What is the charging voltage for a 12V battery?
2 Answers
12V lead-acid battery's maximum charging voltage is around 15V. The battery's lifespan and charging precautions are as follows: Charging precautions: Generally, after the electric vehicle charger's indicator turns green, floating charge for 1-2 hours can end the charging process. The charging time is usually controlled within 8-10 hours and should not exceed 12 hours. If charged overnight, the charging time will far exceed 12 hours. Overcharging an electric vehicle battery can cause a large amount of gas to erode the battery's plates, leading to the detachment of active material and ultimately reducing the battery's service life. Battery lifespan: Under ideal conditions, the number of charging cycles can reach approximately 1000-2000 times while still maintaining over 70% of usable capacity. For PHEVs, a single cycle typically covers about 50-80 kilometers, so before the battery is scrapped, it can be used purely electrically for about 100,000 kilometers.
I usually drive around a lot, and the ideal charging voltage for a 12V battery is around 14.4V. If it's too high, say over 15V, it might overcharge and damage the battery. If it's too low, below 13.8V, it won't charge properly, leading to starting issues. The specifics depend on the battery type—standard lead-acid batteries typically have a floating voltage range of 13.8V to 14.8V, where 'floating' means maintaining around 13.6V during prolonged charging. I've measured it multiple times with a multimeter and noticed that in winter, slightly higher voltage might be needed for faster charging, while in summer, it should be lowered to avoid overheating. This voltage is mainly supplied by the car's alternator or an external charger. If you frequently take short trips or leave the car parked for too long, unstable voltage can shorten the battery's lifespan. I usually recommend using a smart charger for automatic adjustment when parked—it's safer and more convenient. Remember to check the battery's health regularly; maintaining proper voltage can extend its life by years, saving both money and hassle.