EcoFlow has unveiled the RIVER Gen4 series, a new pair of portable power stations designed to deliver more usable power without the usual bulk.
The range includes the RIVER 260 Gen4 and RIVER 520 Gen4, with capacities of 256Wh and 512Wh respectively, while both models focus heavily on keeping weight and dimensions down.
The RIVER 260 Gen4 weighs just 2.95kg and provides 300W of AC output, with up to 600W available through EcoFlow’s X-Boost mode for compatible devices. The larger RIVER 520 Gen4 weighs 4.59kg, offers 500W of AC output and can reach 1000W with X-Boost. Both models also include UPS functionality with a switchover time of under 10ms, allowing essential equipment to keep running during a power cut.
EcoFlow says the compact design is one of the biggest advantages of the new range. Compared with similarly sized models, the RIVER 260 Gen4 is around 29.7% smaller and 16.9% lighter than the RIVER 3, while the RIVER 520 Gen4 is approximately 59.1% smaller and 23.5% lighter than the RIVER 2 Max.
That smaller footprint hasn’t come at the expense of efficiency, either. EcoFlow claims the RIVER Gen4 reduces system power loss by around 30% compared with the industry average, while optimising power delivery for lower-powered devices drawing under 100W. That should help make better use of the available capacity when powering things such as camping lights, routers, fans and compact refrigerators.
There’s also an Emergency Power Reserve designed to extend usable power even when the display reaches 0%, keeping essential devices running for longer. EcoFlow says a fully charged unit can retain around 99% of its charge after a year under controlled storage conditions.
Charging is another strong point. The RIVER 260 Gen4 reaches 80% in 42 minutes and a full charge in 57 minutes, while the RIVER 520 Gen4 reaches 80% in 50 minutes and a full charge in 66 minutes. Both also support a 140W bidirectional USB-C connection for compatible DC, solar and car charging setups.
The RIVER 260 Gen4 has five outputs, while the RIVER 520 Gen4 has six, with fast charging available across the USB-C ports. There’s also a Refrigerator Runtime Mode for extending cooling during outages, while operating noise stays below 30dB under a 200W load.
With LFP battery cells and more than 20 battery-management protections, the RIVER Gen4 looks like a particularly practical option for camping, travel and emergency backup. Its biggest selling point, however, is simple: EcoFlow has managed to pack useful capacity and power into a considerably smaller package.
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