Intro:
You see a used Jackery Explorer 1000 (Gen 1) on Facebook Marketplace for $400. It seems like a steal compared to the $800 price tag of a new unit.
Stop.
You are about to buy a battery that is likely near its deathbed. In 2026, battery technology has shifted from NMC (Lithium-Ion) to LiFePO4 (LFP). The difference isn’t just technical—it’s the difference between lasting 2 years vs. 10 years.
1. The “Cycle Life” Gap (The 500 vs. 3000 Rule)
- Old Tech (NMC): Used in older Jackery (v1), EcoFlow Delta (Original), and Goal Zero.
- Lifespan: ~500 Cycles.
- Math: If the previous owner used it for camping every weekend for 3 years, that battery is already degraded to 80% or less. It could fail completely soon.
- New Tech (LiFePO4): Used in Anker Solix, EcoFlow Delta 2, and Jackery v2.
- Lifespan: ~3,000+ Cycles.
- Math: You could discharge it fully every single day for 10 years and it would still work like new.
2. Safety: Fire vs. No Fire
- NMC: Chemically volatile. If punctured or overheated, it can enter “Thermal Runaway” (catch fire). This is why airlines hate them.
- LiFePO4: Extremely stable. You can practically drive a nail through an LFP cell and it won’t explode.
- Relevance: If you are keeping this unit in your house for backup, LFP is the only responsible choice.
3. The Weight Trade-Off
There is one downside. LFP batteries are heavier.
- Jackery 1000 (Old NMC): 22 lbs.
- Jackery 1000 v2 (New LFP): 24 lbs.
- Verdict: The extra 2 lbs is worth it for 5x the lifespan.
Troubleshoot
Jackery BMS Reset guide Jackery not charging how to reset the BMS
4. Summary: Which Models Are Safe to Buy Used?
| Model Name | Battery Type | Buy Used? |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 (Original) | NMC (Old) | ❌ NO |
| EcoFlow Delta (Original) | NMC (Old) | ❌ NO |
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | LiFePO4 | ✅ YES |
| Anker 757 / Solix C1000 | LiFePO4 | ✅ YES |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | LiFePO4 | ✅ YES |
Tech Tip: Older batteries also drop voltage faster. If you are trying to run sensitive medical equipment, an old battery might cut out unexpectedly. Check our CPAP Camping Guide to see why consistent voltage matters for your health.
