Low Bow Tech

Key Takeaways

• The Bluetti AC240 has a high output capability but medium capacity, with an IP65 rating for outdoor use.
• The unit can power multiple devices for short periods but is insufficient for long-term use.
• It’s heavier and bulkier than higher-capacity units.

The Bluetti AC240 has a ton of ports and a bigger output capability than it does capacity, which is an odd combination that means you can plug in all the things…but only power them for a short time. However, the one killer feature is the IP65 rating, which means its high performance can be used even in the most challenging conditions, offering protection from dust and low-pressure water ingress.

Price and Availability

The Bluetti AC240 is widely available, and the recommended price is $1900 for the basic model. At 1536Wh capacity, that makes it around $1.24 per Wh. That’s more expensive than similar capacities, as you’re paying a premium for the weatherproofing.

What’s in the Box?

Keep the box; you’ll need it for any warranty claims.

Inside, you’ll find the battery and a small nylon storage bag for the cables. These consist of:

• AC charging cable.
• 12v car charging cable.
• MC4 (solar) charging cable.

All the cables use proprietary connectors, which feature a locking action to prevent accidental removal and provide a waterproof connection. They feel durable and offer a satisfying click; I love cables that click.

IP65 Rating Is the Killer Feature

Weighing around 72 lbs (33kg), I struggled to carry the AC240 any further than from the kitchen to the patio. The case features an inset handle on either side, but ideally, it’s a two-person lift.

It’s a little larger and heavier than the closest-specced Bluetti AC200L, but not by much. The annoyingly large AC port covers have been upgraded to something slimmer, and the top row now faces opposite the bottom row, allowing for better use of multiple sockets on the U.K. model.

The AC240’s real superpower is that it’s IP65 rated, but I wish there was something in the design to make that clear and distinguished from everything else in the Bluetti range. Side by side, you can’t be able to tell. Some better differentiation would be handy for those with multiple Bluetti units who need to grab and go to a job. In fact, the AC240P looks almost identical and is also IP65 rated—yet it features orange branding and a prominent “IP65” insignia. What’s the actual difference? The AC240P has a capacity of 1843Wh.

The rubber covers prevent water and dust ingress to the sockets while all the internal circuitry is sealed. That means it’s fine being dragged around the desert or left out in the rain. You should ensure the sockets are covered when not in use, and of course, don’t try to actually use the AC power output in the rain; there’s always a chance of electrocution. Wipe the sockets down to ensure they’re dry before use.

You’ll notice grills on the case; it’s fine if some water gets in there. The sensitive components are safely sealed, so the internal cavity holds the cooling fins and other parts that aren’t bothered by water or dust. In case it needs saying: don’t immerse the AC240 in water. It’s water-resistant, not waterproof—rain is fine, lakes are not. The same goes for other types of extreme weather: avoid large variations in temperature like scorching sun or freezing snow.

The front panel features a familiar screen for monitoring the current status and estimated time remaining to fully charge or discharge. The AC240 is also compatible with the Bluetti app, though unless you have reason to delve into the settings and change, for instance, how the UPS mode operates or to enable Power Lift mode, you’re not missing much—the screen shows everything you really need.

Output Ports and Capabilities: Power All The Things

The AC240 has a generous number of output ports, and 1536Wh of capacity:

• 4 x AC sockets (all 230v on this UK model; the US model offers 2 x 110v and 1 larger NEMA TT30A port)
• 2 x USB-C (100W each)
• 2 x USB-A (5v2.4a, 18W each)
• 1 x 12v car socket (10A)
• 1 x 12v RV hookup (30A)

In total, the unit can output up to 2400W across all outputs. With Power Lifting mode enabled, inductive loads that would normally draw up to 3.6kW can run through a clever manipulation of voltage, which means they run slower than normal. This won’t work with all appliances; only those that are primarily a heating element or motor (like space heaters, or a hairdryer).

Power Lift is a handy feature but must be enabled through the app. And remember that if you do run something that draws so much power that it needs that mode, it isn’t going to last long at all. To work out roughly how long: divide 1500 (the number of Watt hours of stored energy) by the power you’re drawing (in Watts) to find the number of hours you can run it for. For example, using the full 2400W would only last 37 minutes under ideal conditions. A 1000W space heater would run for an hour and a half—so don’t count on this keeping you warm overnight during a power outage.

The AC240 can provide a lot of power, but not for a long time.

Charging and Solar Input: Best Suited for Larger Panels

All the charging ports can be found on the right-hand side of the AC240. There’s a separate port for AC charging and DC/Solar. There’s also an AC parallel port, but this isn’t used unless you’re connecting two units together (and requires additional hardware). On the left side is an additional port for battery expansion.

The inclusion of a solar charging cable with MC4 connectors—rather than the typical 9mm DC input or XT60/90 port—implies the AC240 is intended to be used with larger, static panels. Portable panels generally don’t use MC4, which can be awkward to disconnect and may require a tool. Of course, MC4 is a standard, so you can buy XT60 and other converter cables if needed, but out of the box you can only use MC4. The high potential solar input of 1200W backs this up.

I used a 600W Canadian Solar panel for testing, which does about 350W maximum in its current position; an afternoon in the sun was enough to fill the AC240 completely. Meanwhile, charging from AC is possible with up 2200W. That makes a full charge of the 1536Wh cells possible in under an hour.

AC240 vs AC200L

Annoyingly, the AC240 seems to be named after its output capabilities rather than storage capacity, unlike most of the Bluetti range. That makes quick comparisons using the model number a little trickier.

For instance, both the AC240 and AC200L offer similar outputs of up to 2400W. What does “L” mean? Nothing, apparently, it’s just a differentiator. You’d think the AC240 would have a higher capacity, given the bigger number and larger size. But you’d be wrong. The AC240 has a capacity of 1536Wh, while the AC200L stores 2048Wh. Even more confusingly named is the AC240P, with a capacity of 1843Wh!

It would be really useful if the model numbers were changed to include both output ratings and capacity. So the AC240 would become AC240-150, while the AC200L would become AC240-200. You could even actual meaning to the letters for special features, like “W” for IP65 weatherproof.

For you, the water resistance might be the most important consideration, so there aren’t many suitable units to compare. But if you are comparing between Bluetti models, be sure to delve into the specs: don’t blindly go by model numbers and assume that a higher number is better.

Expanding the AC240: More Capacity, More Output

It’s possible to expand the capacity of the AC240 with the B210 (2150Wh) expansion battery, which is also IP65 rated for outdoor use. Up to four can be connected to a single AC240, resulting in a total 10,136Wh capacity. Each battery adds another 62lbs (28kg).

Additionally, you can expand the output capabilities with the P480A parallel box, which links together two AC240 units, though at that point, larger individual units are likely a better and cheaper choice.

Should You Buy the Bluetti AC240?

It’s hard to fully recommend the Bluetti AC240 because it’s in a bit of an odd place; it’s not entirely clear who the AC240 is aimed at. It’s too heavy for wild camping, so you’d need to lug it around with your truck or RV. However, despite the high output and large number of ports, the mid-tier capacity of 1536Wh makes it less useful for RVs than Bluetti’s other models. If you’re going to transport it with a vehicle anyway, you might as well opt for a higher capacity so it can last longer.

On the other hand, if you work in harsh environments and need a burst of high electrical energy that’s not sustained for more than an hour, the AC240 might be a sensible middle-ground. The durable weatherproofing is a major difference compared to most mid-capacity solar generators, and it could be the deciding factor for you. For lesser needs with more portability, the AC60 is also water-resistant; or for $300 more, the AC240P adds 300Wh of capacity over the standard AC240, as well as sleek orange branding.

If that IP65 doesn’t matter to you, look elsewhere. The capacity is less than similar-sized and priced units in the Bluetti range (such as the AC200L), and it adds weight.