DC/DC CONVERTERS

What Does the DC/DC Converter Do?

A hybrid or electric vehicle’s high voltage battery stores energy at several hundred volts, far too much for the car’s everyday low-voltage electronics, which run on 12V or 48V. The DC/DC converter bridges that gap, stepping the high voltage down to the lower voltage the vehicle’s lights, infotainment, power steering and other accessories actually need, and critically, keeping the 12V or 48V auxiliary battery charged while the vehicle runs.

In effect, it does the same job an alternator does in a conventional petrol or diesel car, just drawing from the high voltage traction battery instead of a belt-driven generator.

Because the auxiliary battery relies entirely on the DC/DC converter for its charge, a failing converter is one of the most common, and most overlooked, causes of a hybrid or EV that won’t start even though the main traction battery shows a full charge.

Below you’ll find new, used and refurbished OEM DC/DC converters for your make and model, tested before shipping and covered by warranty.

Signs of a Failing DC/DC Converter

• 12V battery repeatedly going flat, even though it tests fine on its own
• Dimming or flickering lights while driving
• Dashboard warning lights (battery, charging system, or a generic fault code)
• Accessory electronics behaving erratically, infotainment, windows, climate control
• Vehicle failing to start despite a fully charged high voltage battery

New, Used & Refurbished OEM Converters

These DC/DC converters are available new, used or refurbished depending on your model. Each one is bench-tested for output voltage and function before shipping, with a 12-month warranty.

Compatible Makes & Models

Filter by make below, or search by part number.

Testing, Warranty & Exchange Service

Every DC/DC converter is bench-tested for output voltage and correct function before it leaves our warehouse, and comes with a 12-month warranty. Exchange parts require a refundable deposit, returned once your original defective part is received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bad DC/DC converter drain my 12V battery repeatedly?

Yes. If the converter isn’t properly recharging the 12V battery while you drive, it will gradually discharge even if the battery itself is otherwise fine, leading to repeated no-start problems.

Is the DC/DC converter the same as the onboard charger?

No. The onboard charger converts incoming AC from a charging station into DC for the high voltage battery. The DC/DC converter works entirely within the vehicle, stepping the high voltage battery’s DC down to 12V or 48V for the accessory systems.

What are common symptoms of a failing DC/DC converter?

A 12V battery that keeps going flat despite normal use, dimming or flickering lights, dashboard warning lights, or accessory electronics acting up.