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Store a portable power station partly charged (about 50–80%), somewhere cool and dry, and check or top it up about every three months. That's what EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker and Bluetti all broadly advise; your own manual has the exact numbers.
Store it partly charged
Not full, not empty
The makers agree that a battery left in storage is happiest partly charged. EcoFlow's Delta 3 manual says to discharge to 60% for storage. Jackery suggests 50% to 80%.
Good storage also helps it reach its rated life; see how long do portable power stations last. Leaving it empty is the bigger risk: the battery slowly loses charge in storage and can drain too far if it starts low. That's why every maker pairs the storage level with a regular check.
Where to keep it
Cool, dry and indoors
Pick a cool, dry spot indoors, such as a closet or interior shelf. Jackery gives 59°F to 77°F as the ideal storage range. Anker SOLIX says to keep it in a stable 59°F to 95°F, and Bluetti says to keep it below 95°F for storage over a month.
That rules out hot cars, attics and summer garages. As with any lithium-ion battery, the NFPA advises storing it away from anything that can catch fire. See are portable power stations safe indoors for more.
Check and top it up
About every three months
EcoFlow and Jackery both say to check and charge it every three months. EcoFlow's routine is to charge it fully, then discharge it back to 60%. Bluetti's Elite 200 V2 manual asks for a full charge and discharge every six months, and to recharge within 48 hours after running it down.
A calendar reminder works well. If you use it during the three months, that counts.
What each maker says: EcoFlow vs Jackery vs Anker vs Bluetti
From their own manuals and support pages
| Brand | Storage charge | Temperature | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow (Delta 3) | 60% | not stated | every 3 months |
| Jackery | 50–80% | 59–77°F ideal | recharge every 3 months |
| Anker SOLIX | not stated | 59–95°F | not stated |
| Bluetti (Elite 200 V2) | not stated | below 95°F | full cycle every 6 months |
Models vary, so follow the manual for yours: for example the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus, Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 or Bluetti Elite 200 V2.
Before you put it away
Two minutes of prep
- Switch off every output (AC, DC and USB), then turn the unit off.
- Coil the charging and solar cables and store them with it, so you're not hunting for them in an outage. If it won't charge when you take it out, see power station not charging.
- Register it with the maker if you haven't, so they can contact you about any recall; we also keep a list of power station recalls.
What this means when you need it
Ready when the power goes out
Stored at 50–80% and topped up every three months, a power station is ready to use in an outage, then you can recharge it fully. If you'd rather keep it at 100% and plugged in for emergencies, some models are designed for that; check your manual, read can you leave a power station plugged in, and see using a power station as a UPS.
To work out how long your stored charge will last, try the runtime calculator.
Ready to choose a station? See The Best Portable Power Stations.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions
What charge level should I store a power station at?
About 50–80%. EcoFlow says 60%; Jackery says 50–80%.
Can I store it in the garage?
Only if the garage stays roughly between 59°F and 95°F. Hot summer garages and freezing winter ones are both a poor choice.
How often should I charge it in storage?
About every three months. Bluetti's Elite 200 V2 manual asks for a full cycle every six months.
Can I store it fully charged?
The makers advise a partial charge for long-term storage. For emergency readiness, some models are designed to stay plugged in; check your manual.
Does it lose charge in storage?
Yes, slowly. That's why the makers say to check and top it up every few months.
