1. Mains charging (230V hookup)

A dedicated 230V mains charger gives the most reliable, complete charge, and is ideal for topping up at home before a trip or when you're on a campsite hookup. Use a charger designed specifically for LiFePO4 batteries, since lead-acid and AGM chargers use a different charging profile and aren't suitable for lithium.

2. Solar (via an MPPT charge controller)

Solar panels paired with an MPPT charge controller are the go-to method for off-grid charging, keeping your battery topped up while you're parked up away from hookup. For most 12V setups, MPPT controllers in the 10A to 30A range are common, and the right size depends on your panel wattage. Solar is excellent for maintaining charge day to day, but output varies with weather and season, so it's rarely the only charging method in a well-designed system.

3. DC-DC charging (from your vehicle's alternator)

A DC-DC (or B2B) charger connects your leisure battery to your vehicle's alternator, so it charges while you drive. This is the recommended method for LiFePO4 batteries like Fogstar's Drift range, rather than a simple split charge relay, because a DC-DC charger delivers the correct charging profile for lithium chemistry and works properly with modern smart alternators.

A split charge relay can work but is a much cruder solution: it only passes on whatever the alternator provides, with no lithium-specific charging profile, and can be slow to recover a deeply discharged battery. A DC-DC charger is worth the extra cost for a LiFePO4 setup.

Which combination should you use?

Most well-set-up camper van, self-build and motorhome systems use two or three of these methods together: mains charging for a full top-up before a trip, solar for day-to-day maintenance while off-grid, and DC-DC charging to recover charge while driving. Relying on just one method usually means compromising somewhere, whether that's slow recovery on a cloudy week or an empty battery after a period of no driving.

The correct charging voltages for a Fogstar battery

Fogstar's own guidance for the Drift range recommends a bulk/absorption voltage of 14.2V to 14.4V and a float voltage of 13.5V to 13.8V. Going above this range for extended periods can damage the battery, so it's worth setting your charger's lithium profile precisely rather than using a generic setting.

Recommended charging current is typically around 20 to 30% of the battery's capacity. For example, a 100Ah battery should generally be charged at around 20 to 30A. Fogstar also advise an absorption time of roughly half an hour per 100Ah of battery, so a 200Ah bank would want around an hour at absorption voltage.

If you're using Victron equipment, Fogstar recommend setting Absorption to 14.2V and Float to 13.5V, with temperature compensation disabled for lithium. Never charge below 0°C, since the Drift range has built-in low-temperature charging protection that will hold off charging until the battery warms up.

Buying your Fogstar battery through us

We're an official Fogstar reseller, so our stock reflects exactly what Fogstar themselves hold, and Fogstar deliver your order on our behalf. That means you get the same genuine battery and service as buying direct, with no compromise, plus a better deal.

Shop the Fogstar range here:
https://sonniesadventures.com/collections/fogstar

New customer? Use code FOGSTAR10 at checkout to save 10% on any Fogstar battery, valid throughout July and August 2026, with free delivery and full authorised dealer warranty included. Don't forget to check our Sonnie's Adventures Fogstar battery offer before you buy. Sonnie's Adventures promotion, valid only at sonniesadventures.com — not redeemable at fogstar.co.uk.

FAQs

Can I use a normal lead-acid charger on a Fogstar battery?

No. LiFePO4 batteries need a charger designed for lithium chemistry. Using a lead-acid or AGM charger can undercharge the battery or fail to charge it correctly.

What voltage should I charge my Fogstar battery at?

14.2V to 14.4V bulk/absorption, and 13.5V to 13.8V float. Charging above this range for extended periods can damage the battery.

Do I need solar, mains and DC-DC, or just one?

It depends on how you use your vehicle, but most reliable setups combine at least two methods, since each one covers a gap the others don't.

Is a DC-DC charger better than a split charge relay for lithium?

Yes. A DC-DC charger gives your battery the correct lithium charging profile and works properly with smart alternators, while a split relay simply passes through whatever the alternator provides.

Can I charge my Fogstar battery in cold weather?

Never charge below 0°C. The Drift range has built-in low-temperature protection that holds off charging until the battery warms up, so this is handled automatically rather than something you need to manage manually.