EcoFlow makes the miniature power station even smaller
EcoFlow makes the miniature power station even smaller. ScienceNewsTechEcoFlow makes the miniature power station even smallerMore energy packed into far less space makes these batteries ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.
What happened
EcoFlow has also addressed a common problem with all power stations that causes them to eventually die if left idling too long. If you're in the market for a tiny power station that punches well above its size and weight then have a look at EcoFlow's new fourth-generation River series. The River 260 Gen4 features a 256Wh capacity battery while the 520 Gen4 packs in 512Wh – storing about 2. 5x and 5x the energy of the largest […]
Both of EcoFlow’s Gen4 power stations feature class-leading energy density that cuts both the weight and size, making these power stations lighter and more compact than similarly-specced competition. Image: EcoFlowHere’s a quick comparison to show just how much energy these remarkably small power stations are packing, starting with the River 520 Gen4:Power StationCapacity (Wh)Dimensions (W × D × H)Volume (Liters)WeightVolumetric Energy Density (Wh/L)EcoFlow RIVER 520 Gen4512 Wh13. 4 Wh/LAnd here’s how the River 260 Gen4 compares to some of the main competition:Power StationCapacity (Wh)Dimensions (W × D × H)Volume (Liters)WeightVolumetric Energy Density (Wh/L)EcoFlow RIVER 260 Gen4256 Wh13.
That little trick lets these power stations eschew charging bricks in favor of direct DC charging from a 140W USB-C wall charger you might already own, or a portable USB-C solar panel EcoFlow will happily sell you. More energy packed into far less space makes these batteries ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. by Thomas RickerSep 7, 2026, 2:59 PM UTCThe River 260 Gen4 (on the table) powering a portable fridge, Starlink Mini, and charging a phone.
The wider picture
The EcoFlow 520 Gen4 is powerful enough to keep a standard US fridge running for about 4 hours during a blackout. EcoFlow’s River 520 Gen4 can power a fridge much larger than the one pictured. Sean HollisterSep 6Most PopularMost PopularDIY plug-in solar gains momentum in the USAn Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International AirportWhat to expect at Apple’s September 9th launch eventBoox’s tiny Picco e-reader should land in NovemberThe Fairphone 6 Plus is the midrange phone we desperately neededAdvertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adMore in ScienceEurope has its first commercial orbital rocketSolar power is having its toaster momentBluetti launches ‘e-generator’ to take on noisy, stinky, polluting gas generatorsGoogle says its AI weather model is getting betterAnker’s sleep speaker uses radar and flower power to help you relaxContinuous glucose monitors are about to get more complicatedEurope has its first commercial orbital rocketTerrence O'BrienSep 6Solar power is having its toaster momentThomas RickerSep 6Bluetti launches ‘e-generator’ to take on noisy, stinky, polluting gas generatorsThomas RickerSep 4Google says its AI weather model is getting betterJustine CalmaSep 3Anker’s sleep speaker uses radar and flower power to help you relaxThomas RickerSep 3Continuous glucose monitors are about to get more complicatedVictoria SongSep 2Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adTop Stories12:00 PM UTCThe real reason your phone is getting more expensiveSep 6The Fairphone 6 Plus is the midrange phone we desperately needed11 minutes agoSix years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones11:00 AM UTCBentley’s Torcal EV tries to balance authenticity with fake V8 soundsSep 6Solar power is having its toaster momentNotifications DrawerSign in to see your notifications or create an account to join the conversation.
For more on e-bikes, power stations, and how to work anywhere, follow Thomas Ricker. These so-called power stations can also be used to power a fridge and other critical devices during a blackout. They’re so popular, even Ikea sells them (though they’re actually just EcoFlow resellers). The rules vary, but in general they allow for qualifying plug-in solar systems to be installed without utility preapproval so long as they meet safety requirements, prevent individual circuits from overloading, and shut down during a power outage to keep line workers safe.
It will take longer to offset the rather large $1,800 power station it all plugs into when I’m home.
What has been reported
On Friday, rescue workers pulled two people from another tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station on the same river. Photograph: Bit Reactor/EAReviewStar Wars Zero Company review – joyfully absurd heroics with a tight-knit team of misfitsPlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC; Bit ReactorSplit priorities between scripted and emergent story moments hamper an otherwise brilliant Star Wars-themed successor to XCOMEven if you’re unfamiliar with the term “emergent storytelling”, you’ve likely experienced some of the unscripted tales that can bubble up out of a game’s systems.
Image: EcoFlowPart OfIFA 2026: the biggest tech and gadget announcementssee all updates Thomas Ricker is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. 5x and 5x the energy of the largest airline-approved power banks, respectively. That makes them ideal for an overnight camping trip or photo shoot in the literal field. Image: EcoFlowEcoFlow’s River 260 Gen4 has just one AC outlet with only 300W out, but all the same USB ports.
By minimizing the energy spent converting stored DC to AC output, more watt-hours remain to charge your drone, bike computer, and phone, or to power your Starlink Mini and compact fridge. Figure caption, Why smaller rugby balls for women?
What happens next
BySara Orchard, BBC Sport journalist and Emma Middleton, BBC Sport journalistPublished7 September 2026, 07:30 BSTEngland will play Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the next three weeks and, like all the world's top women's players, they have some new equipment: a smaller ball. 5 ball – about 3% smaller than the size five used in the men's game, but the same weight. One of England's kickers, Helena Rowland, has found a much bigger margin for error with the smaller ball, saying: "If you get it slightly wrong, the difference is massive.
The thinking behind the trial is that the smaller ball will suit women's physiology and improve their skillset. In other sports, like basketball, women use a smaller ball, and in athletics sprint hurdles are lower for females. But Rowland says she has never felt "hindered" by playing with the same size ball as in men's rugby. 'Harder to do my job'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England will use a smaller ball in the upcoming WXV Global SeriesPlayers with a specific skillset may find the change harder than others.
England v AustraliaWXV Global Series15:00, 12 SeptemberCorpAcq StadiumWatch on iPlayerSmaller balls for women's rugby 'worst decision ever'Published6 MayJohn Mitchell, England's head coach, has said "it's too early" to judge the impact of the smaller ball, and conclusions would have to be drawn after the world champions' opening three Tests in September.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across theverge.com, bbc.co.uk, sabcnews.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.