Ecoflow: Difference between revisions
Barrahazard (talk | contribs) Added information about the performance of Ecoflows PowerOcean product |
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[[wikipedia:EcoFlow|'''EcoFlow Technology''']] is a manufacturer of solar-energy storage devices designed for mobile and off-grid use. The company systematically [[Forced app download|requires installation]] of a proprietary, closed-source application on a mobile device to unlock the full functionality of its battery backup products. | [[wikipedia:EcoFlow|'''EcoFlow Technology''']] is a manufacturer of solar-energy storage devices designed for mobile and off-grid use. The company systematically [[Forced app download|requires installation]] of a proprietary, closed-source application on a mobile device to unlock the full functionality of its battery backup products. | ||
== Consumer impact summary == | ==Consumer impact summary== | ||
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable): | {{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable): | ||
* User Freedom | * User Freedom | ||
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==Anti-consumer practices== | ==Anti-consumer practices== | ||
===Reliance on application<!-- Needs refs! -->=== | ===Reliance on application<!-- Needs refs! -->=== | ||
The application connects to the EcoFlow devices through {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} or over {{Wplink|Wi-Fi}}, but the app cannot be used with the devices without [[Forced account creation|creating an account]] with EcoFlow and periodically connecting to their servers for an authentication token. | |||
This creates inherent privacy risks and raises concerns about data collection and unwanted {{Wplink|Observability (software)|telemetry}} by the manufacturer. Account creation requires user address, and usage of the app requires creation of "spaces" in which to place devices - in effect tracking location of devices in the home. None of this data is inherently necessary for any features of the battery systems. It also poses a problem for their customers who may go off-grid for extended periods of time with no data connection available. Moreover, it is unlikely that the system will remain fully usable after support is discontinued by the manufacturer or if the company ceases operations. | |||
This creates inherent privacy risks and raises concerns about data collection and unwanted telemetry by the manufacturer. It also poses a problem for their customers who may go off-grid for extended periods of time with no data connection available. Moreover, it is unlikely that the system will remain fully usable after support is discontinued by the manufacturer or if the company ceases operations. | |||
App installation and account creation are required to unlock the full functionality of the solar generators. Key features such as current limiting while charging from an AC power source are unavailable without the app. | App installation and account creation are required to unlock the full functionality of the solar generators. Key features such as current limiting while charging from an AC power source are unavailable without the app. | ||
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The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app. | The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app. | ||
== Product Performance == | === '''Deceptive Marketing''' === | ||
=== PowerOcean === | Company participates in deceptive/manipulative marketing practices including regular FOMO large 'sales', a rewards program with "credits" for remaining in-ecosystem, and conducts much of its marketing through paying influencers to showcase and/or include products in their videos, often undisclosed. | ||
The PowerOcean lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries continuously consume ~100W when charging or discharging which | |||
==Product Performance== | |||
===PowerOcean=== | |||
The PowerOcean lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries continuously consume ~100W when charging or discharging which EcoFlow misrepresent on their dashboard app as an increase in house load. Therefore, unless the battery is at a 100% state of charge (SoC) or at its reserve limit, then the batteries will consume more power (~2.4kWh/day, ~16.8kWh/week and 873.6kWh/year). Also, as each battery pack has a capacity of 5kWh the battery will have drained itself in 2 days @ ~2.4kWh/day. | |||
When solar generation to the PowerOcean inverter increases, the house load also increases, which is assumed to be a misrepresentation of the inverter efficiency losses. Furthermore, the calculated efficiency based on the losses is in the ~80s% which is short of the >96%<ref>https://enterprise-service-eu-cdn.ecoflow.com/enterprise/documentation/1736237468159/EcoFlow%20PowerOcean%20(Single%20Phase)_Datasheet_EN_20241230.pdf#page=2</ref> efficiency claimed. | When solar generation to the PowerOcean inverter increases, the house load also increases, which is assumed to be a misrepresentation of the inverter efficiency losses. Furthermore, the calculated efficiency based on the losses is in the ~80s% which is short of the >96%<ref>https://enterprise-service-eu-cdn.ecoflow.com/enterprise/documentation/1736237468159/EcoFlow%20PowerOcean%20(Single%20Phase)_Datasheet_EN_20241230.pdf#page=2</ref> efficiency claimed. | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Ecoflow]] | [[Category:Ecoflow]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:12, 23 July 2025
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| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| Legal structure | Private |
| Industry | Portable solar generators, portable power stations |
| Official website | https://ecoflow.com |
EcoFlow Technology is a manufacturer of solar-energy storage devices designed for mobile and off-grid use. The company systematically requires installation of a proprietary, closed-source application on a mobile device to unlock the full functionality of its battery backup products.
Consumer impact summary[edit | edit source]
Anti-consumer practices[edit | edit source]
Reliance on application[edit | edit source]
The application connects to the EcoFlow devices through Bluetooth or over Wi-Fi, but the app cannot be used with the devices without creating an account with EcoFlow and periodically connecting to their servers for an authentication token.
This creates inherent privacy risks and raises concerns about data collection and unwanted telemetry by the manufacturer. Account creation requires user address, and usage of the app requires creation of "spaces" in which to place devices - in effect tracking location of devices in the home. None of this data is inherently necessary for any features of the battery systems. It also poses a problem for their customers who may go off-grid for extended periods of time with no data connection available. Moreover, it is unlikely that the system will remain fully usable after support is discontinued by the manufacturer or if the company ceases operations.
App installation and account creation are required to unlock the full functionality of the solar generators. Key features such as current limiting while charging from an AC power source are unavailable without the app.
The benefits of its integrated app are displayed prominently in marketing media. The customer only discovers the requirement to create an account after purchasing the product and installing the app.
Deceptive Marketing[edit | edit source]
Company participates in deceptive/manipulative marketing practices including regular FOMO large 'sales', a rewards program with "credits" for remaining in-ecosystem, and conducts much of its marketing through paying influencers to showcase and/or include products in their videos, often undisclosed.
Product Performance[edit | edit source]
PowerOcean[edit | edit source]
The PowerOcean lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries continuously consume ~100W when charging or discharging which EcoFlow misrepresent on their dashboard app as an increase in house load. Therefore, unless the battery is at a 100% state of charge (SoC) or at its reserve limit, then the batteries will consume more power (~2.4kWh/day, ~16.8kWh/week and 873.6kWh/year). Also, as each battery pack has a capacity of 5kWh the battery will have drained itself in 2 days @ ~2.4kWh/day.
When solar generation to the PowerOcean inverter increases, the house load also increases, which is assumed to be a misrepresentation of the inverter efficiency losses. Furthermore, the calculated efficiency based on the losses is in the ~80s% which is short of the >96%[1] efficiency claimed.