Types of Battery Chargers We Offer in Canada
AC Battery Chargers
AC battery chargers connect to shore power, mains electricity, or a generator to charge your battery bank. They are the primary charging method for stationary off-grid systems, residential backup power, RVs on hookup, and marine vessels at dock.
Victron Energy's Blue Smart IP series is the most popular AC battery charger range at Volts Energies. Blue Smart chargers deliver multi-stage adaptive charging with full Bluetooth monitoring via the VictronConnect app on iOS and Android.
Best for: Off-grid cabins, residential battery banks, RVs, boats, and any system where mains or generator power is available.
Key attributes:
- Multi-stage adaptive charging (bulk, absorption, float, storage)
- Bluetooth monitoring via VictronConnect app (Blue Smart models)
- Temperature-compensated charging
- Compatible with LiFePO4, AGM, gel, and lead-acid batteries
- Waterproof models available (IP65 rated) for marine and outdoor use
- Available in 12V and 24V with output from 5A to 30A
Battery to Battery Chargers (DC-DC Chargers)
Battery to battery chargers also known as DC-DC chargers, charge an auxiliary battery from your vehicle alternator while driving. They automatically engage on engine start and disengage on engine stop, keeping the starter battery and auxiliary battery fully isolated to prevent one from discharging the other.
Volts Energies stocks Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart and Sterling Power B2B battery to battery chargers, the two most trusted brands in the Canadian RV, marine, and van conversion market.
Best for: RVs, campervans, boats, 4x4 vehicles, trailers, and any mobile system that needs reliable auxiliary battery charging from a vehicle alternator.
Key attributes:
- Automatic engage and disengage on engine start and stop
- Full battery isolation between starter and auxiliary bank
- Compatible with LiFePO4, AGM, gel, and lead-acid auxiliary batteries
- Bluetooth monitoring available (Victron Orion-Tr Smart)
- Available in 12V to 12V and 24V to 12V configurations
- Output from 10A to 30A
How to Choose the Right Battery Charger
Are you charging from mains or shore power?
Choose an AC battery charger such as the Victron Blue Smart IP series. Match the charger voltage to your battery bank voltage (12V or 24V) and select an output amperage of at least 10 to 20 percent of your total battery bank capacity in amp hours.
Are you charging an auxiliary battery from your vehicle alternator?
Choose a battery to battery charger (DC-DC charger) such as the Victron Orion-Tr Smart or Sterling Power B2B. Match input and output voltages to your vehicle and auxiliary battery bank configuration.
Do you have a LiFePO4 lithium battery bank?
Choose a charger with a dedicated lithium charging profile. All Victron Blue Smart and Orion-Tr Smart models include LiFePO4 mode. Do not use a standard lead-acid charger on lithium batteries, incorrect charging voltage damages lithium cells and voids the battery warranty.
Is your installation in a wet or outdoor environment?
Choose an IP65-rated waterproof charger such as the Victron Blue Smart IP65 series for marine, outdoor, or RV applications exposed to moisture, spray, or condensation.
Do you need to charge multiple battery banks simultaneously?
Choose the Victron Blue Smart IP22 12V/20A with three output ports for charging up to three separate battery banks from a single charger.
Battery Charger Sizing Guide
Correct charger sizing protects your batteries and reduces recharge time.
General rule:
- Select a charger with an output of 10% to 20% of your total battery bank capacity
Battery Bank Capacity (Ah)
- 50Ah to 100Ah
Recommended charger output: 10A to 15A
Best for: Small backup systems, portable setups - 100Ah to 200Ah
Recommended charger output: 15A to 30A
Best for: RV systems, small solar banks - 200Ah to 400Ah
Recommended charger output: 30A to 60A
Best for: Off-grid cabins, medium solar storage - 400Ah and above
Recommended charger output: 60A and above
Best for: Large off-grid systems, residential storage, commercial setups
Important note for LiFePO4 lithium batteries
- Lithium batteries support higher charge currents compared to AGM or lead-acid
- Faster charging is safe when using proper BMS-controlled systems
- Always confirm limits for systems like Victron Energy or Pylontech before final sizing
For precise charger sizing, contact Volts Energies. We’ll match your charger to your LiFePO4 or lead-acid bank based on real system load, battery chemistry, and solar input.
Multi-Stage Charging Explained
Smart battery chargers from Victron Energy and Sterling Power use multi-stage charging algorithms that protect battery health and maximize lifespan. Here is what each stage does:
Bulk Stage: The charger delivers maximum current to the battery bank, rapidly restoring charge from a low state. Battery voltage rises during this stage.
Absorption Stage: When the battery reaches its target voltage, the charger holds voltage constant and reduces current gradually. This stage fully saturates the battery without overcharging.
Float Stage: Once the battery is fully charged, the charger maintains a low holding voltage to keep the battery topped up without causing overcharge damage. Suitable for long-term maintenance.
Storage Mode: For batteries left unused for extended periods, the charger periodically drops below float voltage to reduce stress and extend shelf life. Available on Victron Blue Smart models.
Reconditioning: An optional equalization cycle that desulfates lead-acid batteries and restores capacity loss in older battery banks.
Battery Chargers for Canadian Climates
Cold temperatures significantly affect battery charging behavior. In Canadian winters, battery capacity reduces and charging acceptance drops, meaning standard chargers may overcharge or fail to fully restore capacity without temperature compensation.
Temperature-compensated charging: All Victron Blue Smart chargers support temperature-compensated charging when paired with a Victron battery temperature sensor. The charger automatically adjusts target voltage based on ambient temperature, reducing voltage in warm conditions and increasing it in cold conditions to deliver a full, safe charge year-round.
Winter RV and marine charging: For RVs and boats stored outdoors through Canadian winters, the Victron Blue Smart IP65 storage mode maintains battery health during long periods of inactivity without overcharging.
Off-grid cabin charging: For cabins using generators as backup charging during winter, a Victron Blue Smart or Victron MultiPlus inverter charger delivers reliable AC-powered battery charging through seasonal extreme cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a battery charger and an inverter charger?
A battery charger converts AC power to DC to charge a battery bank only. An inverter charger combines a battery charger and an inverter in one unit, it charges your batteries from AC mains or a generator and also converts stored battery power back to AC for use with household appliances. Browse Victron MultiPlus inverter chargers at Volts Energies.
Can I use a Victron Blue Smart charger with a LiFePO4 battery
Yes. All Victron Blue Smart chargers include a dedicated LiFePO4 charging profile. Select the lithium mode in the VictronConnect app before use. Pairing a Blue Smart charger with Pylontech or Victron LiFePO4 batteries available at Volts Energies is a fully compatible and recommended combination.
What is a battery to battery charger and do I need one?
A battery to battery charger (DC-DC charger) charges your auxiliary battery from your vehicle alternator while driving. You need one if you have a secondary battery bank in an RV, campervan, boat, or 4x4 that you want to charge on the road without connecting to shore power. It protects your starter battery from discharge by keeping both batteries fully isolated.
What amperage battery charger do I need?
Select a charger with an output of 10 to 20 percent of your battery bank capacity in amp hours. For a 100Ah battery bank, a 10A to 20A charger is suitable. For faster recharge times, a higher output charger within the safe range for your battery chemistry is recommended.
Are Victron Blue Smart chargers waterproof?
The Victron Blue Smart IP65 series is rated IP65, fully protected against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. The IP22 series is rated for indoor use only and is not splash-proof. Choose IP65 models for marine, RV, and outdoor installations.
Does Volts Energies ship battery chargers across Canada?
Yes. All battery chargers ship nationwide across Canada. Free shipping applies on orders over $297. Contact Volts Energies for free pre-sales support in selecting the right charger for your system.
