Lithium battery chargers

Why lithium needs its own charger

Lithium batteries, and LiFePO4 in particular, need a precise charge profile: constant current followed by constant voltage at the right final value, with no equalisation or desulphation phases. Lead-acid chargers can undercharge them or apply modes that are not suitable. This section offers 7 chargers designed for lithium:

• Kronobat 10AMP 14.6V and 30AMP 14.6V: for 12.8 V LiFePO4 batteries, at 10 or 30 A.
• Fulbat FLC-25.6-30: for 25.6 V (24 V class) lithium batteries.
• Fulbat FLC35.2-25: for 35.2 V packs.
• Fulbat FLC48-20 and FLC48-25: for 48 V systems.
• Fulbat FLC-51.2-20: for 51.2 V LiFePO4 packs, at 20 A.

How to choose

First, match the nominal voltage of your battery exactly. Then choose the current: as a guide, a charger delivering about 10–30 % of the capacity in amps gives a reasonable charging time. For 12 V leisure batteries see 12 V LiFePO4 lithium batteries; for other chargers, the full battery chargers section or the Fulbat batteries range.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge a lead-acid battery with these chargers?

No, they are set for lithium profiles. Use a lead-acid or multi-chemistry charger instead.

Which charger for a 100 Ah LiFePO4?

The Kronobat 14.6 V models suit 12.8 V batteries; the 30 A version charges a 100 Ah battery faster than the 10 A one.