Victron Energy
Victron Orion XS 12/12-70A DC-DC Battery Charger (Bluetooth)
Victron Orion XS 12/12-70A DC-DC Battery Charger (Bluetooth)
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High-Power 70A Charging in an Ultra-Compact Package
The long-awaited high-output addition to Victron’s Orion XS lineup delivers up to 40% more charging current than the original 50A model—without moving to a larger, bulkier charger. With up to 70A and approximately 1000W available, it brings serious alternator-charging power to larger lithium banks, high-demand RVs, boats and professional vehicles.
The Victron Orion XS 12/12-70A is a powerful, fully configurable DC-DC battery charger designed to charge a 12V auxiliary battery from a 12V starter battery and alternator. Delivering up to 70A and approximately 1000W of charging power, it is ideal for larger lithium battery banks, RVs, boats, service vehicles and other systems that need substantially faster alternator charging.
Built-in Bluetooth provides direct access through the VictronConnect app, where charging current, battery profiles, engine-running detection and input-voltage limits can be configured. Its adjustable input-current limit helps protect the alternator, while automatic buck-boost regulation maintains controlled charging as vehicle voltage changes.
- Up to 70A of controlled charging for larger 12V battery banks
- Adjustable input and output current from 1A to 70A
- Compatible with conventional and modern smart alternators
- Built-in Bluetooth setup and monitoring through VictronConnect
- Configurable charging for lithium, AGM, gel and flooded batteries
- Up to 98.5% efficiency in an exceptionally compact design
- VE.Direct connectivity and Victron’s 5-year warranty
A 70A charging setting creates a significant load on the vehicle’s alternator. Use VictronConnect to limit the Orion XS input current to a level the alternator, vehicle wiring and operating conditions can safely support. The charger does not need to be operated at its full 70A rating.
Connecting a low-resistance lithium battery directly to an alternator can result in excessive and uncontrolled current. The Orion XS regulates the charging process, helping protect the alternator while providing the auxiliary battery with an appropriate multi-stage charging profile.
Both the input-current limit and maximum charging current can be adjusted in 0.1A increments. This allows the charger to be matched to the alternator’s available capacity instead of forcing every installation to operate at the full 70A output.
Modern ECU-controlled alternators may reduce their output voltage to improve fuel economy. This can prevent a conventional battery isolator or voltage-sensitive relay from properly charging the auxiliary battery.
The Orion XS uses configurable engine-running detection and input-voltage lockout settings to identify when charging power is available. It can automatically begin charging when the engine is running and stop before the starter battery is excessively discharged.
Connect directly to the Orion XS using the free VictronConnect app on a compatible phone or tablet. Bluetooth makes initial setup, monitoring and future adjustments accessible without requiring a separate interface cable.
- Select a factory battery preset or create a custom charging profile
- Adjust input and output current limits
- Configure engine-running detection and input-voltage lockout
- Monitor input voltage, output voltage, current and charging status
- Review charging history, warnings and diagnostic information
- Install firmware updates and protect settings from unwanted changes
The Orion XS uses a configurable four-stage charging process consisting of bulk, absorption, float and storage. Eight factory presets are available for common lithium and lead-acid batteries, and experienced users can create a custom charging profile when required.
Low-temperature charging shutdown can be configured for lithium batteries. This feature requires suitable battery-temperature information, such as data shared through a compatible VE.Smart Network. Batteries with their own low-temperature BMS protection can also stop charging internally when required.
Through VE.Smart Networking, the Orion XS can receive battery voltage, temperature or current information from compatible Victron equipment such as a SmartShunt, BMV battery monitor or Smart Battery Sense. This helps compensate for cable voltage drop and improves charging accuracy.
The integrated VE.Direct port can connect the Orion XS to a compatible Cerbo GX or other Victron GX communication centre. This allows local GX monitoring and remote access through the Victron VRM portal when the system has an internet connection.
The Orion XS also supports compatible DVCC control through a GX device. This allows a supported managed-battery system to coordinate charging voltage and current through the wider Victron system.
In addition to battery-charger mode, the Orion XS can operate as an adjustable DC power supply. Its output can be set from 10V to 17V and remains regulated as the input voltage or connected load changes within the product’s operating limits.
Power-supply mode can be useful for sensitive 12V electronics, stabilizing voltage over long cable runs or supplying equipment that requires a controlled DC voltage rather than a multi-stage battery-charging profile.
High charging current requires short, properly sized copper conductors and secure terminations. Victron specifies the following general recommendation for cable runs under 10 metres:
| Installation Component | Victron Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cable Size | 25mm² / 4 AWG copper |
| External Battery Protection Fuse | 80A to 100A |
| Maximum Terminal Capacity | 25mm² / 4 AWG |
| 4 AWG Terminal Torque | 5.6Nm / 50 in-lb |
Install appropriately rated DC overcurrent protection close to the positive terminal of each battery. Final cable and fuse sizing must consider circuit length, installation method, ambient temperature, alternator capacity and applicable electrical requirements.
The Orion XS 70A uses Victron’s integrated TORK-KRIMP® screw-terminal system. It accepts stranded or fine-strand copper conductors, with or without suitable bootlace ferrules.
When a ferrule is used, tightening the terminal to the specified torque compresses the ferrule onto the conductor and secures it in the terminal. A separate ferrule-crimping step is not required when the connection is prepared and tightened according to Victron’s instructions.
Two integrated low-noise fans provide active cooling while allowing the Orion XS to maintain its full rated output at ambient temperatures up to 40°C when properly installed. Above 40°C, available output is reduced by approximately 1.5% per degree Celsius.
The overall product rating is IP20, although the internal power electronics are enclosed to IP65. The charger is not waterproof and must be installed in a dry, ventilated location where its cooling airflow will not be obstructed. Victron recommends approximately 10cm of open space around the unit for optimum cooling.
- RV and motorhome auxiliary battery charging
- Camper vans and school bus conversions
- Boats and marine house-battery systems
- Service trucks and mobile workshops
- Security and communications vehicles
- High-capacity 12V lithium battery banks
- Vehicles equipped with smart alternators
- Regulated 12V DC power-supply applications
- 12V input and 12V output
- Up to 70A charging current
- Approximately 1000W output at typical charging voltage
- Adjustable input and output current from 1A to 70A
- Automatic buck-boost voltage regulation
- Built-in Bluetooth Smart
- VictronConnect setup, monitoring and firmware updates
- Integrated smart-alternator and engine-running detection
- Four-stage adaptive battery charging
- Eight pre-programmed battery profiles
- Custom lithium and lead-acid charging settings
- Configurable low-temperature charging shutdown
- VE.Smart Networking support
- VE.Direct port with compatible DVCC support
- Remote on/off and BMS control connection
- Adjustable DC power-supply mode
- Parallel operation for additional charging capacity
- Overload, short-circuit and over-temperature protection
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Orion XS 12/12-70A |
| Victron Part Number | ORI121221040 |
| Type | Non-isolated DC-DC battery charger / power supply |
| Input Voltage Range | 9V to 17V DC |
| Output Voltage Range | 10V to 17V DC, adjustable |
| Output Voltage Tolerance | ±0.25% maximum |
| Input and Output Current Range | 1A to 70A, adjustable |
| Maximum Continuous Output Power | 1000W at a typical 14V charging voltage and up to 40°C with adequate cooling |
| Maximum Efficiency | 98.5% |
| No-Load Consumption | Less than 100mA |
| Standby Consumption | Less than 1.5mA |
| Charge Algorithm | Configurable four-stage charging Bulk / Absorption / Float / Storage |
| Compatible Battery Types | LiFePO₄, AGM, gel and flooded lead-acid with appropriate settings |
| Bluetooth | Built-in Bluetooth Smart |
| Communication | VictronConnect VE.Smart Networking VE.Direct with compatible DVCC support |
| Remote On/Off | Yes |
| Power Supply Mode | Yes |
| Parallel Operation | Yes |
| Cooling | Two integrated low-noise fans |
| DC Connections | Screw terminals with integrated TORK-KRIMP® technology |
| Maximum Cable Size | 25mm² / 4 AWG |
| Recommended External Fuse | 80A to 100A |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C Approximately 1.5% output derating per °C above 40°C |
| Protection Rating | IP20 overall IP65 internal power-electronics enclosure |
| Dimensions | 137.3 × 123.1 × 40mm |
| Weight | Approximately 0.34kg |
| Automotive Compliance | ECE R10-7 |
| Warranty | 5 Year |
Specifications are believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may change without notice. While we make every effort to keep product information current, Sapphire Energy cannot guarantee all specifications are complete, error-free or up to date. Please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation if a particular specification is critical to your application. Contact us for help.
What does 12/12-70A mean?
The first 12 refers to the nominal input voltage, the second 12 refers to the nominal output voltage and 70A is the maximum charging current.
This model is intended to charge a 12V auxiliary battery from a 12V starter battery and alternator. It does not convert a 12V system into a 24V system.
Will it always draw 70A from my alternator?
No. The input-current limit and maximum charging current can be adjusted from 1A to 70A through VictronConnect. The actual current also depends on battery condition, voltage, temperature and available alternator power.
For installations where the alternator cannot safely provide the full output, reduce the input-current limit to an appropriate level.
How large should my alternator be?
The alternator must have enough unused capacity to support the Orion XS in addition to the vehicle’s existing electrical loads. Alternator nameplate output alone does not indicate how much capacity remains available at idle, in hot conditions or while other equipment is operating.
If the alternator’s continuous spare capacity is uncertain, start with a lower input-current limit and confirm alternator temperature and charging performance under real operating conditions.
Does it work with smart alternators?
Yes. The Orion XS is designed for conventional and ECU-controlled smart alternators. Its configurable engine-running detection allows it to operate even when alternator voltage varies during normal vehicle operation.
Engine-detection thresholds may need to be adjusted for some vehicles, particularly those using Euro 5 or Euro 6 charging strategies.
Can it charge a lithium battery?
Yes. The Orion XS includes charging profiles for compatible LiFePO₄ batteries and allows custom charging voltages and current limits through VictronConnect.
Use the settings recommended by the battery manufacturer. Any required low-temperature charging protection must be provided by the battery’s BMS or by a correctly configured external temperature-sensing system.
Is this an isolated DC-DC charger?
No. The Orion XS 12/12-70A is non-isolated and uses a common negative connection. It is well suited to negative-ground vehicle and marine systems where the starter and auxiliary batteries share a common chassis or negative bus.
If galvanic isolation is required, a different isolated DC-DC charger must be selected.
What cable and fuse size should I use?
Victron recommends a minimum of 25mm² or 4 AWG copper cable and an external protection fuse between 80A and 100A for cable runs under 10 metres.
Install suitable overcurrent protection close to the positive terminal of both the starter and auxiliary batteries. Final cable and fuse selection must account for circuit length, installation method, temperature and applicable electrical requirements.
Is the Orion XS 70A waterproof?
No. The complete unit has an IP20 rating and must be installed in a dry, protected location. The internal power electronics are enclosed to IP65, but the connections and complete assembly are not waterproof.
Keep it protected from rain, water spray, condensation and engine fluids, while leaving adequate space around it for cooling airflow.
Does it use a cooling fan?
Yes. The Orion XS 70A uses two integrated low-noise fans mounted beneath the unit. The mounting surface must not obstruct the fan inlets.
Victron recommends approximately 10cm of open space around the charger for optimum cooling and maximum available output.
Can it connect to a Cerbo GX?
Yes. The integrated VE.Direct port can connect to a compatible Cerbo GX using a separately purchased VE.Direct cable.
This allows local GX monitoring and remote monitoring through the Victron VRM portal. Compatible systems can also use DVCC to coordinate charging through the GX device.
Can I use it as a regulated power supply?
Yes. Power-supply mode provides an adjustable output between 10V and 17V rather than using a multi-stage battery-charging cycle.
Always configure the required output voltage in VictronConnect before connecting the load.
What warranty does it include?
The Victron Orion XS 12/12-70A is backed by Victron Energy’s 5-year limited warranty.
If you need troubleshooting or warranty assistance, Sapphire Energy will work with you throughout the process.
Tell us about your alternator, starter battery, auxiliary battery, cable length and expected electrical loads. We can help confirm whether the 70A Orion XS is appropriate and recommend suitable charging-current, cable and fuse requirements.
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