The mega power bank from Jackery can go on the plane

Lorenz Keller

7.11.2023

Translation: machine translated

The new Explorer 100 Plus has a capacity of 99 watt hours and easily charges two laptops at the same time. You can still take the large battery in your hand luggage.

There are two categories of portable batteries: power banks are made for gadget fans and are primarily designed to charge smartphones, headphones and, in more powerful versions, notebooks. Then there are power stations, which are designed for camping, outdoor use or as an emergency power generator and can often be charged with suitable solar panels.

Jackery has so far focussed on the second category, but is now launching a hybrid form on the market with the Explorer 100 Plus. At a price of 150 francs or euros, it offers a capacity of 99 watt hours. That would be the equivalent of just under 27,000 mAh. The milliampere hour is the more common measurement for power banks. To put this into perspective: you can charge a smartphone five to six times, a notebook one to two times.

Charging a power bank with solar panels

The highlight of the connections are the two USB-C sockets, which can charge devices with a maximum of 100 watts. There is also a USB-A port with a maximum of 18 watts. In total, the power station manages 128 watts.

You can charge the Explorer 100 Plus not only at the socket, but also via solar panels. And while the sun supplies the Powerstation with power, it charges your gadgets at the same time.

Jackery uses LiFePO4, i.e. lithium iron phosphate, for the battery. Lithium-polymer or lithium-ion batteries are normally used in smartphones and power banks. LiFePO4 batteries have the advantage of being safe, long-lasting, powerful and relatively sustainable.

The manufacturer promises, for example, that 80 per cent of the battery capacity is still available after 2000 charging cycles. However, there is also a disadvantage, namely the weight. Although the box is only twelve centimetres wide and around nine centimetres high and deep, it weighs almost one kilogramme. This is not only due to the sturdy housing, but also the heavy battery. By comparison, the Shargeek Storm 2 with a similar capacity using lithium-ion technology weighs less than 600 grams.

Powerstation on the plane? What you need to know

Jackery also advertises that you can take the Explorer 100 Plus on the plane. This is basically true, as batteries up to 27000 mAh or 100 Wh are permitted on most airlines. Important to know: The powerbank must not be placed in your suitcase under any circumstances, but must be carried in your hand luggage.

With large models in particular, it is also an advantage if the capacity is immediately visible. The Shargeek Storm 2 mentioned above has a label on the side with all the technical details and the "Airline Safe" label.

Unfortunately, the press photos from Jackery do not show whether the capacity is also printed on the side. Otherwise, take the operating instructions with you to be on the safe side. That way, you won't have any problems when you go on holiday with this power pack.Cover photo: Jackery

Lorenz Keller

Senior Editor

Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.ch

Gadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.