Time to switch the approach to autonomous electrical supply: our dependence upon electricity to power lighting, equipment, refrigeration, communications, etc. cannot be ignored. Solar is not practical in every hemisphere, even less so when the skies are clouded. A generator is cumbersome, noisy, smelly, uses valuable fuel reserves and (if positioned out of earshot) prone to theft. So what’s the alternative?
Fuel cells and lithium-ion power packs sound like unobtainable technology, a portable power system best reserved for NASA and Antarctic explorers. However, recent developments in both government funded research and private enterprises have made the future accessible today. Critically, a power pack and accompanying fuel cell provides an independent source of 12v and 230v power for adventure travel, powering communications, photographyic equipment and even the cold beer in the fridge. For this review, we explore the EFOY GO!, a lithium power pack that can be supported by EFOY’s fuel cells.
Toward the end of summer 2015, I contacted SFC to discuss their most recent addition to the family, EFOY GO!. I had already seen the compact power pack at shows, read some reports and followed their page on Facebook. All the facts and features pointed toward a useful piece of gear and my expectations were high. SFC Energy AG is a German company with its head office in Brunnthal, close to Munich. Now celebrating their 10th anniversary, SFC has established themselves as a world leader of alternative mobile energy solutions and, with a series of awards under their belt, the company continues to develop state-of-the-art technology providing not only solutions for industrial applications, but also highly portable, robust and affordable power sources for those of us who take our traveling seriously and yearn for improved autonomy.
Under the brand EFOY, fuel cells can be found all over the world reliably supplying electricity in harsh environments such as Antarctica, or providing backup power supplies for early warning systems in geologically sensitive areas. With their field experience, the company continues to lead their market whilst also bringing portable power to yacht owners, mobile home owners and overland travelers who depend upon their vehicles and equipment in some of the most remote terrain and demanding conditions on the planet, being treated with an equal level of importance as water purification filters.
I should point out at this stage that one of my vehicles of choice is a patina-laden 1963 Series 2A Land Rover Station Wagon — a vehicle that is largely devoid of the comforts you expect to find listed under standard equipment in sales brochures. No aircon, no … in fact, nearly nothing. Four-wheel drive, high and low ratio gearbox, brakes that make you think well ahead, steering that ensures you remain alert at all times and ample space for people and gear, all housed in the unmistakeable classic body with its close set headlamps. But that’s what I look for: ‘if you haven’t got it, it can’t go wrong’ technology that has taken our forefathers to every corner of the globe and got them home safely. Speed is not the essence of getting me to my destination, rather the journey itself and venturing away from the populated regions. With that in mind and curiosity in my hands, a review of the performance and practicality of EFOY was kindled.
With a trip planned to Sicily during the early autumn when temperatures still easily soar above the 30°C mark, running a fridge is important to keep food fresh and beer cold; not to mention supporting a small array of electronic equipment. As far as on-board electronics are concerned the Land Rover is fitted with a powerful OPTIMA battery for the sole purpose of reliable starting and satisfying the minimalistic demands the vehicle presents. I have designed an independent ‘domestic’ circuit to power creature comforts without relying on the vehicle’s electronics. However, the installation is not planned until mid 2016. As such, the EFOY GO! was a welcome companion for the long drive from Cologne to Bari where I met my family two and half days after my departure, before our journey across Italy, the Strait of Messina and onward to the south coast of Sicily.
The tasks expected of the power cell on this trip were clear: it had to run the Webasto compressor fridge (posing the biggest drain on reserves), the iPad tracking apps which ran all day, my GPS navigation, and maintain a full charge for my phone in case of emergencies. Nothing presenting any problems for a more aptly equipped vehicle. But things become more challenging when you consider travelling in something found in the history books and without the option to recharge the GO! via an alternator or shore supply. Stopping overnight on camping sites was not part of my plan on this first leg, so the capacity was put to the test with great results. By manipulating the consumption of the fridge (ensuring gaps between the contents were filled and turning it off during a very cold night in the Alps), I was able to stretch the lithium cell for close to three days.
About the EFOY GO!
So, what’s in the box? A user manual, a mains power adapter, a 12v car adapter and the EFOY GO! battery pack. Essentially, the pleasantly designed and robust plastic case is packed with the latest lithium technology and an inverter. On the front panel there are:
- a 230v socket for use with accessories of up to a maximum of 400w
- a 12v socket
- two USB sockets
- Power in for the supplied 230v / 12v charging adapter
- Power in for an EFOY fuel cell
- On/off switch for the 230v socket
- On/off switch for the 12v socket and USBs
- LEDs to monitor the charge status of the battery
Other than that, the GO! is truly plug-and-play as well as being an absolutely silent and emission-free solution. Silent that is, except when it is charging from a main supply and the cooling fan switches on, but let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to use it as a pillow. So if you are charging at night, keep it at a precautionary distance for undisturbed sleep.
How has the EFOY GO! influenced my travel during the last six thousand km? Well, as I think I have made apparent, my vehicle is currently sparsely equipped, making the EFOY GO! an ideal accessory. Weighing just 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs) and measuring a mere 28.6 x 18.6 x 20.1 cm, the unit is compact making it easy to stow in any car, truck or boat. I wouldn’t want to miss the GO! on a future trip because it has proven a highly valuable backup and is great for recharging appliances or providing power even outside the car without the need for extension leads for people to trip over.
I would also like to shed some light on something that probably won’t spring to mind for a lot of us. There are an ever increasing number of people who have enjoyed the outdoor life for many years now, and due to health issues such as sleep apnea or COPD, they are hindered from getting away from enjoying a night under the stars by their dependence upon electrical medical aids. EFOY GO! is a solution for bridging the gap and making the inconceivable possible by powering that equipment. This power cell met my expectations during the trip to Sicily and remains my choice for future trips. On that note, do check the technical specifications for both products to determine their compatibility. www.efoy-go.com
In a nutshell: the EFOY GO! is a practical, safe, easy to use portable power source for 230v, 12v and USB, fulfilling all the manufacturer’s claims and representing excellent value for money. Whether you require highly portable power-to-go for professional or recreational purposes, you are going to have to look long and hard for a comparable alternative.
Price: some people may baulk at the manufacturer’s recommended retail price of €899 (including VAT and shipping), but lithium batteries are expensive, and German engineering and manufacturing quality always comes at a cost.
So now you’re probably asking yourself ‘what about the fuel cell?’. Well, the EFOY Comfort comprises the center of my domestic-circuit, the installation of which commences as this review goes live. Watch this space for the next installment!