A battery charger is a device that powers energy into a cell that forces electrical current through a contained unit. The charge current depends on a number of different variables, the capacity, the technological ability, and the maker of the charger. The type of current varies from charger to charger. An example would be the charge of current you would use to charge a car battery would be different than the type of charge one would use to charge an iPod.

The simplest type of battery charger is rightfully called a simple charger. This charger connects a DC-power source that conveys energy to the batteries recovering cells. This type of charger is called a simple charger because it will not alter the amount of energy is being omitted in relation to time, temperature or maximum energy capacity. These chargers are common and inexpensive because of the amount of time it takes for the cells to be recharged. If a cell is recharged to fast, it will harm or even destroy the battery. Also the constant connection of energy sent to the battery can be dangerous and damaging to the battery on account of overcharging.

Trickle or float battery chargers are simple battery chargers that charge the battery slowly, at the self-discharge rate. This makes the trickle charger the slowest of any other type of chargers, but the battery can be left on the charger for any period of time because the charger is incapable of over charging the battery.

An intelligent battery charger will monitor the charge of the battery before the cells are treated, the temperature, and amount of time needed to fully heal the batteries cells. This makes sure that the battery does not over charge. An intelligent charger charges the cells up to 85% of its maximum capacity and then reverts to the trickle system until the battery is fully charged. Once completely charged it cuts off and currents that are still being sent to the battery.

A fast charger uses the control circuitry in the battery to indemnify that the batteries cells are not spoiled. A fast charger is named after is convenience and speed, being such a fast charger most come with a fan to keep the cells temperature from being detrimental to the battery. Most fast chargers are capable of overnight charges as long as the battery does not have special control circuitry.

Certain chargers use pulse technology to recuperate batteries. Pulse chargers are said to be the universal charger and are compatible with any size, voltage, capacity or chemistry of batteries, including automotive and valve-regulated batteries. Most pulse chargers use pulse to check the current state of the batter then use fast charger technology until the battery is almost charged and then switches to the trickle system to finish the charge completely.

Electromagnetic inductions used to revamp a battery are exemplary of inductive chargers. Inductive chargers use charger stations to send electromagnetic energy through inductive couplers to an electric device. Since this charger does not run the risk of electrocution, it is very popular among bathroom utensils.

These types of chargers are very practical and most are inexpensive. All these chargers are easy to find pending on what type of battery is in need of a charge.