At CES 2026, BLUETTI introduced Charger 2, a unified car and solar smart energy hub designed to simplify and speed up mobile power management. Aimed at drivers, RV owners, van lifers, and overlanders, Charger 2 brings alternator charging and solar input together in a single system built around faster recovery times, easier installation, and smarter battery care.
Charger 2 follows BLUETTI’s earlier alternator charger but pushes the concept further by treating a vehicle’s electrical system and solar panels as partners rather than separate tools. The result is a compact hub that aims to reduce downtime while traveling and make better use of energy that often goes unused.
A Dual-Input Approach to Faster Charging
One of the core ideas behind Charger 2 is removing the “one source at a time” limitation common in many mobile power setups. Traditional 12V vehicle outlets often recharge portable power stations slowly, sometimes taking most of a day to refill a modest battery. Solar systems can help when parked, yet they sit idle during driving hours.
Charger 2 is built around a dual-input architecture that pulls power from both the vehicle’s alternator and connected solar panels at the same time. Together, those sources deliver up to 1,200W of total output. BLUETTI says that allows charging speeds up to 13 times faster than a standard car outlet and nearly twice as fast as its previous alternator charger.
In practical terms, a 1kWh portable power station can be replenished in under an hour during a drive, turning even short trips into meaningful charging sessions.
Designed for Broad Compatibility and Simple Upgrades
BLUETTI positions Charger 2 as a drop-in solution rather than a ground-up rebuild. It supports a wide range of portable power stations, including third-party models, and adds compatibility with modern smart alternators that follow Euro 6 standards.
For existing users of the earlier Charger 1, the new model reuses the same wiring infrastructure. That allows for a direct replacement of the main unit without rewiring, which lowers the barrier for upgrading. Installation is intended to be flexible across SUVs, pickup trucks, camper vans, and Class B or C RVs, typically mounting in a rear cargo area.
Acting as the Brain of a Vehicle Power System
Beyond raw charging speed, Charger 2 serves as the control center of BLUETTI’s vehicle energy management system. It links the starter battery, auxiliary batteries, solar input, and DC loads into a single, automated setup.
While driving, the system manages alternator and solar power to charge connected batteries and run onboard devices at the same time. When parked, it shifts to solar and stored energy, keeping equipment running without draining the vehicle’s starter battery. This automated handoff removes the need for manual switching and reduces the risk of returning to a dead engine battery.
An optional DC hub expands output options with high-current Anderson ports, USB connections, and a 12V outlet. That setup supports demanding gear such as portable refrigerators, heaters, lighting systems, and satellite internet terminals with up to 600W of stable DC power.
Built-In Battery Maintenance and Safety
Charger 2 adds reverse-charging features aimed at protecting vehicle batteries during long trips or extended parking. It includes multiple maintenance modes, including emergency jump-start support, low-power trickle charging, and pulse-based maintenance designed to reduce battery degradation.
Control and monitoring are handled through the BLUETTI app over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, offering real-time status, output control, and energy history. Safety protections cover over-voltage, overheating, and reverse polarity, aligning the system with modern vehicle electronics.
Availability and Pricing Outlook
BLUETTI plans to make Charger 2 available starting January 7, 2026. The company shared estimated pricing ahead of launch, placing the standalone unit around $400. Discounted pricing is expected for existing Charger 1 owners, with bundle pricing projected to land lower when purchased alongside compatible power stations. Final pricing details will be confirmed on BLUETTI’s official product page at launch.
