EcoFlow to launch smaller, lighter River Gen4 portable power stations

EcoFlow is preparing to release the fourth generation of its River portable power station lineup, promising more stored energy in a smaller, lighter package than both its predecessors and competing products.

The smaller River 260 Gen4 carries a 256 watt-hour (Wh) battery, while the larger River 520 Gen4 offers 512 Wh — roughly 2.5 and 5 times the capacity of the largest airline-approved power banks, respectively. Both units use LFP battery chemistry, which is known for being longer-lasting and less prone to instability than other common battery types.

Smaller footprint, more output

The River 260 Gen4 comes with four USB ports and a single AC outlet delivering up to 300W of continuous output, while the River 520 Gen4 matches the USB port count and adds a second AC outlet, together supporting up to 500W. Both models achieve a notably high energy density, allowing them to be lighter and more compact than rival power stations with similar capacity — the River 520 Gen4, for instance, weighs 4.6 kilograms, compared to 6.1 to 7.6 kilograms for comparable competitor models.

The River 520 Gen4 has enough capacity to keep a standard US refrigerator running for roughly four hours during a power outage.

UPS capability and fast charging

Both power stations can function as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for a computer, switching over in under 10 milliseconds. They also include a 140W USB-C PD3.1 port that supports bidirectional charging, letting users charge directly from a USB-C wall charger or portable solar panel without needing a separate charging brick. EcoFlow says it has reduced energy losses during DC-to-AC conversion, leaving more stored power available for charging other devices.

The River 260 Gen4 is expected to launch in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the River 520 Gen4 following in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing has not yet been announced for either model.