The new DJI Power 1000 Mini is a compact power station that punches above its weight, blending serious output with everyday portability for life on the road and off the grid.
DJI Power 1000 Mini: Handy + Heavy-Duty
DJI’s latest power station is roughly half the size of the Power 1000, and trims the bulk without sacrificing many of the heavy-duty features we’ve come to expect from DJI. The Power 1000 Mini is the world’s smallest and most compact 1 kWh power station (so DJI claims), and I have no reason to doubt this. I’ve never seen a smaller one with this much capacity. It is a well-balanced power station, slightly smaller than most mid-range units, but bigger than a personal compact unit. It will prove invaluable for car campers, road trippers, content creators or anyone juggling cameras, laptops and accessories off-grid.
It can also provide shorter-term home backup for routers, microwave ovens, toasters, coffee-makers and refrigerators. (I ran a full-sized Fisher & Paykel fridge with the Power 1000 Mini—after starting at full power, the Mini still held 50% of its charge after seven and a half hours.)
It also performs well as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), keeping desktop computers running seamlessly during outages. But unlike larger units, you won’t be able to simultaneously run a kettle and a microwave, for example. This is a small tradeoff for a station that is notable more for its portability. There are plenty of other options for users wanting a full home backup power station that can handle multiple appliances at once.
At 11.5 kg, the Power 1000 Mini is not exactly light, but you won’t find a unit this mighty in a lighter package. It is easily lifted, carried and placed one-handed, using the grab-handle. And it is compact enough that it doesn’t hog space in your hatchback, gear closet, studio or van. The narrower footprint helps it pack efficiently, and the 1008Wh capacity puts it firmly in the “serious long weekend” category. Ie, it will charge and recharge a lot of battery-sapping gadgetry (not to mention drone batteries) for days on end, on a single charge.
DJI Power 1000 Mini: Tripper’s Invaluable Companion
That said, here at ML we do a lot of multi-day paddling trips where we carry everything either on a SUP or in kayak hatches or canoes. If you don’t mind carrying the extra weight, you could pack the Power 1000 Mini in a dry box or padded dry bag in a canoe, but it is a little too large for a SUP deck or kayak hatch. So for most outdoorists, this is a unit to bring car-camping or when paddling only a short distance to a campsite. In my experience, the compact power station I bring on paddling trips (not a DJI) is often drained by the third day (usually because nobody else brought one).
For most outdoorists, this is a unit to bring when you’re car camping, or paddling only a short distance to a campsite.
Compared to its larger sibling the Power 1000, the Mini is tuned to stretch runtime when powering smaller devices, which is what many users will want (outside of high-level vanlife modules). And this is why it will serve well for group camping trips where you never know how many users will need to plug in their phones, smartwatches, headlamps, Bluetooth speakers, etc. (Bringing the compatible solar panel will stretch this capability out infinitely; more on that below.)
The Details
No matter where you plan to use it, the Power 1000 Mini offers some “wow” features beyond its efficiency, diminutive size and power heft. Among the innovations that will attract users beyond drone pilots is the retractable USB-C cable to charge laptops, tablets, cameras (and drones) at up to 100W. Considering how often I’ve forgotten or misplaced charge cables in the past, this is a revelation. The cable pulls out and retracts like the vacuum cleaners of old, so you won’t lose it.
The unit also boasts two 12W USB-A ports, one USB-C port, four AC outlets and an SDC port for accessory dongles (e.g., for solar and 12V).
For operation and monitoring, the screen is easy to read, and for the first time, DJI has added an integrated adjustable light: a pressable band on the lower front panel that includes an SOS mode and a visual alert when charging is complete.
Fast charging is a major advantage of this and all other DJI power stations. In Fast Recharge Mode, the Power 1000 Mini can be recharged with the AC outlet cable to 80% in 58 minutes or 100% in 75 minutes.
Faster Car-Charging
When using the DJI Power Car Battery Charging Cable (sold separately), you can achieve a full 1kWh recharge in approximately 160 minutes while driving. The system is most efficient when charging while the car engine is running, utilizing the vehicle’s alternator to prevent draining the car battery. You can also charge using the included SDC to Car Charger Plug (12V) though the charge time is not as fast.
Solar Charging
The IBCPOWER 100W Solar Panel (DJI’s panel, available in its store) folds down to the size of a laptop. Powered by N-type TOPCon high-efficiency, durable cells, it delivers a solar conversion efficiency of up to 24.8%. It features IP67 dust and water resistance to withstand the elements, along with a split kickstand design for one-handed setup and adjustment. It is thinner, lighter, tougher and more packable than other panels I’ve used.
You’ll need the DJI Power MC4 Solar Power Charging Cable (sold separately) to connect the IBCPOWER panel. And with the DJI Power Solar Panel Adapter Module (MPPT), you can connect two panels at once, doubling your charge time, depending on sun availability. We did not connect two panels at once but judging from our use of one panel, solar charge time (from 0 to 100% battery life) is in the neighbourhood of 2.5 hours during peak sun intensity with minimal shade or cloud interference.
A Very Minor Shortcoming?
The four AC output ports are spaced so tightly that using more than two at a time—especially with bulky adapters—is difficult. If you want to max them out, you need a power bar. And the AC input port is in the front, unlike many units where it’s on the side or at the back, resulting in a bit of crowding. But this placement of the AC input port is understandable, since the unit front-loads everything so you can slide it into smaller spaces and not worry about having to pull it out repeatedly to plug or unplug the AC cable, as you do with other units whose input is on the side or at the back.
Longevity + Safety
DJI uses LFP cells, lithium-ion technology known for its added safety features, high energy density and extended life span. The Power 1000 Mini is rated for thousands of cycles (roughly 4000 or approximately 10 years under ideal circumstances and based on a rate of one full charge/discharge cycle per day). It is engineered to handle harsh environments, from high altitudes to damp or salty conditions. It is also built with flame-retardant materials and a reinforced shell.
If you’re already in DJI’s ecosystem, the integration is a real plus. Fast charging for DJI drone batteries is a major benefit in the field. App connectivity is less essential, but remote monitoring and control add a layer of convenience and fine-tuning. The Intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) features 10 built-in temperature sensors to monitor heat dissipation with real-time temperature and operating status viewable in the DJI Home app.
Redefining Portable Power?
The DJI Power 1000 Mini is best suited for content creators, campers and anyone looking for a compact UPS and smaller-scale backup solutions. It’s quiet, efficient and thoughtfully designed, with genuinely useful features that make day-to-day use more carefree.
It’s still a relatively heavy piece of kit if you’re hauling it around a lot off-grid, and requires a few adaptor cords to take full advantage of its features, but the combination of fast charging, an integrated USB-C cable and solid capacity makes it one of the more user-friendly options in its class. For those who need dependable, mid-capacity power without stepping up to bulkier systems, it lands in just the right spot. –Ned Morgan
In the DJI Store, enter code DJIPOWERCA02 for $40.00 USD Off (applies to: standalone and combos). On Amazon.ca, enter code: DJIPOWER6 $10.00 CAD Off (standalone only).
