Ellis Gibson (B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering)

The non-plug-in Prius models do not allow charging the main battery. They rely on a smaller auxiliary battery for starting. If the auxiliary battery dies, you can jump-start the car. In contrast, plug-in hybrid Prius models allow charging of the main battery by connecting it to a standard outlet. Proper battery maintenance is important for … Read more

Yes, a power pack can charge a car battery. Connect the power pack to the battery with suitable cables. The power pack transfers energy until the battery is fully charged. Many power packs have an automatic shut-off feature. This feature stops charging when the battery is full, preventing overcharging and improving safety. When considering jump … Read more

A power inverter cannot charge a car battery directly. It converts DC power from the battery to AC power for electric devices. However, it can support battery chargers by providing AC outlets. This allows the charger to function and charge the car battery indirectly and efficiently. To safely charge a car battery, use an inverter … Read more

A portable jump starter can charge a car battery briefly but is not meant for long-term use. It provides a quick burst of power to start the engine, rather than a steady charge for battery maintenance. Use portable jump starters only for jumpstarting vehicles, not as a substitute for a battery charger. Trickle charging is … Read more

A high-capacity portable battery can charge a laptop. Choose a power bank with at least 20,000mAh capacity. It should have a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery. Check the compatibility with your laptop’s charging needs for efficient and convenient charging on the go. Additionally, the output voltage of the power bank is essential. Most laptops … Read more

Yes, a new leadless pacemaker can recharge its battery by changing mechanical energy into electrical energy. This method was highlighted in a proof-of-principle study at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in 2023, demonstrating significant progress in pacemaker technology and battery management. However, innovative solutions are emerging. Some newer pacemakers are designed with rechargeable batteries. … Read more

Only batteries marked as “rechargeable” can be recharged. Regular alkaline batteries cannot be recharged and may leak or rupture, posing safety risks. For safe recharging, use NiMH batteries made for this. Always check battery labels to ensure they can be recharged. However, there are rechargeable batteries specifically designed for that purpose. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and … Read more

Yes, some motorcycles can run without a battery. This occurs when the ignition system receives power only from the stator winding. Certain dirt bikes and older motorcycle models use this system. Thus, under specific conditions, the motorcycle’s electrical system operates independently of a battery. While it is possible to kick-start a motorcycle, several downsides exist. … Read more

A motorcycle battery can sometimes start a car. However, its cold cranking amperage is lower than that of a car battery. It may help a car battery that isn’t completely dead. Before trying this, check compatibility and ensure the motorcycle battery has enough power output for the current usage of the car. Jump-start techniques for … Read more

Yes, a motorcycle battery can jump-start a car if both are 12V systems. Make sure the motorcycle battery has at least 10Ah capacity. Connect the terminals correctly. A fully charged motorcycle battery can help start vehicles as large as a pickup truck. Check for any connection issues before you start. To jump-start a car using … Read more