How many kilometers does it generally take to fully charge a car battery?
2 Answers
Taking a 12V60Ah battery as an example, the charging method is as follows: Use constant voltage and current limiting for charging, with 14.8V constant voltage and 15A current limiting for 16 hours, followed by 3A constant current charging for 4 hours, totaling 20 hours. Below are the criteria for determining when the battery is fully charged: 1. Battery: A large number of bubbles are generated inside the battery, showing a "boiling" phenomenon. 2. Terminal voltage: The terminal voltage rises to the maximum value and does not increase further within two hours. 3. Electrolyte: The electrolyte rises to the highest level and does not increase further within two hours. 4. Precautions: If charging is needed, try to turn off electrical equipment as much as possible.
Actually, car battery charging mainly depends on engine running time rather than mileage. In my years of driving experience, I've found that driving at low speeds in the city for 20 minutes might only cover about 10 kilometers, yet the battery may not be fully charged at all. Maintaining around 80 km/h on the highway for half an hour to cover about 40 kilometers can generally achieve about 80% charge. This is because the alternator charges faster at higher engine speeds. If the battery is severely depleted, it might require over an hour of continuous driving, equivalent to 60 to 80 kilometers. The key is to avoid multiple short trips with frequent starts, as this keeps the battery undercharged and can shorten its lifespan. I recommend checking the battery status before long trips and using a charger for assistance if necessary.
