Can We Charge Car Battery With Inverter?

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It is technically possible to charge a car battery using an inverter in conjunction with an AC battery charger, it is not the most efficient or straightforward method. A direct DC-to-DC charging method is generally preferred for charging car batteries.

How to charge a car battery with an inverter?

Do you know a smart inverter takes lesser time than the regular charging method?

However, it is better not to use inverters frequently. Even though it is simple to use, it might affect both the battery and inverter. If you are in a hurry or have no option available, you can give it a try.

Let’s learn the process thoroughly:

Connection set-up

It is almost like other charging systems. Turn off the power while setting up the connection. After that, hook up the positive and positive cable and terminal together. Follow the same to join the negative points. If you can’t find the positive cables that match the color of the ports.

Power supply

Once you finish the primary setup, you can move on to the next. Generally, home inverters utilize direct power from electricity. Again, check the connection twice before you turn on the power. If it’s fine, then proceed to a power supply.

Remember, in here, the inverter term is used under a different meaning. This home inverter or else smart inverter does not convert DC to AC. They convert AC to DC. This is a whole different type of inverter than you found in the solar system. By the way, there are some hybrid solar inverters, which can use electricity as a power source and then charge the battery as well.

Caution: if you connect the wrong cable, the battery might explode.

Final Check

So, the home inverter generates a high power supply. Hence, it generally takes 2 to 3 hours to charge the battery completely. Try not to exceed the stipulated time. Eventually, it will impact your car batteries.

Points to follow while charging your car batteries:

  • Turn ON the main supply and turn OFF the inverter. This way, you can restore power backup with a car battery.
  • It is better not to use any cable extension. It means, when you hook up the two points, make sure you are not using any third-party connector.
  • Do you have a multimeter? If yes, use it to monitor the reading of the dead batteries. If the battery is less than 10 volts, it needs to be taken care of. In that case, it is ideal not to use them to charge high voltage batteries.
  • Likewise, you can monitor the reading of both the battery output terminals for safety because SLI batteries need 12-13 volts.

P.S: if the inverter generates a high current rating and equal voltage rating (with battery), it is likely to charge fast.

So, you can see using an inverter for a car battery is convenient. Moreover, it charges the car battery faster. In fact, if the voltage matches; you can charge the battery within an hour if not two. I hope you find this information helpful. 

The understanding of Inverter charging system

An inverter is an electric power device. To be precise, the circuits of the device transform DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternative Current). Consequently, the frequency of the AC is obtained from the device employed with the inverter.

The entire system is created with an intricate infrastructure. Moreover, the system involves Frequency and input-output voltage, which is designed on a particular circuitry.

Interestingly, the inverter does not produce power. It is the DC source that generates the power. Therefore, the system is a combination of electric circuitry and intricate mechanical effect. In this mechanical ecosystem, voltage plays a crucial role.  

Understanding car batteries

Car batteries involve a series of circuits. Six galvanic cells are joined together to form the circuits. Furthermore, a single cell provides 2.1 volts. Hence, it means it consists of 12.6 volts altogether. Chemical reaction absorbs the atoms of electrons from the exogenous circuit. Similarly, at the negative terminal chemical reactions release electrons.

While discharge, the reactions drive the electron through an electric conductor. Henceforth, it produces electric currents. At the same time, the acids of the electrolyte provide a reaction with the plates. This, in turn, charges their surfaces to lead sulfate.

On the other hand, the reverse reaction takes place while charging the battery. It means the plates restore their original condition, and the process continues in a cycle.

Types of Car Batteries

The capacity of a car battery cannot be judged based on its size. It completely depends on the mechanism inside it. Let’s take a quick glance at the most common car battery we have in general:

SLI or Starting, Lighting, and Ignition Batteries

Most cars use SLI batteries. As the name suggests, it does the same for a car. Hence, it helps to start the engine, and provide power for the electrical light and system. Finally, it aids the ignition system inside the car. Therefore, it has a short charge cycle.

Moreover, the SLI battery hardly discharges the power, as it delivers power in short bursts. Furthermore, it is made up of six galvanic cells and creates a series of system formats. Each cell delivers 2.1 volts; hence, it consists of a total of 12.6 volts.

Li-Ion batteries

Unfortunately, it is an incompatible version. Advanced and hybrid electrical cars use Lithium-ion batteries. Compared to other types of batteries, it stores a colossal amount of charge. Unlike conventional car batteries, it doesn’t need charging frequently. In general, the lifespan of Li-ion batteries is very short, around 3-4 years.

Lead-acid batteries

This type of battery has hardly any maintenance charge. Unlike SLI and Li-ion batteries, these are sealed and cannot be serviced. Hence, once the battery life expires, it needs to be replaced. Moreover, the application of this battery is a very short burst inside the car.  

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