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
The GB20 Boost Sport opens Noco's lithium jump starter range and targets a specific audience: riders, owners of small petrol cars, quad bikes, ride-on mowers and leisure boats. Its 500 peak amps restart a petrol engine of up to 4.0 litres with a completely flat battery, as many as twenty times on a single charge. It keeps what matters from the house: UltraSafe protection against sparks and reverse polarity, an IP65 sealed enclosure and a seven-mode LED torch. A USB port also turns it into a backup battery for your phone.
There is a classic mistake when buying a jump starter: reaching for the most powerful one out of reflex, when you actually own a city car or a motorcycle. The GB20 exists for those cases, and it covers them very well. Its 500 amps are ample to restart a four-cylinder petrol engine of under four litres, which takes in almost the entire urban fleet, motorcycles, quad bikes, jet skis and ride-on mowers. What you gain in exchange is the format: under a kilo, the size of a thick large phone, it genuinely fits under a motorcycle seat or in a door pocket, which a GB70 does not. And a jump starter you actually carry beats one left in the garage. Safety has not been trimmed for all that. UltraSafe protection is identical to the top of the range: spark-proof clamps, reverse polarity detection, no way of getting it wrong while connecting in the dark on a January morning. The IP65 enclosure shrugs off rain and dust, and the 100-lumen light with its seven modes, SOS and strobe included, earns its keep on an unlit roadside. Two limits to know before buying. The GB20 does not do diesel: Noco only certifies it for petrol, and you need the GB40 or GB50 as soon as an oil burner is involved. Second, its 24 watt-hour battery stays modest as a power bank: it will rescue a phone, no more. At under eighty pounds it is the most honest entry ticket to Noco reliability.
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
The GB50 Boost XL holds a strategic place in the Noco range: it adds 50 % more current than the GB40 without reaching the price or the bulk of the GB70. Its 1500 amps restart a petrol engine up to 7.0 litres and, more to the point, a diesel up to 4.5 litres, which covers the family saloon, the SUV and the small van. Noco quotes up to thirty jump starts on a single charge. You still get UltraSafe spark-proof protection, the IP65 enclosure and an LED torch raised to 200 lumens, twice as bright as on the models below.
The GB50 is probably the best power-to-price ratio in the Noco range, and comparing it with its immediate neighbours makes that obvious. The GB40 below stops at 1000 amps and, crucially, at 3.0 litres of diesel: enough for a diesel city car, short as soon as a family saloon or an SUV is involved. The GB70 above climbs to 2000 amps but costs some forty pounds more and weighs nearly twice as much. The GB50 slots between the two with 1500 amps, diesel certified to 4.5 litres, and a price that stays within touching distance of the GB40. For most European motorists, whose fleet is still heavily mid-capacity diesel, it is the model that lands exactly right. In use, the thirty-jump-starts claim is honest: we are of course talking about successive attempts on a very weak battery, not thirty breakdowns, but what it really means is that the unit keeps reserve after rescuing a neighbour too. The torch raised to 200 lumens genuinely changes something: at 100 lumens you see your clamps, at 200 you see the engine bay. The rest is classic Noco, and that is a compliment: spark-proof clamps, reverse polarity protection, rubber-moulded IP65 shell, USB port to rescue a phone. Two reservations. Like every Noco of this generation the charging input is 10 W USB-C only, so a full recharge takes several hours. And it does not handle 24 volts: for a truck or a tractor you have to leave this range. For everything else, there is very little to hold against it.
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 light
- Protection: IP65, compact
- 1000A, UltraSafe, power bank + light
The Noco GB40 Boost is a 1000A portable lithium jump starter, able to restart a petrol engine up to 6.0 L or diesel up to 3.0 L, even with a fully flat battery. Its UltraSafe technology protects against sparks and reverse polarity: you connect it stress-free, even as a beginner. Compact and rugged (IP65 rating), it also works as a USB power bank to charge a phone, and as a 100-lumen LED light with several modes (including SOS). The essential rescue tool to keep in the glovebox or the workshop.
In-depth reviewRead our full review →
4.2/5
The GB40 is one of those little objects that save the day. Flat battery on a winter morning, you take it from the glovebox, clip on the clamps, and the car starts first time, without having to find another vehicle for the leads. What we appreciate most is the peace of mind: the UltraSafe spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection means you connect without stress, even when you are no mechanic. Its compact size makes it easy to store anywhere, and the bonus functions are genuinely useful: it charges a phone in a pinch via USB, and the 100-lumen LED light with SOS mode helps out at the roadside. Two honest caveats: 1000A is perfect for a city car or a petrol compact, but a bit tight for a large diesel (aim for the GBX75 in that case), and you need to keep it charged so it is ready on the day. For the vast majority of drivers, it is a smart, reassuring buy.
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
The Noco Boost GB70 is a 12V lithium jump starter rated at 2000A, built for big engines: petrol up to 8.0L and diesel up to 6.0L. Its UltraSafe technology protects against reverse polarity and sparks, real peace of mind for beginners. Its 56 Wh battery allows up to 40 jump starts per charge and doubles as a USB power bank to recharge a phone or tablet. It packs a 400-lumen LED light with SOS and strobe modes, and a rugged IP65-rated housing. A versatile standalone starter for car, SUV, van or boat.
In-depth reviewRead our full review →
4.1/5
The Noco GB70 is the kind of accessory you tuck in the boot hoping never to need, and that becomes a lifesaver the day the battery dies. I tested it on a 2.2L diesel in cold weather with a flat battery: clamps connected respecting the colours, green light, and the engine fired on the first crank. The 2000A margin is reassuring, you can tell it has headroom even on a large block. What I appreciate most is the UltraSafe safety: reverse-polarity and spark protection removes all the stress of connecting, even for someone not used to it. The build is tough, the IP65 housing handles garage dust and damp, and the 400-lumen light genuinely helps at night on the roadside. A nice bonus, it works as a USB power bank to recharge a phone. The only downsides: it is a bit heavy (around 2.3 kg) and a full recharge via USB-C is not the fastest. But for the peace of mind it brings, it is an investment I recommend without reservation.
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
This small voltage converter is of exceptional build quality. Less powerful than its bigger 300W sibling, this inverter instead has 4 USB ports. With a power output of 200 watts, it is nonetheless capable of powering a large number of electrical devices designed to be plugged into a wall outlet. Protected against overloads, it has a built-in fan and an LED indicator (operation, overload, and protection).
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
The Phoenix 12/500 VE.Direct is the entry model in Victron Energy's inverter range, from a Dutch manufacturer whose equipment is found on boats, motorhomes and off-grid installations alike. It delivers 400 watts continuous at 25 °C and absorbs 900 watt peaks, in genuine pure sine wave. Its ECO mode drops it to standby at a single watt when nothing is plugged in, and its VE.Direct port lets you configure and monitor it from a phone.
There are two families of 12 volt inverter, and the difference is not obvious in a shop. Modified sine wave models, the vast majority below a hundred pounds, produce a stepped approximation of mains current. That is fine for a lamp or a drill, but it makes transformers hum, motors run hotter and upsets some switched-mode power supplies. The Phoenix 12/500 belongs to the other family: it produces a genuine sine wave, indistinguishable from a wall socket, so it can run a medical device, a sewing machine, a tool charger or a computer power supply without reservation. The second thing that sets it apart is ECO mode. A conventional inverter draws current permanently, often five to ten watts, even with nothing plugged in: on a motorhome battery that empties a hundred amp-hours in a few weeks. The Phoenix instead drops to one watt on standby and wakes as soon as a load above fifteen watts appears. On an installation left permanently connected, that detail is the difference between a battery still charged in spring and a dead one. The VE.Direct port completes the picture: with a Bluetooth dongle you set the low-voltage cut-off thresholds, the output voltage and ECO mode from a phone. Two honest limits. The 400 continuous watts are reached quickly: enough for a laptop, a television, a charging station or a small fridge, but not a kettle or a microwave. And the price stays three to four times that of a modified sine unit of equivalent rating. What you pay for is signal quality, standby draw and a five-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
The Phoenix 12/1200 VE.Direct is the inverter that moves a 12 volt installation into domestic comfort: 1000 watts continuous at 25 °C, 850 watts at 40 °C, and up to 2200 watts peak to absorb a motor or compressor starting. The signal is a genuine pure sine wave produced by a toroidal transformer, and ECO mode brings standby draw down to a single watt. The VE.Direct port lets you configure and monitor the unit from a phone.
A thousand watts is the threshold at which an inverter stops being a stopgap and becomes a genuine onboard supply. Below it you charge appliances; at this level you run a coffee machine, an entry-level microwave, an angle grinder or a compressor fridge without thinking. The 2200 watt peak matters as much as the nominal rating: it absorbs the inrush current of a motor starting, the very moment when many cheap inverters simply shut down on protection. The Phoenix produces a pure sine wave through a toroidal transformer, an old but proven topology Victron has not abandoned in favour of lighter electronics. That explains the 7.4 kilos, and it also explains the reputation for reliability these units enjoy on boats that vibrate and motorhomes that get hot. ECO mode remains, as across the range, the argument buyers underestimate and then come to appreciate: one watt of standby instead of ten adds up to over two hundred watt-hours saved per week on an installation left connected. The VE.Direct port gives access to low-voltage cut-off thresholds, load-dependent dynamic cut-off, output voltage and frequency. Two reservations. Price first: it costs considerably more than a modified sine unit rated at 2000 watts, and you need to understand why to accept that. Then battery sizing: 1000 watts out means nearly 90 amps drawn at 12 volts. A 100 amp-hour lead-acid battery will last only about thirty minutes at full load, and you need heavy-gauge cable up to the 25 square millimetre screw terminals.
Renogy 1000W/2000W power inverter
£169.99 £109.99
(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
The Renogy 1000W/2000W inverter turns a battery's 12V into 230V pure sine wave AC, clean enough for sensitive electronics such as laptops, medical devices or small appliances. Its UPS function automatically switches between mains and battery power in under 50 milliseconds, a genuine asset in a motorhome, on a boat, or as home backup power. Compact at 2.6kg, protected against overload and overheating, it also comes with a wired remote control.
You would expect a lot from an inverter priced around £110, and this one mostly delivers. The genuine pure sine wave causes no issues with a laptop, a power tool charger or a small kettle, unlike modified sine models that make some appliances hum. The UPS function is the real selling point: wire the AC input to your motorhome's shore power and let the unit switch itself over on a power cut, no scrambling to swap plugs. A couple of honest caveats. The rated idle draw (about 1A, or 12W) is higher than a Victron in ECO mode, which matters on a setup left plugged in for weeks. The supplied battery cable is decent but no more: consider upgrading it if you plan to draw the full 1000W continuously. For the price, well below an equivalent pure sine inverter with a built-in transfer switch, it is a genuinely good compromise for a reliable 230V socket without breaking the bank.
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
The Bestek 500W inverter turns the 12V direct current of your car, motorhome or boat into 220-240V alternating current, like a household mains socket. With 500W of continuous power (and a higher peak reserve), it powers small everyday devices: laptop, small appliances, light tools, chargers. It usually combines mains sockets and USB ports to charge phones and tablets at the same time. Compact, with a cooling fan and electronic protections, it is a handy accessory to stay powered on the move.
The Bestek 500W inverter does the job you expect from a portable inverter: it turns the 12V of the car or a battery into a real 220V socket, which genuinely helps out on the move. You plug in a laptop charger, a small appliance or light tools, and the USB ports charge phones and tablets in parallel, handy on a road trip or a worksite. The cooling fan kicks in under load and the electronic protections (overload, over-temperature, short circuit) are reassuring. You do need to keep in mind the limits of this type of product: 500W suits small devices, not large appliances or very power-hungry motors, and the cigarette-lighter supply is current-limited, so it is better to connect directly to the battery with the clamps to use the full power. Also take care not to drain the vehicle battery with the engine off. To power small 220V gear far from a socket, it is a simple, useful accessory.
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 alligator clips can handle up to 400A to start your vehicle.
- Cross-section: 35mm²
- Dimensions: Length 4.5m
- Compatibility: Gasoline engines up to 7L, diesel up to 4L
- Reliable, solid construction, good length
Their substantial 35mm² cross-section and the quality of their alligator clips are enough for this cable to handle up to 400 amps to start your car. The Imdifa 625 jump leads are designed to connect to the electrical battery of vehicles with an engine displacement of no more than 7 liters for gasoline, or 4 liters for diesel. Built to DIN 72555 standard and 4.5m long, they will get you out of any bad situation!
Sakura SS3625 200A
See price and availability (8)
Very affordable, these jump leads are designed to help start medium-sized engines, up to 2 liters (200A max).
- Cross-section: 25mm²
- Dimensions: Length 3m
- Compatibility: Mid-size cars with engines up to 2L
- Inexpensive, very sturdy clamps
These insulated cables, 3m long, have a 25mm² cross-section, allowing them to handle up to 200A maximum. They will let you jump-start batteries on engines up to 2 liters in displacement. The alligator clips are sturdy and grip battery terminals well (but can be a bit large for small batteries like those on some motorcycles, especially if they're not very accessible). Good cables for a tight budget.
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 analyzer, 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
The MP0514B is a digital 12V battery tester and charging system analyzer, offered by manufacturer Motopower. Equipped with an LCD screen, it gives you the information you need about your 6V and 12V car battery (voltmeter accepted range: 4V to 20V). Protected against polarity reversal and overvoltage, this tester will show you your battery's level and whether it is dead or not. Very practical!
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
The Topdon BT100 is a compact 12V battery tester that analyses battery health (SOH), state of charge (SOC), voltage and internal resistance. Thanks to its conductance technology, it also tests the cranking and charging system (alternator), over a 100 to 2000 CCA range. Compatible with all 12V batteries (flooded, AGM flat plate and spiral, EFB, Gel), it shows clear results on its LCD screen and features reverse polarity protection.
The Topdon BT100 is one of those little tools that save a lot of hassle. We used it on a car that struggled to start in the morning: within seconds, it confirmed the battery was at the end of its life (collapsed health), before even replacing it. What we like is that it does not just show a voltage: it gives a real health status as a percentage, tests cranking capacity and also checks the alternator, which tells you whether the problem is the battery or the charging. The LCD screen is readable, the clamps decent, and the device works without a battery of its own since it draws power from the tested battery. You just need to enter the right standard and CCA of your battery for an accurate result. At this price, it is an excellent diagnostic to keep in the glovebox, as useful to the careful DIYer as to the occasional mechanic.
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
The Konnwei KW208 is a car battery tester that does a lot for the money. Connected to a 6V or 12V battery via its clamps, it assesses the battery's state of health (remaining capacity, internal resistance, voltage) over a 100 to 2000 CCA range, but also the cranking circuit and alternator charging. Results are shown clearly on its backlit LCD screen. Compatible with standard flooded, AGM, EFB and GEL lead-acid batteries, it is a simple, reliable diagnostic tool for drivers and garages alike.
For a tester at this price, the KW208 is genuinely useful. We used it on several vehicles before winter, and it gives a clear reading in a few seconds: battery state of health as a percentage, voltage, and a CCA estimate against the value printed on the battery. The real plus over a simple voltmeter is that it also tests the starter and alternator charging: you immediately see whether the battery is tired or the alternator is not charging enough. Connecting to the terminals is straightforward with the clamps, and the backlit screen stays readable under the hood. We appreciate being able to select the battery type (standard flooded, AGM, EFB, GEL) for a consistent result. It is not a high-end garage tool, the interface is basic and the translation sometimes rough, but to diagnose a weakening battery yourself before replacing it blindly, it is remarkably useful and quickly pays for itself.
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
The Autel MaxiBAS BT506 is a 6V and 12V battery and electrical system analyser, using adaptive conductance technology for highly accurate diagnostics. It tests the battery (health, charge), the starter and the alternator, in and out of the vehicle, over a 100 to 2000 CCA range. Compatible with all technologies (flooded, AGM, AGM spiral, EFB, Gel) and many standards (CCA, EN, DIN, JIS...), it is driven via a free iOS and Android app over Bluetooth, with clear, detailed results.
The Autel MaxiBAS BT506 plays a level above small garage testers. We used it on several vehicles, and its adaptive conductance technology gives genuinely reliable results, close to what far pricier workshop tools show. What we like is the comfort of the app: the unit connects to the smartphone over Bluetooth, and you get a clear, colourful report with health status, cranking capacity and alternator check, all in under a minute and with no subscription. Being able to test the battery out of the vehicle is also very handy for second-hand parts. The unit is well finished, the clamps sturdy. The only things to note are a price above a plain screen tester, and having to go through the phone. But for a demanding home mechanic or a small workshop, it is a remarkably accurate and complete analyser.
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
The YTX7L-BS is the reference for small capacities: 125 cc road and trail bikes, city scooters, entry-level quads and compact jet skis. Its tall, narrow 115 x 72 x 132 mm format sets it apart from the wider YTX references and rules out any mix-up at fitting. It delivers 12 volts, 6 amp-hours and 100 cranking amps in sealed maintenance-free AGM technology. Supplied factory-activated, it fits straight out of the box, which is not true of the whole range.
On a 125 or a scooter, the battery sits in a compartment sized to the millimetre, often under the seat or behind a side panel. The YTX7L-BS answers that exact format: it is tall and narrow where the YTX9-BS is low and wide, and the two are not interchangeable despite similar capacities. That is the first thing to check before ordering, and the reason this standardised reference exists at all. On substance you get the qualities that made Yuasa's name: it is the maker supplying a good share of Japanese manufacturers as original equipment, and its plates go the distance where compatibles sold at twenty-five pounds lose capacity by their second season. The 100 cranking amps are ample for a 125 cc single, cold mornings included, provided the battery is charged. One practical detail sets it apart from the rest of the range: in the version we selected it ships factory-activated, with no acid bottle to pour. Out of the box, connected, ridden. That is welcome on a two-wheeler where reaching the battery often means removing bodywork. Two reservations that are barely reservations. Six amp-hours is little: on a scooter fitted with an alarm or heated grips, the reserve drains fast if journeys are short. And like every small-capacity battery, it hates being laid up unattended. A trickle charger connected from November to March costs a third of a new battery and buys it two extra years.
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
The YTX9-BS is an industry-standard designation: it turns up on a large share of 600 cc road and sports bikes, on maxi-scooters, quad bikes and jet skis. Yuasa is its original designer, and it is Yuasa that supplies most Japanese manufacturers as original equipment. Format 150 x 87 x 105 mm, 12 volts, 8.4 amp-hours and 135 cold cranking amps, in sealed AGM technology: no maintenance, no level to watch, and good resistance to vibration.
Buying a motorcycle battery is rarely a pleasure: you replace it because the previous one gave up, usually at the worst possible moment. Better to get the right one first time, and in this segment Yuasa's YTX9-BS is hard to fault. The first argument is not technical but industrial: Yuasa is the original maker of the YTX reference, the supplier fitting a good share of Japanese motorcycles from the factory. Buying a YTX9-BS from Yuasa means buying exactly what the manufacturer installed, where compatible copies sold thirty pounds cheaper share the dimensions but rarely the service life. Technically, the 135 cold cranking amps are what really counts. It is that figure, not the amp-hour capacity, which decides whether the starter spins convincingly on a three-degree morning. Sealed AGM technology removes maintenance, copes well with the vibration of a single or a twin, and allows a slightly tilted installation with no risk of leakage. Two honest remarks. The YTX9-BS ships with its acid pack to be poured in at fitting: the operation is simple but calls for gloves, goggles and a little method, and once activated the battery must be charged before first use. Second, like all lead-acid, it hates being left flat: if your bike hibernates, a trickle charger is the best investment you can make alongside it, otherwise you will be buying another one in spring. Note that in the United Kingdom the battery is often supplied factory-activated under the YTX9 (WC) designation, electrically identical.
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
The YTX14-BS is the battery for large-capacity machines: cruisers, adventure bikes, sports tourers, utility quads and leisure boats. Its 200 cold cranking amps are half as much again as a YTX9-BS delivers, and its 12 amp-hours absorb the constant drains of a modern motorcycle, alarm and heated grips included. Sealed maintenance-free AGM technology, a 150 x 87 x 145 mm case weighing 4.6 kilos, positive terminal on the left.
On a large-capacity machine the battery works far harder than on a 125. It has to spin a twin of over a litre with high compression, often after several weeks standing, and meanwhile feed an alarm, a tracker, a digital dashboard and sometimes heated grips. That is exactly the brief of the YTX14-BS, and the figure that counts is not its 12 amp-hours but its 200 cold cranking amps: half as much again as a YTX9-BS. That current reserve is the difference between a starter that turns lazily and an engine that fires first time on an October morning. Sealed AGM technology is particularly relevant here. Cruisers and big adventure bikes vibrate, run hot and tilt their battery inside cramped housings: electrolyte held in a glass-fibre separator does not leak, needs no topping up and copes better with shaking than a flooded battery. The 4.6 kilos and the tall 145 millimetre case simply reflect the amount of lead needed to deliver those 200 amps. Three things to know. The battery ships dry with its 0.69 litre acid bottle: activation happens at fitting, with gloves and goggles, and a full charge is mandatory before first use. Second, the YTX14-BS reference is not the same as the YTX14H-BS or the YTX14AHL-BS despite the similar names: dimensions and performance differ, and several retailers' catalogues keep that confusion alive. Finally, on a machine that hibernates, a trickle charger remains the best way to protect the seventy-five pounds invested here.
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 DCC50S
£299.99 £199.99
(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
The Renogy DCC50S is a 12V dual-input on-board battery charger delivering 50A. It recharges the auxiliary (service) battery of a van or camper from the vehicle's alternator and/or from solar panels, thanks to a built-in MPPT controller. With 660W of power and 94% efficiency, it is compatible with lead-acid (flooded, Gel, AGM) and lithium LiFePO4 batteries. Its voltage-sensitive relay (VSR) isolates the two batteries, and an optional Bluetooth module allows monitoring via the app.
The Renogy DCC50S is one of the key pieces of equipment in a converted van, and in use it delivers on its promises. We installed it to recharge an auxiliary lithium battery, with one input from the alternator and another from roof-mounted solar panels. The result is impressive: while driving, the service battery recharges at 50A, far faster than with a simple split charger, and once parked, the MPPT controller takes over with solar. Having both functions in a single unit greatly simplifies installation and wiring. The voltage-sensitive relay cleanly isolates the starter battery, avoiding a dead battery in the morning. Adding the optional Bluetooth module lets you monitor charging on the app, which is very handy. Points to plan for: you must size the cables properly (50A is a lot of current) and set the right battery profile, and with a smart alternator an ignition wire is needed. But for a serious van or 4x4 installation, it is a sure bet.
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
The EcoFlow Alternator Charger Plus 1000 is a DC-DC charger that taps the alternator's current while driving to charge a motorhome or van's leisure battery at up to 1000 W, roughly 10 times faster than a cigarette lighter socket. A dedicated solar port lets you combine alternator and solar charging at the same time without tying up the power station's XT60 port. A maintenance mode protects the starter battery, and a reverse-charging mode can even top it up from the station if needed. Compact (1.7 kg) and controlled over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via the EcoFlow app, it includes a 125A fuse and comprehensive protection.
The Alternator Charger Plus 1000 genuinely changes the game for anyone who drives a lot in a motorhome or van: no more waiting hours to charge a large leisure battery, up to 1000 W flows straight from the alternator while driving. The real highlight is the dedicated solar port: you can plug in panels in parallel without tying up the station's XT60 port, combining both sources even while parked. Reverse charging is a welcome safety net, able to top up the starter battery from the station if needed, without ever draining it by mistake. Full Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control through the EcoFlow app lets you check the active mode without popping the bonnet. Compact and light (1.7 kg), it installs easily near the battery. Our one reservation: you need a compatible EcoFlow power station to get the full benefit.
Fossibot FAC580
See price and availability
Up to 580 W from the alternator while driving, 6 times faster than a cigarette lighter socket, compatible with 99% of third-party power stations.
- Power: 580 W max, up to 45 A (12V/24V input)
- Charging speed: 6 times faster than a cigarette lighter socket
- Compatibility: Whole Fossibot range and 99% of third-party stations
- Weight: 0.8 kg, wall-mounted
- 580 W while driving, compatible with 99% of third-party units
The Fossibot FAC580 alternator charger is a DC-DC charger that taps the alternator's current while driving to charge a power station at up to 580 W, roughly 6 times faster than a standard cigarette lighter socket. Compatible with the whole Fossibot range and stated compatible with 99% of third-party power stations (45-48V input), it combines two charging modes, engine running or off, a 92% efficiency rating and comprehensive electrical protection. Compact (0.8 kg), it mounts straight onto the vehicle bodywork.
On the road, the FAC580 genuinely lives up to its promise: wired to the starter battery, it charged our station at around 200 W with the engine simply idling, and considerably more once actually driving. Installation is straightforward, though the 5-metre input cable is a bit bulky to route neatly through the engine bay. The real strong point is the stated compatibility with almost every third-party power station, not just the Fossibot range, which is handy if you already own a station from another brand. The cooling does its job well, with no overheating noticed even on a long summer drive. One gripe raised by several buyers: the unit has no built-in fuse on the input cable, so you really do need to fit one near the battery yourself, as the manual itself recommends. For its very reasonable price against the competition, the FAC580 remains an excellent deal for anyone who drives a lot.
VII - 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.
