Around this time last year, I reviewed Mophie’s Powerstation Go. This was an incredibly useful portable power station that added the ability to boost a car battery to an array of charge and AC outlets. This year the company has taken the utility for vehicle owners to the next level. The new Mophie Powerstation Go Rugged With Air Compressor can also top up your car’s tires when the pressure gets low. It may just be the ultimate peace of mind kit for road warriors.
Charge Your USB Devices
This is part of Mophie’s Powerstation Go series. So you know it can be used to charge your mobile devices.
However, this model is larger than most (4.65 in x 9.52 in x 1.85-inches and 2.5 pounds), and there are just two charge ports, both USB Type-A and rated for 5V/2.4A. The 55,500mWh battery can fully charge a smartphone multiple times. Unlike some of Mophie’s other portable power stations, this one lacks an AC outlet and wireless charging. It is capable of charging two devices simultaneously.
Everything You Need for Quick-Fix Car Issues
Let’s face it, no-one would buy a mobile battery pack for charging smartphones that weighs two and a half pounds. However, in the case of the Mophie Powerstation Go Rugged With Air Compressor, being able to charge a smartphone is more or less an extra feature.
Instead, this portable power station’s primary purpose is to offer vehicle safety capabilities. Two of the most frequent “DIY” problems that motorists encounter are dead batteries and low tire pressure. Both can be a pain to deal with.
Having your vehicle’s low tire pressure warning go off means a search for a service station that has an air pump. From there, it’s waiting to get access to the pump (there can be a lineup), and often a scramble for change if it’s a pay pump. With the Powerstation Go Rugged With Air Compressor, you have your own air compressor. Pull over in a safe location, remove the power station from its carrying bag, screw on the air hose adaptor, turn on the compressor power, and set it to the recommended tire pressure using the “+” and “-“ buttons beside the display. The compressor automatically shuts off when the tire is inflated to the indicated pressure.
The jump starter feature works just like with the Powerstation Go (review here). That is to say, it takes much of the nuisance and anxiety out of the process.
Instead of having to find someone with another vehicle to provide the jump start, position the vehicles so the cables can reach, and find jumper cables, you are completely self-sufficient. And even though this power station isn’t exactly slim, it still takes up far less space in your vehicle than a set of jumper cables does. Mophie prints the instructions on the bag, so there’s no head scratching over how to do it. The included cables are “spark-proof,” which helps to reduce the intimidation factor. And that can be a problem — if you’re not used to jump starting, sparking cables just adds to the tension of the process...
Follow the directions, connect the cables to the battery terminals, press the “Jump-Start” button and wait for the indicator to turn green (the unit does a safety check first). Then turn the ignition. If the issue is just a drained battery, it should start within three attempts. I did have to use it on my SUV — which has not been driven as much as it should during the pandemic — and it started on the second attempt. If the power station detects that the vehicle battery is already fully charged, it will warn you (at this point, a mechanical problem, not a dead battery is the issue).
In addition to auto safety, this power station is useful for inflation projects around the home. Mophie includes a selection of air nozzles, so you can use it to inflate balls, bike tires, and other purposes. I used it to re-inflate my wheelbarrow tires, which had gone flat over the winter.
There is also a built-in LED floodlight (also capable of red and red-flashing safety lights) to eliminate the situation in the dark.
Keep in mind, although this is marketed as a “rugged” device, it has limitations. There’s a lithium-ion battery inside, so don’t subject it to any mechanical shocks like a drop. Don’t use it around heat sources or open flames (operating temperature is 14°F - 140°F). And don’t get it wet.
Mophie includes a USB power charger, USB Type-A to USB-C cable (iPhone users will need to remember to pack a Lightning cable), air compressor cable + tips, and jumper cables in the bag.
Recommendation
If you’re looking primarily for a multi-function portable power station, there are other solutions you’ll be happier with. This one gives up key features the Powerstation Go offers — wireless charging and an AC outlet.
However, if you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, the Mophie Powerstation Go Rugged With Air Compressor offers peace of mind. No racing (or limping) to a service station with an air compressor that may or may not be working. No worries about finding someone to jump start a dead battery. This single device has it all, plus it does have a pair of USB Type-A ports to charge your mobile devices. All in a relatively compact package that will take up less space than a typical set of jumper cables.
The Mophie Powerstation Go Rugged With Air Compressor is available for an MSRP of $159.95 and is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Disclosure: Mophie provided a sample for evaluation but had no input into this review.
