Battery maintainers are one of those “quiet heroes” in a modern shop. They keep vehicles stable during diagnostics, protect sensitive electronics during ECU programming, and prevent comebacks caused by low-voltage. At ADAS Depot, we carry several standout options that cover everything from steady 12V support to full-on programming power supplies for high-demand service bays.
Below is a practical breakdown of how each unit may be best suited for your shop’s work. Also, here is a link to each OEM's power supply requirements.
1) PowerMax PMBC-75-SE — Ultra-Stable 12V Maintainer & Charger ($389)
If you want a dependable, clean 12V power source that’s adjustable, compact, and cost-effective, the PowerMax PMBC-75-SE is an excellent entry point for professional use. It’s built to provide stable DC power while also offering smart charging modes that help keep batteries healthy over time.

What it does best
The big advantage here is adjustable output voltage (13V–16V), which lets you tune for different battery types and situations. It also includes several operating modes, so it can act like a steady power supply or a multi-stage charger for regular maintenance.
Strengths you’ll notice in daily use
- Adjustable voltage for AGM, gel, and deep-cycle lead-acid setups
- Multiple modes: fixed (power supply), 2-stage, and 3-stage smart charging
- LCD monitoring for voltage/current at a glance
- Heavy-duty included cabling (4 AWG, 15 ft) which matters more than people expect
Best for these needs
Great fit for: smaller shops, mobile techs, RV/marine/service work, and bays that need a stable 12V source for diagnostics and general charging.
Not the main pick for: frequent high-demand ECU programming on late-model vehicles all day long, where you want extra headroom and specialty programming modes.
Watch our latest unboxing of the PowerMax PMBC-100-SE.
2) Topdon Tornado 90000 (T90A / T90000) — Smart Charger & ECU Voltage Stabilizer ($699)
The Tornado 90000 is the “do-it-all” option for busy automotive environments. It’s designed for service centers and collision repair shops that need a robust charger plus a true voltage stabilizer for ECU work. It supports both 12V and 24V, and it works with lead-acid and lithium batteries across an enormous capacity range.

What it does best
In modern vehicles, programming sessions can be long and sensitive to voltage drops. In ‘Supply’ mode, the Topdon is meant to hold steady voltage output so modules don’t brown out mid-process. That’s exactly the kind of stability that helps prevent bricked modules and wasted hours.
Strengths you’ll notice in daily use
- 12V/24V support for broader coverage (including many commercial workflows)
- Battery compatibility: AGM/WET/GEL/MF/CAL/EFB and lithium
- Programmable charging modes (SUPPLY, NORM, COLD, BOOST, REPAIR, AGM)
- Adjustable current up to 90A at 12V for stronger real-world support
- Safety protections and temperature monitoring to reduce risk in a hectic shop
- 3-year warranty
Best for these needs
Great fit for: collision centers, general repair shops that increasingly do programming/ADAS-related diagnostics, and any bay that touches a mix of battery types (including lithium) and occasionally needs 24V support.
Why shop owners like it: it’s a strong “middle tier” investment that can standardize charging and stabilize voltage without jumping to the highest price bracket.
Check out our interview with Chad from Topdon on all things battery maintainers.
3) Launch Tech PFP-150 — Professional Programming Power Supply ($999.95)
If you want a purpose-built high-output programming power supply, the Launch PFP-150 is the heavy hitter in this lineup. It’s designed specifically for stable vehicle power during ECU reprogramming, flashing, coding, and diagnostics, with the ability to deliver serious amperage when required.

What it does best
This unit is about headroom and stability. When you’re dealing with vehicles that draw a lot of current during programming (fans cycling, modules waking up, ADAS calibrations pre/post scans, etc.), having a strong power supply reduces the chance of voltage sag. It’s also positioned as OEM-approved “best power support equipment” and notes being made in Italy.
Strengths you’ll notice in daily use
- 150A power supply capability for programming workflows
- Programming mode range listed as 12–14.8V / 2–150A
- Battery charging and recovery for deeply discharged batteries
- Can provide power with or without a battery connected, which is useful for certain diagnostic/service scenarios
Best for these needs
Great fit for: high-volume European programming, dealerships, advanced electrical/diagnostic specialists, and any shop where ECU programming is routine rather than occasional.
Why shop owners invest: it’s a “buy once, cry once” tool that helps protect billable hours when programming is a core revenue stream.
Which One Should I Buy?
If your goal is mainly steady 12V support + battery maintenance on a budget:
PowerMax PMBC-75-SE ($389)
If you need battery versatility + 12V/24V coverage + stable supply for ECU work, without going to the top tier:
Topdon Tornado 90000 ($699)
If you do programming constantly and want maximum amperage headroom and a dedicated pro power supply:
Launch PFP-150 ($999.95)
Why Choosing the Right Battery Maintainer is Important
In real-world shop conditions, low or unstable voltage doesn’t just cause “battery problems.” It can cause:
- Failed programming events
- False DTCs and confusing diagnostic paths
- Modules that behave inconsistently while you’re calibrating or scanning
- Extra technician time that quietly eats profit
Choosing the right maintainer is less about the sticker price and more about matching the tool to your shop’s workload. If you’re mostly doing routine service, a stable adjustable unit can be perfect. If your bays are programming-heavy, the cost of one disrupted programming session can outweigh the gap between mid-tier and top-tier equipment pretty quickly.
|
Key Trait |
PowerMax PMBC-75-SE |
Topdon Tornado 90000 (T90A/T90000) |
Launch Tech PFP-150 |
|
Price point |
$389 |
$699 |
$999.95 |
|
Primary role |
Ultra-stable 12V maintainer + charger |
Smart charger + ECU voltage stabilizer |
Programming power supply + charging/recovery |
|
Voltage support |
12V only |
12V + 24V |
12V (charging), programming supply range listed at 12–14.8V |
|
Voltage adjustability |
Adjustable 13–16V |
Adjustable 11–15.8V (12V), 22–31.6V (24V) |
Programming mode 12–14.8V |
|
Max output current (listed) |
Series includes 75A model (PMBC-75-SE) |
Up to 90A (12V), up to 45A (24V) |
Up to 150A RMS supply (programming/flashing/coding) |
|
Battery type compatibility (listed) |
Tunable for AGM, gel, deep-cycle lead-acid (lead-acid focused) |
Lead-acid and lithium; AGM/WET/GEL/MF/CAL/EFB |
Not fully enumerated; positioned for workshop use including hybrid/EV support |
|
Battery capacity range (listed) |
Not specified |
20Ah–2800Ah |
10–1800Ah |
|
Charging approach |
Fixed mode + 2-stage + 3-stage smart charging |
9-step smart charging + 6 selectable modes |
Charging + recovery of very discharged batteries |
|
ECU programming support |
Can be used for service/showroom; higher-amp options in series referenced |
Explicit SUPPLY mode for stable ECU programming |
Explicitly built for ECU reprogramming, flashing, diagnosis |
|
Safety / cooling |
Overload, short-circuit, reverse polarity, current limiting; temp-controlled fan |
Reverse polarity, short circuit, overheating, over-voltage; dual temp monitoring; fan-cooled |
Not fully detailed; high-power unit with 1800W input listed |
|
Warranty |
2 years |
3 years |
Not listed |
|
Best fit for |
Budget-minded shops, mobile techs, stable 12V support and maintenance |
Collision/general repair shops doing mixed charging + programming support, plus 24V needs |
High-volume programming/diagnostic specialists needing maximum amperage headroom |
Don’t see a battery maintainer that suits your needs? ADAS Depot carries several different brands and products for every shop. Speak with our sale’s representatives to discuss which ones can best suit your needs. +1.925.566.8545
