In terms of portable power stations, BLUETTI has established itself as a company that produces reliable and high-performance models. The newest version of the well-known AC180, the Elite 100 V2, has several important advantages that make it worth considering.
However, is it the right option for you? This comparison will determine which of these two models you prefer over the other one in terms of what is most important, such as portability, charging speed under the solar, fast AC charging, and silence.
Let’s get into the details.

What's New—Key Upgrades in Elite 100 V2 Over AC180
The Elite 100 V2 introduces several notable changes that have positioned it as an absolute upgrade over the previous version.
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Lighter, Smaller and Portable Power
One of the most obvious improvements in the Elite 100 V2 is a lowered weight. This is incomparable in real-world use due to the fact that it weighs a mere 25.3 pounds (11.5 kg) as compared to the 37.5 pounds (17 kg) ratio of the AC180.
It is a much lighter model, which counts when you are putting it into your car trunk, bagging it to a campsite, or stuffing it in a cupboard. The miniature size (12.6 x 8.5 x 9.8 inches versus 13.4 x 9.7 x 12.5 inches) will also be smaller, thus fitting in various RVs, boats, and other small storage facilities where every inch is important.
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Solar Charging Upgraded to 1,000W
Solar charging ability is one of the greatest enhancements. The Elite 100 V2 takes more solar inputs, up to 1,000 W, compared to the 500 W of the AC180. This implies that you can charge the Elite 100 V2 completely on a sunny day in 70 minutes, given sufficient amounts of solar panels, as compared to taking a significantly longer time using the AC180.
Anyone who would like to go off-grid or not rely much on wall outlets would benefit well from this upgrade.
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Ultra-Fast AC charging
Speed is fast when one wants power. The TurboBoost feature in the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 takes 70 minutes to charge fully and 80 per cent within 45 minutes of charging. The AC180 requires 1.3 to 1.8 hours of charging time compared to 0.7 in the ACi49, almost twofold.
This increased speed of charging is extremely convenient in case of an emergency when you have insufficient time to charge up and just go out.

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Quieter Operation
Nobody desires to have a loud power station, particularly when camping or at night. The low noise of 30 dB in the Elite 100 V2 is also much lower than the 40 dB of the AC180. In order to make this more relatable, 30 dB is comparable to a library, whereas 40 dB is rather close to a silent office.
This level of noise reduction is what makes Elite 100 V2 far superior in sleeping rooms, medical equipment that needs to be noise sensitive, or any other place where noise is a factor.
Core Performance Comparison
So, how do these two models compare against each other in terms of raw power and performance capabilities?
Parameter |
AC180 |
Elite 100 V2 |
Improvement |
Battery Capacity |
1,152Wh |
1,024Wh |
Slightly smaller but more efficient |
Output Power |
1,800W |
1,800W |
Same |
Surge Power |
2,700W |
3,600W |
Higher surge (3,600W vs 2,700W) |
Battery Cycle Life |
3,500 cycles |
4,000 cycles |
Longer lifespan (4,000 vs 3,500) |
AC Input |
1,440W Max |
1,200W Max |
Lower but still fast charging |
Solar Input |
500W Max |
1,000W Max |
Double solar capacity |
Charging Time |
AC: 1.3–1.8H<br>Solar: 2.8–3.3H |
AC: 70min<br>Solar: 70min |
Much faster charging |
UPS Switching |
20ms |
≤10ms |
Faster switching |
Weight |
17kg / 37lbs |
11.5kg / 25.3lbs |
Much lighter |
Dimensions |
340×247×317mm |
320×215×250mm |
More compact |
Noise Level |
40dB |
≤30dB |
Quieter operation |
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Power Output & Surge
Both have identical 1,800 W of rated output that can power the vast majority of the household devices and tools. The Elite 100 V2, however, beats the AC180 in surge capacity, with 3,600 W to 2,700 W of the latter.
This additional surge capacity implies that the Elite 100 V2 can kick-start more power-hungry equipment such as air conditioners, power tools, and high-startup current appliances.
Practically, this greater surge capacity allows you greater leeway in what power transfers are possible and allows you to operate multiple devices at the same time.
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Battery Chemistry & Lifespan
The two models are powered by LiFePO4 (LFP) battery chemistry that is safe and durable compared to ordinary lithium-ion batteries. The Elite 100 V2 goes further by having 4,000 charge cycles as compared to the 3,500 of the AC180. This is equivalent to approximately 10 years of usage on a daily basis on the Elite 100 V2.
There is going to be a longer lifespan, so it will be a better value in the long term and more reliable as years pass.
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UPS Switching Time
The switching time is important when handling devices that cannot withstand a loss of power. The Elite 100 V2 switches on the battery in 10 milliseconds or less, whereas it takes 20 milliseconds in the BLUETTI AC180.
This faster switching is essential to medical equipment, computers, servers, and gaming systems, which require a continuous supply of power.
Input & Output Flexibility
The two models present a varied connection experience, although there are some significant distinctions that should be taken into consideration.
Accessibility & Ports
The two units feature 11 output ports, although the newer connections used by the Elite 100 V2 are more modern. It also has a pair of USB-C ports (100W and 140W), allowing the fast charging of laptops and other powerful appliances. The AC180 possesses additional USB-A connectors, yet it delivers less power.
The Elite 100 V2 does not come with the wireless charging pad that the AC180 has, which is one trade-off. This shortcoming is more than compensated for by the higher-power USB-C ports in most applications, however.
Charging Options
These two models can be charged in various ways, including using AC wall sockets, solar, car, and generator. This Elite 100 V2 also introduces the possibility of mixing AC and solar charging up to 1,200 W of overall input, which is the fastest possible charging rate.
It gets the improved solar performance due to the better MPPT controllers and is able to accommodate twice the solar input of the AC180.
Design & User Experience
Both units have built-in handles, and the Elite 100 V2 is a smaller unit; it can be carried easily due to being much lighter. Its small size takes up less space in cars and other storage facilities, thus becoming more portable.
Also, both models have colour LCD screens, but the Elite 100 V2 also has WiFi as well as Bluetooth. This implies that you can monitor and control your power station using the BLUETTI mobile app, despite not being in its vicinity. The AC180 does not provide Wi-Fi, so it is limited to Bluetooth connectivity and hence requires being near the device.
The Elite 100 V2 has its AC and solar cables, and the AC180 has a car charging cable and a wireless charge pad. Nevertheless, the Elite 100 V2 allows six-fold faster car charging, which compensates for the absence of a cable compared to the AC180.

Use Cases & Buying Guidance
This is the way you can decide between these models by considering the needs and cases of usage.
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At Outdoor Explorers & RVs
Lightweight, fast solar charging, and silence make the Elite 100 V2 ideal to use in the camp and RV. It is easy to carry it anywhere, it needs very little time to charge it with the help of solar panels, and it does not bother you or others around you during your sleep.
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At Home for Emergency Power
Although both units are suitable for home backup, the Elite 100 V2 is more suitable because its benefits outweigh the Beluga 5000, since it charges faster and is compact and thus easy to carry during a power outage. It is easily storable, and it is quick to charge during storms.
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For professionals on the Move
The stable UPS mode, application control, and range of strong power output ports make Elite 100 V2 the favourite of mobile workstations, photography, videography, and fieldwork where reliable power is crucial.
Final Verdict—Is Elite 100 V2 Worth the Upgrade?
The Elite 100 V2 is an upgraded version of the AC180. It is lighter, more rapidly charged, more solar power is handled, it runs more quietly, and it is smartly connected. The Elite 100 V2 is a good choice when paying special attention to any value that is connected to portability, the ability to charge via a solar panel, and the newest features.
To the majority, the enhancements of the Elite 100 V2 are reason enough to upgrade, but it will be the wiser decision in the long run to save more on portable power usage.
FAQs
What is the battery capacity and output power of the Elite 100 V2?
The Elite 100 V2 is equipped with a capability of 1,024 Wh usage, 1,800 production, and surge ability of 3,600 W.
What charging methods does it support?
It is compatible with AC wall outlets, solar panels, car chargers, generators, and dual AC+PV charging types.
How fast can it charge?
It can be charged to full capacity in only 70 minutes with AC or solar.
Does it support app control?
Yes, it is possible to have remote control via WiFi and Bluetooth using the BLUETTI mobile app.
How heavy is the unit, and what are its dimensions?
The weight is 25.3 lbs (11.5 kg), and the size is 320x215x250 mm (12.6x8.5x9.8 inches).