Choice for an EFB charger

[windeye]

I have a 2025 RAV4 gas engine with EFB. Have been doing some search and reading on how to charge EFB. to be honest, I am quite confused as different sites say different things. There is no information from Toyota, only says to visit dealer. I would like to buy a changer/tender for use at home for the EFB, if the EFB requires a specific mode/profile charger, what would you recommend for the product? Thanks.

 

[JavierH19]

I'm pretty sure the noco genius should be able to charge any battery so maybe that.

 

[Wheel366]

Not sure if this thread will help.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/ctek-on-efb-charging.370534/

 

[930.engineering]

I have a 2025 RAV4 gas engine with EFB. Have been doing some search and reading on how to charge EFB. to be honest, I am quite confused as different sites say different things.

Don't worry. EFBs aren't anything special. Any modern (electronically
controlled) charger will do the trick. Noco, Ctek and lots others.
.

 

[Wireman1987]

if i am not mistaking EFB is fancy talk for a beefed up lead acid battery.. i wouldn't be too concerned on a tender/charger. AGM is a different technology that requires more attention on charger and maintainers.

here would be my choice.

https://www.batterytender.com/produ...-6-2-amp-selectable-chemistry-battery-charger

 

[nobb]

EFB likely means it's installed on a vehicle with a modern intelligent charging system (aka. it's run at a chronically undercharged state to save fuel). I would say pick a charger with an equalizing function to periodically boil the plates a bit to help with knocking off sulfation.

 

[SubLGT]

Clore Automotive (manufacturer of Pro-Logix chargers) had a recent blog post regarding testing and charging of EFB batteries.

https://cloreautomotive.com/enhance...AA&jobid=c4fbefe3-f5b0-4b40-be83-6630823a2928

....After much research, we have concluded that the best answer when it comes to charging EFB batteries is to charge them using the AGM setting when using our PRO-LOGIX or CHARGE IT! battery chargers. This is because the EFB construction is more sensitive to voltage than a traditional flooded battery is. Like the AGM battery type, with EFB, it is important not to exceed recommended bulk charging and absorption charging voltage limits.

As a for instance, the team at Stryten Battery, a major provider of EFB batteries to OEs and the aftermarket, recommends not allowing bulk charge to exceed 14.8V and switching to absorption charging at that point. They recommend holding absorption charge voltage at 14.8V. These instructions are similar to the charging instructions for charging AGM batteries – this is why we recommend using the AGM setting when charging EFB batteries...

 

[D1dad]

Whatever charger you have would be fine. No agm setting needed for an efb. Nissan started using efb’s well before they ever had stop start. Why? I have no idea.

 

[nobb]

Whatever charger you have would be fine. No agm setting needed for an efb. Nissan started using efb’s well before they ever had stop start. Why? I have no idea.

It's because of their intelligent charging system. Nissan may have started that trend, but other OE's are quickly following suit. It's actually a very stupid system, they deliberately keep the battery undercharged to save fuel by minimizing alternator draw. Only when the vehicle is decellerating does the alternator kick in to charge the battery. What is happening is basically they use the extra capacity in the battery as a psuedo regen energy capture. The reason they spec EFB is because those batteries are better able to handle being ran in a not fully charged state. Which is stupid because most retailers don't carry EFB and these batteries are 2-3x more expensive than normal flooded ones.