Can I use a 36V DC alternator charger with three 12V lithium batteries connected in series?

Date: 2025-10-31

It is not recommended to use a 36V DC alternator charger with three 12V lithium batteries in series. While the voltage may match, charging batteries connected in series with a 36V charger can lead to imbalanced charging, potentially causing:

 

Uneven Charging: The charger cannot individually balance each 12V battery, which can result in one or more batteries being overcharged or undercharged, reducing their lifespan.

System Instability: Imbalanced batteries can cause performance issues and even damage the battery pack or the alternator charger.

Safety Concerns: Uneven charging increases the risk of overheating, which may compromise the safety of the battery system.