You also have to consider what kind of battery you have: lead-acid, AGM (an advanced version of lead-acid) or lithium-ion. Some batteries are versatile enough to support multiple technologies, others not so much. You often find versatility has a direct correlation with price. There’s a distinct old-school feel to this hefty, metal-cased RAC charger with its analogue gauge. The instructions feel the same, while plugging it in results in a hot electronics smell and a vibration. Despite 12A on the box, the instructions and gauge have max output at 8A – and we saw 4A as it took 16 hours to hit 80 per cent. At least it had no trouble in the EMC tests. There are better, more modern solutions.

Charges and maintains 6V and 12V Lead-Acid batteries and 12V Lithium batteries at 100% for a long duration Key specs – Size : 16.8 x 6.5 x 3,8cm (LWH); Weight: 0.6kg; Voltage : 12V; Max current: 5A; IP rating: IP65; Crocodile clips: Yes; Eyelet connectors: Yes; Mains or portable: Mains; Battery compliant: Lead-acid/gel/Lithium+; Stop/start compliant: Yes; Maintaining: Yes; Jumpstarting: No; Operating temp: 10-40°CRapid, foolproof charging is achieved thanks to a thumping 10 Amp max charge current and dedicated charge cycles for winter usage, AGM, Gel, and Lithium battery technologies. During the test we assessed each device for its charging speed, how well the charger communicates its progress, the length of the leads as well as value for money and if any extra were included. It also goes beyond others when dealing with poorly batteries. It'll automatically charge batteries reduced to 1 volt of internal charge, while "force" mode attempts to charge batteries in even more dire states. There’s a 12-month warranty on parts and labour, though Draper is a brand associated with rigorous professional workshop quality, so you’re unlikely to experience issues with this battery charger. Its portability also makes it great for flat dwellers and other motorists without mains access near to where they park.

Scottish Highlands & Islands postcodes: AB, FK, HS, IV, KA, KW, PA, PH, ZE, LL58-LL78, IM, TR, PO30-41 The Draper 53491 BCI10 is a portable 10A smart charger that does more than just charge 6V and 12V vehicle batteries. It has the ability to activate, analyse and recondition the battery in 10-steps, making it ideal for deep discharged batteries. The charger can be connected to a Lead-Acid or Lithium battery for a long duration without the risk of overcharging. It can also be used in winter temperatures as low as -20°C. It’s easy to use and a cost-effective solution to keep batteries in good condition all year round. With many units safe to use on a battery that's connected to a car, and that are water sealed to the IP65 standard, we were able to position the charger in the weather-shielded confines of an engine bay – and with the car outside.Ring's RSC612 has been around for some years now, but that's testimony to Ring getting it right from the start and the unit being incredibly cutting edge when launched. Even now, lithium is the only modern battery technology that it doesn't support. Better still, there's a "Try" indicator, which illuminates when a battery amasses just enough energy to stand a chance of starting an engine – handy when time is tight. With up to 1200 Amps on hand (3000 Amps Peak) there are few engines this unit cannot rouse. And even smaller commercials are catered for by the unit's switchable 12 or 24 volts output. With a comprehensive array of modes, terrific build quality and intuitive functionality, the Genius10 is a bit of a, er, genius. If the price is a little bit beyond your budget, or you have a smaller vehicle, there are other NOCO Geniuses (Genii?) with lower amperage that will deliver enough for your needs.

Noco's Jump Starters are fast becoming as popular over here as they are on the other side of the Atlantic – and with their winning combination of solid performance, safety, and foolproof ease of use, it's not hard to see why. Draper's take on the compact charger may be bulky but we can forgive that because this brand new model offers a lot at a price that neatly undercuts market rivals like CTEK and NOCO. In the review, we reveal the best battery charges available today, while also sharing which device you should avoid. This is not intended to be a full statement of your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Full details of your rights are available from your Local Authority’s Trading Standards Office. How To Return A ProductA slightly leftfield model that marries many of the desirable features of compact smart chargers with foolproof older technology. That’s because a “flat battery” usually has plenty of reserve power, even it its voltage has dropped too low to power automotive components.

It can be connected to a Lead-Acid or Lithium battery for a long duration without the risk of overcharging We suspect the ultra-keen price is partly because of its old-school styling and layout. The vented case rules out usage outside, and the usually de rigueur hard-wired lead isn't included.The Draper 53491 is a powerful, reliable portable 10A smart charger that does more than just charge 6V and 12V vehicle batteries. It has the ability to activate, analyse and recondition the battery in 10-steps, making it ideal for deeply discharged batteries. The charger can be connected to a Lead-Acid or Lithium battery for a long duration without the risk of overcharging. It can also be used in winter temperatures as low as -20°C. It is easy to use and a cost-effective solution to keep batteries in good condition all year round. Features: Laser's 7652 pips Halfords' Advanced Smart Battery Charger as the best all rounder for less than fifty quid. Both models output up to 4 Amps, but the 7652's more sophisticated charge cycle gives faster charge times. A dedicated mode for winter operation (less than 5 deg C) also helps in this respect. The charger can be connected to a Lead-Acid or Lithium battery for a long duration without the risk of overcharging. It can also be used in winter temperatures as low as -20°C. It’s easy to use and a cost-effective solution to keep batteries in good condition all year round. Specifications If you’re only needing a one-off charge, then easy-snap-on crocodile clips might be better. If you’re a flat dweller or your off-street parking doesn’t have convenient access to mains power, you might need to consider a portable or solar power charger. The materials used in a battery are susceptible to degradation, and user behaviour (among other factors such as weather and age) can affect the life of the battery’s materials.