How To Charge Leisure Batteries From Electric Car Charging Stations?

Charging leisure batteries is very important as the batteries will flatten without an effective means of replacing the energy used. It is important to recharge these batteries as their lifespan will reduce if they are unused for too long.But How To Charge Leisure Batteries from Electric Car Charging Stations?

You can use an electric car charger from the charging station to charge Leisure batteries, but it requires some modifications.

To charge the leisure battery, it needs to be disconnected from the circuit, and you need to use jumper cables to connect the negative and positive terminals of the car battery charger to the terminals on the leisure battery.

“Electric cars are going to be very important for urban transportation.“
Carlos Ghosn

These jumpers may only sometimes work as they may not be completely charged, or there may be something wrong with them. If this is the case, you need to find an alternative for connecting both batteries to charge the leisure battery.

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Do You Need a Special Charger for Charging Your Leisure Battery?

This is a very common question asked by many people, as there needs to be more clarity about different types of chargers.

Any charger can work to charge the leisure battery; however, it should output the correct amps and voltage.

It is recommended to use the chargers which are designed especially for charging the RVV battery or any other deep cycle application like boats or golf carts.

It will make sure that you are obtaining the correct charging profile. Also, the charger will last longer than any random car charger.

How To Charge a Leisure Battery?

Like most people, you need to find some point for charging the leisure battery.

There are two most common ways to charge the leisure battery at the electric car charging station, i.e., with the help of jumper cables or by using a suitable charger.

Suppose the battery is running and the cable connection is good. In that case, you need to connect the negative terminal of one end of the cable (black) to the negative terminal of another end (black) and do the same for the positive terminal (red).

This procedure can be done in reverse order also; however, you need to make sure that black clips and red clips do not touch each other.

How Long Will It Take to Charge the Leisure Battery?

Charging a leisure battery with the help of an electric car charging station is an art.

Time taken to charge the battery depends on the size, as you need extra power to charge the big batteries.

A 12 volts deep cycle RV/marine battery may take around 2 – 3 hours to charge completely; however, a gel or AGM battery can take up to 8 hours for complete charging.

It will be best if you do not allow the battery to sit ideal for longer durations as they do have a self-discharging rate. So, it is best to recharge these batteries after any break.

Suppose you need more clarification about the state of your batteries. In that case, you need to check with your battery manufacturer and look for their recommendations for charging time based on how old the battery is.

Can A Leisure Battery Be Overcharged?

There might be some point where your leisure battery can be overcharged; however, with proper care, you can save them from overcharging.

Generally, leisure batteries are designed to provide even charging throughout their lifetime, so it is almost impossible to overcharge them.

But if your battery is an application where voltage regulation happens or if another device limits them, then you may experience some battery overcharging.

How Long Do Leisure Batteries Last After One Charge?

For leisure battery owners, a common issue is not battery life but how many hours the battery will power the device.

100Ah leisure battery provides 1A for 100 hours or 100A for one hour.

Generally, leisure batteries are lead-acid and have a reduced lifespan if discharged rapidly. The simple rule is ‘do not discharge leisure battery beyond 50% regularly’.

The 50% Rule

It would be best if you kept in mind that the 50% rule – 100Ah leisure battery is only reliable for 50Ah.

It would be best if you considered that leisure batteries’ actual capacity generally varies according to the amount of current being drawn.

‘The higher the current drawn, the lesser the actual capacity.’

Voltage In a Leisure Battery At 50%

While charging leisure batteries, voltage is everything. Using very high voltage can damage the battery, and too low a voltage will not charge the leisure battery properly. Both low and high voltage can result in battery damage.

Below are the voltages you should check while charging the leisure batteries. However, the maximum voltages shown here should be used during bulk charging only.

LiFePO4 – 14.4V or 14.6V (depending on the recommendation of the manufacturer

Gel – 14.4 V
AGM – 14.7 V
Wet lead acid – 14.4 V (up to 15.8V at lower current for de-sulphation/recondition mode)

General Average Charging Voltages

Battery type	Absorption stage	Bulk stage	Maximum voltage for DE sulphation	Float stage	Notes
LiFePO4	14.6 V	14.6 V	N/A	N/A	No maintenance charge is required when battery is full. Refer to instruction manual.
Gel	14.4 V	14.4 V	N/A	13.2 V	Current should vary as per voltage.
A.G.M.	14.7 V	14.7 V	N/A	13.5 V	Current should vary as per voltage
Wet lead acid	14.4 V	14.4 V	15.8 V	13.2 V	Current should vary as per voltage.

Leisure Battery Voltages – 12V Nominal

The below chart shows typical voltages of leisure batteries when they have been fully charged and are left standing for 3 hours with discharge or no charge applied.

State of charge	Specific gravity	Voltage
Discharged	1.120	11.9V
25%	1.155	12.0V
50%	1.190	12.2V
75%	1.225	12.4V
100%	1.265	12.7 V

How Do You Know If Your Leisure Battery Is Completely Charged?

It is very easy to tell whether a leisure battery is completely charged. There are two methods to check the same, i.e., voltage readings or specific gravity method.

The battery is considered completely charged if the leisure battery voltage is between 12.7 V to 12.9 V. Any charging of 12.7 V will need charging. And if the battery has reached a specific gravity of 1.265 at 80° F, it is considered full.

Voltage Readings

With the help of voltage readings, you can easily differentiate between charged or discharged batteries. This voltage battery always varies with the state of charging.

If the voltage of the battery is below 12.4 V, then the battery is deeply discharged. Using a smart charger to charge a deeply discharged battery is also recommended.

The voltage of the battery can be measured with a voltmeter placed between the open terminals of the battery. You can also rely on BMS (Battery Management System), which provides real-time voltage readings in Eco Tree Lithium leisure batteries.

Specific Gravity Method

Battery charging level can be easily determined with the help of the specific gravity of the electrolyte. This method is not popular; however, it is possible to identify the charge if voltage readings are unavailable.

Remember, this method does not work for lithium or sealed batteries and is limited to only unsealed or flooded lead acid batteries.

As the leisure battery discharge, the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte also decreases. It happens due to the chemical reaction which takes place inside the battery.

The decrease in specific gravity is proportional to the discharge amp hours. Likewise, if the battery is charged, then the specific gravity of its electrolyte will increase.

It is very much possible to measure the specific gravity of the cell’s electrolyte with the help of a device known as a hydrometer.

Important Tips for Charging Leisure Batteries at The Electric Car Charging Station

Here are some amazing tips for charging leisure batteries at the electric car charging station. These tips will also help to increase the lifespan of the leisure battery.

Use an appropriate charger while charging the leisure battery. The chargers of leisure batteries do not have cross-functionality, and the AGM charger could be better with leisure batteries.

A deeply discharged leisure battery can be frozen completely. So, retain some charging before connecting it to the electric car charging station.
If you are using a non–sealed battery that needs an electrolyte top – you can use distilled water or de-ionized water for top–ups. If you are using plain or tap water, it is not ideal as it contains minerals that can damage the battery because of electrolyte contamination.
Charging a leisure battery at an electric car charging station is ok. Still, to increase its lifespan, you should remove the battery every six weeks and charge it with recommended or manufacturer-provided charger.

At least once a month, you should check the battery state.
Once the leisure battery is used, you should recharge it as soon as possible, as it will help maintain the battery's good health. This practice also means that the leisure battery will always remain in a ready state. So, when you use the battery next time, it will always be charged.

How To Test a Leisure Battery?

Keeping an eye on the condition of the leisure battery is very important as you want to avoid getting on your journey to find out it is not giving any power.

Regular testing of leisure batteries should be done for both states of health and voltage, which can be done with the help of an onboard battery control panel.

If you do not want to go this way, then you can use a voltmeter or a multimeter. Ensure every electric appliance or consumer is switched off before checking the battery voltage.

The Process

To make use of either appliance, you need to place the probes correctly on the battery terminals. A completely charged leisure battery will always reflect a reading of 12.7 volts or more.

If it is less than 12.4 volts, then it is considered entirely discharged, and then you should use a smart charger for charging the leisure battery. You can check the state of health with the help of a suitable conductance type tester.

It will need the input of the amp rating into the device, which is not generally found in many leisure batteries as these are not made to charge the batteries. To get the amp rating, you need to multiply the battery Ah rating by 4.

How Long Does a Leisure Battery Last After Charging from An Electric Car Charging Station?

Their maximum range on a full charge was between 100 and 150 kilometers (63 to 94 miles), according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. As shown above, that figure is substantially larger now and sits at about 341 kilometers (211 miles).

Most users presume that a battery is a ‘fit and forget’ thing; however, it really needs charging and monitoring, especially when you are not using it for a longer duration of time.

To maintain the health of the leisure battery, it is highly recommended to use a smart charger.

It is also important to remember that leisure batteries naturally lose their performance because of the internal chemical reaction when not in use.

Why Do Leisure Batteries Drain?

There are numerous causes of battery drain in a motorhome. principally include.

1.IMPROPER LEISURE BATTERY

The main issue is frequently this. Even though I myself would utilize the battery for as long as feasible, a battery older than five years would be regarded very old. I try to get as much use out of them as I can because replacing them is not inexpensive.

There are several potential causes of battery failure.

2.THE BATTERY'S AGE

A battery can only be used for so long before it needs to be replaced. Usually between 5 and 7 years, though it could survive longer if you take good care of your battery and use a reliable charger.

You probably won't even get it to five years if you use a cheap charger and frequently let it go flat. These ages apply to conventional lead-acid batteries; they are roughly the same for AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries.

3.TEMPERATURE

A battery suffers greatly from extreme cold. About -50°C (-58°F) for a fully charged battery and -1°C (30°F) for a flat battery, a fully charged battery can withstand far lower temperatures than a poorly charged battery.

Therefore, throughout the winter, be sure to keep your batteries completely charged. When a battery freezes, it cannot thaw.

4.IMPPROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY

It's crucial to have a charger. The lifespan of your battery will be drastically shortened if it is not charged correctly each time. People frequently underestimate this. The charger is just as crucial as the battery.

The battery life may likely be diminished if you purchase a very costly battery and utilize an extremely inexpensive charger.

You definitely need a smart charger to charge from 12 volts or lower since it will regulate the current to get it back to a charged state. In order to minimize any potential internal harm, they will charge it in a certain way.

Battery That has Been Discharged

When a battery is discharged—that is, when it has been allowed to run flat without being charged—it is very bad. This condition causes the battery cells to swiftly decay and is occasionally unrecoverable.

When a battery is left to run flat, the cells experience a condition known as sulphation, which significantly shortens the battery's lifespan.

5.TRANSFORMER LEFT ON

This is one of our favorites. It is very simple to accidentally turn on the inverter because the switch is located close to the floor. Even though we have never used it, there is only a tiny light to alert you, and the battery has already died a few days after being left on.

A minor annoyance. If your inverter isn't in use, make sure it's off because it can still be using energy.

6.BAD CONNECTIONS

The electrical connections in motorhomes deteriorate with time. I've spent hours changing cables and connection. If the connections become wet, they will corrode and result in a variety of issues.

If you locate one, repair it right away or you'll end up spending hours later attempting to find a problem that only needs a quick fix. Always examine the earthing cables that attach to the motorhome's body because rust and shoddy connections like to congregate here.

The Most Common Reason is Leisure Battery Failure includes a Low Electrolyte, Sulfation, Overheating, Freezing, and Overcharging.

1.Insufficient Electrolyte

Suppose you are charging your leisure battery at a voltage higher than 14.4V (based on ambient temperature). In that case, the wet lead–acid leisure battery will gas prolifically, and the electrolytes will dissipate as oxygen and hydrogen.

They are not replaced with the help of distilled water. In that case, the exposed part of the battery will rapidly convert into sulfate resulting in the reduction of the battery’s ability to accept charging.

It can also result in erosion of the charging plates because of the higher concentration of acid generation.

Ultimately, the internal resistance increases when the electrolyte level is low, and higher resistance can cause heat, damaging the battery.

2.Sulphation

During the battery lifetime, the leisure battery will develop sulfates on its plates. It happens when an electrolyte begins to break down and turns into a crystal.

However, excessive sulphation can happen when the voltage of the battery drops to below 12.4 V and the leisure battery is allowed to remain discharged for a longer period.

To minimize the sulphation, it is recommended not to discharge the leisure battery for more than 24 hours.

If your leisure battery is sulfated, you can use the charger with DE sulphation mode (as it helps to remove sulfates from the charging plates).

Sulphation of the leisure battery starts when the gravity of the electrolyte falls below 1.225 or when the voltage of the battery is less than 12.4V.

Sulphation of the leisure battery can easily reduce the ability of the battery; however, it is much better to prevent it from happening initially by taking proper care of the leisure car battery.

Remember that sulphation can be the most common reason for the permanent failure of leisure batteries.

3.Overheating

Overheated leisure batteries need to be fixed. So, if you have a leisure battery whose temperature if more than 50˚C, then a chemical reaction will happen, and the charging plates can buckle, and your leisure battery will be destroyed.

4.Freezing

If the electrolyte in an electric battery freeze and converts into ice, then the active material on the battery plates will dislodge. The battery may crack, allowing electrolytes to escape, resulting in permanent damage.

5.Vibration

If the leisure battery installation is not done securely, the vibrations and shocks can dislodge active material from leisure battery plates, reducing battery life. Make sure to check connections regularly to keep the battery operational.

6.Overcharging

Never overcharge the leisure battery as it can quickly cause the water to dissipate as gas, lowering the level of electrolytes and elevating the concentration of acid. It can result in the corrosion of battery plates.

Conclusion

Above are some of the methods to charge leisure batteries from the electric charging station. Along with this, there are some tips on do’s and don’ts that should be kept in mind while charging the battery.

FAQs

What is the best method to charge leisure batteries?

The safest and best method to charge leisure batteries is by using a charger recommended by the manufacturer or an automatic charger if possible and charging the battery with the help of an electrical hook–up.

Will a leisure battery be affected if not charged completely?

Yes, the health of the leisure battery will be affected if it is left discharged for too long. So, it is important to charge batteries 100% from time to time.

Can you overcharge a leisure battery?

Overcharging a leisure battery is better than undercharging it. So never allow the leisure battery to discharge below 50%, as it can seriously impact the performance.

Can a leisure battery be left charging overnight?

It is recommended not to connect the leisure battery to the charging point for the entire night as there is a risk of overcharging, which can result in battery damage.

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