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If you’re working on a new build without electricity or off-grid, you’ll probably need to charge portable power tools before finishing time. Professional trade tools and heavy machinery frequently don’t include rechargeable batteries. Portable gas generators are the traditional option for tradies when grid power is out of reach. Today, it’s rarely the best option. Portable power stations charge and run power tools and heavy machinery. Recharge using multiple methods, including gas and inverter generators, mains power, 800W alternator adapters, solar panels, and more. Unlike gas or diesel generators, you can use one indoors and run it daily for 10+ years without routine maintenance or battery replacement.

Yes. The right portable power station can charge the batteries of any cordless power tool that plugs into a mains outlet with a device charger or dock by plugging it into the AC input on the unit. For tools and machinery that require direct access to mains power, a portable power station can operate them as long as the AC output—typically measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW) or volt-amperes (VA) and kilovolt-amps (kVA)—meets or exceeds the device's starting and running watts requirements and the combined wattage of all tools operated simultaneously.

It depends. Three essential factors to consider: 1. Power requirements of your tools’ device chargers (typically measured in watts). 2. Combined AC input wattage of all the tools you want to operate simultaneously. 2. How long do you want the portable power supply to keep charging your tools before its battery runs out (storage capacity is measured in amp-hours / milli-amp-hours [Ah/mAh] or watts / kilowatts (W/kWh). Ensure an off-grid charger or generator can meet all your AC/DC output and battery storage requirements first. Next, consider attributes like alternative charging options (800W alternator adapters/ solar panels, etc.), durability, lifespan, performance, and price.

Yes. Most portable power banks and stations don’t output enough power to start and run professional-grade tools and heavy machinery. But thanks to recent innovations in LFP battery, inverter, and charge controller technology, AC output power of 12kW kilowatts or more is now reliable and affordable. EcoFlow portable power stations provide double their continuous electricity output in surge power, ensuring you can start and operate equipment like compressors, nail guns, arc welders, and more. That’s more output than a 10kVa generator with no ongoing fuel costs — and it’s safe for indoor use.

Gas and diesel generators typically measure electricity output in kilovolt-amperes (kVa) instead of kilowatts (kW). Conventional generators rely on internal combustion engines that burn fuel to produce electricity. This process is inefficient because more energy (fuel) is consumed than is output as AC electricity. KVA specs include Power Factor as a variable that measures system efficiency and indicates actual/working AC output. Gas generators have a power factor of 0.8, meaning 20% of the fuel consumed is lost when converting kinetic energy to AC electricity output (watts/kilowatts). Solar generators are over 99% efficient and measure output in watts.

Batteries have a reputation amongst tradies as not being powerful enough to run professional tools and heavy machinery for extended periods. That may have been true in the past, but not anymore. EcoFlow portable power stations provide up to 12kW continuous AC output and 24kW starting wattage (surge power). That’s more working power than a 10kVa or 12kVa gas generator and double the starting power.

Yes. As long as the generator or portable power station provides enough working power (kVa) or continuous power (kW) to meet the electrical requirements of the tools or machinery connected and operated simultaneously, it can support multiple tradies at once. Remember that many professional-grade tools require significantly more power to start than to run. Gas generators have very limited surge power above their actual power output — typically less than 10%. EcoFlow portable power stations offer multiple charging options, including gas or diesel generators, solar panels, 800W alternator adapter car/truck charging, and more.

Portable petrol generators in regular use typically last three to five years. You may get another year or two if you regularly maintain the genny and don’t run it above ~50% load. EcoFlow portable power stations offer multiple charging options, including AC/DC electricity, fossil fuel generators, solar panels, 800W alternator car/truck charging and more. You can count on them to provide reliable off-grid power built tough enough for work sites for 10+ years of daily use.

A 5kVa or 6kVa portable petrol generator is enough to charge multiple cordless power tools. It can also operate many tools that require continuous power, including table saws, concrete mixers, air compressors, nail guns, and more. However, you must consider limitations, such as the combined wattage of all the tools you want to run simultaneously and the surge power required to start them. Convert the kVA output to watts and ensure it can meet your requirements. Consider alternatives like portable power stations that can output twice their running wattage as surge power to start heavy machinery.

There’s no one-size-fits-all generator size for tradies. It depends on how much off-grid power you need — and for how long. If you work alone or with a small crew, a 3-4kVa generator or 4kW portable power station may be all you need. With ~4 kilowatts of AC output, you can charge multiple cordless power tools simultaneously. It can also operate many professional tools that require continuous power, such as belt sanders, angle grinders, band saws, welding machines and more. Keep in mind that most corded power tools require significantly more power to start than to run. Petrol generators can’t provide much surge power above their actual power output (kVA). EcoFlow portable power stations provide double their continuous AC output in starting watts.

Yes. Diesel standby generators are often used to power tools and tradies on off-grid worksites and new builds that have yet to be connected to the grid. If you’re looking for a generator suitable for a relatively small crew, a 6kVA, 8kVa, 10kVa, or 12kVa gas generator may be sufficient. For larger projects, you can find diesel generators that provide up to 500kVa of output but at a very steep price. EcoFlow portable power stations offer a superior alternative to petrol generators for solo tradies and small crews. With continuous AC output up to 12 kilowatts and 24kW of starting power — and more compact options with various outputs and storage capacities — it’s everything most independent contractors need.