When transitioning from lead-acid to lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries, choosing the right battery charger is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Deep cycle lithium battery chargers that offer tailored solutions for various needs, ensuring safe and efficient power management for RVs, boats, and off-grid systems. With so many chargers on the market, it’s essential that the one you choose matches your battery chemistry, voltage, and current specifications and offers appropriate safety features; this will allow you to maintain the health of your battery and ensure a reliable power supply during outdoor adventures.

The Essential Role of Deep Cycle Lithium-Ion Battery Chargers

For outdoor enthusiasts, spending time immersed in nature and off the grid has always been a favorite pastime. Whether for long or short periods of time, these individuals live for the grounding moments of being one with nature. While lovers of the outdoors have been around for centuries, decades of innovation have led to more ways to enjoy nature without giving up any of the comforts of home.

Specifically, the recent adaptation of lithium-ion batteries for RV, marine, and off-grid applications has given outdoor enthusiasts the power to spend extended periods of time off-grid. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) deep-cycle batteries are far more stable, reliable, and robust than their lead-acid counterparts. Drawn in by countless benefits, many adventurers have been switching to enjoy these game-changing batteries.

As people switch their electrical systems from lead acid to LiFePO4 batteries, they generally audit their current electrical system to see which components and accessories are compatible with their new batteries and what new ones they need.

Many customers wonder if they need to purchase a special lithium-ion battery charger specific to lithium batteries. While various options can accommodate your charging needs, opting for the right lithium-ion battery charger can ensure that your lithium batteries receive the appropriate charging, voltage, and current, optimizing their performance and longevity.

How to Charge a Deep Cycle Battery

In the simplest terms, a lithium-ion battery charger is a device that limits voltage and helps to safely charge the battery. Essentially, the charger utilizes electrical energy to ensure the current is correct and collects the voltage in the lithium battery for you to use later. Thanks to advances in its chemistry, a lithium battery charger can operate at higher voltages than other batteries and has a longer life span.

The time it takes to charge a lithium-ion deep-cycle battery depends on the type and size of your charging source. This means your batteries can return to a full charge faster without significantly impacting their lifespan. Our recommended charge rate is 50 amps per 100 Ah Battle Born Battery in your system. We don’t recommend you exceed this charge rate as it can lead to a shortened battery cycle life.

For the most part, you can use any standard charger, solar, or wind charge controller to charge our LiFePO4 deep cycle battery. These specific units mainly differ in their input energy sources. Most people opt to have multiple charging sources available for their lithium batteries so that their bases are covered. While some utilize renewable energy sources, such as the wind and sun, having a charger that can run offshore power (grid power) will ensure you aren’t left without power.

Some chargers are even programmable to ensure you are maximizing the power of your battery. Our charging parameters consist of the following:

• Bulk/absorb = 14.2 – 14.6 V
• Float = 13.6 V or lower
• No equalization (or set it to 14.4 V)
• No temperature compensation
• Absorption time is 20 minutes per battery (if it’s an option)

Top of the Line Deep Cycle Battery Chargers

Although many chargers will work with your Battle Born Batteries, we researched to find some of the best deep cycle battery chargers on the market.

REDARC Classic In-Vehicle DC-DC Battery Chargers

REDARC Classic 12V In-Vehicle DC-DC Battery Chargers are designed to keep your auxiliary battery charged when driving or with portable solar panels when parked. They use multi-stage DC-DC charging, a system that allows optimum charging levels for your auxiliary battery. These DC-DC Battery Chargers are solar-ready and suitable for many battery types, including lithium, AGM, GEL, standard lead acid, and calcium.

Just like other DC-DC dual battery chargers, the Redarc In-Vehicle chargers take advantage of the ease and convenience of alternator charging. However, they also have a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar regulator, which allows your batteries to charge simultaneously from both solar and alternator. Equipped with Green Power Priority, the Redarc charger will always select solar first to reduce strain on the alternator.

Suitable for 12 or 24-volt systems, these chargers are compatible with a wide range of intelligent and standard alternators and all common deep-cycle battery types, including AGM, Gel, standard lead acid, Calcium, and LiFeP04. Fully sealed and protected from dust and water infiltration, the Redarc chargers are ready for your next off-grid adventure.

Victron Blue Smart IP65

The Victron Energy Blue Smart IP65 Charger is a professional battery charger with built-in Bluetooth. The Blue Smart IP65 Charger is a 12-volt, 15-amp charger that powers deep-cycle batteries in RVs, boats, and campervans. Built-in Bluetooth capabilities allow the status of the charger and the battery to be checked and configured remotely using a smart device.

Offering a 7-step smart charge algorithm, the Victron IP65 charger gives the battery the power it needs, maintains its health, and ensures better performance for the life of the battery. This charger also has an automatic power supply function and can recover fully discharged batteries. This force-feeds it with a low current until regular charging can resume with sufficient voltage across the battery terminals.

With an IP65 rating, this charge is water, dust, and chemical resistant. This makes it perfect for trolling motor applications, ensuring your batteries are safely charged when you’re out on the water.   These chargers are also great for other applications where users want to plug in, refuel their batteries, and get back to doing what they love.

Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC Battery Charger

The Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC Battery Charger redefines adaptive DC-DC charging. The Victron Orion XS is designed for use in dual battery systems charged with an (intelligent) alternator, ensures top-tier performance, and guarantees the safety of your system.

Precisely set input and output current with simple controls to help protect alternators against overloading and to charge the service battery properly, especially in the case of intelligent alternators. With built-in engine shutdown detection, the Orion XS guarantees the charger only draws power when the engine is running to help retrieve proper charge current from intelligent alternators.

The Orion XS is perfect for overland vehicles, vans, and other systems where the user can take advantage of alternator charging. Its advanced capabilities allow for safe and efficient charging while you drive your vehicle to the next destination.

Victron MultiPlus

The Victron MultiPlus is designed as a one-stop shop for switching from shore power to off-grid power. It contains an internal inverter that seamlessly converts DC power to AC power. This lets you power your AC outlets off battery power. It also serves as a battery charger with adaptive charging. In addition, the Multiplus offers hybrid functions (called Power Assist) that allow you to mix power sources from shore and battery or solar.

With a large variety of programming options, the Victron MultiPlus is a great deep-cycle battery charger. Since the charging parameters are customizable, this charger is one of the best options for charging lithium-ion batteries.

As a favorite among RVers, boaters, and off-grid enthusiasts, the Victron MultiPlus does it all. From charging your batteries safely to making it possible to use your AC outlets off-grid, it allows you to enjoy your travels without worry. No matter your application, the Victron MultiPlus is will keep your batteries charged and functional on or off the grid.

Progressive Dynamics 12V 30 Amp LiFePO4 Battery Charger

The Progressive Dynamics 12V 30 Amp LiFePO4 Battery Charger is one of a kind. Weighing only 5.15 pounds, this powerful charger packs a punch in a small footprint. With multiple battery charging capabilities, the “inteli-power” of the Progressive Dynamics charger can charge your whole system simultaneously.

Additionally, reverse battery protection functionality will prevent damage if battery leads become cross-connected. This ensures your system will be fully charged while maintaining safe and efficient operation. While Progressive Dynamics chargers are available for various types of deep cycle batteries, the 9100L Series is specifically engineered for properly charging and maintaining lithium-ion batteries.

NOCO Genius PRO50

The popular NOCO Genius PRO50 is a fully automatic smart charger that can provide ample power for batteries with various voltages. Capable of supplying 50 Amps of power to 6-volt, 12-volt, and 24-volt battery systems, the NOCO Genius PRO50 is compatible with all types of deep-cycle batteries, including lithium-ion. This “world-class battery charger lets professionals push the limits at incredible charging speeds.”

Choosing the Right Battery Charger for a Deep Cycle Battery

With so many capable battery chargers on the market, choosing the right one for your application can be intimidating. Here are a few things to remember before adding a deep-cycle battery charger to your system.

Battery Chemistry

First and foremost, your charger must have the parameters to safely and efficiently charge, given your battery’s specific chemistry. Typically, the charger will list which chemistries its compatible with. Otherwise, simply ensure the parameters can be adjusted to match the ones recommended by your battery’s manufacturer.

Charging Voltage

Deep cycle batteries typically have a particular charging voltage that is the maximum they can handle. These ratings are found in the manuals for your battery and the chargers you’re looking at. For example, the 12V 100Ah Battle Born Battery recommends 14.2V to 14.6V for absorption and balancing with High BMS Voltage Protection stepping gin at 14.7VDC.

Charging Current

Similarly, your deep-cycle batteries will have the maximum charging current they recommend. If your charging current is too low, it will take your batteries a long time to fully charge. If it is too high, you could potentially damage your battery. For a 12V 100Ah Battle-born Battery, keep the charging current below 50A, and ensure the 0.5C BMS charge current is cut off.

Ah Rating

The amp hour rating of your batteries will also impact which type of charger you should purchase. A larger amperage rating will be necessary to efficiently charge your batteries if you have a larger system.

For Battle Born Batteries, our recommended charge rate is 50 amps per 100 Ah battery in your system. So, with a 50 amp charge, an empty battery will take 2 hours to reach 100% capacity. You can also use smaller chargers, but remember that it will take longer to charge your battery. We don’t recommend you exceed this charge rate as it can lead to a shortened battery cycle life.

Battery Management System

Specifically for lithium-ion batteries, you must ensure that your charger offers overcharge protection. While advanced BMS systems can monitor for this, it’s an additional safety feature that can protect you and your investment.

Safety Features

After narrowing down your list of potential chargers based on the above parameters, you should evaluate the safety features. “If you have a very expensive battery, consider purchasing a charger with overvoltage, overcurrent protection, and safety features.” Extra safety functions and charge cut-off features will help protect you and your investment.

Cost

Finally, cost will typically be the deciding factor if you still have multiple charging options in the decision-making process. First, ensure that your deep cycle battery charger has the parameters and functions required by your battery chemistry. Then, you can typically find multiple options that fit into varying budgets.

Full System Integration | Installing A Deep Cycle Battery Charger

Once you have your batteries and the perfect charger for your application, it’s time to install your system! Find a certified dealer or installer vetted and trusted by our Battle Born Batteries team. With professionals scattered across the country specializing in various applications, we have someone who would be happy to work on your system!

If you have any additional questions about charging lithium batteries, our team would be happy to help! You can reach our technical specialists by calling  855-292-2831 or emailing  [email protected].