Charging time for the NOCO GB70 depends on which charger you use
The NOCO GB70 is a portable lithium jump starter that holds enough charge to start most vehicles multiple times. How long it takes to recharge depends entirely on the power source you plug it into. Using the included USB-C cable with a standard 5-watt phone charger takes roughly 5 to 6 hours for a full charge. A higher-wattage USB-C power adapter (18 watts or more) cuts that time to 2 to 3 hours. Plugging it into a car's 12-volt outlet with the optional automotive charger takes about 4 to 5 hours.
The device itself has a built-in LED indicator that shows charging progress. A single LED means the battery is low, two LEDs mean it is partially charged, three LEDs mean it is nearly full, and all four LEDs solid means it is fully charged. This lets you know at a glance whether you need to wait longer or if the unit is ready to use.
Key Takeaways
- A standard 5-watt USB-C charger takes 5 to 6 hours to fully charge the GB70, while a 18-watt or higher adapter reduces that to 2 to 3 hours.
- The included USB-C cable works with any USB-C power adapter, so you can use a phone charger, laptop charger, or wall outlet adapter you already own.
- The optional 12-volt automotive charger plugs into your car's power outlet and takes 4 to 5 hours for a full charge.
- The four-LED indicator on the device shows you the current charge level without needing to connect it to anything.
Charging with a USB-C wall adapter (fastest option)
The GB70 comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Plug this cable into any USB-C power adapter and then into the port on the side of the jumper. The wattage of the adapter matters: a standard phone charger rated at 5 watts will charge the device, but slowly. Most modern phone chargers are now 18 watts or higher, which is the sweet spot for this device.
If you have a laptop charger with USB-C output, that often works even faster. A 30-watt or 45-watt laptop charger will charge the GB70 in roughly 2 hours. Check your charger's wattage rating on the label or in the manual. The GB70 will not overcharge or damage itself if you use a higher-wattage charger — it straightforward stops drawing power once the battery is full.
Charging from a car's 12-volt outlet
NOCO sells an optional 12-volt automotive charger (model GBX12) that plugs into your vehicle's power outlet, also called the cigarette lighter socket. This is useful if you want to charge the jumper while driving or if you keep it in your vehicle and want to top it off between uses. Charging this way takes about 4 to 5 hours for a full charge.
The automotive charger is not included with the GB70, so you will need to purchase it separately if you want this option. It connects to the same USB-C port on the jumper as the standard cable. Some owners keep both cables in their vehicle — the USB-C cable for home charging and the automotive charger for topping off on the road.
Charging from a computer or power bank
You can charge the GB70 from any device with a USB-C port, including a computer, laptop, or external power bank. Charging speed depends on how much power that device can deliver. A laptop USB-C port typically delivers 15 to 30 watts, so charging takes 3 to 4 hours. A power bank's charging speed varies widely — check its output rating, usually printed on the back or bottom.
This option is handy if you are traveling and do not have access to a wall outlet. Keep in mind that charging the GB70 from a power bank will drain the power bank's battery, so you may need to recharge the power bank afterward.
What to do if the GB70 will not charge
If you plug in the charger and the LED lights do not respond, first check that the USB-C cable is fully inserted into the port on the side of the jumper. The connection can feel loose even when it is seated correctly. Try a different USB-C cable if you have one available, because a damaged cable is a common reason charging fails.
If a different cable does not work, try charging from a different power source — a different wall outlet, a different charger, or a computer. This tells you whether the problem is with the power source or with the jumper itself. If the jumper still does not respond after trying multiple cables and power sources, the internal battery may have failed and the device may need replacement. NOCO offers a warranty on the GB70; check your purchase receipt or contact NOCO directly for warranty information.
How often you need to recharge the GB70
The GB70 holds its charge for several months when not in use, so you do not need to recharge it constantly. Most owners recharge it once or twice a year as routine maintenance, or when ready after using it to jump-start a vehicle. If you use the jumper to start a car, the battery will be partially drained, and you should recharge it before storing it again.
Lithium batteries like the one in the GB70 perform best when kept between 20 and 80 percent charge during storage. If you store the jumper for more than a few months, charge it to full, then let it sit. Before using it again after long storage, plug it in for an hour or two to bring it back to full capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB-C charger with the GB70?
Yes. Any USB-C power adapter will work, including phone chargers, laptop chargers, and car chargers. Higher-wattage chargers (18 watts or more) will charge the device faster than lower-wattage ones, but all of them are safe to use.
Does the GB70 charge while you are using it to jump-start a car?
No. The jumper cannot charge and discharge at the same time. You must fully recharge it after using it to start a vehicle before you can use it again.
What happens if I leave the GB70 plugged in after it is fully charged?
Nothing harmful occurs. The device has built-in protection that stops charging once the battery reaches full capacity. Leaving it plugged in will not overcharge or damage the battery.
Is the included USB-C cable the only one that works?
No. Any USB-C to USB-C cable will work with the GB70. If the included cable is damaged, you can replace it with any standard USB-C cable from another device.