According to Black and Decker, the new SIMPLE START battery booster gives flat batteries an instant boost to restart a car in minutes, without the need of jump cables or even stepping outside the car. Apparently there is no need to open the bonnet and touch dangerous or dirty engine parts. All that needs to be done is plug it in to the cigarette lighter, wait just 15 minutes and turn the ignition.

The thing is also small enough to fit into most car glove compartments. The battery booster is portable, cordless and rechargeable. The SIMPLE START battery booster is available for both diesel and petrol engine versions and is suitable for use on a wide range of vehicles, powering the battery through the 12v DC supply.

The company is also hoping to entice motorists with its BDV012 Jump Starter.  This piece of kit can boost a flat car battery in seconds according to the company. There is no need for another car, all you need to do is apply the clamps, switch on the Jump Starter, turn on the ignition and crank the engine. The BDV012 provides 450 instant starting Amps that can start any 12v vehicle from cars to tractors.



It has also unveiled a couple of battery chargers that claim to charge batteries far faster than ordinary car chargers. The BDV1084 and BDV1085 battery chargers work two to three times faster than conventional models for quicker engine starts - even in very hot or cold temperatures allowing for seasonal changes.  Both models are designed with safety in mind and will not engage if the clamps are attached incorrectly.  This dramatically reduces the risk of sparks or explosions compared to standard chargers.
 
The Black & Decker models are also smarter, boasting three stage charge technology. The first stage delivers the maximum charge to ‘wake up’ any 12 volt battery bringing it up to 80 per cent efficiency. Absorption takes place during the second stage and the third stage ensures that the battery remains at a full 100 per cent capacity, through a trickle charge process.




Both the BDV1084 and BDV1085 offer maximum versatility, users can choose between three types of lead acid batteries including wet, GEL and AGM. This means they can be used across a range of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, boats, farm equipment and even lawnmowers.

No doubt we'll be testing these out when our car refuses to start, just as we are planning to go for a long weekend in the country!