When a car fitted with a new aftermarket part rolls into a SEMA Garage, for rigorous emissions tests so that part can be legally sold in the US, it’s important that nothing is left to chance. 

That includes each vehicle’s 12V battery, which is why the team at the SEMA Garage in Michigan connect the vehicles in its queue to a CTEK battery charger as they wait.  

Ahead of the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, CTEK sent a trio of brand new NXT 5 chargers to the SEMA Garage in Detroit so the engineers could put them through their paces. These new CTEK chargers were officially launched at the SEMA Show. 

Turbocharging testing at SEMA Garage 

The SEMA Garages run tests on a variety of aftermarket parts in a wide range of vehicles. The parts include headers, superchargers, turbochargers, diesel injectors, cold air intakes, exhausts and intercoolers, plus the test are also applied to performance calibrations (tunes). 

They are installed on vehicles such as diesel pickup trucks, gas pickup trucks, SUVs, performance cars and passenger cars. The SEMA Garages have their own fleet to call upon, plus members of the association provide their own. 

Ben Kaminsky, SEMA’s General Manager of Detroit Garage & Testing Operations, said the garage has long used CTEK battery chargers: “We utilise many CTEK chargers in the SEMA Garage.  

“They are always intuitive, easy to use and ensure vehicles SEMA Garage tests have batteries that are in optimal condition both going into and coming out of our vehicle testing no matter the battery design. We even use them on our battery powered floor scrubber.” 

After the tests are complete, the CTEK chargers go back on during the standard California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandatory waiting period of ten business days after the results have been submitted. Tested vehicles must be kept in their tested condition prior to being released out of the process. 

Steve Hayes, CTEK’s Regional Manager for North America, said: “At CTEK we are big supporters of SEMA and the whole performance aftermarket world. Their ethos of precision engineering fits perfectly with CTEK’s commitment to innovation through technology. 

“We are thrilled that the SEMA Garage team is road testing our new battery chargers in such an important automotive setting.” 

CTEK’s new NXT Series: next level battery charging 

The CTEK NXT 5 chargers in use at the SEMA Garage are one of CTEK’s latest innovations. Ideal for 12V lead-acid and lithium batteries in motorcycles, cars, classics and leisure vehicles, they offer: 

  • Patented Recond and desulphation modes  
  • Temperature-compensated charging  
  • Support for 12V batteries from 1.2–160Ah  
  • Automatic spark-free operation  
  • Reverse polarity protection  
  • Connect and forget functionality  

Built tough, designed smart, and powered by patented technology, NXT gives you the performance and reliability you need. 

More like this

CTEK battery testers are here to help you choose your next step in battery care

Get to know your battery with the CTEK BATTERY TESTER and BATTERY TESTER PRO. Now part of CTEK’s battery care range, these easy-to-use tools check vehicle battery health, cranking performance and charging system output, helping you identify potential problems and decide what to do next. Choose the compact BATTERY TESTER for home use and everyday workshop checks, or BATTERY TESTER PRO for professional diagnostics with printed customer reports.

CTEK battery testers are here to help you choose your next step in battery care - CTEK

CTEK makes its mark on Falun’s World Ski Championships jump

CTEK’s logo is now proudly on show on the largest ski jump slope at Falun, the venue for the 2027 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships where CTEK is an Official Technical Partner.

CTEK makes its mark on Falun’s World Ski Championships jump - CTEK

From the Road to the Racetrack: Battery Boosters in action

Are you an everyday driver? A motorsports enthusiast? A workshop professional? Maybe you’re all three. But whatever your relationship with cars and other vehicles, a battery booster such as CTEK’s new RB3000 and RB4000, now available in the US and Canada, has a vital role to play in keeping you moving.

From the Road to the Racetrack: Battery Boosters in action - CTEK

How to Jump Start a Vehicle Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jump-starting a dead car battery can get your engine running again, but it needs to be done safely and according to your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide. Modern portable battery boosters such as CTEK’s new RB3000 and RB4000, now available in the US and Canada, are easy to use and have safety built in.

How to Jump Start a Vehicle Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide - CTEK

CTEK becomes EV charging partner to the Swedish Ski Association

CTEK has entered into a new agreement with the Swedish Ski Association, providing CC3 EV charging infrastructure at Riksskidstadion in Falun, Sweden’s Alpine National Arena and the Swedish Ski Association’s Åre office. Delivered alongside installation partner Kalema e-Mobility, the charging solutions will support electric passenger cars and support vehicles used by athletes, coaches, staff and the wider organisation. Falun, Sweden – CTEK, a global leader in battery charging and electric vehicle charging, has entered into a new agreement with the Swedish Ski Association to provide EV charging infrastructure at Riksskidstadion in Falun, Sweden’s Alpine National Arena and the Swedish Ski Association’s Åre office. Under the agreement, CTEK is providing charging solutions from its CHARGESTORM CONNECTED 3 (CC3) product family. The project is being delivered alongside installation partner Kalema e-Mobility, which is carrying out the installations at Riksskidstadion, Sweden’s Alpine National Arena and the Swedish Ski Association’s Åre office. The chargers will support electric passenger cars and support vehicles used by athletes, coaches and staff, as well as other electric vehicles operated by the Swedish Ski Association. They will provide reliable and convenient charging when vehicles are at Riksskidstadion, Sweden’s Alpine National Arena or the Swedish Ski Association’s Åre office, supporting the Association’s continued transition towards more sustainable transport. For the Swedish Ski Association, the drive to constantly improve goes beyond athletic performance. The Association believes it is equally important to keep improving the smart, climate-friendly solutions that support its everyday operations. “We are delighted to work with the Swedish Ski Association as its EV charging partner. Elite sport depends not only on what happens on the track or slopes, but also on the people, vehicles and infrastructure working behind the scenes. By providing our CC3 charging technology and working alongside Kalema e-Mobility, we can help support the Association’s everyday operations and its transition towards more electrified transport,” said Johanna Mogren Sundqvist, Sales Manager EVSE at CTEK. Developed in Sweden for professional EV charging, CC3 can be adapted to different organisations, vehicle requirements and parking environments. The EV chargers can provide up to 22 kW per outlet and support connectivity and load balancing. This allows the available electrical capacity to be used efficiently while enabling the charging infrastructure to expand as the Swedish Ski Association’s requirements grow. "For us, this investment is about creating the conditions for a smarter and more sustainable operation. Our athletes, coaches and staff travel extensively throughout the year, and reliable charging infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important part of our everyday operations. CTEK combines proven technology with strong local roots in Dalarna, making them a natural supplier as we continue to develop our organisation and reduce the environmental impact of our transport solutions," said Johan Gräfnings, Swedish Ski Association. The agreement connects CTEK’s home in Falun, Dalarna, with the Swedish Ski Association’s activities at Sweden’s Alpine National Arena and its Åre office in Jämtland. For CTEK, it is an opportunity to support the Swedish Ski Association and its national teams with technology that makes a practical difference behind the scenes. The collaboration will also give CTEK agreed brand visibility across the Swedish Ski Association’s activities. For further information please contact: CTEK:Katharine AlsopHead of Marketing & PRKatharine.alsop@ctek.com ABOUT CTEK Established over 25 years ago, in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in battery charging and power solutions. Through smart, innovative technology, CTEK develops and manufactures products that help improve vehicle reliability, extend battery life and give drivers confidence that their vehicle is ready when they need it. The company's portfolio includes battery chargers, battery boosters, professional workshop charging equipment and EV charging solutions for consumers and businesses. CTEK products support both lead-acid and lithium batteries and are designed to meet the needs of drivers, workshops, fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers. CTEK products are distributed in more than 70 countries worldwide through a carefully selected network of distributors and retailers and are supplied as original equipment to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers. With a focus on quality, innovation and performance, CTEK's purpose is to keep vehicles – and people – moving. Every day, CTEK delivers on its brand promise to: Power Every Moment.

CTEK becomes EV charging partner to the Swedish Ski Association - CTEK

UK drivers in age divide over new EV mile tax

A generational and gender divide has been revealed amongst UK drivers faced with their Government’s plans to charge Electric Vehicle drivers extra to help replace the lost fuel tax as petrol and diesel sales fall.

UK drivers in age divide over new EV mile tax - CTEK