EcoFlow makes the miniature power station even smaller
EcoFlow has unveiled its fourth-generation River series, including the River 260 Gen4 and River 520 Gen4, compact power stations featuring improved LFP battery chemistry and higher energy density than competing models. The new units are significantly lighter and more compact than similarly-powered alternatives while maintaining practical power output for camping, travel, and emergency backup scenarios.
Why It Matters
As portable power demands grow among digital nomads and outdoor enthusiasts, advancements in battery energy density and size reduction make these devices more practical for everyday carry and travel applications. The improved specifications position these models as competitive options in a growing market segment.
Key Facts
- River 260 Gen4 capacity: 256Wh with 300W max continuous output
- River 520 Gen4 capacity: 512Wh with 500W max continuous output
- River 520 Gen4 energy density: 90.9 Wh/L compared to 37.2 Wh/L for competing models
- River 260 Gen4 weight: 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Availability: Europe Q4 2026 (260 Gen4), Q1 2027 (520 Gen4)
EcoFlow's new fourth-generation River lineup delivers substantially more compact and lightweight power stations than previous generations and direct competitors. The River 260 Gen4 stores 256 watt-hours while the River 520 Gen4 doubles that to 512 watt-hours—both utilizing longer-lasting LFP battery chemistry that reduces safety volatility concerns associated with traditional lithium designs.
The key differentiator lies in energy density, where these new models significantly outperform rivals. The River 520 Gen4 achieves 90.9 watt-hours per liter, more than twice the density of comparably-powered units from Anker, Bluetti, and EcoFlow's own previous River 2 Max model. The River 260 Gen4 similarly leads its class category, making both units meaningfully lighter and more compact for equivalent power delivery. A standard US refrigerator can run on the 520 Gen4 for approximately four hours during an outage.
Connectivity options reflect modern device ecosystems. The River 260 Gen4 includes four USB ports and one AC outlet, while the 520 Gen4 adds a second AC jack. Both feature a 140W USB-C PD3.1 port that charges bidirectionally, allowing users to skip proprietary charging bricks and instead use standard wall chargers or solar panels they may already own. This flexibility addresses practical concerns for mobile users and outdoor photographers.
EcoFlow has also engineered improved efficiency in DC-to-AC conversion, reducing idle power drain that typically shortens a stationary power station's operational lifespan over time. This design choice preserves more stored capacity for charging personal electronics or powering auxiliary equipment like satellite internet terminals and compact coolers—common use cases demonstrated in promotional materials.
The River 260 Gen4 will launch in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2026, with the larger River 520 Gen4 following in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing announcements will accompany regional availability confirmations.
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