Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 Charger
(18 reviews)
A rugged, versatile charger that charges two cells at once, even of different types, from 18650 Li-ion to AA NiMH, with automatic chemistry detection.
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Characteristics
- Charge: 1000 mA max (500 mA on 2 bays)
- Bays: 2 independent bays
- Compatibility: Li-ion/IMR (18650, 26650...) + NiMH/NiCd (AA, AAA, D)
- Auto chemistry detection, rugged, mains or 12V
Detailed overview: Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 battery charger
Nitecore, a brand well known to torch enthusiasts, offers with the IntelliCharger i2 a universal charger that has become a reference for recharging rechargeable cells. Its principle is simple but effective: two independent bays that accept a very wide range of formats and automatically detect the chemistry of each inserted cell, with no setup.
On compatibility, it does the splits. It recharges the most common Lithium-ion and IMR cells (26650, 22650, 18650, 18490, 18350, 17670, 17500, 14500, 10440 and 16340/RCR123), widely used in torches, vaping and gadgets, but also NiMH and NiCd rechargeable batteries in AA, AAA, AAAA and D formats. You can even charge two cells of different types and sizes at the same time, each bay being managed separately.
Charging delivers up to 1000 mA on a single bay (split to 500 mA if both are occupied). The i2 monitors each cell, detects the charge state and cuts off automatically at the end of the cycle or after a 10-hour safety limit. It protects against overheating and reverse polarity, and shows progress via small LEDs (no LCD screen, but a simple, reliable readout).
Its power flexibility is an asset: it runs on mains but also on a 12V car socket, which makes it handy on the move or in a van. Rustic, compact and almost indestructible, the IntelliCharger i2 lacks the high-tech look of screen chargers, but it does the job with remarkable reliability, which explains its lasting success with users of 18650 cells.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics
Charging capacity
| Number of slots?Number of batteries that can be charged at the same time. | 2 |
|---|---|
| Compatible formats?Accepted battery formats (AA, AAA, 18650, 21700...). | AAAA, AAA, AA, C, D, 10440, 14500, 14650, 16340, 16650, 17350, 17500, 17650, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 22650, 25500, 26650 |
| Compatible chemistries?Recognised battery chemistries (Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, NiCd...). | Li-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH, NiCd |
| Max charging current?Maximum charging current per slot, in milliamps. | 1000 mA |
| Adjustable charging current?The user can manually pick the charging current. | No |
| Independent charging per slot?Each slot manages its own charge, independent of the other cells (different formats and chemistries can be mixed). | Yes |
Power input
| Power source?Built-in mains plug, USB port (Micro-USB or USB-C) or 12 V car socket. | Mains (built-in cable), 12 V (car socket) |
|---|
Output and features
| USB output (device charging)?The charger can also act as a power bank: it uses the inserted cells to charge another device. | No |
|---|
Display and diagnostics
| Display?Type of visual feedback on charging status. | LED per slot |
|---|---|
| Automatic chemistry detection?The charger automatically adapts its charging profile to the inserted cell, with no manual setting. | Yes |
Size
| Weight?Weight of the empty charger, in grams. | 4.4 oz (126 g) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H)?Length × width × height, in millimetres. | 5.2 × 2.8 × 1.4 in (132 × 70 × 35 mm) |
Warranty
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 1 year |
|---|
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
The Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 is certainly not the newest or most sophisticated battery charger, but after testing more than 10 chargers of different brands and formats, our team kept this one for its simplicity and durability. It recharges the most common rechargeable formats without any trouble. Extremely solid and long-lasting (we have been using one at the office almost daily since 2014, and it still works without a hitch despite several drops). Protected against overheating and reverse polarity, it stops automatically when the cell is charged or after 10 hours of charging. We also appreciate that it can be powered via a car cigarette-lighter cable, which makes it even more versatile. In short, it only has small LEDs to show charging progress rather than a fancy LCD screen, it is rather rustic, but it is far better and less temperamental than most mains chargers on the market.
Frequently asked questions: Nitecore IntelliCharger i2 battery charger
Lithium-ion/IMR cells (26650, 22650, 18650, 18350, 14500, 10440, 16340/RCR123...) and NiMH/NiCd cells in AA, AAA, AAAA and D formats. It automatically detects the chemistry of each inserted cell.
Yes. The two bays are independent: you can charge two cells of different types, chemistries or sizes at the same time, for example an 18650 Li-ion and an AA NiMH.
Yes, in addition to mains power, it accepts a 12V power cable (car cigarette-lighter socket), which makes it handy in a van, a motorhome or on the move.
Yes. The i2 automatically cuts the charge when the cell is full, or after 10 hours as a safety limit. It also protects against overheating and reverse polarity.
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Published on 02/09/2026