10 Best Car Battery Chargers

If you want to ensure that your car’s battery lasts a long time and reliably, and starts the engine in any of the most difficult climatic conditions, then it is important to maintain the battery in a timely manner. A car charger (CA) is a device that recharges batteries as the unit's capacity decreases. The result is a confident start of the car engine even after a long period of inactivity in subzero temperatures.

Below we will take a closer look, and then consider the TOP of the best chargers! But if you already know everything, check out the prices on Yandex Market, this will help you finally make your choice.

Types of existing chargers

There are many chargers for batteries available in retail sales from various manufacturers of the corresponding equipment. It is quite difficult for an unprepared buyer to figure it out on his own and choose the optimal sample for all the main parameters.

In fact, all commercially available car battery chargers are divided into 2 main subgroups:

1) Chargers. They are typically used to gradually charge car batteries, a process that continues over several hours.

For reference! Modern models are equipped with a special protective shutdown system. It is triggered when the battery is fully charged, as well as in the event of a short circuit in the plates.

2) Starter chargers. A distinctive feature of such devices is the ability to deliver short-term high-power current. As a rule, the starting current value is calculated so as to start the car using the energy of an additional external source.

There are also special starting devices that allow you to start the engine from a completely dead battery. These devices are step-down transformers with electric current rectifiers. The transformer provides a reduction in voltage from an external power source to the operating parameters of the vehicle. The discharge is directed directly to the terminals of the battery installed on the machine. After starting the car, the device must be disconnected, and the dead battery is recharged while the internal combustion engine itself is running, in which case the generator acts as the energy source.

Battery charging requirements

Before carrying out the procedure for making a homemade battery charger, you must pay attention to the following requirements:

1. Providing a stable voltage of 14.4 V.
2. Device autonomy. This means that a homemade device should not require supervision, since the battery is often charged at night.
3. Ensuring that the charger turns off when the charging current or voltage increases.
4. Reverse polarity protection. If the device is connected to the battery incorrectly, the protection should be triggered. For implementation, a fuse is included in the circuit.

Polarity reversal is a dangerous process, as a result of which the battery may explode or boil. If the battery is in good condition and only slightly discharged, then if the charger is connected incorrectly, the charging current will increase above the rated one. If the battery is discharged, then when the polarity is reversed, an increase in voltage above the set value is observed and, as a result, the electrolyte boils.

Which charger should you choose?

In order not to make a mistake with the choice and purchase the best charger for a car battery, you need to decide what type of device the buyer needs. Of course, experts recommend using charging and starting models. They have compact dimensions, are highly reliable and efficient, and also allow, in case of urgent need, to start the engine without waiting to reach 100% charge.

Expert opinion

Evgeniy Semyonovich Adulaev

Expert in testing automobile accessories, specialist in the selection of auto parts.

The service life of your battery depends on the charger, so it is advisable to choose equipment from trusted manufacturers. Top brands usually use high-quality boards and capacitors in their products. Which in turn gives the quality of the device itself, as well as safety for the battery.

The correct choice of place of purchase plays a decisive role in the process of selecting and purchasing the optimal sample. Preference should be given to specialized stores or reliable, trusted suppliers with an excellent reputation and solid practical experience in trading such equipment.

We regularly purchase equipment for tests, and we can recommend a trusted online store with a large assortment of car chargers and other accessories. They always have a large selection, low prices and fast delivery.

Also (at the end of this article), you can read reviews from motorists who have previously used chargers from this rating, which will give you insight when choosing and purchasing equipment.

What other charger options are there for batteries?

Let's consider a few more options for independent battery chargers.

Using a laptop charger for the battery

One of the simplest and fastest ways to revive a dead battery. To implement the scheme for reviving the battery using charging from a laptop, you will need:

1. Charger for any laptop. The charger parameters are 19 V and the current is about 5 A.
2. Halogen lamp with a power of 90 W.
3. Connecting wires with clamps.

Let's move on to the implementation of the scheme. The light bulb is used to limit the current to an optimal value. You can use a resistor instead of a light bulb.

A laptop charger can also be used to “revive” a car battery.

Assembling such a scheme is not difficult. If you do not plan to use the laptop charger for its intended purpose, you can cut off the plug and then connect the clamps to the wires. First, use a multimeter to determine the polarity. The light bulb is connected to a circuit that goes to the positive terminal of the battery. The negative terminal from the battery is connected directly. Only after connecting the device to the battery can voltage be supplied to the power supply.

DIY charger from a microwave oven or similar devices

Using the transformer block, which is located inside the microwave, you can make a charger for the battery.

Step-by-step instructions for making a homemade charger from a transformer block from a microwave are presented below.

1. You need to remove the transformer unit from the microwave.
2. Remove the secondary winding and then replace it with an insulated wire with a cross-section of over 2 mm2.
3. Decide on the required number of turns that need to be made using an insulated wire. The required value can be determined experimentally. To do this, you need to wind 10 turns, and then measure the output voltage. For example, if its value is 2 V, then to achieve 14.5 V you will need to make about 70 turns. The output voltage will depend on the cross-section of the wire used.

   The winding is removed from the transformer block of the microwave oven

4. To implement the circuit, you will need a diode bridge and a powerful capacitor.
5. If desired, you can include an ammeter in the circuit, which will show the current.

Connection diagram of a transformer block, diode bridge and capacitor to a car battery

The device can be assembled on any base. It is important that all structural elements are reliably protected. If necessary, the circuit can be supplemented with a switch, as well as a voltmeter.

Transformerless charger

If the search for a transformer has led to a dead end, then you can use the simplest circuit without step-down devices. Below is a diagram that allows you to implement a charger for a battery without using voltage transformers.

Electrical circuit of the charger without using a voltage transformer

The role of transformers is performed by capacitors, which are designed for a voltage of 250V. The circuit should include at least 4 capacitors, placing them in parallel. A resistor and an LED are connected in parallel to the capacitors. The role of the resistor is to dampen the residual voltage after disconnecting the device from the network.

The circuit also includes a diode bridge designed to operate with currents up to 6A. The bridge is included in the circuit after the capacitors, and the wires going to the battery for charging are connected to its terminals.

Review of car chargers

The vast majority of commercially available types of car chargers can easily cope with the task of bringing the battery capacity to normal, which requires less than half a day. These devices are capable of restoring the original characteristics of a completely discharged battery.

The range of specimens currently in existence is impressive. Users are presented with:

• domestic samples from various manufacturers;
• Chinese products, where, along with professional models, there are a lot of counterfeit products, “chargers” that do not meet any standards and quality requirements;
• imported European, American, Korean or Japanese models.

How is the rating of chargers for car batteries formed? - The main parameter is price - quality. Otherwise, it is obvious that the best car charger

– this device is reliable, efficient, economical and safe to use.

The rating presented below will help you compare different samples and understand which charger to choose.

Why do you need charging?

Lead-acid batteries are distinguished by their “oakiness” and operational endurance, which is why they remain indestructible in vehicles. The reason is the simplicity of electrochemical processes in a lead-acid battery. To monitor its current state, in most cases it is enough to know the voltage of the entire battery without breaking it down into banks. But overcharging a lead-acid battery can cause the electrolyte in it to boil. This is very dangerous when the car is moving, so the battery in the on-board network is chronically undercharged. Constant undercharging leads to premature sulfation of the plates and a decrease in battery life. The situation is aggravated in the cold season, even if the garage or parking lot is heated, because... They are not heated to room temperature. If, in between trips, you recharge the battery to the maximum, how much energy it can accept at a given outside temperature, then the “Akumych” will live well and for a long time even in harsh conditions. The battery charger provides recharging for the battery, but that’s not all. A properly constructed charger also produces a desulfating effect. If in winter you remove the battery every day at night and put it on recharge, it can withstand the number of charge-discharge cycles 1.5-2 times compared to that prescribed in the specifications based on a typical operating mode. Also, charging with desulfation can sometimes save a battery that has been “dead,” for example, when trying to start a car in the cold. And finally, the capacity of an unused battery drops by 15-30% per month due to self-discharge. If during this time you put the battery under current from charging (see below), then the battery will always be fresh. And, by the way, putting an unused battery into maintenance also reduces sulfation of the plates.

TOP 10 best chargers for car batteries

1 place. Bosch C3 - ideal for most passenger cars

The test of car chargers reveals a very simple, easy-to-use and quite effective device developed by the leading German auto concern BOSCH. This model is undoubtedly the best choice for the vast majority of conventional batteries, acid-base and gel.

For ease of control, there are 4 fully automated operating modes that allow you to restore the charge of batteries of different capacities (maximum 140 Ah).

A distinctive feature of the model is not only ease of control, an intuitive interface, but also high power. Built-in automated safety systems allow you to promptly warn the car owner about an error when connecting the terminals, protecting against possible short circuits, fires, etc.

The Bosch car charger is currently deservedly considered the best choice not only in terms of cost, but most importantly - the highest reliability and reliability.

2nd place. Bosch C7 – practicality, versatility, advanced functionality

It is not surprising that the second number in our rating is car battery charging, from the same BOSCH line. This product is ideal for any category of battery used as a power source for cars and motorcycles - from high-tech gel batteries to traditional lead-acid batteries.

The innovative starting charger for a car battery also uses fixed operating modes. But here there are not 4 of them, but 6 at once:

• you can charge 1 battery with a starting current of up to 7A;
• a special mode that allows you to increase the battery capacity when operating in difficult winter conditions;
• the ability to restore the original characteristics of a completely discharged battery (pulse currents are used);
• charging truck batteries;
• support for battery power, as well as support for car power without a battery;
• increasing capacity, which is important and necessary if the machine is operated at subzero temperatures.

The price of an automatic charger for a car battery of this model is not much higher than the previous model.

3rd place. Domestic product - "Orion Vympel - 37"

The Orion car battery charger (pre-start) is one of the best domestic devices. Correct and timely application can ensure sufficiently efficient and high-quality charging of car and motorcycle batteries, working in the following conditions:

• Charging acid 12-volt batteries.
• High voltage mode, which provides more intensive charging of batteries.
• Restoring the capacity of gel and AGM batteries.
• Ability to charge other types of devices. Here preference should be given to the operating mode with a 16-volt voltage.

The charger is pulsed and has a compact size, made of high-quality impact-resistant plastic. The rectangular body houses the electronic filling and the instruments necessary for monitoring and controlling the process. A digital display located on the front panel informs the user about the status of the charging process and shows all the main operating parameters - I, U, charge level.

Control is carried out using a relay regulator that sets the amount of charge current.

Motorists especially appreciated and noted the ease of use of the device without additional settings. There is no need to understand and set any parameters manually. All you need to do is to correctly connect the terminals to the discharged battery and select the operating mode - automatic.

The beneficial advantages of this model also include the presence of a program that protects against overheating, as well as against incorrect identification of “+” “-” terminals (choice of polarity).

4th place. A simpler one is “Orion Vympel - 32”

The top ten best devices deservedly include this domestic model - a charger for the Vympel 32 car battery. This pre-start equipment, entirely made from Russian components at an enterprise located in the Russian Federation, is an inexpensive, compact device. It can operate both from a household AC 220V electrical network and from a 12-volt automobile voltage. A convenient control knob allows you to set the required charge current parameters, and the scale arrow will accurately indicate the parameter value up to 20 amperes inclusive. All device protection parameters are also provided by the manufacturer, and shutdown occurs automatically immediately after the battery charging process is completed.

Another distinctive feature of the model is the ability to operate in a wide temperature range. The device is effective at ambient temperatures ranging from - 10°C to + 40°C. Moreover, if the upper threshold approaches, the built-in fan automatically turns on, which cools the internal parts of the charger.

The affordable price of a car charger, minimal noise level during operation, as well as the ability to connect power tools, make this model especially popular with a wide range of motorists.

The only warning for owners: you must treat the device body with care and avoid hitting it. Plastic, although it has a certain margin of strength to mechanical loads, however, at low temperatures it becomes brittle to a certain extent.

5th place. TESLA charger – 40080

If you need to buy a good charger for a car battery, pay attention to this model of the device. The charger, compared to the models presented above, has slightly larger overall dimensions, but is multifunctional. Using this charger, you can “recharge” (restore the capacity of a completely dead battery) at any time from motorcycles to heavy-duty equipment, as well as motor boats, boats and even lawn mowers.

The only requirement that must be met for efficient and trouble-free operation of a pulse charger for a car battery is the capacity parameters of the batteries planned for recharging. The capacity here should be within the range of 20 – 180 Ah. In this case, the charging current can reach 8A.

The manufacturer has provided the possibility of stationary installation of the device in a special box or garage: to ensure installation of the device to the wall, the delivery set includes special strong mounts. The charger case is reliably protected from shock, external mechanical influence, and is also able to work effectively in conditions of high humidity.

Compared to numerous similar devices, TESLA is cheaper.

6th place. FUBAG MICRO 160/12

This charger is ideal for those users who value simplicity, reliability and efficiency, as well as the compact size of the charger. Using a highly efficient device allows you to charge batteries up to 160 Ah. Accordingly, the service scope includes all batteries installed on heavy and special equipment (tractors, trucks, cranes, excavators, etc.).

The model's operation is fully automated. 9 fixed operating modes, and also endowed the device with signs of intelligence. The device independently, based on the collected data and testing of the device, selects the optimal battery charging mode. Human participation in the operation of such equipment is not required. In addition, there are control information indicators (LED) on the device body. Reliable overcharge protection is provided.

The main advantages of this charger include:

• compact dimensions;
• small weight of the device;
• the ability to be used as a “charger” for any type of battery used as an energy source in cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers, snow removal units, etc.;
• the presence of a special operating mode that allows you to restore capacity;
• ease of management and operation;
• affordable price.

The only drawback that experts note is that the wires are quite rigid for connecting to the battery terminals (this is especially true when working in subzero temperatures).

7th place. WESTER CH 15

The model is distinguished by its design. Stylish, impressive, professional. This charger is characterized by precise, flawless operation. And its owner can fully appreciate the quality, while simultaneously receiving a lot of positive emotions. Restoring the charge using this device is allowed on any type of battery, if its capacity does not exceed the limits of 25 - 105 Ah. Any makes and models of domestic and foreign cars, crossovers, motorcycles, snowmobiles, garden equipment.

For user convenience, the charger design has 2 modes.

• The first one is standard;
• The second is accelerated.

Everything that is necessary to monitor and manage the process is displayed on the front panel. Built-in protection against reverse polarity and overheating. Automatic disconnection from the network as soon as the optimal battery charge level is reached is a “rule of good manners”, mandatory for a device classified as a professional one.

There is a convenient plastic handle for carrying the device, and the wires can be easily and quickly stored in a special compartment.

8th place. Kedr-Auto

It is gratifying that another product developed and produced at a Russian enterprise was included in the TOP 10 best memory devices. The Kedr-Auto charger, despite its excellent build quality and advanced functionality, is quite inexpensive. At the same time, the device even has access to accelerated battery charging, and if it is necessary to carry out an inspection, you can turn on the desulfation mode.

Operating the device is not difficult; an inexperienced user will figure out how and what needs to be attached and connected the first time. The manufacturer has provided the ability to operate in the following modes:

• autonomous;
• launcher;
• cyclical.

The only visible disadvantage of this device is the inability to regulate the current value. If the task is to purchase a good charger and spend a minimum of money, this model will be the best choice.

9th place. Charger Ctek M 300

When deciding which car charger to buy, pay attention to the Swedish-made charger Ctek M 300. This unit, included in the category of professional equipment, is characterized by high reliability and versatility. The device is completely protected; no galvanic current is generated during operation, which ensures 100% safety when in contact with metal parts of the car body. Charging occurs with a minimum noise level, and if it is necessary to ensure noiselessness, switching to night mode is provided. An important advantage of the model is a fully automated battery recharging program. This allows for energy regeneration even if the battery discharge has reached critically low levels.

Scope of application: lead-acid batteries with a maximum capacity of up to 150 Ah. Current limits are 25A. The model has the highest degree of protection IP44, which allows you to work outdoors in almost any weather.

10th place. Goodyear CH - 4A

The Goodyear car charger is innovative equipment; the most advanced technologies have been introduced and effectively used here. Using the device, you can easily and quickly, and most importantly, effectively charge power supplies for automobile and motorcycle equipment. The model provides a complex multi-stage charging system for both voltage and current. This approach makes it possible to completely restore the battery and guarantee a full charge of the batteries. To control the current process, there is an LCD display on the device body, which displays all the main parameters.

The disadvantage of such a device will be its high cost.

To make the right decision and answer the question - which car charger is better to choose?

It is better to turn to specialists who know how the memory is structured, how it works, which functions are basic, mandatory, and which are auxiliary. Often, for an unprepared motorist, the determining factors are not the technical characteristics, but the appearance of the product, its price, and also the brand of the manufacturer.

Of course, no one denies that Bosch technology and equipment is a guarantee of reliability, efficiency and impeccability. But choosing a car charger based only on these parameters is the wrong approach.

Features of battery operation

Not all drivers know that lead-acid batteries are used in cars. Such batteries are distinguished by their endurance, so they can last up to 5 years.

To charge lead-acid batteries, a current equal to 10% of the total battery capacity is used. This means that to charge a battery with a capacity of 55 A/h, a charging current of 5.5 A is required. If a very high current is applied, this can lead to boiling of the electrolyte, which, in turn, will lead to a decrease in service life devices. A small charging current does not extend the life of the battery, but it does not have a negative impact on the integrity of the device.

This is interesting! When a current of 25 A is supplied, the battery is quickly recharged, so within 5-10 minutes after connecting a charger with this rating, you can start the engine. Such a high current is produced by modern inverter chargers, but it negatively affects the battery life.

When charging the battery, the charging current flows back to the working one. The voltage for each can should not be higher than 2.7 V. A 12 V battery has 6 cans that are not connected to each other. Depending on the battery voltage, the number of cells differs, as well as the required voltage for each cell. If the voltage is higher, this will lead to a process of decomposition of the electrolyte and plates, which contributes to the failure of the battery. To prevent the electrolyte from boiling, the voltage is limited to 0.1 V.

The battery is considered discharged if, when connecting a voltmeter or multimeter, the devices show a voltage of 11.9-12.1 V. Such a battery should be recharged immediately. A charged battery has a voltage at the terminals of 12.5-12.7 V.

Example of voltage at the terminals of a charged battery

The charging process is the restoration of spent capacity. Charging batteries can be done in two ways:

1. Direct current . In this case, the charging current is regulated, the value of which is 10% of the device capacity. Charging time is 10 hours. The charging voltage varies from 13.8 V to 12.8 V for the entire charging duration. The disadvantage of this method is that it is necessary to control the charging process and turn off the charger in time before the electrolyte boils. This method is gentle on the batteries and has a neutral effect on their service life. To implement this method, transformer chargers are used.
2. Constant pressure . In this case, a voltage of 14.4 V is supplied to the battery terminals, and the current changes from higher to lower values ​​automatically. Moreover, this change in current depends on such a parameter as time. The longer the battery is charged, the lower the current becomes. The battery will not be able to be recharged unless you forget to turn off the device and leave it for several days. The advantage of this method is that after 5-7 hours the battery will be charged by 90-95%. The battery can also be left unattended, which is why this method is popular. However, few car owners know that this charging method is “emergency”. When using it, the service life of the battery is significantly reduced. In addition, the more often you charge in this way, the faster the device will discharge.

Now even an inexperienced driver can understand that if there is no need to rush into charging the battery, then it is better to give preference to the first option (in terms of current). With accelerated charge recovery, the service life of the device is reduced, so there is a high probability that you will need to buy a new battery in the near future. Based on the above, the material will consider options for manufacturing chargers based on current and voltage. For production, you can use any available devices, which we will discuss later.

Where to buy a car charger?

Where to buy a car jump starter charger? These products are now offered by numerous stores, online companies and individual entrepreneurs. But when purchasing a product from a random seller, there is a high probability of purchasing a device that does not meet the requirements for quality and reliability (and most importantly, safety) of operation.

First of all, it is best to visit Yandex Market, where it is convenient to compare products, you can read customer reviews and sort car chargers at the best prices

We also selected trusted online stores with optimal prices and a good selection of car chargers.

AvtoALL online store - Huge selection of chargers

Online store Dvizhkom - Best prices for chargers

These stores provide:

— a wide selection of car starting chargers;

— ideal quality of each sample;

— the ability to select a product taking into account the best price-quality ratio;

— flexible pricing system;

— efficiency of order fulfillment;

— reliable and safe delivery of equipment to the customer’s address.

If you want to be guaranteed to buy a good charger for a car battery, contact the professionals!

We have collected for you objective reviews of car chargers from buyers, motorists and our readers.

How to choose the right option?

1. Determine the type of device required. There are chargers and starting chargers. The former can charge a dead battery, and the latter can not only charge, but also start the engine by supplying maximum current in a short time.
2. Determine the device type. There are pulse and transformer models. Transformer ones are a little outdated, large in size and weight, but at the same time reliable. Pulse - compact modern. Pulse “chargers” of Chinese origin may be of poor quality. Choose a trusted manufacturer.
3. Determine the battery type. Look at your vehicle's battery passport. There are three main types - WET, AGM, GEL. Any charger is suitable for WET, but compatibility with AGM and GEL must be checked when purchasing.
4. Determine battery voltage . It can be 6, 12 and 24 volts. This parameter is indicated in the passport. The voltage supplied by the charger must match the battery voltage.
5. Determine the charge current . In the specifications you will find indicators of the maximum and minimum charge current. Battery manufacturers recommend charging them with a current equal to 1/10 of the battery capacity. That is, if the battery capacity is 55 Ampere*hour, then the charge should be 5.5 Ampere*hour. If the battery is maintenance-free, then the indicator is 1/20 of the capacity due to the increased risk of gas formation.
6. Desulfation mode . Under unfavorable conditions (for example, in the heat), sulfuric acid sulfates form on the battery plates, due to which the battery capacity drops significantly. If the charger operates in desulfuration mode, then in a few days it can completely restore the battery.

Reviews for car chargers

Review 1

To equip my garage with the latest technology, a year ago I bought and installed an intelligent charger for a WESTER CH 15 car battery. I initially liked the model both in design and functionality. And when I found out at what a good price it was being sold, there was no doubt left.

I was pleased with the choice. The quality of work is impeccable!

Andrey.

Review 2

I bought a compact and inexpensive Orion-Vympel 32 at the beginning of winter last year. As soon as severe frosts set in and the battery began to have difficulty cranking the starter, I removed the battery over the weekend and charged it at home. On Monday morning the car started up like new!

Dmitriy.

Review 3

This morning my neighbor's car wouldn't start. I offered him my Bosh C7 starter and charger - Cool device!!! We plugged it in, stood there for a while, had a smoke (7-8 minutes) and started it up with a bang.

Victor.

Review 4

My battery has finally become unusable. But I still hope to go this summer. I bought a Caliber charger and connected it to the battery, hoping to accumulate some capacity. But the device cannot be fooled; charging continued for only 20-30 seconds, and then the automation switched to charge saving mode. Apparently it's time to change the battery, but the charger works well!

Alexei.

Review 5

I have been using the Ctek M 300 charger for 2 winters already. I am completely satisfied with the device. For the winter, I select the support mode and put the battery on charge at night. In the morning 100% capacity! There are no problems starting the car in cold weather.

Maksim.

Review 6

Last year I bought a FUBAG MICRO. Extended battery life over the course of a year. A wonderful machine gun. Paid for itself many times over.

Vlad.

Review 7

Kedr-Auto is the optimal device for charging the battery. Of course, it does not shine with style and design, but it does its job properly. Simple and clear, you don’t need to do anything fancy, everything is done automatically. And the price is minimal!

Oleg.

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Dmitry Seregin December 28, 2018

Published in: Useful tips and car devices

Tags: Chargers

How to properly charge a car battery?

Charging the battery requires strict adherence to safety precautions.

1. The process should take place in a well-ventilated non-residential area, such as a garage. When charging, gases are released; if they accumulate in one place, there is a risk of explosion.
2. Do not use fire or smoke near the charger.
3. The device is connected first to the battery and then to the network.
4. The black wire is connected to the negative, and the red to the positive.
5. Using a current of 1/10th the battery capacity, charging to 100% will take approximately 15 hours.
6. Do not leave the device unattended.