How Long Does a NOCO Jump Starter Take to Charge?
A NOCO jump starter takes between 3 and 6 hours to fully charge, depending on the model and charger used. Compact models like the GB40 charge in about 3 hours. Heavy-duty models like the GB150 can take 5 to 6 hours. Newer Boost X models with 60W USB-C Power Delivery can reach jump-starting capacity in as little as 5 minutes of charge.
You grab your NOCO jump starter on a cold morning. Your car won’t start. But neither will the jump starter — because you forgot to charge it. That’s a frustrating spot to be in.
I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve tested portable jump starters for years. Knowing your NOCO’s charge time isn’t just handy trivia. It’s the difference between getting to work and calling a tow truck.
Here’s everything you need to know about NOCO jump starter charging — broken down by model, charger type, and real-world conditions.
- Most NOCO jump starters take 3 to 6 hours to fully charge from empty.
- The GB40 charges in about 3 hours using a 2A wall charger.
- The GB150 can take 5 to 6 hours due to its larger battery capacity.
- NOCO Boost X models (GBX45, GBX55) can reach jump-ready in just 5 minutes via 60W USB-C.
- Charge your NOCO every 3 months if you store it unused — lithium batteries drain slowly over time.
How Long Does Each NOCO Model Take to Charge?
Charge time varies across the NOCO lineup. The main factor is battery capacity — measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). A bigger battery stores more energy but takes longer to fill up.
Here’s a model-by-model breakdown based on official NOCO specifications and real-world user data:
| Model | Peak Amps | Charge Time (2A wall) | Charge Time (0.5A USB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB20 | 500A | ~2 hours | ~6 hours |
| GB40 | 1000A | ~3 hours | ~12 hours |
| GB70 | 2000A | ~4.5 hours | ~12+ hours |
| GB150 | 3000A | ~5–6 hours | ~8–12 hours |
| GBX45 / GBX55 | 1250A–1750A | ~48–60 min (60W USB-C) | 5 min to jump-ready |
The new Boost X series changes the game. The GBX45 recharges in just 48 minutes using 60W USB-C Power Delivery. And even from zero percent, it can deliver enough juice for a jump start after just 5 minutes on the charger.
Always use the original charger that came with your NOCO. A 2A wall adapter cuts GB40 charge time from ~12 hours (at 0.5A USB) down to just ~3 hours. That’s a 4× speed difference from the same device.
What Factors Affect NOCO Charging Speed?
Four things control how fast your NOCO charges. Understanding them helps you avoid slow charging and dead units in emergencies.
1. Battery Capacity
A larger battery takes longer to fill — just like a bigger gas tank. The GB40’s compact battery (around 6Ah) charges in 3 hours. The GB150’s massive pack (around 50Ah) needs up to 12 hours via USB.
2. Charger Output (Amperage)
This is the biggest factor you can control. NOCO’s USB-IN port on most models is rated at 2.1A. Here’s how charger amperage affects the GB40:
- 0.5A charger → ~12 hours
- 1A charger → ~6 hours
- 2A wall charger → ~3 hours
For the Boost X models, a 60W USB-C Power Delivery charger slashes charge time to under an hour.
3. Temperature
Cold temperatures slow lithium-ion charging chemistry. NOCO recommends charging between 32°F and 113°F (0°C to 45°C). Charging in a freezing garage extends your charge time noticeably.
Never charge your NOCO below freezing. Lithium-ion batteries can suffer permanent damage if charged at temperatures under 32°F (0°C). NOCO’s thermal sensors slow or stop charging to protect the battery — but extreme cold can still degrade cells over time.
4. Battery Age and Health
A 3-year-old NOCO may charge 15–30% slower than when it was new. Lithium-ion batteries degrade naturally with use and time. After 500 to 800 full charge cycles, most NOCO batteries reach about 80% of their original capacity.
How to Charge a NOCO Jump Starter: Step-by-Step
Charging a NOCO is simple. But doing it correctly protects battery life and ensures you’re always ready.
- Check the LED battery indicator. If it shows 50% or below, charge it now.
- Use the USB-C cable included in the box — or the correct 12V adapter for your model.
- Plug into a wall adapter with at least 2A output for the fastest standard charge.
- The LED lights will cycle while charging. All four LEDs solid green means full charge.
- Unplug once fully charged. NOCO’s smart charger prevents overcharging, but it’s still good practice.
- Store in a cool, dry location between 50°F and 70°F for longest battery life.
Can You Charge a NOCO Jump Starter in a Car?
Yes — some models support it. The GB70, GB150, and Boost Max include an XGC (eXtreme Genius Charge) input port. This lets you charge directly from a 12V car port for faster in-vehicle charging.
Smaller models like the GB40 can also charge via a 12V USB car charger — but only at 0.5A to 1A, which is slower than a wall adapter. Use the car port when a wall outlet isn’t available. Otherwise, stick with the wall for speed.
Don’t charge and discharge the NOCO at the same time. NOCO specifically advises against it due to FCC regulations and battery health concerns. Charge first, then jump start — not both simultaneously.
How Long Does a NOCO Jump Starter Hold Its Charge?
NOCO claims some models hold a charge for up to one year in storage. In practice, real-world users report a different experience.
Forum data from Bushcraft USA and similar communities shows that many GB40 owners see a noticeable drop after 3 to 4 months — especially in colder climates. The lithium-ion chemistry self-discharges slowly, even when the unit is powered off.
The smart rule: check your charge every 3 months and top it off if needed. This keeps the battery healthy and ensures it’s ready when your car decides not to start.
Most NOCO jump starters self-discharge slowly over time. Expect about 75–80% charge remaining after 6 months in normal storage conditions. Extreme heat or cold accelerates battery drain. Check every 3 months and charge to 50–60% for long-term storage.
Does the NOCO GB40 Charge Faster Than Other Models?
Yes — the GB40 is one of NOCO’s fastest-charging standard models. Its smaller battery capacity (compared to the GB70 or GB150) means it fills up quicker. At 2A from a wall adapter, it charges in roughly 3 hours.
But the Boost X series (GBX45, GBX55, GBX75) is in a different league. With 60W USB-C Power Delivery, they charge fully in under an hour. And if you’re stranded right now, just 5 minutes on a fast charger is enough to attempt a jump start.
For most everyday drivers, the GB40 hits the sweet spot. Fast enough to charge overnight, powerful enough for most gas engines up to 6.0 liters.
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables – for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
The GB40 is the most popular NOCO model for everyday drivers — compact, easy to charge in 3 hours, and powerful enough for most cars, trucks, and SUVs up to 6.0L gas engines.
What Happens If You Don’t Charge Your NOCO Regularly?
A deeply discharged lithium-ion battery is harder to recover. If the NOCO drops below a certain voltage threshold, the battery management system (BMS) may refuse to charge it at all.
NOCO jump starters won’t even detect a car battery below 2 volts. A similar thing can happen to the jump starter’s own internal battery if left completely drained for months.
The fix is simple: charge every 3 months, even if you haven’t used it. A partial top-up is better than nothing. This one habit adds years to your NOCO’s usable life.
Storing your NOCO at full 100% charge for months isn’t ideal either. For long-term storage, NOCO recommends keeping the battery at 50–60% charge. This reduces stress on lithium cells and preserves capacity over time.
How Do You Know When Your NOCO Is Fully Charged?
Every NOCO jump starter has an LED battery indicator. The exact pattern varies by model, but the standard signal for full charge is: all four LED lights solid green.
During charging, the LEDs cycle to show progress. On larger models like the GB150, the LCD screen gives a real-time percentage. On smaller models like the GB40, you’re reading LED patterns.
Here’s a general LED guide for most NOCO Boost models:
- 1 LED flashing → below 25% charge
- 2 LEDs solid → 25–50% charge
- 3 LEDs solid → 50–75% charge
- 4 LEDs solid green → fully charged (100%)
If you press the power button mid-charge, the LEDs briefly show your current level. It’s a handy way to check progress without waiting for the full cycle to end.
NOCO’s UltraSafe technology includes built-in overcharge protection. Even if you leave it plugged in overnight after reaching 100%, the smart BMS stops power input automatically. You won’t damage the battery by leaving it connected — but it’s still better practice to unplug once it’s full.
NOCO Boost X vs. Standard Boost: Which Charges Faster?
This is where things get interesting. The Boost X series (GBX45, GBX55, GBX75, GBX155) uses 60W USB-C Power Delivery — a major upgrade from the standard Boost lineup.
| Feature | Standard Boost (GB40, GB70) | Boost X (GBX45, GBX55) |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Port | USB-A (2.1A max) | USB-C Power Delivery (60W) |
| Full Charge Time | 3–6 hours | ~48–60 minutes |
| Jump-Ready from 0% | ~30–60 min charge needed | 5 minutes of charge |
| Safety Tech | UltraSafe | UltraSafe 2.0 |
| Price Range | $99–$199 | $149–$349 |
If you want the fastest possible recharge and don’t mind paying more, the Boost X series wins easily. If you mainly charge overnight at home and want reliability at a lower price, the standard GB40 or GB70 covers nearly all everyday needs.
For most car owners, the GB40 is the best value. It charges in 3 hours, fits in a glove box, and handles gas engines up to 6.0L. If you drive a truck, diesel, or large SUV, step up to the GB70 or GBX45 instead.
Tips to Keep Your NOCO Charged and Ready
A few simple habits keep your jump starter reliable for years.
- Charge every 3 months even if unused. Lithium-ion drains slowly in storage.
- Use the original charger for fastest and safest results.
- Store between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C) to slow self-discharge.
- For long storage, charge to 50–60% rather than 100% — this reduces battery stress.
- Pre-warm in cold conditions — bring the unit indoors for an hour before charging if it’s below freezing outside.
- Check the charge before a road trip — always. Don’t assume it’s still full from last time.
You can learn more about lithium-ion battery care from the U.S. Department of Energy’s battery resource page, which covers how temperature and usage cycles affect battery life.
For more on NOCO’s full product lineup and official charging specs, visit the official NOCO Boost FAQ page, which covers model-specific charging guidance directly from the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Most NOCO jump starters charge fully in 3 to 6 hours — and the newer Boost X models do it in under an hour with a 60W USB-C charger. The single most important thing you can do is check your charge every 3 months and top it off before it dies in storage.
Don’t let your jump starter become a dead weight in your trunk. Charge it tonight, stash it in the glove box, and it’ll be there when you need it most.
— Alex Rahman
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a NOCO GB40 take to charge from empty?
The NOCO GB40 takes about 3 hours to fully charge from empty using a 2A wall adapter. Using a slower 0.5A USB charger extends this to around 12 hours, so always use the highest-rated adapter you can.
Can I charge my NOCO jump starter overnight?
Yes, it’s safe to charge your NOCO overnight. NOCO jump starters have built-in overcharge protection through their smart battery management system, which stops accepting charge once the battery is full. That said, unplugging after a full charge is still a good long-term habit.
Why is my NOCO jump starter charging slowly?
Slow charging usually means you’re using a low-amperage charger, like a 0.5A USB port. Cold temperatures also slow lithium-ion charging noticeably. Try switching to a 2A wall adapter and charging in a room-temperature environment for much faster results.
How often should I charge my NOCO jump starter?
Charge your NOCO at least once every 3 months if you’re not using it regularly. Leaving a lithium-ion battery in a deeply discharged state for extended periods causes permanent capacity loss and can eventually make it unusable.
Does the NOCO GBX45 really charge in 5 minutes?
Not fully — but 5 minutes of charge on a 60W USB-C Power Delivery source gives the GBX45 enough power to attempt a jump start. A complete charge from 0% to 100% takes about 48 minutes via the same fast charger. It’s one of the fastest-charging jump starters available in 2024.
I’m Alex Rahman, a car enthusiast and automotive writer focused on practical solutions, car tools, and real-world driving advice. I share simple and honest content to help everyday drivers make better decisions.