Anker SOLIX S2000 Hands-On: Big 2,010Wh Battery in a Surprisingly Compact Size

When the Anker SOLIX S2000 showed up for testing, I’ll admit the name got me first. S2000 still makes me think of Honda’s little two-door roadster from 27 years ago, even though this is obviously a very different machine. The Anker SOLIX S2000 debuted in Canada back in June.

The first thing I noticed after unboxing it was the size. For a power station with roughly 2,000Wh of capacity, it’s surprisingly compact. I’ve tested plenty of bigger units over the years that take up a good amount of space. The S2000 measures 8.2 x 11.1 x 12.7 inches (about 21 x 28 x 32 cm), so it tucks into the corner of a trunk, garage or camper without much fuss.

At 35.7 pounds (roughly 16 kg), you’ll definitely feel it when you pick it up. Anker built grab handles right into the top and I had no trouble moving it around on my own, although you’ll still get a decent workout.

Simple layout, outlets where you need them

The front has a bright LCD screen showing battery level plus power coming in and going out. The controls are easy to figure out without cracking open the manual.

One small thing I really like is that Anker put AC outlets on both the front and the back. When the S2000 is wedged between gear, behind a seat or up against a wall, that extra flexibility comes in handy.

You also get two USB-C ports (including one rated up to 100W) and one USB-A. Output tops out at 1,500W continuous and 3,000W peak, which covers most of the appliances and electronics you’d realistically run while camping or during a power outage.

Charging is quick

Wall charging is fast. Anker rates the S2000 for up to 1,600W from an outlet, and in UltraFast Mode it can hit 80 per cent in about 1.2 hours. In my experience it charged up very quickly, which is useful when you realize the battery is low right before heading out.

When the weather report says a wind storm is brewing, this kind of fast charging at home also makes a lot of sense. You can top it up quickly and have it ready to keep your fridge or freezer running if the power goes out.

If you’re away from an outlet, there’s up to 400W of solar input, plus car, generator and optional alternator charging. Anker says solar alone can get you to 80 per cent in around 4.5 hours under ideal conditions, while pairing AC and solar drops that to about an hour.

Made for camping and road trips

Most of my time with the S2000 so far has been outdoors with casual use (powering an electric kettle, charging up electronics and also powering up a shop vac), and it’s worked without a hiccup. The size is what I appreciate most. A 2kWh battery can hog a lot of room, and space disappears fast once you start loading coolers, tents and chairs into a vehicle.

The S2000 still leaves you plenty of trunk space, and the same goes for a camper or van where every bit of storage counts. The simple design also doesn’t draw much attention when you’re using it outside.

Built to last

Inside, Anker is using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The company rates them for 6,000 cycles before dropping to 80 per cent of original capacity, and 10,000 cycles before hitting 60 per cent.

There’s also something Anker calls OptiSave, which is meant to cut the energy the power station wastes on lighter loads. According to Anker, the S2000 draws just 6W with the AC outlets on but idle, and 2W with them switched off.

That matters if you’re powering something like a fridge that cycles on and off all day, since a less efficient unit can slowly eat away at the battery. Anker claims some loads can run up to 20 per cent longer as a result.

We haven’t put the S2000 through that kind of stress test yet, but once the winter storms arrive we’ll have it on standby. Since it’s so compact, we can keep it nearby in the closet instead of storing it downstairs in the garage. With so many power station options nowadays, companies really need to differentiate themselves from the competition.

First impressions

So far the SOLIX S2000 has been easy to use. It’s compact, the screen is easy to read, it charges fast, and having outlets on both sides makes it simpler to use in tight spots.

The smaller size also means we can keep it nearby in the closet upstairs instead of storing it in the garage. When the power goes out, we’ll be able to put the S2000 to work to keep the fridge running.

I wouldn’t call 35.7 pounds lightweight, but for a 2,010Wh battery with 1,500W of continuous output, it’s a good size for the amount of capacity you’re getting.

For me, the size is the main reason I’d choose this over a larger 2kWh power station. It gives you plenty of capacity without becoming another huge box you have to find room for.

The Anker SOLIX S2000 is currently on sale for $949 on Amazon.ca, down from its regular price of $1,599.