Ryobi 18V ONE+ 150-WATT BATTERY POWER SOURCE AND CHARGER KIT

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 150-Watt Battery Power Source and Charger Kit is a versatile and handy addition to any toolkit, especially for those who are already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. As someone who frequently finds themselves in need of portable power solutions, I was eager to put this device through its paces.

From the outset, the compact design of this power source is impressive. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it ideal for camping trips, outdoor projects, or even just as a reliable backup during power outages. The unit is compatible with all Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries, which is a huge plus if you already own other Ryobi tools.

One of the standout features is the ability to charge the battery via a USB-C port. This pass-through charging capability means you can plug the unit into a power source and continue to use it to charge other devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful when you’re on the move and need to keep multiple devices powered up. The integrated fuel gauge with LED indicators also provides a clear view of the battery’s charge status, which is a nice touch for planning your power needs.

The power source offers a variety of output options, including two USB-A fast charging ports and a Type-C PD port. The USB-A ports are capable of delivering 5V (3A), 9V (2A), and 12V (1.5A), while the Type-C PD port can output 5V (3A), 9V (3A), 12V (2.5A), 15V (2A), and 20V (1.5A). This range of outputs means that you can charge a wide array of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and other small electronics.

The unit also features a 120V AC outlet with a maximum output of 150 watts. While this is not sufficient to power large appliances, it’s more than adequate for smaller devices like laptops, fans, and lights. I found this particularly useful during a recent power outage when I needed to keep my laptop and a small LED lamp running.

However, I did notice that the AC outlet tends to drain the battery more quickly than I expected. This is likely due to the inverter being constantly ready when the unit is powered on. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of when planning your power usage. It would have been nice to have an option to selectively power on the AC outlet to conserve battery life.

The LED area light is a thoughtful addition, providing enough illumination to see what you’re doing when connecting devices in low-light conditions. However, it’s not bright enough to serve as a primary light source in a dark room.

One of the minor annoyances is the button to power on the unit. The LED color patterns indicating different statuses are not entirely intuitive, and it took me a little while to get used to them. A more straightforward indicator system would have been appreciated.

In terms of performance, the power source delivers as promised. I was able to charge my smartphone, tablet, and even my laptop without any issues. The charging speed is reasonable, and the unit did not overheat even when multiple devices were connected. The built-in cooling fan does kick in occasionally, and while it’s not overly loud, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re using the unit in a quiet environment.

One of the highlights for me was using the power source in conjunction with a solar panel to charge my Ryobi batteries. This setup proved to be highly efficient and environmentally friendly, making it a great option for extended off-grid adventures.

There were a few areas where I felt the power source could be improved. For instance, the absence of pass-through solar charging means you cannot charge the battery and use the power source simultaneously when connected to a solar panel. Additionally, the unit’s battery life could be better, especially when using the AC outlet. A more intuitive user interface for the LED indicators would also enhance the overall user experience.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 150-Watt Battery Power Source and Charger Kit is a highly versatile and useful tool. It excels in providing portable power for a variety of devices and scenarios, and its compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem is a significant advantage.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this power source to anyone who already owns Ryobi ONE+ batteries or is looking for a reliable and versatile portable power solution. Its compact design, multiple output options, and pass-through charging capability make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While there are a few areas for improvement, the overall performance and convenience of this device make it a worthwhile investment.