DJI Power Expansion Battery Review: The Essential Component for a Reliable Home Backup Power Solution

      Michael Febbo

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      In approximately 40 years, humanity could be exploring the universe in starships powered by antimatter engines, utilizing dilithium crystals as catalysts to produce immense energy in the form of warp plasma. Don't fret; Dr. Zefram Cochrane has another 38 years to solve these challenges. For now, we can store energy using standard lithium. The DJI Expansion Battery has officially launched, enhancing the Power 1000's energy storage capacity by 200%.

      In June, I tested the Power 1000 with a solar panel and a few accessories to assess its ability to power outdoor activities or serve as a compact home backup solution. With a capacity of 1,000 Wh, it proved excellent for camping and could even run some household appliances. It’s a remarkable device that is user-friendly and durable. While it won’t sustain a refrigerator for an extended time, it worked perfectly for keeping my electronics powered or charging an e-bike. Since then, I’ve discovered an effective solution for an emergency fridge. Additionally, DJI has developed a way to provide more storage capacity in a modular format. With the DJI Expansion Battery 2000, you can now create a more practical home backup solution. The shipping box also included a new Bluetooth module that allows integration with the DJI Home smartphone app.

      The Bottom Line

      First, let’s discuss the price. This information is current as of publishing, but keep in mind that these units are sourced from China, and the tariff landscape is continually changing. When I evaluated the Power 1000 in June, it was relatively new, initially priced at $999.00 but available for $699.00 on sale. To my knowledge, it has consistently been available for that $700 price point. The Power Expansion Battery 2000 has a retail price of $1,169.00. As you might expect, discounts are available. On Amazon, an immediate coupon reduces the price to just $899.00, including the necessary cable to connect it with your existing Power 1000.

      To utilize the DJI Expansion Battery, you must update your Power 1000. I contacted DJI, and this applies whether you possess an older model or purchase both units today. I’ll provide further details below, but if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, it could require some effort. Once you’ve dedicated a few hours to understanding the setup, it returns to the simplicity I experienced with just the Power 1000.

      The displayed output in AC Watts was mostly accurate.

      The shown output through USB wasn’t always as precise.

      The expansion battery will solely supply power to the power station; direct connection is not an option. You can connect up to five of these batteries to the base power station, achieving a total capacity of 11,264 Wh. Additionally, you can include up to 300 Watts of solar panels, transitioning into a real home backup system. However, if you take your Power 1000 outside, the batteries at home will become non-functional.

      Several competitors offer devices with 3,000 Wh (or larger) capacities, but those become cumbersome for portability. For many activities away from home, the 1,000 Wh unit offers ample capacity. Hence, I appreciate the modular design. The DJI product is competitively priced compared to Jackery and Bluetti, although some other brands are less expensive. If you’re an Apple user and are uncomfortable using Terminal in macOS, you may want to reconsider or seek assistance from someone more knowledgeable. If you already own a DJI Power 1000 and need additional capacity, this is a straightforward decision.

      DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000 Quality 9/10 Ease of Use 5/10 Durability 8/10 Value 8/10 Overall 7.5/10

      The DJI Expansion Battery 2000: A Compact Powerhouse

      When DJI refers to this as an expansion battery, they truly mean it. That's what it is—just an expansion battery. It features two ports labeled SDC, although one is “lite.” The Bluetooth dongle utilizes one of the SDC ports on the Power 1000. Solar panels or other charging devices, such as the car charger, must connect directly to the expansion battery. Additionally, the connector cable between the expansion and the power station is lengthy and not very flexible, resulting in a less elegant solution. Furthermore, when stacking the units, there’s no physical reference; one simply rests atop the other with no positive positioning. It’s not a significant issue, but implementing some tabs or slots would enhance the premium feel.

      Maximum charging Wattage observed with the expansion battery during testing.

      Maximum charging Wattage recorded with just the base unit.

      Having the expansion battery connected allows for a higher input when charging from a 120V wall outlet. With just the Power 1000, I recorded a