60V vs 72V Charger — Which One Does Your Electric Vehicle Need?

Suppose you use an electric scooter, an electric rickshaw, or any other electric vehicle in India. In that case, there is no chance you haven’t been confused about whether you need to use a 60V charger or a 72V charger for it. The wrong charger will end up damaging your battery permanently.

So here we clear all your doubts on the matter once and for all.

1. What is a 60V charger?

The 60V charger is especially made for those EVs that have their batteries charged up to 60V. It is mainly used in cost-effective electric scooters, electric bikes, e-rickshaws, and small electric cargo vehicles, which are quite common in India.

In India, the prices of the 60V charger range between ₹800 and ₹2,500 based on different brands and amps and quality. The amps are responsible for faster charging, but their prices are relatively high.

It is interesting to note that a 60V charger charges its battery up to 67-73V. It depends on the battery's chemical properties.

2. What is a 72V charger?

The 72V charger is made for high-end electric vehicles equipped with a 72V battery pack. The 72V charger finds application in high-speed electric scooters, e-bikes, e-rickshaws, and even electric motorcycles.

The 72V charger is superior to the 60V charger in terms of charging power; it is suitable for charging large battery packs. The cost of a 72V charger in India ranges between ₹1,200 and ₹4,000 based on size and connection point. Once the 72V lithium battery is fully charged, the voltage of the charger increases to 84V, which is absolutely fine.

3. The Most Important Rule — Never Mix Chargers

Herein lies the biggest blunder that most people commit.

When you use a 72-volt charger for a 60-volt battery, it overcharges, overheats, and kills the battery in just a few days. When you use a 60-volt charger for a 72-volt battery, it undercharges and drains its capacity gradually.

It is always important to ensure that your battery voltage matches your charger voltage exactly. This is an absolute requirement, not a choice.

4. How to Choose the Right Charger for Your Electric Scooter

Always ensure you look at these factors when purchasing a charger for an electric scooter:

1. Battery Voltage — Look at the battery itself or the instruction manual. The battery should be either 60V or 72V. Ensure you buy the charger that corresponds to these exact figures.
2. Ampere Rating — A 3A charger may charge the battery slowly but safely at home. A 5A or 10A charger charges quickly but creates more heat. Pick according to your needs.
3. Connector Type — Each manufacturer uses a unique charger connector for its EV. Always verify the connector type before buying any charger for a lithium battery.
4. Battery Chemistry — The charger differs between lithium and lead-acid batteries regardless of their voltage. Lithium battery chargers use a particular charging protocol (CC-CV) to safeguard the battery cells.

5. What About Smart Charging?

Smart chargers have already been introduced with modern EVs. A smart lithium battery charger not only switches off once the battery is fully charged but also regulates the amount of current depending upon the temperature and prevents any overcharging from happening. If you want to use your battery for an additional period of 3–5 years, there is no better investment than purchasing a smart charger.

This is all the more essential if you have a larger-capacity pack, such as the BMS for 72V batteries.

6. Battery Charger Price — What is Fair in India?

Below is the price list for battery charger prices in India to help you avoid being overcharged by local retailers:

The price for the simple 60V 3A charger ranges between ₹800 and ₹1,200, while that for the high-quality one of the 60V 5A charger ranges between ₹1,200 and ₹2,000. The price range for the 72V charger starts from ₹1,200 for the 3A charger and ₹2,500-₹4,000 for the 5A charger.

Do not buy chargers that cost less than ₹600 without brand names because they do not have overcharge protection.

7. Where to Buy a Battery Charger in India?

In case you decide to purchase a battery charger for your electric vehicle, remember that it is best to go with a reputable company selling a battery charger specifically designed for your particular battery voltage and chemical composition. Generic battery chargers should be avoided at all costs.

The EVA Batteries store sells a variety of 60V and 72V battery chargers suitable for electric scooters, e-rickshaws, and lithium batteries. Find out more at evabatteries.com.

Final Words

The difference between the 60V and 72V chargers does not merely mean numbers. The difference also implies the difference between your battery having a life span of five years or dying within five months. It is always wise to use the correct voltage charger for your vehicle.

Correct charger = battery longevity = savings.

Still confused about which charger would suit your needs? Write us an email or visit our website, evabatteries.com.