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Charger Options
Charger Options
I'd like to add some more chargers on here, but they need to be profiled first. If you have a different charger you'd be willing to lend for testing, please contact me.
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Can I use my old charger?
Can I use my old charger?
The short answer is yes, but there are things you should know before you do. Please read this section and the section for your specific charger.
There are two differences between lead acid and LiFePO4 chargers.
The first difference is the charging voltage. A 48V lead acid battery charges at 58.8V, while it is 58.4V for LiFePO4. This is a minor difference, less than 1%, so not something we are generally concerned about. Even with higher voltages, LiFePO4 cells are very tolerant of overvoltage and the battery's BMS (battery management system) will disconnect cells when they exceed a preset maximum voltage.
The second difference is the charge profile. Charging is typically broken down into 3 stages.
Stage 1 is constant current. The current on the charger will build up to the maximum current rating of the charger and hold at that current while the voltage slowly increases until it reaches the charging voltage
Stage 2 is constant voltage. The voltage is held at the charging voltage and the current slowly decreases. This allows the cells to top off.
Stage 3 is float charge. This stage is only used for lead acid batteries. The battery is held at 100% state of charge, with minimal current, indefinitely. Lead acid batteries lose charge quickly just sitting idle. They can discharge to the point it damages the battery and this stage prevents that. For LiFePO4 batteries, being subject to a float charge for a long time can damage the batteries.
PowerSonic has a good write up with charts on the different stage.
So yes, you can use your old charger, but, if the charger has a float stage, you will want to unplug it when the battery is charged.
Stock Chargers
Stock Chargers
Ryobi SC-48
Ryobi SC-48
Maximum Charge Current: 13A
This was the original charger shipped with Ryobi 48V mowers. It was made for Ryobi by Delta-Q and is a rebranded version of the the SC-48 charger used on EZGO golf charts.
As you can see from the chart below, this charger will continue to top off the battery after the battery is fully charged. If you use this charger on LiFePO4 batteries, be sure to unplug it once the batteries are charged.
SC-48 Charger
Charge Profile for SC-48 charger
Ryobi OP48RM
Ryobi OP48RM
Maximum Charge Current: 7.5A
This is the charger that shipped with newer 48V mowers. It has a lower current rating and does not perform a float charge. The lack of a float charge was bad for the stock lead acid batteries, but works out very well for LiFePO4 batteries. While this charger isn't fancy, it appears to be well-built. It is my go-to charger for my LiFePO4 converted mowers.
OP48RM Charger
Charge Profile for OP48RM charger
Aftermarket Chargers
Aftermarket Chargers
An aftermarket charger can be used with the stock charge port if it has an EZGO RXV charge plug. The only thing you need to do it break the two plastic tabs inside the charge port. Watch this video to learn how to do it. If you have an older charge port, it has a raised circle instead of the two tabs, but the concept is the same, remove the circle to use an aftermarket charge port.
If your charger doesn't have an EZGO RXV charge plug, you can buy one on Amazon and add it. It's best to solder the pins. The stock charger has a third wire going to the top pin that isn't required with aftermarket chargers. This third pin is for charge lockout. If you'd like to enable charge lockout for an aftermarket charger, take a look at this Reddit post.
Because chargers are not always as they are advertised, I'm only listing chargers here that I've tested and plotted the charge profile for. If you have a different charger you can lend me for testing, please contact me.
Haisito / HTRC P3648
Haisito / HTRC P3648
Maximum Charge Current: 13A
This used to be listed under the HTRC brand, but, after a recall with a different charger, they've been transitioning to the Haisito brand in the US. The chargers are made by Shenzhen Haitan Technology Company in Guangdong, China.
Probably the most popular aftermarket charger for these mowers, it is designed to cover a large number of applications. It can charge both 36V and 48V batteries and claims to automatically detect which type of battery you're charging, so this can be used with both the stock lead acid and LiFePO4 batteries. There is also a repair mode, intended only for lead acid batteries. It comes with battery clamps and a an EZGO RXV plug. To use this plug, you will need to break off the two plastic tabs inside the mower's charge port.
There are 3 current settings: 5A, 8A, and 13A. I recommend using the 5A for a 50Ah battery and 8A for a 100Ah battery most of the time. The 13A is useful when you are in more of a hurry.
Given the large number of these chargers sold, they have relatively few issues. The most common issue is a quality issue on the charging cable where it connects to the charger. It's an XT60 connector and it's not always attached well. There have been reports of shorts and broken connections, so make sure to check it well when you get it. The connections should be solid and there should be insulation on the wire almost to the connector. Newer versions use a molded connector that is not prone to this issue.
Sometime in 2024 , a forced charging mode was added to this charger. Older versions do not have this feature. Normally the charger will not start charging unless is detects voltage from the battery, but forced charging mode will bypass that check. This is useful for batteries that have a BMS that needs external power to be woken up. To enable forced charging mode, hold down the mode button for 6 seconds until you hear a beep. Then connect the charger to the battery and hold the button down for another 6 seconds.
Unlike the stock charger, aftermarket chargers won't engage the charge lockout. This means it's possible to turn the mower on and drive away while the charger is still attached. If you'd like to use the P3648 and still have charge lockout, take a look at this Reddit post.
If you wall mount your stock charger and are looking to do something similar with the P3648 charger, our friends at ACMC Studios make a holder that can be mounted on a wall, pegboard, or Ryobi Link rail. Keep in mind the charge cable is only 1 meter (39 inches) long, so you may may want to consider an extension cable.
This charger is available from many sources, sometimes with different labels. Expect to pay around $100. it's available with several different plugs, so be sure to select the EZGO RXV version.
P3648 Charger
Charge Profile for P3638 charger
Solar Chargers
Solar Chargers
If you need to charge your mower off-grid, it's surprisingly cheap and easy. This setup will put out 2 - 3 Amp depending on the sun and charge a 50Ah battery completely in less than 2 days. To shorten the time you can add more panels in parallel.
Eco-Worthy 2 x 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Eco-Worthy 2 x 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The first thing you need is a couple solar panels. Eco-worthy makes some quality panels at a very reasonable price. Expect to pay $100 or less for a pair. Connect them in series to connect to the charge controller.
Dimensions: 35.24" x 23.03" x 1.38"
If you want to want to add another set of panels for faster charging, use a Y-splitter for a 2S2P configuraion.
The cables on the panels are only 30 inches long, so if you need to put the controller farther from the panels, you'll need some panel extension cables.
EZGO RXV Charge Plug
EZGO RXV Charge Plug
To connect to the mower's charge port, there are a few options.
Reuse cable from P3648 Charger
If you have a P3648 charger, you can solder a male XT60 connector to the solar charge controller and use the charging cable from the P3648.
Pre-made Cable
You can also buy a charge cable. The third wire should not be connected. There is also a version with an XT60 connector that only has 2 wires.
Make your own
Use an EZGO RXV charge plug to make your own cable.
Other Tested Chargers
Other Tested Chargers
AFU AF500 (Avoid)
AFU AF500 (Avoid)
Maximum Charge Current: 3 - 15A (model dependent)
This charger is available on AliExpress with or without a display. Similar models are also available under the Ohrija brand.
On the surface, this looks like a good option. It's compact and low cost, usually selling for around $50 for the 8A version. However, when I profiled it, I found the charger held the battery at 58.4V indefinitely. In the manual this is referred to as "maintenance mode", but this is your typical stage 3 float charge used on lead acid batteries. Being held at the charging voltage indefinitely like this can damage LiFePO4 batteries. I reached out to AFU to see if there is a way to disable this behavior and I still haven't heard back. My guess is they took their lead acid charger and changed the voltage slightly. I will update if I get any new information from the company.
Aside from the float charge issue, the charger is very simple, but seems well-built, with an aluminum case and removeable power cord. It reads voltage as soon as power is applied and has no power switch, or buttons of any kind. The display is fairly accurate, but only displays temperature in Celsius with no option to switch to Fahrenheit. Charging status is indicated by 2 LEDs on the side, though the display also seems to blink when charging is complete.
AF500 Charger
Charge Profile for AF500 charger
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