Car, motorcycle & motorhome
I - Jump Starters / Battery boosters
Who hasn't struggled to start their car on a winter morning, battery too weak? Rather than asking for help, the simplest solution is the jump starter (or battery booster): a compact, very powerful lithium battery that restarts your engine in seconds. Essential in a car as in a motorhome, discover the very best.
Noco GB20 Boost Sport
See price and availability (53)
The smallest Noco, the one that genuinely fits in a motorcycle's underseat storage: 500 amps, a kilo, and the same UltraSafe protection as its big brothers.
- Output: 500 peak amps (petrol up to 4.0 L)
- Endurance: Up to 20 jump starts per charge
- Safety: UltraSafe, spark-proof and reverse-polarity proof
- Format: 196 x 80 x 43 mm, around 1 kg, IP65
- Pocket format, for bikes and small petrol cars
Noco GB50 Boost XL
See price and availability (59)
The missing link between the GB40 and the GB70: 1500 amps, diesel up to 4.5 litres, thirty jump starts per charge, for barely more than the model below.
- Output: 1500 peak amps (petrol 7 L, diesel 4.5 L)
- Endurance: Up to 30 jump starts per charge
- Safety: UltraSafe, spark-proof and reverse-polarity proof
- Lighting: 200-lumen LED torch, 7 modes
- 4.5 L diesel for the price of a GB40
Noco GB40 Boost
See price and availability (138)
1000A in your pocket to restart a car with a flat battery: the Noco GB40 is the UltraSafe jump starter that forgives wiring mistakes and doubles as a power bank and a light.
- Power: 1000A (petrol 6L, diesel 3L)
- Safety: UltraSafe, spark-proof
- Functions: USB power bank, 100 lm LED torch
- Protection: IP65, compact
- 1000A, UltraSafe, power bank + light
Noco Boost GB70
See price and availability (76)
The jump starter that shrugs off big engines: the Noco GB70 delivers 2000A to restart a petrol up to 8L or a diesel up to 6L, safely.
- Peak current: 2000A
- Engines: Petrol 8.0L / Diesel 6.0L
- Battery: 56 Wh lithium, ~40 starts
- Extras: 400 lm light, USB power bank, IP65
- 2000A for big engines with UltraSafe safety
II - 12V → 220V converters
Need to run a mains appliance from the cigarette lighter of your vehicle or motorhome? A voltage converter (or inverter) turns 12V into 220V and makes it possible. Be sure to size the power correctly for the appliance you want to run. Here is our selection of the best converters.
Bestek 12V 220V Converter 200W
See price and availability (8)
Of excellent quality, this small inverter converts a 12V current into a 220V current and also features 4 USB ports.
- Power: 200W
- Dimensions: 165 x 82 x 40 mm
- Weight: 400g
- Type: 12V to 220-240V
- Excellent quality, pleasant-feeling material, 4 USB ports
Victron Energy Phoenix 12/500
See price and availability (4)
The inverter you fit once for a decade: true pure sine wave, an ECO mode that draws a single watt on standby, and five years of manufacturer warranty.
- Output: 400 W continuous at 25 °C, 900 W peak
- Waveform: True pure sine wave, adjustable 230 V
- Standby: ECO mode, 1 W draw
- Monitoring: VE.Direct port, remote on/off
- True pure sine wave and a 5-year warranty
Victron Energy Phoenix 12/1200
£285.54 (10)
A thousand watts of true pure sine wave from a 12 volt battery: the reference among motorhome owners and sailors, with a five-year warranty.
- Output: 1000 W continuous at 25 °C, 2200 W peak
- Waveform: True pure sine wave, adjustable 230 V
- Standby: ECO mode, 1 W draw
- Format: 7.4 kg, 25 mm² screw terminals
- The pure sine wave that runs nearly anything
Victron Energy Phoenix 12/2000
£592.80
Sixteen hundred watts of true pure sine wave from a 12 volt battery: Victron's flagship inverter for running almost anything, even off-grid.
- Output: 1600 W continuous at 25 °C, 4000 W peak
- Waveform: True pure sine wave, adjustable 230 V
- Standby: ECO mode, 0.6 W draw
- Format: 13 kg, IP21, M8 terminals
- The most powerful Phoenix, 4000 W peak
Victron Energy Phoenix 24/1600 Smart
£601.05 £477.34
The Victron Phoenix 24/1600 Smart inverter moves a 24 volt installation into domestic comfort, with a true pure sine wave and built-in Bluetooth.
- Output: 1300 W continuous at 25 °C, 3000 W peak
- Waveform: True pure sine wave, built-in Bluetooth
- Battery voltage: 24 V, input range 18.6 to 34 V
- Format: 12 kg, IP21
- Built-in Bluetooth, full setup from VictronConnect
Renogy 1000W/2000W power inverter
£169.99 £119.99
(6)
From cigarette lighter to a real mains socket: the Renogy inverter keeps sensitive electronics powered, with an automatic mains transfer switch in 50ms.
- Power: 1000W continuous, 2000W surge
- Waveform: Pure sine wave, 220-240V
- UPS function: Mains/battery switch in 50ms
- Format: 2.6kg, wired remote included
- True pure sine wave with automatic mains switch
Bestek 500W power inverter
See price and availability
500W of 220V in the car: the Bestek inverter turns your cigarette lighter or 12V battery into a mains socket to power small devices and charge on the road.
- Power: 500W continuous (higher peak)
- Conversion: 12V DC to 220-240V AC
- Outputs: Mains socket(s) + USB ports
- Safety: Cooling fan, electronic protections
- 500W, mains sockets + USB, portable
III - Jump leads
As basic as this item may seem, it is very important to choose your jump leads well: poor quality or undersized, they can be ineffective or even dangerous. Cross-section (in mm²), length and clamp quality make all the difference. Choose wisely, with the help of this selection.
Imdifa 625 Jump Leads 35mm²
£27.65 £18.16
(5)
With a solid cross-section, these jump leads and their crocodile clips can handle up to 400A to start your vehicle.
- Cross-section: 35mm²
- Dimensions: Length 4.5m
- Compatibility: Petrol engines up to 7L, diesel up to 4L
- Reliable, solid construction, good length
Sakura SS3625 200A
See price and availability (8)
Very affordable, these jump leads are designed to help start medium-sized engines, up to 2 litres (200A max).
- Cross-section: 25mm²
- Dimensions: Length 3m
- Compatibility: Mid-size cars with engines up to 2L
- Inexpensive, very sturdy clamps
IV - Battery testers
Need to know more about the state of health of your vehicle battery (or your solar kit battery)? A good battery tester gives you valuable information in seconds: charge level, voltage, state of health. Enough to anticipate a breakdown rather than suffer it. Here is our selection of testers.
Motopower MP0514B
See price and availability (6)
Discover the Motopower MP0514B, a digital 12V battery tester and analyser, very complete, with a 4-digit numeric display.
- Type: Digital battery tester
- Dimensions: 117 x 91 x 51 mm
- Weight: 150g
- Voltage range: 4-20V
- Multifunction, accurate and easy to use
Topdon BT100
£45.00 (36)
Know in 3 seconds whether your battery needs replacing: the Topdon BT100 tests health, charge, cranking and alternator with a single click, from 100 to 2000 CCA.
- Compatibility: 12V batteries (flooded, AGM, EFB, Gel)
- Test range: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Tests: Battery, cranking, charging system
- Display: 128x64 LCD screen
- 3 tests in one, clear results from 100 to 2000 CCA
Konnwei KW208
See price and availability (24)
A complete, affordable car battery tester: it analyses battery health, the cranking circuit and alternator charging, from 100 to 2000 CCA.
- Compatibility: 6V / 12V batteries (flooded, AGM, EFB, GEL)
- Test range: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Functions: Battery health, cranking, alternator charging
- Complete 3-in-1 diagnosis, LCD screen, very affordable
Autel MaxiBAS BT506
See price and availability (5)
The battery tester that thinks like a pro: the Autel MaxiBAS BT506 diagnoses battery, cranking and alternator with workshop accuracy, driven from your smartphone.
- Compatibility: 6V / 12V (flooded, AGM, EFB, Gel)
- Test range: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Tests: Battery, cranking, alternator
- Interface: Free iOS/Android app (Bluetooth)
- Adaptive conductance, workshop accuracy via smartphone
V - Motorcycle batteries
Leave a motorcycle in the garage all winter and it is the battery that picks up the bill in spring. Unlike a car, a two-wheeler is ridden little, recharges poorly and suffers in the cold: its battery typically needs replacing every three to four years. Picking the right reference (YTX, YTZ, size, polarity, cranking amps) is essential, and brand quality genuinely shows in service life.
Yuasa YTX7L-BS 12V 6 Ah
See price and availability (4)
The small battery fitted to half the 125s and scooters on European roads: tall and narrow, 100 cranking amps, and the seriousness of an original-equipment maker.
- Capacity: 12 V, 6 Ah (100 cranking amps)
- Technology: Sealed AGM, pre-activated, maintenance free
- Format: 115 x 72 x 132 mm, 2.5 kg
- Polarity: Positive terminal on the right
- The reference for 125s and city scooters
Yuasa YTX9-BS 12V 8.4 Ah
See price and availability (15)
The factory-fitted reference on many mid-capacity motorcycles and maxi-scooters: sealed AGM, 135 cranking amps, and the reliability of a century-old maker.
- Capacity: 12 V, 8.4 Ah (135 cranking amps)
- Technology: Sealed AGM (VRLA), maintenance free
- Format: 150 x 87 x 105 mm, 3.1 kg
- Polarity: Positive terminal on the left
- The original fitment on 600s and maxi-scooters
Yuasa YTX14-BS 12V 12 Ah
See price and availability (6)
Two hundred cranking amps: the reference that spins big twins, cruisers and adventure bikes where a YTX9 starts to struggle.
- Capacity: 12 V, 12 Ah (200 cranking amps)
- Technology: Sealed AGM (VRLA), maintenance free
- Format: 150 x 87 x 145 mm, 4.6 kg
- Polarity: Positive terminal on the left
- 200 A, the reference for big-capacity bikes
VI - Alternator chargers
Driving alone is not enough to properly charge a large lithium leisure battery: the stock alternator quickly plateaus, especially on short trips. An alternator (DC-DC) charger makes full use of the current available while driving to charge a motorhome or van's leisure battery, without draining the starter battery. Here is our selection of the best alternator chargers.
Renogy RBC40D1U-BT2
£189.99 £109.99
(10)
The Renogy RBC40D1U-BT2 charges your leisure battery at up to 40A from the alternator, with Bluetooth BT-2 included. No solar MPPT, unlike the DCC50S.
- Charge current: 40A adjustable (40/30/20/10A)
- Input: Alternator only, no solar MPPT
- Bluetooth: BT-2 module included, DC Home app
- Compatibility: Lead-acid (AGM, Gel, flooded), lithium LiFePO4
- Adjustable up to 40A, Bluetooth included, no solar MPPT
Renogy DCC50S
£299.99 £189.99
(9)
Recharge your auxiliary battery while driving AND from the sun: the Renogy DCC50S combines a 50A DC-DC charger and an MPPT solar controller in a single unit, made for vans.
- Charge current: 50A (12V)
- Inputs: Alternator + solar (built-in MPPT)
- Power / efficiency: 660W, up to 94%
- Compatibility: Lead-acid (flooded, Gel, AGM), lithium LiFePO4
- 50A DC-DC charger and solar MPPT in a single unit
EcoFlow Alternator Charger Plus 1000
£329.00 (4)
Up to 1000 W from the alternator while driving: the DC-DC charger with a dedicated solar port and reverse charging, that never drains the starter battery.
- Alternator charging: 1000 W max, up to 75 A (12V/24V input)
- Starter battery maintenance: 100 W, protects the starter battery
- Reverse charging: Up to 75 A, tops up the starter battery if needed
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, EcoFlow app
- Simultaneous alternator + solar charging, up to 1000 W
Sterling Power BB1230
£118.80 (4)
Charge your leisure battery up to 20 times faster than a basic split-charge relay: the Sterling Power BB1230 boosts current from smart alternators too.
- Charge current: 30 A (12V)
- Battery profiles: 9 presets: AGM, LiFePO4, Gel, lead-acid
- Input: 11-20V, smart Euro 5/6+ alternators
- Protection: IP21, spark-free, OEM lock
- 30A without touching the alternator, 9 battery profiles
VII - Battery monitors
A charger or a booster doesn't tell you everything: how much is really left in the battery, right now? A battery monitor (a shunt wired to a display, sometimes to a Bluetooth app) continuously measures voltage, current and state of charge, well beyond a one-off check. Essential as soon as a leisure battery powers a van, a boat or a fixed solar setup. Here is our selection of the best battery monitors.
Renogy RBM500
£89.99 £53.99
(27)
The Renogy RBM500 continuously tracks voltage, current and state of charge through a 500A shunt and a wired LCD display, accurate to within 1%.
- Shunt: 500A, 10-120V range
- Accuracy: ±1% (current, voltage, capacity)
- Display: Backlit wired LCD (6m cable)
- Compatibility: Lead-acid (AGM, Gel), lithium LiFePO4, NiMH
- 1% accuracy and 6m cable, no built-in Bluetooth (BT-2 optional)
Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart
£127.40 (22)
The Victron BMV-712 Smart shows voltage, current and remaining charge on its own display, with no need for a phone nearby, plus Bluetooth on top.
- Display: Blue backlit LCD, dedicated
- Shunt: 500 A/50 mV, up to 9999 Ah
- Bluetooth: Built-in, programmable AUX input
- Power supply: 6.5 to 70 V, IP55
- Dedicated physical display: direct reading without a phone
Victron Energy SmartShunt 500A/50mV IP65
£156.00 £85.95
(18)
The Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV IP65 tracks battery status continuously and sends it all over Bluetooth to the VictronConnect app, no physical display needed.
- Shunt: 500A/50mV
- Bluetooth: Built-in, VictronConnect app
- Rating: IP65
- Accuracy: 99.6%
- Built-in Bluetooth and IP65 housing, no display or cable to fit
Votronic LCD Battery Computer 100 S
£179.68 (9)
How much charge is really left in the leisure battery? The Votronic LCD Battery Computer 100 S measures voltage, current and charge continuously, up to 100A.
- Measuring shunt: 100A (up to 200A peak)
- Supported voltage: 12V and 24V
- Compatibility: Lead-acid, Gel, AGM, LiFePO4 lithium
- Battery capacity: 50 to 2000 Ah (adjustable)
- Precision 100A shunt, LCD screen, optional Bluetooth
Votronic LCD Battery Computer 200 S
£201.58
How much charge is really left in a large motorhome leisure battery? The Votronic 200 S measures voltage, current and charge, up to 200A.
- Measuring shunt: 200A (up to 400A peak)
- Supported voltage: 12V and 24V
- Compatibility: Lead-acid, Gel, AGM, LiFePO4 lithium
- Battery capacity: 50 to 2000 Ah (adjustable)
- Precision 200A shunt, LCD screen, optional Bluetooth
VIII - Related questions
Your battery recharges as you drive, thanks to the alternator. If that is not enough (short trips, winter, an idle vehicle), the simplest way is to connect it to the mains with a charger-maintainer, which recharges it and then keeps its charge at the right level. You will find a selection in our Car & motorcycle battery chargers section.
It is not always easy to know the state of health of your vehicle battery. Battery testers let you find out in seconds whether your battery needs replacing, along with its charge level and other useful information. You will find a selection on this page.
Every driver knows the method of connecting crocodile clips to another vehicle's battery. Effective, but painful when you are alone in the middle of nowhere. The jump starter (or battery booster), a kind of very powerful lithium battery, gives your battery the boost it needs to start your engine, with no outside help.

























































