Power generator vs. charging station: differences and use cases

Power generators and power stations provide you with electricity when you need it: in your free time, for work, in an emergency. They power and recharge electronic devices (smartphones, TVs, etc.), small and large appliances, work tools, and gardening tools. This is thanks to the different types of sockets they are equipped with: standard 230 V, three-phase 400 V, USB, and 12 V cigarette lighter. While their ultimate purpose is the same, their operation is completely different.

A power generator or generator set generates electricity from the mechanical energy developed by an internal combustion engine. To operate, it needs fuel, which in the case of a portable generator is usually gasoline. The generator therefore produces electricity and supplies it at the same time as long as there is fuel to power it.

Sometimes, power stations are referred to as electric generators, but this is incorrect. A power station (or portable charging station) does not produce electricity, but rather accumulates and stores it in a battery, then supplies it when you need it. In practice, it is a large rechargeable battery. Having clarified this major difference, today we will look at what other differences there are between power generators and power stations, what their strengths are, and when it is best to choose one or the other.

Power generators: pros, cons, when to choose one

Power generators provide greater output power than power stations. For example, depending on the model, Oleo-Mac generators have a continuous rated power ranging from 1.8 kW for the PGE 23i S inverter model to 6 kW for the PGE 80E-3 DCS (with peak powers of 2.3 and 6.5 kW respectively).

Their autonomy is potentially unlimited and depends on the availability of fuel, but with the PGE 80E-3 DCS you get 8 hours of power at 50% capacity. With the 2.8 kW PGE 35 DCS generator, autonomy increases to 15 hours.

As far as the purchase price is concerned, for the same output power, a generator is generally more cost-effective than a charging station. On the other hand, it needs fuel for refueling and careful maintenance, with the relative commitment in terms of time and costs.

If the generator is not equipped with an electric start button system—such as the PGE 65E DCS, PGE 80E-3 DCS, and PGE 48i S models—you must start it manually with a pull cord. For safe use, the generator requires a number of precautions: you must ground it, place it away from flammable materials, and keep people and animals at a distance. It is also noisy and should not be used indoors as it emits exhaust gases. A partial exception to the noise issue are generators with soundproof casings, such as our PGE 23i S and PGE 48i S inverter models.

We recommend a power generator for:

• Dealing with domestic emergencies due to power failures or work on the power grid, or malfunctioning of the home system, powering essential appliances and recharging essential electronic devices. We also recommend it as an emergency aid for commercial activities.

• Engaging in outdoor activities where there is no power outlet available to run the necessary equipment, from mini-fridges to electric or battery-powered chainsaws: parties, picnics, gardening, work in the countryside or woods, and so on.

• Traveling with a camper or caravan, even in remote areas, with the peace of mind of having the power you need when you are not connected to the campsite power supply. The same applies if you love boating.

• Working in places not connected to the power grid, whether for professional reasons or leisure activities, even with tools and equipment that require high power such as a welding machine or a wood splitter.

To learn more about this topic, here’s our article on how to choose the right power generator.

Power stations: pros, cons, when to choose one

The power station is ready to use: you turn it on by pressing the main switch. Compared to a generator, it is quiet, does not emit exhaust gases, and, apart from simple external cleaning with a cloth, does not require maintenance. It is compact and lightweight, so it is easy to carry and can be stored anywhere.

When it runs out of power, simply recharge it: you can do this from a normal wall socket, from the cigarette lighter socket in your car or camper, or you can connect the power station to solar panels. The latter is a green and free way to recharge, albeit a little slower. The low cost of recharging and the absence of maintenance costs offset the higher purchase price—for the same power—of the power station compared to a generator.

The Oleo-Mac portable power station PSi 1650 comes with both a domestic power socket charging cable and a car charging cable. Alternatively, you can charge it with four 100 W solar panels or two 200 W panels.

On the other hand, with a power station, its autonomy depends on battery capacity and the energy consumption of the equipment you connect. For example, with the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery in our PSi 1650, you have a capacity of 1,024 Wh with a continuous power of 1.65 kW (and peak power of 2.7 kW).

We recommend a charging station if you want a solution:

• To power and recharge small appliances (microwave, coffee maker, fan, hair dryer, etc.), lights, and electronic devices, even in the event of a power outage.

• Easy to use, for everyone.

• Made for any situation, both outdoors and indoors, even where noise is not permitted.

• That follows you on your travels, camping, boating, etc.

• Suitable for outdoor activities, whether for leisure, hobbies, or work: if you need to use a laptop, Wi-Fi modem, DIY tools; if you need to recharge your camera, video camera, drone, and so on.

When talking about generators and power stations, we emphasized how useful they are in emergency situations. A blackout can occur, for example, following a flood: please refer to our article on how to restore your garden after such an event.