Automotive Battery Chargers & Jumper Cables (79 items found)

Car batteries do a lot of hard work. They power the starter, the interior and exterior car lights, the AC, the radio, and, if you have one, the power inverter that keeps your mini-fridge running and children’s game console humming.

During winter weather, the car battery and electrical fuses take on even more responsibility, powering the heater, defroster and heated seats on top of everything else. To keep the battery going in a variety of scenarios, add a portable car battery charger from Ace to your list of must-haves for the garage or trunk.

Do You Have a Dead Battery or a Flat Battery?

A flat battery is one that doesn't have enough amperage available to start the car. This most often occurs due to leaving the lights on. Flat batteries can be restored back to full power with a car battery charger, jumper cables or a jump starter.

A dead battery is one that has reached the end of its lifespan and can no longer start the car or take on a charge. Once a battery is dead, it must be replaced with a new one—a dead battery can’t be recharged, or jump started.

Difference Between a Car Battery Charger and a Jump Starter

Both vehicle battery chargers and jump starters provide charge to a battery when it's flat. The two main differences between battery jump starters and chargers are when you use them and what type of power they provide.

How Car Battery Chargers Work

Vehicle battery chargers usually plug into a standard three-prong outlet and attach to the car’s battery. They provide a slow, steady charge to a flat car battery. Charge times will depend on how flat your car battery is and on the capacity of the vehicle battery.

Portable car battery chargers are great for maintaining a battery charge when your car is going to be in storage or sitting out in the cold for a long time.

How Jump Starters Work

Battery jump starters deliver a large amount of power to a flat battery all at once—enough to get the car started and the alternator going. You charge the jump starter by plugging into a standard outlet, then take it with you on the road in the event of a battery emergency.

Unlike jumper cables, which require another vehicle to help get your flat battery started, a jump starter charges the battery all by itself, making it a great portable car battery charging option.

Find Battery Chargers and Jump Starters at Ace

Ace Hardware carries automotive battery chargers and jump starters compatible with many types of vehicle batteries. Choose from battery chargers with features like automatic or programmable charging, EnergyStar certification or the capability to serve as a power bank, with outlets or USB ports.

Shop online or visit your local Ace store for helpful advice and tips from our friendly staff and to browse a range of battery chargers and jump starters, from quality brands like Battery Tender, Diehard, Schumacher and more.