The Best Car Battery Chargers in 2022

Almost every motorist faced such a problem as the discharge of a car battery. This phenomenon leads to the inability to start the engine. Unfortunately, most drivers remember the state of the battery too late, when it is already completely discharged.

In order to remedy the situation, it is necessary to use a special charger that can restore battery performance. The presence of such a device is especially important in winter, when battery performance deteriorates significantly.

How to choose the right car battery charger?

The main patterns of selecting a charger depending on the battery.

Cars can be equipped with two types of batteries, and each type requires a different approach when charging.

1. The most popular battery models in passenger cars are acid (lead) devices.These current sources require constant systematic recharging.
2. Less common are alkaline batteries, which are made on the basis of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-Mh), lithium-ion (Li-On) and nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) plates. New alkaline batteries use a full three-time charge and discharge cycle to charge.

All chargers work on the same principle: devices lower the mains voltage, which is 220 volts, to the level of a 12-volt battery.

Types of chargers for charging batteries.

In terms of functionality, two main types of devices for charging a battery should be distinguished.

1. A charger intended only for restoring battery capacity. The device is connected to the battery using long wires, which allows charging directly on the car.
2. Chargers capable of operating in several modes:
   • restoration of battery capacity similar to chargers;
   • starting the engine with a fully discharged battery.

When connecting the charger to charge the battery, you must disconnect the power source from the on-board network.

Currently, various modifications of devices for charging car batteries are being produced. The choice of a particular model directly depends on the qualifications of the motorist.

For beginners, an automatic charger is better suited. The principle of operation of such a device is to automatically control the charging cycle. As soon as the battery capacity is restored to 100%, the device will turn itself off. In the future, automation will turn on the device to maintain a full charge of the battery. The five-stage charger independently performs the following actions:

Chargers, which are based on 5 basic stages of charging a car battery, work as follows:

• charges up to the 80% mark;
• produces 100% step-down charge;
• carries out preventive maintenance of the charge level within 95-100%;
• eliminates such a defect in the battery as sulfation of the plates due to the pulsed mode;
• does battery diagnostics.

The device, working on the principle of eight stages, functions as follows:

• removes the consequences of the sulfation process by the charge-discharge method;
• checks the performance of the battery;
• charges the battery up to 80% capacity;
• subsequent charging with decreasing current up to 100%;
• checks the ability of the battery to hold a charge;
• eliminates electrolyte stratification at maximum battery charge;
• maintains the capacity of the battery at the upper limit of capacity;
• performs preventive charging at around 95-100%.

Multifunctional stationary converters allow you to serve all types of batteries (acid, traction, alkaline), and can also be used as uninterruptible power supplies in a 220-volt home network.

What you need to know when buying a charger?

A car enthusiast who wants to purchase a charger must answer a few questions for himself. They will narrow the range of electrical appliances and simplify the selection procedure.

1. First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the car battery that will be serviced. The charger must provide a current of at least 10% of the battery capacity at an output voltage of 12 volts.
2. Next, you need to determine the price range that will suit the car owner.
3. An important issue when choosing a device for charging is the operation of the car in winter. If the car rarely leaves the garage in cold weather, a simple charger is enough. If you need to travel daily, it is better to consider purchasing a more powerful charger.
4. When the question arises of how to choose a particular charger for a car, you should get acquainted with the Boost function. When you turn on this mode in frosty weather, the battery is charged within a few minutes. After that, you can start the engine of the car.
5. Which charger manufacturer should you choose? For simple battery charging, inexpensive models of domestic or Chinese production are suitable. If the device will be actively used, then it is better to purchase a charger from a well-known manufacturer.

The importance of technical parameters when choosing a charger.

When choosing a charger for a car battery, you should pay attention to the following technical parameters of the device.

• The current of the charger must be sufficient to fully restore the capacity of the battery. The maximum current is set at 10% of the full battery capacity. So, to charge a battery with a capacity of 55 amperes per hour, a current of 5.5 amperes is set on the device.
• For experienced motorists, a charger with the ability to adjust the voltage and current strength is suitable. Switches can be with a smooth change of setting or discrete. The regulator, smoothly changing the parameters of the current, allows you to accurately set the required parameters. Thanks to this option, it will be possible to most effectively restore the battery by increasing or decreasing the current strength.
• The output voltage of the charger must match the parameters of the battery and the car's on-board network. Most cars and vans have a 12 volt mains voltage. Trucks require a 24 volt charger.
• Some devices have multiple charging stages. Thanks to the combined devices, it is possible to fully restore the battery capacity. In a simple three-stage mode, this happens:
  1. DC charging;
  2. constant voltage charging;
  3. keeping the battery charged.
• The charging stand must operate over a wide temperature range. This is especially important if you have to charge the battery in an unheated garage in winter.
• Automatic control of the device will simplify the task for novice motorists. It is enough to connect the positive wire of the charger to a similar terminal on the battery, and connect the negative wire to the "-" terminal, and the charger can be turned on. Automation will independently select the battery recovery mode and turn off in time after a full charge.

Video tips for choosing a charger:

Which manufacturers of car battery chargers have proven themselves in the market?

Motorists today are offered many models of chargers. How to choose a battery charger from the whole mass of different devices?

The modern automotive market offers motorists both domestic developments and products of world leaders. Among the most popular manufacturers among Russian motorists are the following companies.

• Aiken produces a wide range of electrical appliances, including devices for charging car batteries. The cost of the charger from "Aiken" MCB12M ranges from 1900-2000 rubles. Model MCB18M is estimated at 2500-2600 rubles.
• The well-known Italian manufacturer of welding machines and chargers "Telwin" offers products of the highest quality. The simplest units (Alpine 18 Boost and Speed ​​Start 1212) can be purchased for 2500-2700 rubles. For professional use, the Computer 48/2 ProF and DYNAMIC 620 Start models are recommended for 11-13.5 thousand rubles.
• The Russian company Caliber manufactures several devices for battery maintenance. For motorists, the ZU-100 device is offered, which is available at a cost of 1700-1800 rubles and is effective in use. The modification of PZU-2.0/12.0C will be of interest to car service workers. The cost of this charger is 6.5-6.6 thousand rubles.
• Battery chargers from Latvia under the Resanta brand are equipped with a battery, so you can start the car engine away from a power source. The cost of the PU-1 model is 2300 rubles. The PU-2 device with a large input current (400 amperes), equipped with a flashlight, a USB connector and a compressor is sold at a price of 3600-3800 rubles.
• Inexpensive charging units are offered by Sorokin. The Sorokin 12.92 model has a small current (2 amperes), which will be enough to charge a battery with a capacity of 40 amperes per hour. You can buy such a device for only 970-1000 rubles.

How to make a do-it-yourself car battery charger?

You can make a simple device for charging a car battery with your own hands. This option is suitable for those motorists who know how to use a soldering iron and understand electrical circuits. To create a portable compact device, you will need the following components:

• step-down transformer with a power of 15-20 watts;
• diode bridge, consisting of 4 elements (1 ampere, 30 volts);
• capacitors;
• resistors;
• circuit breakers;
• voltmeter (0-25 volts);
• ammeter (0-10 amperes);
• switches;
• case made of plastic or metal;
• LEDs for lighting and signaling.

They must be connected according to the diagram above, and then you get a compact charger for a car battery.

Video experience and recommendations for making the device yourself:

Basic rules for operating the device.

Any charger requires minimal maintenance from the owner, as well as compliance with the basic rules of operation. With the right approach, both domestic and Chinese devices will work for a long time. Like any tool, the charger should have its place in the inventory in the garage or home, where dust, dirt and moisture do not penetrate.
The main recommendations for using the charger are as follows:

• before turning on the device, inspect the ventilation holes to prevent overheating of the charger;
• the current parameters in the garage network must correspond to the technical characteristics of the charger.
• before connecting the charger to the battery, it is necessary to clean the battery leads and terminals of the device;
• when connecting the charger to the battery, it is important to observe the polarity: the positive wire of the device is connected to the "+" terminal of the battery, and the negative terminal is attached to the "-" terminal;
• in the process of charging the battery, it is forbidden to disconnect the terminals of the charger from the battery terminals;
• when the charger is on, the car engine cannot be started;
• after the battery capacity is fully restored, the charger is first turned off, and then the wires are disconnected.

The best automatic chargers

This is an improved modification of the car charger, which differs from other types of chargers by a high level of automation. The functionality of such devices makes it possible to use them for different types of batteries, connect them to generators, implement special modes and set the most appropriate operating parameters. The negative side of automatic chargers is their high cost, and therefore car owners do not always want to overpay for the functionality mentioned before.

Automatic chargers are often needed when operating non-traditional batteries that conventional chargers cannot fit. Most car owners prefer automatic memory, which does not require manual adjustment.

Such solutions will be an excellent option for beginners who are not yet sufficiently versed in equipment, and therefore are afraid to damage the battery through incorrectly set current parameters.

GYS GYSflash 50.12HF

 

This smart charger allows you to recharge, recharge and ensure proper use of your car batteries. This device has a peak charge current of 50A and is compatible with 12-volt batteries, the capacity of which ranges from 10-600 Ah.

The device has 5 operating modes:

1. Recharging the battery with an extended charge curve.
2. Recharging a 12-volt car battery (based on liquid or gel electrolyte) during diagnostics.
3. Maintain the normal battery condition of the machine in the showroom.
4. Replenishment of the need for electricity to maintain the parameters of the machine in the process of changing the battery.
5. The operation of the charger as a stabilizer, the voltage and peak current of which can be adjusted.

• Easy to learn interface (8 languages ​​available).
• Acceptable height for placing the charger under the car.
• The restart is carried out automatically.
• Blocking in the "showroom" mode.
• Possibility of simplified charge recovery in light mode.
• Enable and adjust charging curve in expert mode.
• Run SOS recovery for sulfated batteries in automatic mode.
• It is completed with wires 2x2.5 m, the cross section of which is 10mm2.

• Not detected.

Average price: 49750 rubles.

Optimate 7 Select (TM250)

This charger can rightly be considered one of the best in the series of chargers from this company. It has a maximum charge current of 10A when compared to all other devices of the company, as well as the most versatile operating mode.

The device makes it possible to restore the charge of any type of lead-acid batteries. At the same time, the process is carried out fully automatically. The charger automatically diagnoses the battery, selects the most suitable charge mode, and then monitors the effectiveness of charge recovery. An exclusive feature of this charger is the automatic adjustment of the final charging voltage depending on the ambient temperature.

• Charge selection is automatic.
• Versatility.
• There is a power supply mode.
• desulfation mode.
• Complete battery regeneration cycle (including Ca/Ca).

• High, according to motorists, the price.

Average price: 14400 rubles.

GYS CA 360

This conventional charger makes it possible to restore 12 and 24-volt automotive batteries with both lead and liquid electrolyte.

• Charging can be done without human intervention with automatic pauses and resumes.
• Charging the battery without shutting down.
• The stop / start button is equipped with a pleasant backlight.
• Thermal protection of the transformer.
• Protection of built-in electronics.
• Reverse polarity protection - there is a 50-amp fuse in the front of the car fuse.

• Not found.

Average price: 23150 rubles.

Energy Start 15 RT

This charger is equipped with a charging current indicator. This device is suitable for recharging lead-acid batteries. The device operates in 2 charge modes:

1. Quick.
2. Normal.

The device has a body with small dimensions and light weight.

• Ability to switch the voltage of rechargeable batteries (12/24V) manually;
• Normal and fast charging of 12V and 24V batteries.
• Protection against overheating, reverse polarity and short circuit.
• High build reliability.
• Long service life.
• There is a compartment for convenient storage of cables.

• Not found.

Average price: 3400 rubles.

Aurora Sprint-10D.

Aurora SPRINT-10D is positioned by the manufacturer as a device capable of resuscitating deeply discharged batteries with a voltage of 1.5 volts or more. The driver only needs to set the voltage of his battery and connect the terminals to the battery terminals.

The charger has a microprocessor that controls charging, monitors the main parameters and provides protection against overcurrent. The output voltage can be set to 12 or 24 volts. The charging current takes a value from 2 to 6 amperes. The mass of the device is about 1.5 kilograms.

• multifunction device;
• the ability to adjust charging settings;
• the presence of a microprocessor.

• not small at all.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

The best manual chargers

The main purpose of such devices is to gradually restore the charge of a dead battery by means of a maximum current, the indicator of which does not exceed 8A. An attempt to turn the engine with a starter with a charger connected to the battery ends with a malfunction or protection activation. This is due to the fact that the starter current during start-up can exceed 100 A.

According to the parameters, such chargers differ from each other and are designed for long-term charging of a completely discharged battery or for emergency cases when it is necessary to guarantee at least the smallest battery performance.

In this category, we will consider the best manual memory devices that have the most appropriate parameters in terms of value for money. We will also briefly describe, study the characteristics, pros and cons of each device based on feedback from motorists. Such units will be an excellent solution for experienced drivers who understand the principle of battery charging.

Airline ACH-20A-15

This is a pulse type charger suitable for charging lead-acid batteries whose nominal voltage ranges from 12-16V, with the ability to adjust the charge current. This device guarantees a charge up to a voltage of 14.8, 16 and 19 V. This model makes it possible to charge batteries, the capacity of which varies between 1.2-200 Ah. The process is carried out automatically. After it is completed, the instrument can maintain the battery charge level for a long time.

• Possibility to adjust the peak charging current.
• You can select the type of battery to be charged and the desulfation mode.
• Automatic charging process.
• After charging is completed, the device maintains the battery charge level.

• Not detected.

Average price: 3300 rubles.

Vympel 57

The warranty period for this charger is 1 year. The protection class complies with the IP20 standard. Miniature dimensions and relative lightness (the model weighs 1 kg) make it possible to take the charger with you. The range of operating temperatures ranges from -10 to +40 degrees Celsius.

Since the model has an indication of power and charging, you can monitor the mentioned indicators. The length of the charger cable is 1.5 meters. The manufacturer has provided an active cooling system that turns on under heavy loads, which makes it possible to increase the operational life of the device. The capacity of the connected battery can be from 8 to 250 Ah. This model is suitable for charging acid, antimony, calcium and silver batteries, and is also compatible with alkaline and lithium batteries.

• You can adjust the voltage of both current and voltage.
• Small dimensions.
• Lightness.
• Suitable for charging various types of batteries.
• Nice backlight on the screen.

• Solid and short wires connect to the battery.

Average price: 3300 rubles.

NIKA ANTAS ZU-6/12

This is a convenient charger with extensive functionality, with which you can charge starter batteries with a capacity of 0.2 to 120 Ah. Also, the device can be used as a power source, which is suitable for various auxiliary devices. This model allows you to quickly charge the battery, while at the same time guaranteeing complete safety for the owner and the connected batteries.

It completely prevents even the slightest likelihood of overvoltage and subsequent boiling of the electrolyte. In addition, the safety of operation is guaranteed by:

• Integrated protection against incorrect connection.
• Short circuit protection.
• Protection against overloads and overheating.

Ease of operation of the device is also added by an intuitive display of all current processes by means of an indication, which differs from analogues in easy readability and simplicity.

The range of temperatures at which functioning is considered normal ranges from -25 to + 35 degrees, as well as at a relative ambient humidity not exceeding 85%.

• Compactness.
• There is a handle on the case, which allows the owner to conveniently carry the unit with one hand.
• Smooth adjustment of the charge current.

• Not identified.

Average price: 2850 rubles.

Auto electrician T-1021.

This is a pulse charger. Works in fully automatic mode. Suitable for those motorists who do not want to mess with the settings. Auto electrician T-1021 has the function of voltage and current stabilization. The value of the charging current takes on a value of up to 7.5 amperes.

• auto mode;
• stabilization function;
• you don't need to configure anything.

• lack of Boost mode;
• not at all compact.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

Sonar UZ 201.

This is a 12 volt car battery charger. The current supplied to the battery to charge it is regulated automatically. Moreover, the upper limit is 5 amperes.

• compactness;
• light weight.

• lack of Boost mode;
• small value of current strength;
• the inability to adjust the current strength.

Average price: 1500 rubles.

The best chargers

A characteristic feature of these chargers is the short supply of a high-power pulse in order to rotate the engine.Such settings are usually necessary if you need to urgently start the car and recharge the battery to the desired level.

Such devices will be an excellent solution for batteries of various capacities, the voltage of which varies within 12-24V. Starters and chargers combine the positive aspects of starters and chargers, and therefore every year they are gaining more and more popularity.

Vympel 95

This model will help to start the car motor, the voltage of which fluctuates within 12-24V, and also restore the charge level automatically. This charger is equipped with a digital LED screen and an integrated micro fan. The model has short circuit protection, and the practical handle provides comfortable carrying.

• High starting current - up to 600 A.
• Automatic charging algorithm.
• You can set the current from 8 to 75 A.
• There is a switch for charging two types of batteries.
• Overheating protection electronic type.

• Not found.

Average price: 11650 rubles.

UTRAI Jstar One

This model is a modern improved modification of the well-known Jstar Zero device. Despite its small size and lightness, this model is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 22 thousand mAh with a maximum current of 2000 A, which allows the owner to start most modern gas (up to 8 horsepower) and diesel engines (up to 6.5 horsepower). ).

When fully charged, the model will start the car about 30 times. The unit will start the vehicle even in extreme environmental conditions, for example, if the air temperature is from -20 to +75 degrees.In addition, the device is not afraid of rain, and it is also protected from dust and differs from analogues in high strength. Thanks to all these properties, this device will help the car owner even in the most extreme conditions.

Battery clamps have several protective components, including protection against polarity reversal, overcurrent, short circuit, etc. All this makes starting the motor as safe as possible. Due to the fact that there are 2 USB ports on the body of the model, one of which is version 2.0 and the other 3.0 with the Quick Charge option, it can be used to restore the energy of most modern devices, including smartphones, tablet PCs, videos and cameras.

• Small dimensions.
• High power.
• Suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
• Smart battery clip.
• Power bank option.

• Not detected.

Average price: 6600 rubles.

PATRIOT BCT-620T Start

This model is very popular in professional car services, service stations, as well as in the car parks of large companies. This starting charger makes it possible to restore the charge of lead-acid batteries, the capacity of which does not exceed 12 and 24V.

The starting current for 12-volt batteries is 410A, and for 24-volt batteries it is 550A. The body of the device is equipped with 2 large wheels for ease of movement, as well as an overall support leg for increased stability.

• Protected against overload and short circuit.
• Reverse polarity protection.
• There is a shutdown timer.
• Comfortable carrying handles.
• Large wheels for movement.

• Not found.

Average price: 14190 rubles.

Kraton JSC-250

This model is suitable for restoring the charge of batteries, the capacity of which ranges from 100-600 Ah.The device easily starts car engines, and the starting current is 250A. The isolated clips guarantee safety of interaction with the device.

• There is an ammeter.
• 2 battery recovery modes.
• Overload protection.
• Reliable and flexible wires made of copper.
• There is a practical storage compartment for wires and clamps.

• Not identified.

Average price: 13350 rubles.

Airline AJS-400-02

This model can be used to start car, snowmobile and boat engines. It will be an excellent option for winter operation, when the batteries run out quickly in sub-zero temperatures. In addition, this starter-charger is suitable for charging batteries, the voltage of which varies between 12-24V.

In 12-volt mode, the starting current is 400A, and in 24-volt mode it is 250A. Therefore, the area of ​​use of the device is not limited to cars, but also includes trucks, as well as special equipment.

If the owner has an SUV with 2 batteries, then this model is also suitable in this case. It can charge 2 batteries, the total voltage of which does not exceed 24V. The device has successfully implemented an exclusive charging technology. It is only necessary to connect the dead battery to the starting-charger for only 5-10 minutes in order to be able to start the engine.

The case has an intuitive indication of the degree of charge, so it's not scary if the user, for example, forgets to disconnect the battery from the ROM. For 1-3 hours after charging is completed, the possibility of electrolyte boiling is excluded. Another plus of this device is its high strength. The starter-charger is dressed in a reliable case made of metal, and is also equipped with a set of good wires.

Thanks to its compactness, light weight and intuitive operation, this charger stands out from the background with its comfortable use, which makes it popular among car owners.

• Great for starting internal combustion engines (cars, boats, boats, snowmobiles, snowmobiles, etc.) with a completely dead battery.
• Charges both the battery and starting the car engine.
• Integrated ammeter.
• Reliable build.
• Compactness.

• Not detected.

Average price: 17100 rubles.

What to choose anyway?

There are a huge number of charger models on the market, both imported and domestic. How to choose a charger for a car battery so that it is convenient to handle and lasts a long time? This question worries many motorists. The following can be said about this.

If a charger is needed from time to time, you should take a simple device without unnecessary functionality. For example, you will need it to charge the battery after the car is idle on vacation or before the cold weather. In this case, it is necessary to take an automatic device without any settings and switches.

If you need a charger for multiple tasks, you should take a multifunctional device. Here, the choice of options is limited only by the financial capabilities of the motorist. Those who have AGM and GEL batteries should choose special chargers for this type of batteries.