- Almost all modern jump starters, including AutoXtreme's, run on a lithium battery. The old standalone lead-acid booster is heavy and outdated.
- Lithium is light, holds its charge for months, and delivers plenty of CCA (Cold Cranking Amps, the real starting power on a cold start) per kilo.
- A lead-acid booster is bulky and heavy, and slowly drains while sitting in a cupboard.
- Choose based on the CCA your engine needs, not the battery type. The type mainly tells you something about weight and convenience.
If you're looking for a jump starter, you'll come across two types: compact lithium models and old-fashioned lead-acid boosters. They do the same job, but in practice there's a big difference in weight, convenience and shelf life. Below we explain what's different.
What's the difference between lithium and lead-acid?
In short: a lithium jump starter uses the same type of battery as your phone, just more powerful. A lead-acid booster has a small version of a regular car battery on board. That chemical difference determines the weight, the size and how quickly the device drains when you don't use it.
A lithium jump starter often weighs less than a kilo up to a couple of kilos and fits in your glovebox. A lead-acid booster easily weighs five to ten kilos and is a bulky block. For most people, that's the deciding difference.
Why do almost all jump starters now use lithium?
Lithium delivers more starting power per kilo. That's why a small device can still reach a high CCA. Our Boost Mini 3750 fits in the glovebox and still delivers 620 CCA, enough for most petrol cars. A lead-acid booster with the same starting power is a lot bigger and heavier. Lithium also holds its charge far longer: a good lithium jump starter is still ready after months, while a lead-acid booster slowly drains in the cupboard and needs maintenance. You measure the starting power of both in CCA. You can read exactly what CCA is in what is CCA and in peak current or CCA.
| Feature | Lithium jump starter | Lead-acid booster |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | light, under a couple of kilos | heavy, five to ten kilos |
| Size | fits in glovebox | bulky block in the boot |
| Holding charge | months | drains quickly |
| Extra features | power bank, flashlight, sometimes a compressor | usually only starting |
When does a lead-acid booster still make sense?
Fair is fair: in a workshop where heavy vehicles are started daily and the device stays on the charger, a lead-acid booster still does a fine job. For home use, in the car or on the motorhome, lithium wins on almost every point. Lighter, more compact and always ready to start.
Is a lithium jump starter safe?
Yes. Modern lithium jump starters have multiple safety features built in. They protect against overcharging, short circuits, reverse polarity and extreme temperatures. The clamps on our models are smart: if you accidentally connect red and black the wrong way round, the device gives a warning and delivers no current. That means you can safely place the clamps directly on the battery terminals. Do store the jump starter cool and dry, as that's better for any lithium battery.
How do you keep a lithium jump starter ready to use?
Lithium needs little maintenance, but not zero. Top up the device every six months, even if you haven't used it. That keeps the battery healthy and ready for the moment you need it. Store it between roughly 10 and 30 degrees, not in a hot or freezing car. A lead-acid booster needs more attention: you have to top it up more often to prevent deep discharge, or it loses capacity. For many people, that difference in convenience is what tips the scale towards lithium.
Which lithium jump starter fits you?
Choose based on the CCA your engine needs. A small petrol car does fine with the Boost Mini 3750 (620 CCA). For a larger petrol car or a lighter diesel, go for the Boost Pro 8250 (960 CCA). Looking for the heaviest-duty option with a compressor? The Boost Xtreme 8250 (1,920 CCA) tops the range.
- Starting power: 960 CCA, suitable for larger petrol cars and lighter diesels.
- Capacity: 16,000 mAh, good for multiple starts per charge.
- Extras: power bank, flashlight and a 3.7-inch LED display.
Frequently asked questions
Are AutoXtreme's jump starters lithium?
Yes, the entire range runs on a lithium battery. That keeps them light, compact and ready to use for a long time.
Is a lithium jump starter safe?
Yes. The models are protected against overcharging, short circuits, reverse polarity and extreme temperatures.
How long does a lithium jump starter hold its charge?
Months. To be safe, top it up every six months, so it's always ready to start.
Does lithium or lead-acid deliver more CCA?
Lithium delivers more CCA per kilo. When choosing, always look at the CCA value your engine needs, not the battery type.
Can a lithium jump starter handle cold?
It works less well in severe frost. Store it cool but frost-free, ideally between roughly 10 and 30 degrees.
