Initially, car Jump Starter were equipped with lead-acid batteries, which made them bulky and inconvenient to carry. In the mid-term to the present, car starting power supplies primarily use built-in lithium batteries, which are compact, portable, aesthetically pleasing, have long standby times, and extended lifespans. This has rapidly expanded the market and is currently the mainstream choice. Nowadays, power supplies using supercapacitors have also emerged, offering low internal resistance, large capacity, extended lifespans, enhanced safety, and a broader operating temperature range than lithium batteries, albeit at a higher price.
What are the typical parameters for emergency starting power supply products?
Battery Capacity: It is advisable to select based on your specific needs. For regular-sized cars, around 10,000mAh is generally sufficient. Some car owners may use it as a portable power source, so excessively large capacity may not be practical.
Peak Current and Starting Current: The primary focus of an emergency power supply is to deliver a significant amount of electricity instantly to activate the vehicle's battery. Generally, the more cells it has, the greater the current it can provide. Most small cars are equipped with a 60AH battery, and the starting current typically falls within the range of 100 to 300 amps. However, larger engine displacements may require higher starting currents. Some products also offer a "0 voltage" start function. Choose according to your vehicle's engine size and requirements.
Output Voltage and Interfaces: Common output voltages include 5V and 9V, with some are DC 12V jump starter. Interfaces mainly consist of USB, Type C, and DC ports. Some models support fast-charging protocols. The more diverse the interfaces and types available, the more versatile the power supply can be for charging mobile phones, laptops, or other electronic devices. Some models even allow connection to 220V appliances through an inverter, expanding their utility.
Cycle Life: Products are generally rated for several thousand cycles. For regular household use, this limit is unlikely to be reached, so it shouldn't be a significant concern.
Lighting Function: It is preferable to have a lighting function, eliminating the need to worry about using it in dim or nighttime conditions. Models with SOS rescue lights are especially useful.
Battery Clamps: Pay attention to the quality of the wires and battery clamps. Opt for wires with soft silicone insulation and thick copper clamps. The wires should be thick enough to handle high currents and high temperatures. Additionally, ensure that the power supply offers protective functions such as over-discharge, reverse charge, over-current, short circuit, reverse connection, over-temperature, over-voltage, and over-charge protection. Some models emit a warning beep or light if the connections are reversed to prevent damage to the vehicle and the power supply itself. Anti-reverse interface designs are also available for novice users.
Operating Temperature: If you reside in colder regions, pay attention to the discharge temperature. For example, a -20°C rating should suffice for most areas in northern area. Using the power supply within its specified operating temperature range can prolong its lifespan.
Power Display: Since these tools are used infrequently, there may be some power loss during long periods of inactivity. It is beneficial to have an accurate display showing the remaining battery power or the operational interface. However, keep in mind that an LCD digital display may not necessarily be more reliable than a simple power level indicator, especially in low-temperature environments.
Price: Choose a reputable brand with quality certifications and test reports. Different companies use varying molds, chip solutions, battery structures, and functions, including brand premiums. Select based on your specific requirements.
Additional Features: Features like waterproof sealing caps, compasses, and longer battery cables may be useful depending on your needs and preferences. Some models come with longer battery cables to accommodate vehicles with larger battery placements.