Abstract: A power converter includes a DC-DC converter configured to operate in at least a boost mode so as to step up a first voltage input at a low side terminal to a second voltage output at a high side terminal. A first transistor is provided and has a body diode oriented in a first direction. A second transistor having a body diode oriented in an opposite second direction is also provided. The first and second transistors are in series with one another and are electrically connected between the low side terminal and the DC-DC converter. A third transistor is connected between a common terminal and the DC-DC converter. The first, second, and third transistors are controllable as switches to at least temporarily operate the power converter to step down the first voltage input at the low side terminal to a third voltage output at the high side terminal.

Abstract: A system includes a source of electrical energy, a first battery electrically connected to and configured to be charged by the source of electrical energy, and a second battery electrically connected to at least one load. A power converter is electrically connected between the first battery and the second battery. The power converter is configured such that the source of electrical energy is used to charge the second battery only if a measured voltage of the first battery is above a first setpoint voltage.