Lithium battery charger

[Raistlin77]

Hi
Can I use any lithium charger(like Optimate)? I looked at the skyrich that Ducati recommends, but find it really expensive compared to others. I'm totally new to this lithium battery technology. I don't want to buy the wrong thing.

Thanks

 

[Keith197]

Optimate TM-291 is way better than that skyrich charger- worth it if your running lithiums

 

[RdashP]

I got myself the latest 'Lithium' version of the CTek CT5 PowerSport (~USD100/EUR85):
https://www.ctek.com/products/vehicle/ct5-powersport-product11053

A quality Swedish brand. Not at all meant as a sales pitch but Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, AustinMartin, Bentley and even Harley Davidson all supply self-branded CTEK chargers as standard for professional long-life conditioning and proper battery care during long-term storage of their cars (yes 'cars', incl. HD that is! ).
We're already using their awarded Multi XS 4003 on all our lead-battery based cars and motorcycles for more than 10 years. Never slips a beat, perfect detailed diagnosis indicator and even a battery Recondition setting.

Be careful ordering the CT5 PS though, since many dealers still sell the outgoing ‘lead-only’ version of this CT5 PS which has an AGM- instead of the Lithium charging profile.
The latter you really need for properly charging our expensive V4S/Spec/R LiFePO4 LIon batteries.

Only mild downside with the CT5 is that for its charging stage indication CTEK stepped away from their detailed indication of all 8 charging stages and used a more consumer market 'KISS' approach, as you can see here. Operationally, the patented 8-step charging technology is nevertheless still doing its magic.

 

[oldmansan]

Hi
Can I use any lithium charger(like Optimate)? I looked at the skyrich that Ducati recommends, but find it really expensive compared to others. I’m totally new to this lithium battery technology. I don’t want to buy the wrong thing.

Thanks

Why do you need to charge your lithium battery? I've accidentally left the lights on for hours and it cranks right over. I have two Shorai lithium-iron batteries, one in an R1M and the other in my Lotus. I never charge the R1M because like the vast majority of motorcycles, it doesn't have any parasitic power consumption. My Lotus stays in storage mode on a Shorai charger as it does have parasitic power consumption (the alarm) and it gets driven very little (all my bikes are in the way).

Instead of looking for a charger, I'd verify first that you actually need one. If so, look for one that charges the individual cells (like the Shorai), not one that treats the entire battery as a single unit. I wouldn't use a simple battery charger for a car. You can use a normal charger on a lithium battery, but it isn't ideal. Most lithium battery makers either sell their own specialized charger(s) or have a preference. I'd heed their advice.

San

 

[RdashP]

Optimate TM-291 is way better than that skyrich charger- worth it if your running lithiums

Before buying the CTEK CT5 PS, a Ducati dealer offered me the Optimate TM470, also an 8 stage Lion LiFePO4 compatible charger. No experience actually using Optimate though.

 

[tifosi1299]

Optimate TM470 is what I use and works great!

 

[cmh210]

Before buying the CTEK CT5 PS, a Ducati dealer offered me the Optimate TM470, also an 8 stage Lion LiFePO4 compatible charger. No experience actually using Optimate though.

I use the Optimate 4 on my all my old school lead acid batteries, bike and riding lawn mower, and it works great.

 

[Gstrouble]

I love my NOCO charger highly recommended, from regular batteries to Lion

NOCO Genius G3500 6V/12V 3.5 Amp Battery Charger and Maintainer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWVEKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.Y0zDbZ1NEWKN

 

[Sherpa23]

Just an FYI, I have several Ferraris that came with the Ferrari branded charger that's actually a Ctek US 800 and every one of them failed within a year. Maybe they're not as good as the better Ctek units but I won't go an buy a Ctek as a result. I do use a special lithium charger from Deltran that's adjustable for both traditional batteries and lithium ion and you can switch between the two.