The Advantages of Lithium Jump Starters: Power, Portability, and Performance
on December 6, 2024
If you drive a car, you will eventually have to deal with one that won’t start. It’s important when this inevitably happens, you are prepared. When it comes to jump starting your vehicle, you can’t beat the reliability and convenience of a lithium jump starter. These jump starters, powered by lithium ion batteries, have taken […]
If you drive a car, you will eventually have to deal with one that won’t start. It’s important when this inevitably happens, you are prepared. When it comes to jump starting your vehicle, you can’t beat the reliability and convenience of a lithium jump starter. These jump starters, powered by lithium ion batteries, have taken over the jump starter market. But why are they so popular and what advantages do they offer over jump starters powered by traditional lead-acid batteries? From their power to their performance and portability, let’s look at why you should consider purchasing a lithium jump starter.
High Energy Density
When it comes to lithium jump starters, one of their greatest benefits is the high energy density of their lithium batteries. Lithium batteries deliver a greater energy output for their size than traditional lead-acid batteries, meaning they can pack a lot of power into a lightweight and compact design. This higher energy density also means that lithium-powered jump starters can provide substantial power to get your vehicle up and running fast. With a lithium jump starter, you get quick, efficient performance without the heft and weight of a bulky lead-acid unit.
Portability and Lightweight Design
Due mainly to their high energy density, lithium jump starters are lighter and more compact than traditional lead-acid jump starters. They fit easily into your glove compartment, trunk, or emergency kit, making them perfect for use on the road and away from home. It also makes them the best choice if you need to carry the jump starter to an outdoor or remote location or if you’re packing it alongside other emergency supplies.
Added Capabilities
Beyond basic jump starting, many lithium-powered jump starters incorporate extra features that add functionality and versatility to the units. Schumacher lithium jump starters offer USB ports for charging electronic devices and LED flashlights for nighttime jump starting or other emergencies. Some models also include air compressors or function as portable power stations with multiple outlets. These added functions make lithium jump starters the go-to solution for roadside emergencies, offering more than just the power to start your vehicle.
Fast Recharge
Lithium jump starters recharge much faster than lead-acid jump starters, which can take many hours to reach a full charge. The chemistry of lithium batteries allows them to accept current at a much faster rate, so many lithium jump starters can fully recharge in under three hours, and some can recharge in under an hour.
Low Self-Discharge Rate
While all battery types will self-discharge over time, lithium batteries have an exceptionally low self-discharge rate, meaning that a lithium-powered jump starter will hold a charge for months and be ready when you need it, even if it has been stored for up to a year. Lead-acid jump starters, in contrast, will lose about 5% of their charge in a month and can be damaged if they become over discharged.
High Output Voltage
In addition to other advantages, starting batteries with a lithium jump starter is easier than with traditional jump starters. Lithium ion batteries deliver a higher voltage output than other battery types, typically around 3.6 volts per cell[1] compared to about 2.1 volts for lead-acid cells.[2] This makes lithium batteries particularly effective for high-power applications, such as starting an engine. The voltage of lithium batteries allows lithium jump starters to deliver a quick, powerful boost of energy that can jump start even large vehicles with high engine capacities, including trucks and SUVs. So, whether you’re driving a car, a heavy-duty farm truck, or a motorcycle, or even piloting a boat, a lithium jump starter will get you back on the road and back to work.
Longer Lifespan
There is no debate around the superior lifespans of lithium jump starters. Their longer life is primarily due to the higher cycle life of lithium ion batteries. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries can withstand hundreds of recharge cycles without losing significant capacity. Many lithium jump starters will last for years, delivering dependable performance for hundreds of full discharge and recharge cycles.[3] This means that your Schumacher Electric lithium jump starter should last for years.
Enhanced Safety Features
Because of their lithium batteries, lithium jump starters often come equipped with built-in safety features that protect you and your vehicle’s safety. These safety features include:
- Over-current protection
- Short circuit protection
- Over-voltage protection
- Thermal management
These features help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of accidents, making lithium jump starters a safe choice for even novice users. Additionally, Schumacher Electric jump starters include safeguards against reverse polarity. So even if you accidentally connect the jump starter incorrectly, it won’t cause damage to your car or battery, causing costly repairs.
Schumacher Electric Lithium Jump Starters Perform When It Counts
For those ready to experience the advantages of a lithium jump starter for themselves, Schumacher Electric offers a range of high-quality models. Here are four top-quality Schumacher lithium jump starters, each designed to deliver the reliable power and advanced features the company is known for.
Schumacher Electric SL1672 4-in-1 1000 Amp 12 Volt Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack with Wireless Charging Pad
One of Schumacher Electric’s newest jump starters is the SL1672 4-in-1 1000 Amp 12 Volt Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack with Wireless Charging Pad. The SL1672 feature four functions in one unit. In addition to jump starting, it also is a wireless charging pad, USB charger, and LED light. The jump start function will start up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines up to 25 times on a single charge. It also features an override button that enables you to jump start a battery with low voltage, unlike many jump starters. The 10-watt wireless charging pad is patented wireless technology of Schumacher Electric and lets you charge a range of devices without sorting through a tangle of charging cables. The unit also features a 3-amp USBC-A and a 3-amp USB-C port that will charge mobile devices up to three times faster. Increase visibility during roadside emergencies with the built-in, three-mode LED light, which features flashlight, SOS, and strobe settings.
Schumacher Electric SL1562 4-in-1 1200 Amp 12 Volt Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Station
The Schumacher Electric SL1562 4-in-1 1200 Amp 12 Volt Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Station is a compact and powerful device that can travel with you or be an essential component of your home garage. With 1200 peak amps of jump starting power, the SL1562 can jump start vehicles with up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines up to 35 times on a single charge. It also includes a built-in 150-PSI air compressor and pressure gauge that can handle inflating balls for soccer practice or dealing with a flat tire. Not satisfied with dual functions, Schumacher Electric also included a 2.4-amp USB port for charging electronic devices and an LED work light for emergency illumination and under-the-hood maintenance. Ideal for camping trips, tailgating, or roadside emergencies, the SL1562 will be a welcome addition to any household.
RUGGED BY SCHUMACHER™ SL1649 3-in-1 1500 Amp Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack
Schumacher Electric’s line of RUGGED BY SCHUMACHER jump starters are designed and built to withstand tough use while delivering the power you need for a successful jump start every time. The SL1649 3-in-1 1500 Amp Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack provides enough power to jump start 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines up to 35 times on a single charge and then fully recharge in as little as 3 hours. You can also use the SL1649 to charge your electronic devices from the included 2.4-amp USB port. A three-mode LED light gives you flashlight, SOS, and strobe settings to ensure that have the light you need to perform a jump start or signal your position to other drivers.
RUGGED BY SCHUMACHER™ SL1669 3-in-1 1750 Amp Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack
Another entry to the RUGGED BY SCHUMACHER line up is the SL1669 3-in-1 1750 Amp Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack. This jump starter features 1750 peak amps of jump starting power, which will jump start 10.0L gas and 8.0L diesel engines up to 40 times on a single charge. It also functions as a portable power pack, charging your smartphone, wearables, tablets, and other devices. There’s also a three-mode LED light for a roadside emergency or simply finding that French fry that rolled underneath your seat.
The Bottom Line: Lithium Jump Starters are Worth Your Investment
When it comes to lithium jump starters, the bottom line is that they are best choice for most consumers. They offer powerful energy output, lightweight design, fast recharging, and added features. Whether you are a daily driver or a weekend adventurer, lithium jump starters will provide you with reliable, high-performance assistance when you need it most. With their growing affordability and long lifespans, investing in a lithium jump starter for every driver in your household is the smart decision.
[1] “Lithium-Ion Battery,” Clean Energy Institute, University of Washington, https://www.cei.washington.edu/education/science-of-solar/battery-technology/, Accessed 30 October 2024.
[2] Crompton, Thomas Roy (2000). Battery Reference Book (3rd ed.). Newnes. p. 1/10. ISBN07506-4625-X.
[3] “BU-801b: How to Define Battery Life,” Battery University, https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-801b-how-to-define-battery-life, Accessed 30 October 2024.
