What battery charger should I get for my lithium battery?
LiFePO4 batteries are replacing lead-acid in most deep-cycle applications. While many modern chargers work with multiple battery types, choosing one specifically for lithium ensures your battery lasts as long as possible.
If you are considering replacing a lead-acid battery in an RV with a lithium battery, you must make sure that the RV converter supports lithium. Connecting a lithium charger to the RV house battery will not be enough if it’s also wired to the RV converter. Check out this article I wrote about RV converters that support lithium batteries for more info.
Now, here is everything you need to know about picking the right charger for your lithium battery bank.
Note
This article is about battery chargers specifically for lithium batteries. If you haven’t bought a battery yet, you can check my post on the best lithium batteries for RV use.
- Best Overall: Victron Energy Blue | #Victron_Energy_Blue_Smart_Battery_Charger | The gold standard for reliability, featuring Bluetooth monitoring and a versatile “do-it-all” design for any battery type. | View on Amazon
- My Choice: LiTime 12V 20A | #LiTime_12V_20A_Lithium_Battery_Charger | A dedicated lithium workhorse, providing the speed and efficiency needed for RV and off-grid battery banks. | View on Amazon
- Budget Option: Nexpeak NC202 | #Nexpeak_NC202_Battery_Charger | Offers great value with an LCD display and 10A output, making it perfect for affordable, occasional battery maintenance. | View on Amazon
A Closer Look
Victron Energy Blue Smart Battery Charger
My Thoughts
Victron Energy is a leader in the power world for a reason. They make reliable gear and accessories, and this Blue Smart charger is one of their best “do-it-all” chargers. I find that 30 amps is the perfect sweet spot for most RV and marine setups.
Related Product: Monitor your deep-cycle lithium batteries on your phone with the ANCEL BM300 Pro (click to view on Amazon)
It is fast enough to get you back up and running quickly without being so bulky that it is hard to store. If you want a “set it and forget it” charger that actually tells you what it’s doing through your phone, this is the one to get.
Key Features
- 12V 30A Output: Powerful enough for most deep-cycle banks.
- Bluetooth App: Monitor and control charging from your phone.
- Smart Charging: Adaptive four-stage charging with temperature compensation.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with LiFePO4, AGM, GEL, and lead-acid.
- IP67 Rated: Rugged, waterproof, and fanless for silent operation.
- BMS Wake-up: Can charge a “dead” lithium battery by overriding low-voltage protection.
Buy This If You
- Want to monitor your battery health via Bluetooth.
- Need a silent, waterproof charger for harsh environments.
- Want the ability to “wake up” a lithium battery that has shut down.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Are on a tight budget and don’t need app connectivity.
- Need more than 30A for a massive battery bank.
- Need to charge 6V or 24V systems.
NOCO Genius 1 Smart Battery Charger
My Thoughts
The NOCO Genius 1 is a fantastic little “trickle” charger. While high-amp chargers are great for speed, this is the perfect tool for those who have time and want to ensure their batteries are maintained safely.
It’s versatile since it handles both 6V and 12V lithium, which isn’t always easy to find in one unit. Just keep in mind that because it’s so compact, it can get a bit warm when it’s working hard on a large 12V lithium battery.
If you like the tech but need more speed, NOCO offers this same smart design in sizes all the way up to 50 amps. The most popular size for general battery users being the NOCO Genius 10 (click to view on Amazon). I have previously reviewed the NOCO Genius 5, you can find that article here.
Key Features
- 1A Output: A smart maintainer and trickle charger for long-term battery health.
- Versatile Voltage: Works with both 6V and 12V lead-acid, AGM, and Lithium.
- Thermal Sensor: Adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature.
- Force Mode: Can “wake up” dead lithium batteries with 0V readings.
- Compact & Simple: One-button operation in a tiny footprint.
- Battery Repair: Includes a built-in desulfation mode for lead-acid batteries.
Buy This If You
- Need a small, portable maintainer for a car, motorcycle, or small battery.
- Want a simple “set it and forget it” tool with one-button control.
- Need to maintain a battery over the winter without overcharging it.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Need to charge a large RV battery bank quickly (1A is very slow).
- Want Bluetooth monitoring or advanced data tracking.
- Need a high-output charger for heavy-duty daily use.
Battery Tender Automatic Battery Charger & Maintainer
My Thoughts
Battery Tender has been a staple in the industry for a long time, and I’m glad they’ve added 12-volt lithium compatibility to their lineup.
If you need something compact but want a bit more “oomph” than a tiny 1-amp maintainer, this 4-amp unit is a fantastic sweet spot.
It will still be slow for massive battery banks compared to a 30-amp charger, but it is dependable and built with all the safety features you’d expect from a brand this established.
Key Features
- 4A Output: Offers more power than a standard trickle charger while remaining portable.
- Dual Voltage: Automatically detects and switches between 6V and 12V batteries.
- Selectable Modes: Allows manual selection for lead-acid, AGM, and 12V lithium types.
- Smart Maintenance: Microprocessor-controlled float mode prevents overcharging during long-term storage.
- Spark-Proof Safety: Includes protection against reverse polarity and short circuits.
- Clear LED Feedback: Provides simple visual updates on charging status and battery health.
Buy This If You
- Need support for both 6V lead-acid and 12V lithium batteries.
- Want to manually select the charging mode for specific battery chemistries.
- Prefer a compact, lightweight charger with high-end safety features.
- Require a dependable float mode for long-term battery maintenance.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Need high amperage for fast charging of large battery banks.
- Prefer Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone app integration.
- Want an LCD screen instead of simple LED indicator lights.
- Need a 6-volt lithium charger or a “wake-up” mode for dead lithium batteries.
Nexpeak NC202 Battery Charger
My Thoughts
If you are okay with buying from a smaller brand, there are plenty of lesser-known smart chargers like the Nexpeak that offer a lot of fantastic features.
At 10 amps, this is a great size for general battery maintenance and occasional charging. It provides a lot of visual information via the LCD screen that some of the more expensive brands miss.
I recommend this for people who need to charge batteries once in a while, but I wouldn’t suggest it for a large power bank that requires daily heavy-duty use.
Key Features
- 10A Output: Fully automatic charging for 12V (10A) and 24V (5A) systems.
- LCD Display: Provides real-time data on charging status and battery diagnostics.
- Climate Control: Advanced temperature compensation adjusts the charge based on ambient heat or cold.
- Pulse Repair: Includes a desulfation mode to help revive old or deeply discharged lead-acid batteries.
- One-Click Operation: Simple interface for switching between battery types and voltages.
- Smart Safety: Integrated protection against overcharging, overheating, and reverse polarity.
Buy This If You
- Need a versatile charger that handles 12V lithium and 24V lead-acid systems.
- Want a clear LCD screen for real-time monitoring of the charging process.
- Value a built-in repair mode for restoring older lead-acid batteries.
- Appreciate a budget-friendly, compact design with automatic climate adjustments.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Need a high-amperage charger for fast-charging massive battery banks.
- Require Bluetooth connectivity or advanced smartphone app control.
- Need a heavy-duty unit for daily professional or industrial use.
- Want a 6-volt charger or a specific BMS “wake-up” mode for dead lithium batteries.
RCGCBC Smart Charger
My Thoughts
The RCGCBC smart charger is a good choice for charging 12V and 24V batteries at a much faster pace than standard maintainers. It is versatile enough to handle 24V systems alongside all common 12V types.
As this is a budget-friendly option, it might not be the best fit for constant, heavy-duty charging of massive battery banks, but for general household or shop use, it is a fantastic and feature-rich choice.
Key Features
- Adjustable 10A-20A Output: High-speed charging for 12V and 24V battery systems.
- BMS Force Mode: Capable of waking up “dead” lithium batteries from low-voltage protection.
- Smart LCD Display: Shows real-time voltage, current, temperature, and battery health.
- Desulfation Mode: Includes a pulse repair function to help restore older lead-acid batteries.
- Memory Function: Automatically remembers your last used settings for quicker startups.
- Temperature Compensation: Adjusts the charging voltage based on the ambient environment.
Buy This If You
- Need a powerful charger for fast-charging 12V or 24V batteries.
- Want an advanced LCD display for detailed real-time monitoring.
- Require the ability to jump-start lithium batteries that have shut down.
- Value automatic voltage detection and a built-in desulfation mode.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Prefer a simpler charger without an LCD screen or extra settings.
- Require Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone app integration.
- Need a charger specifically for 6V batteries.
- Seek a heavy-duty unit for constant, daily professional use.
LiTime 12V 20A Lithium Battery Charger
My Thoughts
I have reviewed and used a dedicated lithium battery charger very similar to this one, and they are real workhorses.
If you are an RVer or someone who uses 12-volt lithium batteries as a main power source, this type of charger is an excellent choice.
It can handle higher capacity batteries and battery banks easily. It is built to last and does its one job really well.
Key Features
- 20A Lithium Focus: High speed charging optimized specifically for 12V LiFePO4 batteries.
- Pro-Grade Efficiency: Multi-stage charging cycles designed to maximize lithium battery lifespan.
- Versatile Connections: Includes M8 eyelets and an Anderson connector for quick, secure setup.
- Smart Safety: Full protection suite against reverse polarity, short circuits, and overheating.
- Compact Portability: Lightweight and durable design built for travel and easy storage.
- Clear LED Feedback: Simple indicators provide real-time updates on the charging status.
Buy This If You
- Need a dedicated, high-performance charger specifically for 12V lithium batteries.
- Want a compact and lightweight unit that is easy to transport.
- Value a multi-stage charging profile to ensure long-term battery health.
- Prefer a simple, plug-and-play interface with reliable built-in safety features.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Need to charge lead-acid, AGM, or 6V batteries because this is lithium-only.
- Require an LCD display for detailed data or Bluetooth for phone monitoring.
- Want a charger that includes maintenance or desulfation modes for old batteries.
- Need significantly higher amperage for massive, multi-battery banks.
Power Queen 40A Lithium Battery Charger
My Thoughts
When you are dealing with higher currents and more charging power, having an LCD display with real-time information on voltage and current is a fantastic feature.
This Power Queen unit is built for durability and can handle a lot of use.
It may only charge LiFePO4 batteries, but it is going to do it correctly and can handle large power banks for a long time without a problem.
Key Features
- 40A High-Power Output: Provides rapid charging for large 12V LiFePO4 battery banks.
- Advanced LCD Display: Delivers real-time data on voltage, current, and overall battery health.
- BMS Wake-up: Includes a 0V charging function to reset lithium batteries that have shut down.
- Smart Temperature Control: Automatically adjusts the charging profile based on the ambient temperature.
- Rugged Durability: Features a heavy-duty design built to withstand frequent use in tough environments.
- Memory Function: Remembers your last settings to make repetitive charging tasks easier.
Buy This If You
- Need a powerful 40A charger for fast charging of high-capacity batteries.
- Want an advanced LCD display for detailed monitoring of the charging process.
- Require the ability to wake up dead lithium batteries that have entered protection mode.
- Value a durable and rugged design built for long-term reliability.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Prefer a smaller, more portable charger for light-duty tasks.
- Require Bluetooth connectivity or a smartphone app to monitor progress.
- Need to charge lead-acid, AGM, or 6V batteries as this is lithium-only.
- Are looking for a silent, fanless charger for indoor use.
Sterling Power ProCharge On-Board Charger
My Thoughts
If you have built a decent size lithium battery bank with three or more batteries, I highly recommend an advanced and beefed-up charger like the Sterling Power ProCharge Ultra.
It is a more premium option, especially in the higher amperage versions, but it will protect your power bank and keep the batteries healthy longer. This makes it a much better investment than a risky, lower-quality charger.
This is mostly for larger applications that require significant power, as one or two lithium batteries can be easily maintained by smaller, more basic options.
Key Features
- 50A High-Capacity Output: Powerful enough to handle large marine, solar, or RV battery banks.
- Global Compatibility: Universal input voltage (80-270V) allows for use anywhere in the world.
- Intelligent Power Sharing: Automatically distributes current across multiple battery banks based on demand.
- Advanced 4-Stage Charging: Optimizes battery performance and extends the lifespan of your investment.
- Global Monitoring: Combined LCD and LED interface for real-time tracking of voltage and charging status.
- Marine Grade Build: Rugged, durable construction designed to withstand harsh environments and stay quiet.
Buy This If You
- Need a professional-grade charger for large multi-battery banks.
- Require a system that supports both 12V and 24V configurations.
- Value intelligent power sharing and universal AC input for global travel.
- Prefer a premium, heavy-duty unit with detailed onboard diagnostics.
Don’t Buy This If You
- Need a small, portable charger for occasional or light-duty use.
- Seek a budget-friendly option for a basic single-battery setup.
- Require Bluetooth or smartphone app integration for remote monitoring.
- Prefer a simple plug-and-play device without advanced features.
Lithium Battery Charger Amp Ratings
The amperage rating on any battery charger tells how much current the charger can output.
Higher amperage chargers are much faster at charging than lower ones, but they aren’t as budget-friendly and they’re bigger and heavier.
You can technically charge any size of battery with any size of battery charger, the only thing that has to match is the battery type and voltage.
If your battery charger’s voltage is too low, it won’t charge the battery. If it’s too high, it might overcharge the battery, cause it to overheat, and damage it.
A quality lithium battery should have a BMS (battery management system) built in with safety features like over-voltage detection that’s supposed to stop the battery from getting damaged.
See Also: When To Charge A Deep Cycle Battery
It’s also worth noting that most batteries have a maximum current they can safely allow. So it’s possible to get an unnecessarily large battery charger.
Most smart lithium chargers can sense the current and work with the battery’s BMS to give it the right amount of charge.
Sometimes, a low quality high powered battery charger and a small lithium battery with a bad BMS system can cause dangerous overcharging, overheating, and possibly an explosion.
It’s better to make sure you’re using a charger that isn’t too powerful for the battery, or get a high-quality one with features you can trust.
Lithium Charger Size Recommendation Chart
| Battery Voltage | Battery Capacity (Ah) | Recommended Charger Amperage |
| 12 | 50 | 5 – 10 |
| 12 | 100 | 10 – 20 |
| 12 | 150 | 15 – 30 |
| 12 | 200 | 20 – 40 |
| 12 | 300 | 30 – 60 |
| 12 | 400 | 40 – 80 |
| 24 | 100 | 10 – 20 |
| 24 | 200 | 20 – 40 |
| 24 | 230 | 23 – 46 |
This chart is a basic recommendation based on the average recommended standard continuous charging for lithium batteries.
Always make sure your specific battery supports the amperage, this information can be found in the product manual.
Lithium batteries can be charged with lower amp chargers, but it can be taxing to the charger because of the extra long charge time.
Smaller smart chargers without fans can get hot, which will shorten the life of the charger if it has to continuously charge for long periods of time.
That’s why it’s a good idea to follow the recommended amp rating based on the battery capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right amperage for my lithium battery charger?
As a general guideline, a charger with 10-20% of the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating is ideal.
For example, a 100Ah lithium battery would be well-served by a charger in the 10A to 20A range.
Lower amperage chargers will charge more slowly, while higher amperage chargers can charge more quickly but may not be necessary or safe for smaller batteries.
Is it possible for a 1 amp rated lithium battery charger to charge a 100 Ah lithium battery?
Yes, but it’s going to be very slow. You can estimate the charge time by dividing the battery capacity by the charger’s current rating.
So a 100Ah battery/1 amp charge would equal 100 hours of charge time.
While this is doable, I recommend getting a bigger charger if you will be charger larger batteries like the common 100 Ah.
A small portable battery charger might charge the battery, but 100 hours of charging will tax on it and potentially cause overheating and a shortened lifespan.
If I wire two 12 volt 100 Ah lithium batteries together in parallel, does the recommended charge current increase?
Yes, if you properly wire batteries together in parallel, the overall capacity will increase, which means you can use a more powerful charger.
It’s important that the batteries are connected to the charger in a way that will disperse the power when charging and discharging.
See Also: How To Wire Multiple 12V Or 6V Batteries To An RV
If I wire two 12-volt 100Ah lithium batteries together in series, does the recommended charge current increase?
No, batteries that are wired together in series get an increase in voltage, not current. The two 12-volt batteries will become a 24-volt battery.
For this setup, you will need a 24-volt battery charger that can output 10-20 amps.
Why aren’t there very many 6-volt lithium batteries or chargers?
Lithium battery cells typically have a nominal voltage of around 3.2V to 3.7V, depending on the chemistry.
To create a 12V battery, manufacturers typically connect three or four cells in series.
For a 6V battery, fewer cells would be needed, but this results in lower energy capacity and less efficiency for many applications.
For that reason, it’s more practical to produce 12V and 24V LiFePO4 batteries.
What is a lithium battery charger, and how does it differ from other types of chargers?
A lithium battery charger is specifically designed to charge lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
Unlike chargers for lead-acid or AGM batteries, lithium battery chargers have precise voltage and current controls to safely charge lithium batteries without overcharging, which could damage the battery or create a safety hazard.
Can I use a regular lead-acid charger to charge a lithium battery?
It is not recommended to use a regular lead-acid charger for lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries require a specific charging profile with controlled voltage and current, which most lead-acid chargers do not provide. Using an incorrect charger can lead to overcharging, undercharging, or damage to the lithium battery.
See Also: What will happen if I charge a lithium battery with my RV?
What features should I look for in a lithium battery charger?
Key features to consider include:
- Voltage compatibility with your specific battery type (e.g., 12V, 24V).
- Amperage output that suits your battery’s capacity.
- Multi-stage charging for optimal battery maintenance.
- Safety features like reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, and temperature compensation.
- Display options like LCD or LED indicators for monitoring.
- Automatic shut-off or float mode to prevent overcharging.
Why is temperature compensation important in a lithium battery charger?
Temperature compensation adjusts the charging voltage based on the ambient temperature. This is crucial for lithium batteries because their charging efficiency and safety are affected by temperature.
Charging at the wrong voltage in extreme temperatures can lead to reduced battery life or even safety issues.
How does a multi-stage charger benefit my lithium battery?
A multi-stage charger delivers a tailored charging process that includes phases like bulk, absorption, and float charging.
This ensures that the battery is charged efficiently without being overcharged, which helps maximize the battery’s lifespan and performance.
What does it mean when a charger has a desulfation mode, and is it relevant for lithium batteries?
Desulfation mode reverses the sulfation process in lead-acid batteries, where sulfate crystals build up on the battery plates.
This mode is not relevant for lithium batteries, as they do not suffer from sulfation. Chargers with desulfation mode may also support lithium batteries, but this feature is specific to lead-acid battery maintenance.
Can I leave a lithium battery connected to the charger indefinitely?
Lithium batteries prefer to be stored at a 40-70% state of charge instead of full.
Some lithium battery chargers have a float or maintenance mode that allows them to be connected indefinitely without overcharging the battery.
However, it’s important to ensure your charger has this feature before leaving it connected for long periods.
What is the lifespan of a lithium battery when using a proper charger?
With proper charging and maintenance, lithium batteries can last between 5 to 10 years or more.
Factors such as usage patterns, charging frequency, and operating temperature can affect the overall lifespan.
Is it safe to use a lithium battery charger in all weather conditions ?
Many lithium battery chargers are weather-resistant or even waterproof, but not all of them are.
If you need to use a charger in harsh or wet conditions, look for a model with appropriate weatherproofing ratings (such as IP ratings). Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation in different environments.
If I have two 100ah li batteries in Parallel and have a Victron Smart Solar MPPT 100/30 controller, is the Power Queen 14.6volt charger you list here too much for my system?
Plus, should I unhook the batteries from the system to charge them manually?
Thanks,
Roy