Availability of Victron DC/DC Battery Charger With Lithium Compatibility and Engine On Detection

Updated 03/19/2026 | Published 03/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Victron Orion-Tr Smart RV Converter - Isolated - DC to DC - 24V/12V - 20 Amp

$159.80

Victron Orion-Tr RV Converter - Isolated - DC to DC - 12V/12V - 18 Amp

(2)

$113.90

Victron Orion XS RV Converter - DC to DC - 12V/12V - 50 Amp

(3)

$328.10

Question:

Victron nomenclature is a little confusing. They offer a 12v/12v power supply, which provides a constant, regulated output voltage as long as there is I think 8 volts or more on the supply side. This will kill a lead-acid battery. Is that this unit? They also offer a 12v/12v charger which will provide a voltage/current profile suitable for charging LiFePO4 batteries. The output voltage voltages will generally be higher than the input lead-acid battery and alternator voltages. It will also only charge when input voltage or dedicated trigger wire indicates the alternator is active. It will not deplete the supply-side battery, and will not backfeed from the “house” battery. I think they also limit supply-side current so it won’t toast the alternator. Do you offer this/these units?

asked by: Lee

Expert Reply:

Hey Lee! The Victron parts can get pretty confusing. The Victron Orion-Tr # VN75ZR is only designed to be a power supply for DC loads, not for battery charging. You do not want to use this converter to charge any type of battery. To charge your batteries you can use one of the following:

-Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC Isolated RV Converter - 24 Volt/12 Volt - 20 Amps # VN32ZR

-Victron Orion XS DC/DC RV Converter - 12 Volt/12 Volt - 50 Amps # VN93VR

The main difference between the two is the output and the charging sophistication. The Orion-Tr has a 20A output and uses a 3-stage charging algorithm. The Orion XS has a 50A output and uses a 4-stage charging algorithm.

Both units are compatible with lithium batteries, and have engine running detection so it will not allow charging when the engine is off. I would choose whichever has the appropriate output for your battery bank size and typical power usage.

What kind of setup do you have now?