Cloud Electric is home to an incredible selection of battery chargers for golf carts, electric scooters, and multi-voltage chargers. Whenever possible, the general rule is to select a charger from the same battery supplier to avoid compatibility issues and charging problems. Battery and charging issues are one of the trickiest to diagnose. But in most cases, having a compatible battery and charger from the same manufacturer is essential to receive expert technical support.

There are two general types of charging cycles for lead-acid batteries. Manufacturers recommend a three-stage charging cycle as opposed to a four-stage cycle as the most efficient and safe way to charge lead-acid batteries while extending battery life. The first cycle is the bulk charge mode or the constant current charging cycle, also known as CVCC or constant voltage/constant current. In this stage, the battery voltage is allowed to rise slightly while recharging. Most lead-acid batteries are charged up to 80-percent capacity in bulk charging mode.

The second cycle is the absorption mode. In this cycle, the charging voltage is at a constant rate. At the same time, the battery voltage reduces while the remaining 20-percent battery capacity is filled up. In this case, the battery voltage depends on whether you have a 12-volt or 48-volt battery, but the voltage level is held constant until the battery current reduces to C/50 or C/100 (in the case of a 12-volt battery).

The final cycle is float mode and engages when the battery current is at C/50 to C/100. In float mode, the battery voltage is maintained at approximately 13.5 volts in a 12-volt battery, for instance, and maintains a full charge without overcharging the battery or boiling the electrolytes. But in a four-stage charging cycle, the charger has an additional equalization mode to prevent sulphation on the lead plates, a condition that diminishes battery performance and service life if left unchecked. The last mode may last from a few hours or longer depending on the type of battery.

Charging cycles notwithstanding, there are three basic types of battery chargers. The most basic is a slow charger or an overnight charger. This type of charger has no full-charge detection and stays engaged upon plugging in. Meanwhile, a rapid charger falls in the middle of the pack and are equipped with temperature sensors to monitor the battery.

Finally, we have a fast charger designed for NiCd (nickel-cadmium) or NiMh (nickel-metal hydride) batteries. Nickel-based chargers are usually equipped with a trickle charge function that automatically engages once the battery reaches 99-percent capacity. Take note that lead-acid batteries are incompatible with both rapid chargers and fast chargers, and ultra-fast chargers will cause undue stress to the battery.

Remember that the charger should be compatible with the battery to prevent issues later on. It’s also a brilliant idea to constantly observe and monitor the charging temperature and to always charge at room temperatures whenever possible. You can count on Cloud Electric for battery chargers, golf cart chargers, scooter chargers, quick chargers, multi-voltage chargers, and industrial-grade chargers for various applications.