing will be announced closer to the global release dates. With the Gen4 line, EcoFlow aims to make portable power even easier to carry without sacrificing capability.
