$549 delivered is cheaper than what I paid, but that's to be expected the way that LiFEPO4 batteries are falling in price. I do like the unit, though I haven't used it that much yet. There have been a lot of changes and price drops in these types of units since I bought mine about 8 months ago. I've heard that there is a good one at the Costco in Kona, but I don't know anything about the brand, price, availability, or specs.
The last administration was hell-bent on banning DJI drones from being sold in the USA, and that could potentially extend to other DJI products like this power unit, since one of it's intended functions is fast-charging drone batteries. It is unknown if the ban might directly or indirectly prevent DJI from fulfilling warranty obligations, so if any of these things are cause for concern, you might want to consider a different brand. I already have DJI drones and accessories so I'm already invested in their ecosystem. Somebody who isn't might be better off waiting or choosing something else.
"1. Countering CCP Drones Act
Overview: The Countering CCP Drones Act is a legislative proposal aimed at restricting DJI drones in the U.S. by adding DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. This would prevent new DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure, effectively banning their sale and use for new models.
Status: The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2024 with bipartisan support. It is currently under consideration in the Senate, where it could be included in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). If enacted, it would block future DJI drone sales but would not affect drones already in use.
Concerns: Proponents cite national security risks, alleging that DJI drones could transmit sensitive data to the Chinese government. Critics, including DJI and drone operators, argue that the claims are unsubstantiated and that the ban would harm industries reliant on DJI technology, such as agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure inspection.
2. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Customs Hold
Overview: In October 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began blocking imports of some DJI drones under the UFLPA, which aims to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering the U.S. The hold was based on concerns that DJI products might be linked to forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang region.
DJI’s Response: DJI refuted these claims, stating that it has no manufacturing facilities in Xinjiang and complies with international labor standards. The company is working with CBP to resolve the issue, but the customs hold has caused delays in product availability, particularly for models like the Air 3S.
Impact: Commercial users have expressed concerns about supply chain disruptions, as no U.S.-made alternatives currently match DJI’s performance and price range.
3. Commerce Department Blacklist
Overview: DJI was added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List in December 2020, restricting its access to U.S. technologies due to alleged ties to human rights abuses and the Chinese military. This blacklist does not ban sales outright but limits DJI’s supply chain and product development capabilities.
Implications: While consumers can still purchase DJI products, the blacklist has led to increased scrutiny and challenges for DJI in maintaining its market dominance.
4. Department of Defense (DoD) Blacklist
Overview: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has blacklisted DJI, citing it as a “Chinese military company” posing potential national security threats. This blacklist, formalized in 2022, prohibits DoD personnel from using DJI drones and extends to other federal agencies in some cases.
Impact: Federal agencies and contractors are barred from using DJI drones, leading to operational disruptions for entities like public safety agencies that rely on DJI technology.
5. State-Level Bans
Examples: States like Florida and Arkansas have imposed bans on DJI drones for state agency use, following federal guidelines. These bans have led to significant financial losses, as agencies must replace DJI fleets with more expensive, less capable alternatives.
Impact: Public safety agencies, such as police and fire departments, have faced challenges, with Florida estimating a $200 million cost to replace grounded DJI drones.
6. Geofencing Removal and Security Concerns
Recent Developments: In January 2025, posts on X reported that DJI removed geofencing from its drones, allowing them to fly over restricted U.S. airspace. This change has heightened security concerns, as it could enable unauthorized flights over sensitive areas.
Response: The removal of geofencing has fueled arguments for stricter bans, with some lawmakers and officials citing it as evidence of DJI’s potential threat to national security.
7. Industry and Consumer Impact
Market Dominance: DJI controls over 70% of the U.S. drone market, making bans disruptive for consumers and industries. Alternatives like Skydio and Autel Robotics exist, but they are often more expensive or less capable.
Innovation: Bans could stifle innovation, as DJI has been a leader in drone technology. However, some argue that bans could encourage U.S. companies to develop competitive alternatives.
Public Safety: Agencies like fire departments and search-and-rescue teams rely on DJI drones, and bans could hinder their operations, potentially endangering lives."
The last administration was hell-bent on banning DJI drones from being sold in the USA, and that could potentially extend to other DJI products like this power unit, since one of it's intended functions is fast-charging drone batteries. It is unknown if the ban might directly or indirectly prevent DJI from fulfilling warranty obligations, so if any of these things are cause for concern, you might want to consider a different brand. I already have DJI drones and accessories so I'm already invested in their ecosystem. Somebody who isn't might be better off waiting or choosing something else.
"1. Countering CCP Drones Act
Overview: The Countering CCP Drones Act is a legislative proposal aimed at restricting DJI drones in the U.S. by adding DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. This would prevent new DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure, effectively banning their sale and use for new models.
Status: The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2024 with bipartisan support. It is currently under consideration in the Senate, where it could be included in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). If enacted, it would block future DJI drone sales but would not affect drones already in use.
Concerns: Proponents cite national security risks, alleging that DJI drones could transmit sensitive data to the Chinese government. Critics, including DJI and drone operators, argue that the claims are unsubstantiated and that the ban would harm industries reliant on DJI technology, such as agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure inspection.
2. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Customs Hold
Overview: In October 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began blocking imports of some DJI drones under the UFLPA, which aims to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering the U.S. The hold was based on concerns that DJI products might be linked to forced labor practices in China’s Xinjiang region.
DJI’s Response: DJI refuted these claims, stating that it has no manufacturing facilities in Xinjiang and complies with international labor standards. The company is working with CBP to resolve the issue, but the customs hold has caused delays in product availability, particularly for models like the Air 3S.
Impact: Commercial users have expressed concerns about supply chain disruptions, as no U.S.-made alternatives currently match DJI’s performance and price range.
3. Commerce Department Blacklist
Overview: DJI was added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List in December 2020, restricting its access to U.S. technologies due to alleged ties to human rights abuses and the Chinese military. This blacklist does not ban sales outright but limits DJI’s supply chain and product development capabilities.
Implications: While consumers can still purchase DJI products, the blacklist has led to increased scrutiny and challenges for DJI in maintaining its market dominance.
4. Department of Defense (DoD) Blacklist
Overview: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has blacklisted DJI, citing it as a “Chinese military company” posing potential national security threats. This blacklist, formalized in 2022, prohibits DoD personnel from using DJI drones and extends to other federal agencies in some cases.
Impact: Federal agencies and contractors are barred from using DJI drones, leading to operational disruptions for entities like public safety agencies that rely on DJI technology.
5. State-Level Bans
Examples: States like Florida and Arkansas have imposed bans on DJI drones for state agency use, following federal guidelines. These bans have led to significant financial losses, as agencies must replace DJI fleets with more expensive, less capable alternatives.
Impact: Public safety agencies, such as police and fire departments, have faced challenges, with Florida estimating a $200 million cost to replace grounded DJI drones.
6. Geofencing Removal and Security Concerns
Recent Developments: In January 2025, posts on X reported that DJI removed geofencing from its drones, allowing them to fly over restricted U.S. airspace. This change has heightened security concerns, as it could enable unauthorized flights over sensitive areas.
Response: The removal of geofencing has fueled arguments for stricter bans, with some lawmakers and officials citing it as evidence of DJI’s potential threat to national security.
7. Industry and Consumer Impact
Market Dominance: DJI controls over 70% of the U.S. drone market, making bans disruptive for consumers and industries. Alternatives like Skydio and Autel Robotics exist, but they are often more expensive or less capable.
Innovation: Bans could stifle innovation, as DJI has been a leader in drone technology. However, some argue that bans could encourage U.S. companies to develop competitive alternatives.
Public Safety: Agencies like fire departments and search-and-rescue teams rely on DJI drones, and bans could hinder their operations, potentially endangering lives."