Traditional battery chargers are often cumbersome things, relegated to a dusty corner of the workshop. The ultra compact size of the GC35 coupled with its clever construction, featuring through-holes allowing it to be securely mounted to any panel with four holes, such is in vehicles, on battery boxes, workshop benches or tool chests, or plant rooms.

The GC35 meets an ingress protection score of IP60 meaning it is completely proofed against dust and other debris particles entering the unit, meaning you can keep it somewhere handy and not stored in a forgotten container.

Challenges are often encountered when riding the wave of new technology, as has often been the case with the development of lithium batteries. Unique situations arise when smart batteries feature their own Battery Management System, which while constantly optimising battery performance and lifespan, often present roadblocks to traditional battery chargers.

The GC35 is capable of unlocking BMS batteries that have shut themselves down to prevent over-discharge, allowing you to safely charge these vulnerable cells.

Reversing polarity, short circuit events and incorrect voltage settings are examples of human error (or plain bad luck) when it comes to looking after your batteries. The GC35 accounts for all of this and more, having integrated intelligent safeguards to prevent damage to the charger, the battery and the operator, in all of these circumstances.

The onboard diagnostics will instantly shut down the charging process before any damage to onboard electronics can occur or releasing a dramatic torrent of sparks.

Healthy batteries can still be fussy creatures, and the chemistry contained within is surprisingly susceptible to changes in ambient conditions. As electrons slow down, and activation energy for chemical reactions increase, below-zero temperatures can render an otherwise functional battery into an inert object.

Batteries in this state can fool a simple battery charger, displaying an artificially low voltage and therefore presenting as a dead battery. To counter this, the GC35 features a Cold Temperature mode, specially developed to get things going again.

The GC35 smart charger features quick-release, detachable power leads, and is packaged with both conventional battery terminal clamps as well as bolt-on eyelet type leads. The eyelets allow for semi-permanent installation on cars, bikes, boats or other plant; the 500g payload means you won't notice the added weight. Coupled with the 6V charging modes, the GC35 is ideal for smaller vehicles like golf carts or recreational vehicles.

Using a battery charger is largely a hands-off experience, meaning the operator often is not present when situations change. The GC35 features onboard thermal protection, constantly measuring its own internal temperatures and will automatically shut down to prevent damage to the charger or aberrant behaviour.