
Published Friday 19.01.2024 - Written by: Johan Fr. Bruenech
How do I charge Lithium batteries? Charging voltage, curves and amps

Who should read this article and watch the video?
- If you want to see what happens when batteries are charged and the relationship between amps and charging voltage, you'll find the explanation here.
- If you're considering upgrading your alternator to fast charging
- If you want to see how much and how quickly you can charge lithium batteries, read the article and watch the video.
Myth: We need to charge with 14.4 volts
Answer: No, charging is finished at 14.4 volts.
Use VictronConnect and see what happens
Many people have invested in a Victron battery monitor with Bluetooth.
With VictronConnect, you can find out virtually everything you need to know about the condition of your batteries, charging in amps and charging voltage in volts.
In addition to a complete live overview, you'll find historical data, access to configure settings and update your Victron equipment.
Previously, it was common to read the status of the batteries by looking at the voltage with a voltmeter.
With Victron battery monitors, we count the ampere hours (Ah) out of the batteries and back in when we charge. This is the only way to know what's happening. At the same time, you can make maximum use of your lithium batteries. They can be run down completely without breaking.
The video was recorded in the demo boat SØNDAG Oceanis 50 with Yanmar engine
We have two alternators on the MP 100 and MP 200 engines and charge close to 300 amps at maximum and about 250 amps at working temperature.
The Makspower MP 200 alternator is designed so that we can turn it on and off with a switch.
If necessary, we can increase from approx. 120 amps to 250 amps, one or two dynamos.
In the video you can see how powerful charging is possible if you upgrade the alternator.
This is the most efficient way to charge predictably and as quickly as possible.
Contact Makspower if you have any questions about alternator upgrades for your engine. Read more in the blog.

Dynamo upgrade for Yanmar and Volvo engines
Makspower MP 100 MK2 alternator is a prototype that charges extra high. It reaches close to 150 amps when it's cold. You'll see in the video that it's quite lively.
The original MP 100 alternator charges approx. 15 amps less but is still a very favorable alternator upgrade.
With good cables and the Makspower lithium battery bank, you can see that the alternator is powerful. Considering that the original Hitachi alternator rarely charged more than 40 amps, the MP 100 is a solid upgrade.
Makspower has very powerful alternators for Volvo engines. Read more about alternator upgrades at makspower.no

What does the charging curve show with voltage and amps?
In the video, you can see that there is some current flowing out of the battery bank and the voltage on the battery bank before the engine is started. Here's how you can keep an eye on the battery bank. Go to Trends in the app. Here you will see curves. Select which values you want to monitor. In this case, we have chosen V for volts and C for current.
The curves in the video show the relationship between voltage and amps going into the consumer bank.
It is a well-known myth that it should be charged at 14.4 volts. The curves in the video show that maximum charging occurs at low voltage. The voltage rises slowly as the lithium batteries fill up. The voltage rises slowly because the internal resistance of lithium batteries is very low compared to lead batteries.
That's why it's not possible to charge lead-acid batteries such as AGM and GEL nearly as fast.
Another great advantage of lithium batteries is that they can be completely drained without damage.
Recharging or topping up batteries can be done in no time at all, unlike lead-acid batteries that need to be topped up for hours.

What are we interested in, Volts or Amps? Yes please, both.
It's the amps that charge the batteries. The video shows that a lot of amps are going in and that the voltage is quite low, about 13.6 volts. In other words, we are charging at full capacity and all the alternator can deliver. The voltage is far from 14.4 volts.
Watch the curve and you'll see that as the voltage increases, the amps decrease.
At 14.4 volts, amperes are practically 0.
Note also how quickly the Makspower lithium batteries were topped up. Something similar is not possible when charging lead batteries. The charging curve for lead-acid batteries goes up quickly but down quickly and becomes long.
Bulk voltage, Absorption voltage and Float voltage
An alternator has one goal and that is to charge up to 14.4 volts as quickly as possible. Alternators do not have settings for other voltages. Nor is it necessary. Makspower lithium batteries (and most other batteries) handle this just fine. There is no need to worry.
Makspower alternators are designed to charge to 14.4 volts.
It's perfect for lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries like AGM and GEL.
When the voltage reaches 14.4 volts, no more power goes into the power bank. The alternator still charges and this power is used for the boat's consumption and possibly for other batteries.
Check with a tangential ammeter on the alternator's output and you will see that the alternator is working in the background.
What about the BMS, doesn't it have anything to do with charging?
No, it doesn't. The BMS has nothing to do with charging. It neither limits charging nor affects the charging source in any way.
It is the regulator in the charging source that determines when it should stop charging. Makspower's charging sources stop charging at 14.4 volts or as close as possible. Makspower Lithium batteries are 100% full at this voltage. The batteries do not become fuller even if the charging voltage is higher. Full means full.
If you have a powerful alternator, a lithium battery with a weak BMS and charge more than the BMS is designed for, the BMS will shut down the battery to avoid overloading.
This is an extra level of safety that lead-acid batteries do not have.

What about the voltage on the starter and bow thruster battery when the alternator is charging fully?
These batteries are drained of very little power when the engine is started and when the bow thruster battery is used.
Therefore, it takes a very short time to recharge them. This applies regardless of whether you have lead or lithium batteries on the consumption side. When the alternator is pushing as hard as it can, you'll see the voltage on the starter and bow thruster batteries increase rapidly, often reaching 14.6 volts. This will even out when the auxiliary batteries are full. Then you will again see 14.4 volts on the other batteries.
In summary
The purpose of the article is to show what happens when the batteries are charged and how efficiently it is possible to charge lithium batteries.
If you have a modest alternator, you have the option of upgrading to about twice as fast charging. This allows you to make maximum use of your lithium batteries.
Hot alternators: Yes, an alternator gets hot when charging. No need to worry. Read more about hot alternators in the blog.
Enough power means better holidays for everyone on board
Makspower alternators for Yanmar and Volvo engines
Makspower alternators are an efficient upgrade for significantly faster charging than standard alternators.
Combined with lithium batteries, you have an optimal power solution.
You probably won't get better charging per penny than this.

Makspower MP100 for Yanmar
A raw alternator that fits most 3 and 4-cylinder Yanmar engines. Can be run on V-belt and Serpentine belt.
The dynamo has a built-in temperature sensor and external sensor cable for optimal charging.

Makspower MP200 for Volvo
For Volvo D2 engine. Replace the Mitsubishi 115 A alternator and charge twice as fast. The MP 200 fits right in the space of the Mitsubishi.
The dynamo has a built-in temperature sensor and external sensor cable for optimal charging.

Makspower VP100 for Volvo
For Volvo engine with 60 A alternator. The Makspower VP 100 alternator fits directly on the engine and charges significantly more than the original alternator.
The Makspower VP 100 alternator has a built-in temperature sensor and external sensor cable for optimal charging.
Lithium Selection:

Makspower 106Ah Ultimate
Our smallest battery!
Also available in 100Ah and 120Ah versions.
Size (LxWxH): 260x173x213mm

Makspower 150Ah Ultimate
Our most popular battery!
Size (LxWxH)
330x173x216mm

Makspower 200Ah Ultimate
Our largest battery in the Ultimate range.
Size (LxWxH):
490x171x240mm

Makspower 300Ah Ultimate
Do you need maximum capacity in a box?
Size (LxWxH):
521x238x218mm