What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

How far do I need to drive my car to charge its battery?

My husband has a 2017 Ford Kuga automatic with i-stop but won't be able to drive it for 6 months. How far do I need to drive it to charge its battery? Which battery charger/conditioner would you recommend?

Asked on 17 November 2020 by Christine Player

Answered by Georgia Petrie
It varies depending on how much charge is in your battery before you start driving and your driving style. On the motorway, it'll take 25-30 minutes to charge the battery. In a town or city, you'll need to double that timeframe. It would make more sense, if you can, to connect a battery conditioner - but this will require mains charging so you'd need a garage with power, or to connect it in the house through a window (with an extension cable) every now and then. The Kuga you mention has start-stop (i-stop), so I'd recommend this charger: amzn.to/3pDDuhB

If you don't have an Amazon account, I believe it's also available at Halfords.
Similar questions
What's a reasonably-priced battery charger for a Ford Kuga? I'm looking for one as a back-up during the current Covid-19 lockdown where the use of cars is restricted.
What is the correct type of battery charger to use for a Ford B-Max petrol engine with stop-start system?
I have the new Toyota RAV4. I want to keep the 12v battery trickle charged during lockdown. I have a 10amp CTEK charger. Should I be charging the battery on the standard setting or AGM? I can't see which...
Related models
Class-leading handling, practical and spacious interior, plenty of examples to choose from.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer