When the battery in your vehicle dies, you might consider using a fast charger to get back on the road as soon as possible. You should know how a fast charger differs from a slow or overnight charger and a rapid car battery charger before you purchase a new charger for the lead-acid battery in an internal combustion vehicle, nickel-metal hydride battery in a hybrid vehicle or lithium-ion battery in an electric vehicle. Learn more about the benefits and potential drawbacks of fast charging technology.
Benefits of Rapid Charging: For Those in a Hurry
There are three battery charging speeds: slow or overnight, rapid and fast. Slow charging takes about eight hours to charge a lead-acid battery up to 70% or 14 or 16 hours to fully charge a car battery. Rapid chargers take about three to six hours to charge the same type of battery. Fast chargers do not work with lead-acid batteries or most plug-in hybrid car batteries, but can charge some nickel cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries in less than three hours.
Fast charging options are available for full electric vehicles. A 22kW fast charger can charge an EV battery in about three to four hours. The best car battery charger for conventional lead acid car batteries is a slow charger. You can still use a rapid charger in an emergency as long as you give the battery a slow saturation charge from time to time.
Disadvantages of Fast Chargers: Degradation & Environmental Impact
In addition to limitations on use, fast chargers also have some other disadvantages. Fast charging generates heat that can shorten the operating life of batteries. Many fast and rapid chargers have temperature sensors to ensure that batteries do not become too hot while charging.
Although lead-acid batteries are designed to be recycled and most of these batteries are made of at least 80% recycled material, batteries that are not properly disposed of can have a negative environmental impact. You can eliminate this disadvantage by taking your old battery to an auto parts store or a battery recycling center.
Choose the Best Charger for Your Vehicle
It is a good idea to have a slow or overnight charger to recharge the battery in your vehicle when you are not in a hurry or to provide an occasional saturation charge. You may also want a rapid charger to use in case of emergency. If you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle, you can consider any compatible slow, rapid or fast charger. Make sure to read the Duralast battery charger manual or the manual for any other brand and model of charger to ensure that you use this tool safely and slow the degradation of batteries.
Whether your primary concern is the speed of charging or the longevity of components, you can find the right charger to meet your needs. Browse the selection of battery chargers in stock at the nearest auto parts store location or shop online with convenient options for in-store pickup or delivery.
