What the GM PowerUp 2 charger is

The GM PowerUp 2 is a portable jump starter and power bank made by General Motors. It stores electrical charge in an internal battery and uses that charge to start a car with a dead battery without needing another vehicle or jumper cables. It also works as a regular power bank — you can use it to charge phones, tablets, and other small devices through its USB ports.

The device is roughly the size of a thick paperback book and weighs around 2 pounds. It connects to your car's battery through two clamps (one red, one black) that attach to the positive and negative terminals. Once connected, you press a button to send current to the battery and start the engine.

Key Takeaways

  • The GM PowerUp 2 is a portable battery pack that can jump-start a car and charge phones or tablets without needing another vehicle.
  • The device costs between $100 and $150 depending on where you buy it, and a full charge lasts for multiple jump starts before needing to recharge.
  • You recharge the GM PowerUp 2 by plugging it into a standard wall outlet or a car's 12-volt outlet, and a full recharge takes 4 to 6 hours from a wall outlet.
  • The clamps connect directly to your car battery's terminals, and the jump start process takes a few minutes from connection to engine start.

How much the GM PowerUp 2 costs

The retail price for a new GM PowerUp 2 ranges from $100 to $150, depending on the retailer and whether there are sales or discounts running. You can find it at automotive retailers like AutoZone and O'Reilly, at big-box stores like Walmart and Best Buy, and through online retailers including Amazon.

Prices vary by location and seller, so comparing a few sources before buying can save you money. Some retailers offer seasonal sales or bundle deals that include carrying cases or additional cables. Used units sometimes appear on secondhand marketplaces, though buying used means you cannot verify how many charge cycles the battery has already gone through.

What you need to know before using it

The GM PowerUp 2 works on most vehicles with 12-volt batteries, which includes nearly all cars, trucks, and SUVs made in the last several decades. It will not work on vehicles with 24-volt systems, which are rare but do exist in some heavy trucks and commercial vehicles. Check your vehicle's manual if you are unsure.

The device has safety features built in: it will not deliver current if the clamps are connected backward, and it shuts off automatically if it detects a short circuit. Still, you should never touch the metal clamp ends while they are connected to the battery, and you should keep the device away from water and extreme heat.

The jump-start capability depends on the battery's current charge level. A fully charged GM PowerUp 2 can typically deliver 3 to 5 jump starts before it needs recharging, though this varies based on how depleted your car's battery is and the engine size. Larger engines require more current and drain the device faster.

How to recharge the GM PowerUp 2

You can recharge the device in two ways: through a standard household wall outlet using the included AC adapter, or through your car's 12-volt outlet (the cigarette lighter socket) using the included car charger cable. Recharging from a wall outlet takes 4 to 6 hours for a full charge. Recharging from a car's 12-volt outlet takes longer — usually 8 to 12 hours — because the power input is lower.

The device has an LED indicator that shows the current charge level. Most models display this as a series of lights that illuminate as the battery charges. You should recharge the GM PowerUp 2 every few months even if you have not used it, because lithium batteries lose charge over time when sitting idle.

Using the device to jump-start a car

To jump-start your car, first make sure the GM PowerUp 2 is charged. Open your car's hood and locate the battery. The battery has two terminals: a positive terminal (usually marked with a plus sign or red cover) and a negative terminal (usually marked with a minus sign or black cover).

Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to the negative terminal. Make sure both clamps are tight and make full contact with the terminals. Then press the power button on the device — it will beep or flash to confirm it is active. Turn your car's ignition key to the start position and hold it until the engine turns over, which usually takes 3 to 5 seconds. Once the engine starts, let it run for a minute or two before disconnecting the clamps.

Remove the black clamp first, then the black clamp. Keep the car running for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the engine does not start after 5 seconds, wait a minute and try again rather than holding the starter continuously.

Using the device as a phone charger

The GM PowerUp 2 has USB ports on one side that work like a standard power bank. You can plug in a phone, tablet, or other USB device using the appropriate cable. The device will charge the item until either the device's battery is depleted or the item is fully charged.

The USB output is typically 2.1 amps, which is enough to charge most phones at normal speed. Tablets and larger devices may charge more slowly. The device will automatically stop delivering current once the connected item is fully charged, so you do not have to monitor it constantly.

Maintenance and storage

Store the GM PowerUp 2 in a cool, dry place — ideally between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat degrades lithium batteries. Keep it away from moisture and do not submerge it in water.

Check the clamps and cables every few months for corrosion or damage. If the metal clamp ends show white or blue-green buildup (corrosion), gently clean them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Do not use water or liquid cleaners on the clamps. If a cable is cracked or the clamps no longer grip firmly, the device may not work safely and should be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the GM PowerUp 2 on a motorcycle or ATV?

Yes, if the vehicle has a 12-volt battery. Many motorcycles and ATVs use 12-volt systems, but some smaller models use 6-volt batteries. Check your vehicle's manual to confirm the voltage before attempting a jump start.

What happens if I connect the clamps backward?

The GM PowerUp 2 has reverse-polarity protection, which means it will not deliver current if the clamps are connected the wrong way around. You will not damage the device or your car's battery, but the jump start will not work. straightforward disconnect and reconnect the clamps in the correct order.

How long does the GM PowerUp 2 hold a charge if I do not use it?

Lithium batteries lose charge gradually over time, even when not in use. The GM PowerUp 2 will typically hold most of its charge for 2 to 3 months of storage. Recharge it every few months to keep it ready for emergencies, especially before winter when dead batteries are more common.

Can I use the GM PowerUp 2 to charge my laptop?

Most laptops require more power than the GM PowerUp 2 can deliver through its USB ports. Some newer laptops with USB-C charging ports may work, but you should check your laptop's power requirements first. Phones and tablets are the primary devices designed to charge from this device.

Is the GM PowerUp 2 waterproof?

The GM PowerUp 2 is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. It can handle light rain or splashes, but you should not submerge it or expose it to heavy water spray. Store it in a dry place and keep it away from puddles or wet conditions when possible.