If the car battery is flat, good advice (and help) is expensive. Of course you can call the breakdown service, but there are also special power banks that allow you to jump-start your car yourself.
We introduce you to recommended models and tell you what you need to consider when choosing a jump-start power bank for your vehicle.
The most important things first
- With a jump starter power bank, also known as a jump starter, which has enough power, your car will start again in just a few seconds.
- The special power bank is not only used to jump-start car engines, boats, motorhomes and other diesel vehicles, but also has a USB port so that you can charge smartphones, tablets or laptops.
- Key points for jump-start power banks are the amperage (peak current), the battery capacity and essential safety criteria.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
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Powerful booster for the battery: The editors’ recommendation
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The device impresses as a power jump starter for car batteries with a peak current of 3,000 A and can quickly start gasoline and diesel vehicles up to 8.0 l.
Good & affordable: The price-performance winner
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This jump starter for car batteries with a peak current of 1,500 A and a battery capacity of 12,800 mAh can start 12V vehicles (up to 7.0 l gasoline engine or 5.5 l diesel engine) in seconds.
Jump-start power bank: what you need to know
Peak current, battery capacity, jumper cable and USB output: When talking about a jump starter for the car battery, there are a few basic things to consider. The best way to find a suitable car jump starter is to use our buying guide.
attention
If you have never connected a starter battery yourself and you are not sure which defect is present in your car, it is better to get help from the experts at the relevant breakdown service to avoid danger to life and limb.
Peak current (amperage) in amperes (A)
Successful jump starting only works if you select a power bank that is suitable for your vehicle as a jump starter. You can tell how powerful a car jump starter power bank is by the amperage, which is given in amperes. The larger the engine or cubic capacity of your vehicle, the more amps the power bank must have.
A jump-start power bank with a peak current of 500 A or more can start normal vehicles with a petrol or diesel engine. Jump-start power banks with a peak current of 4,000 A are able to start vehicles with larger displacements. This applies to motorhomes, SUVs and trucks.
Tip
A lithium-ion battery generally produces less energy when it is cold than when it is warm. As you usually have to provide jump starts at low temperatures, we recommend a model with the highest possible amperage.
Battery capacity in milliampere hours (mAh)
The battery capacity in mAh is also decisive for the performance of the power bank. Here, too, the larger the capacity of your vehicle, the more power it needs for a jump start.
Diesel vehicles with a large engine require more energy to start than a motorcycle with a small engine capacity. You are on the safe side with devices whose battery has a capacity of at least 12,000 mAh, preferably 15,000 mAh.
Connections
If the device has one or two USB ports, you can also use them to charge smartphones, tablets or other USB devices as required. It’s good if the matching USB cable is included in the scope of delivery.
As a jump-start power bank for vehicles usually has a voltage of at least 12 V, you can also use it to charge larger devices, such as a cool box. However, the prerequisite is always that these devices can be connected via a charging cable with USB.
Safety and protective functions
The booster must meet the following criteria to ensure that the jump start is safe:
- Protection against reverse polarity
- Protection against short circuit
- Protection against deep discharge
- Protection against overloading
- Protection against overheating
- Splash water protection
They must also be designed for use at low temperatures. Many providers advertise that the devices work reliably even at -20 °C. In reality, this is usually not the case and some power banks do not work at sub-zero temperatures or only with a significant drop in performance. It is therefore always advisable to keep the jump-start power bank inside the house and not outside in the car.
LED lamp
The battery boosters usually have a flashlight function, which is extremely practical on dark winter days. Look out for a powerful LED light so that you have a good view under the hood when handling the car jump starter. Some devices also have an LED light that can send light signals (SOS and strobe), which is helpful in an emergency at the roadside.
We compared these jump-start power banks
Frequently asked questions about jump-start power banks
Can you charge a car battery with a jump-start power bank?
No, the power banks can only provide a jump start. However, once the car battery has started, you should drive off straight away. The car battery will be recharged after about 30 minutes.
Can I start a car with a power bank?
Yes, provided that the power bank is strong enough, you can start your car battery with a jump starter. We recommend a model with a peak current of at least 1,000 A. If you have a motorhome or other vehicle with a larger engine, you will need a device with more amperage.
How long does it take to fully charge a jump-start power bank?
Depending on its capacity, the power bank requires around 5 hours or more of charging time before it is fully operational again.
How much does such a battery booster cost?
Depending on the amperage and battery capacity, the devices for motorhome or car batteries cost from EUR 50 upwards.
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Cover picture (montage):
Background: © Deemerwha studio – Adobe Stock
Jump start: © mipan – Depositphotos
Letzte Aktualisierung der Preise am 2025-09-05 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API
