Nitecore CI4 Charger

Nitecore CI4 Charger Review

In a world powered by portable energy, the battery charger is no longer a simple accessory—it’s the heart of your electronic ecosystem. Introducing the Nitecore CI4, a four-slot intelligent USB-C charger engineered to redefine your charging experience. Designed for the modern user who demands speed, safety, and sophisticated control, the CI4 stands as a testament to Nitecore’s commitment to innovation. It’s not just a tool for replenishing power; it’s a comprehensive battery management system that optimizes performance, extends lifespan, and provides unparalleled peace of mind for all your Li-ion and Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells.

Harness the Power of Next-Generation Fast Charging

The standout feature of the Nitecore CI4 is its blistering charging speed, made possible through its advanced USB-C port and compatibility with Quick Charge (QC) and Power Delivery (PD) adapters. When connected to an 18W (MAX) power source, the CI4 unlocks its Fast Charge Mode, delivering an incredible 3,000mA to a single battery. This means a high-capacity cell, like an 18650 or 21700, can be charged in a fraction of the time it would take a conventional charger, minimizing downtime and getting you back to your devices faster.

This power is intelligently distributed across its four independent bays. You can charge two batteries simultaneously at a rapid 1,500mA each, three at 1,000mA each, or all four at a robust 750mA each. Even in Standard Mode, the CI4 impresses with a max output of 2,000mA for a single slot. This dynamic power allocation ensures that whether you’re topping off one battery or charging a full set, you’re always doing so with maximum efficiency.

Intelligent Charging That Protects Your Investment

Beyond raw speed, the CI4 is equipped with a sophisticated microprocessor that acts as a dedicated battery technician. It automatically identifies the battery type and capacity, then selects the optimal charging program from three distinct modes: CC (Constant Current), CV (Constant Voltage), and -dV/dt. The CC/CV modes are ideal for Li-ion batteries, ensuring a fast initial charge followed by a gentle top-off to prevent over-voltage. For Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells, the -dV/dt mode accurately detects when the battery is full and terminates the charge, preventing damage from overheating.

The intelligence extends further with a specialized charging program for IMR batteries. These high-drain cells, popular in vaping devices and high-performance flashlights, are monitored with extreme precision to ensure the cut-off voltage is always within safe limits. The CI4 even possesses the ability to rescue over-discharged Li-ion batteries. If you insert a battery with a depleted protective circuit, the CI4 will attempt to reactivate it, potentially saving a cell that other chargers would deem unusable.

A Commitment to Uncompromised Safety

Nitecore has engineered the CI4 with a multi-layered safety protocol. The chassis is constructed from durable, fire-retardant PC materials that can withstand high temperatures. Integrated cooling fins are strategically placed along the body to facilitate optimal heat dissipation, keeping both the charger and your batteries cool during intense fast-charging cycles. Furthermore, the charger features built-in protections against reverse polarity and short-circuiting, making it virtually impossible to damage the unit or your cells by inserting them incorrectly. The system constantly monitors the charging process and automatically ceases upon completion or if a fault is detected. It even shuts off when no batteries are present, conserving energy and adding an extra layer of safety.

Intuitive, At-a-Glance Monitoring

The CI4 replaces complex screens with a brilliantly simple and effective LED indication system. A constant red light signifies that the charger is operating in its powerful Fast Charge Mode. Each bay has a set of three green indicators that provide a clear, real-time status of the battery’s power level: one light for approximately 30%, two for 80%, and three solid lights for a full 100% charge. This straightforward visual feedback allows you to assess the status of all four batteries instantly and without any guesswork. The Nitecore CI4 isn’t just a charger; it’s the intelligent, safe, and lightning-fast power station your high-performance lifestyle deserves.

Specifications:

• Input: 5V⎓2A / 9V⎓2A / 12V⎓1.5A
• 18W (MAX)
• Output: 4.2V±1% / 1.48V±1%
• Fast Charge Mode: 3,000mA*1 MAX / 1,500mA*2 MAX / 1,000mA*3 MAX / 750mA*4 MAX
• Standard Mode: 2,000mA*1 MAX / 1,000mA*2 MAX / 700mA*3 MAX / 500mA*4 MAX

Package Contents Include:

• 1 x Nitecore CI4 Charger

WARNING:

• Never use your battery chargers for batteries other than the ones described and detailed on the package in which it came.
• Making attempts to charge batteries other than what the charger calls for is seriously threatening and may even cause bodily injury. Because batteries contain Lithium-Ion, serious damage can occur if improperly used.
• Carefully read the battery charger’s instruction manual as well as the safety information provided to you.  Adhere to all of the directions and proper operation of the charger within the manual.
• Only use your battery charger indoors. Exposing your charger to high/low outdoor temperatures or high humidity can ruin the charger.
• Do not store or expose this charger to water.
• Never take apart or tamper with the battery charger.
• Do not expose your battery charger near open flames.
• Do not leave batteries unattended.