EcoFlow has announced a new generation of compact River power stations, with the River 260 Gen4 and River 520 Gen4 combining portable designs with capacities of 256Wh and 512Wh respectively.
The two battery units are designed for camping, outdoor photography and emergency backup, and use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The chemistry is intended to offer a longer service life and greater stability than some alternative battery technologies.
EcoFlow says the models have a higher energy density than similarly specified rivals, allowing the company to reduce their size and weight. The River 520 Gen4 is claimed to have enough power to run a standard US refrigerator for about four hours during a blackout.
EcoFlow River Gen4 power stations add computer backup
The River 260 Gen4 has four USB ports and a single AC outlet capable of delivering up to 300W continuously. The larger River 520 Gen4 retains the same USB selection but adds a second AC outlet and raises continuous output to 500W.
Both models can operate as uninterruptible power supplies for computers, switching over in less than 10 milliseconds. That is intended to help keep connected equipment running during a brief interruption to mains electricity.
Each unit also includes a bidirectional 140W USB-C PD3.1 port. This allows the power stations to be charged directly from a compatible USB-C wall charger, without relying on a separate charging brick, or from a portable USB-C solar panel.
EcoFlow has also sought to reduce the energy lost when the stations convert stored direct current into alternating current. The company says the change leaves more of the stored capacity available for devices such as phones, drones, bike computers, compact refrigerators and Starlink Mini terminals.
The River 260 Gen4 is expected to go on sale in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2026. The River 520 Gen4 is due to follow in the first quarter of 2027, with prices for both models set to be announced closer to their respective global launches.
