Battery chargers

A good charger does more than revive a flat battery: it keeps it healthy through months off the road and extends its life. This section offers automatic chargers and maintainers from ABSAAR, MOTOBATT, FULBAT, KRONOBAT and MK for 6, 12 and 24 V lead-acid, AGM, GEL and lithium batteries.

Choose by voltage, battery capacity and chemistry.

Three values that decide the right charger

• Voltage: it must match the battery or bank (6, 12 or 24 V). Many models are multi-voltage with a selector button.
• Charge current: as a practical guide, 5 % to 15 % of the Ah capacity. A 60 Ah car battery suits a 4 to 8 A charger; an 8 Ah motorcycle battery is happy with 0.8 to 1.5 A.
• Chemistry: conventional flooded, EFB, AGM, GEL and lithium (LiFePO4) each need different end voltages. A charger with dedicated profiles avoids both overcharging and undercharging.

Charge curves and stages

Modern chargers work in stages: a constant-current stage that fills most of the battery, an absorption stage at constant voltage that tops it up, and a float or maintenance stage that offsets self-discharge without harm. Some add a recovery mode for deeply discharged lead batteries and temperature compensation, handy when charging in a cold garage or in summer heat.

Lithium needs a compatible charger

Lithium batteries for motorcycles or motorhomes require their own profile, with no desulphation pulses and no equalisation voltage. Only use chargers that explicitly state LiFePO4 compatibility.

To check condition before and after charging, see our battery testers. To start right now without waiting, look at jump starters. The ABSAAR range is worth a look too.

Battery charger FAQ

Can I leave it connected all winter?

Yes, if it is an automatic charger with a maintenance mode. That is the best way to bring a motorcycle, classic car or caravan battery through to spring in good shape.

Do I need to remove the battery from the vehicle?

With an automatic charger you can usually charge it in place, but always follow the vehicle and charger manuals, especially on cars with complex electronics.

Do more amps charge better?

They charge faster, yet a current too high for the battery's capacity heats and wears it. Match the charger to the battery size.