by: Justin Gray
If you're here, you are likely wondering what the difference between the new Lithium Cube EX18 and our previous Lithium Cube 1200 are. Here's a quick and easy explanation!
A Quick List of Differences (EX18 vs. 1200):
- LiFePo4 Battery instead of standard lithium-ion
- Larger battery capacity
- Added UPS function (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
- Fast Charging 0%-100% in about 1-2 hours vs. 12 hours
- Added Parallel capability
- 600W of Solar Input vs. 100W on the 1200 model
- Inverter 1800W running & 3600W Peak vs. 1000W running & 1350W Peak
- 4 - AC Outlets vs. 3 on previous model
- Anderson PowerPole Input & Output vs. Output Only
- 12V DC Socket has twist-lock marine-type to lessen chance of accidentally unplugging vs. standard 12V Socket
- Added Built-in resettable Circuit Breaker
- Added Grounding Terminal
- Removed timeout timer
Defining the Differences
- The new LiFePo4 Battery offers a deeper discharge rate, more lifecycles (lasts longer), better temperature operation range, reliable & stable, and is inherently safer than other battery chemistries.
- We went from an 1166Wh battery to a 1440Wh battery! In a game where every watt-hour counts, bigger is always better!
- The UPS function is simple to use, but can literally be a lifesaver. All you have to do is plug the EX18 into the wall, turn on, then plug in your appliance. In case of a power outage, the EX18 will transfer over to its battery power in ≤10ms saving your computer, CPAP, 3D Printer, or other appliance from being inadvertently powered down.
- With a LiFePo4 Battery and a high-speed charger capable of safely outputting up to 1000 watts, the EX18 can go from 0% battery to 100% in less than 2 hours!
- When you need more power, more output, or less-noise, the EX18 can be combined with another EX18 (with the optional paralleling cable) to double the battery capacity and double the output. All the power without the fumes or noise of a traditional gas generator!
- The previous model had a solar input of 100W which was a respectable number. We kept the powerful MPPT solar charge controller and increased the input to accept up to 600W of solar panels! Now you can easily keep the unit fully charged while using it!
- There aren't a lot of people using over 1000W consistently, but when you need it, we have it. A few requests came in to up the inverter size, so we kept the PSW inverter and bumped it up to 1800W running with a peak surge of 3600W to match.
- Like the solar input, more is better in the case of available power outlets. 3 was good, but 4 - 120V AC outlets is better!
- The Anderson PowerPole connector was a huge hit with our customers, so much so that they asked for one on the output side too. Who are we to say no? Hobbyists love this connector as it is compatible with a wide range of accessories including those for: Astronomy buffs, Amateur (HAM) radio enthusiasts, RC pilots, Fans of Robotics, and those choo-choosing model railroads.
- The previous 12V DC Socket worked well, but we found out that people who drive rough roads or are accident prone will inevitably knock the DC plug out of the socket thus removing power to the appliance (which was normally a fridge). To combat this issue, we decided to go with a marine-style plug that has a twist-lock feature which helps to "lock" the DC plug in-place!
- On the previous model, the circuit breaker was self-resetting and on the inside of the unit; this has never presented a problem, but we decided it to be wiser to use an external circuit breaker that is easily accessible in case of overload.
- Some outfits require the use of an external bond with power supply units; this terminal works in conjunction with our parallel cable to provide that necessary grounding terminal.
- Another important feature for the new Lithium Cube EX series was the removal of the "timeout timer". On the old models, if power wasn't used for a few hours, the unit would automatically turn itself off to save power... seems like a good idea, right? For those using a fridge, this isn't good since fridges don't typically run much at night when it's cold outside. Problem solved.
As you can see, we've poured countless hours of research and engineering into these units to ensure they exceed your expectations, providing feature-packed, affordable, and reliable power solutions for all your daily and weekend adventures.
Take a look at our full Launch Video:
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