Victron Smart IP43 36V/15A and 48V/13A: the smart charger golf carts, forklifts and off-grid homes were waiting for

On 18 May 2026 Victron Energy completes its Smart IP43 range with two new 36V and 48V models. Bluetooth, 6-stage adaptive charging, LiFePO₄ support and VE.Smart Networking included.

4 min read

New Product

On 18 May 2026, Victron Energy completed its Smart IP43 Charger range with two long-awaited new models: the 36V/15A and 48V/13A versions. If you own an electric forklift, a golf cart, a larger boat or an off-grid home with a 48V battery bank, you now have a smart Victron charger designed exactly for your setup.

What is the Smart IP43 Charger?

It is Victron's all-rounder smart battery charger. Smart because it connects to your phone via Bluetooth and shows you in real time what it is doing. Professional because its 6-stage adaptive charging algorithm extends battery life. Versatile because it charges virtually any chemistry you may have at home, in your van or on your boat: LiFePO₄ lithium, lead-acid, AGM or GEL.

Until now the Smart IP43 family was limited to 12V (typical for cars, vans and small boats) and 24V (medium boats, basic off-grid setups). The new references expand the catalogue to all four standard voltages in the professional world.

Who is this launch for?

Electric forklifts and golf carts

These vehicles typically run on 36V or 48V batteries. Until now, keeping them maintained with a premium smart charger was tricky. With the Smart IP43 36V/15A and 48V/13A, any owner of a golf cart or forklift can step up to the Victron standard without over-engineering.

Mid-to-large boats

Sailboats and motorboats with a 48V bus (increasingly common in modern vessels with electric propulsion or "house on board" setups) now have a dedicated mooring charger that talks to the rest of the boat's Victron ecosystem.

Off-grid homes with 48V batteries

If your remote home or cabin uses a 48V bank (the most common option today in lithium systems), the Smart IP43 48V/13A is the perfect backup charger to use with a generator or with mains electricity whenever you need it.

What makes the Smart IP43 special

Bluetooth: phone-based configuration

Download the free VictronConnect app and from your phone you can watch the charging session in real time, fine-tune parameters (absorption and float voltages, battery profile), receive alarms and download history. No dials, no fiddly physical buttons.

Adaptive 6-stage charging

The charger reads the state of your battery and automatically adjusts the type and intensity of charge. The result: faster charging when you need it, gentler when it is just maintaining, and a battery that lasts many more years.

Compatible with every chemistry

LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate, the latest standard), traditional lead-acid, AGM, GEL... change the profile with two taps in VictronConnect and you are good to go. No need to replace the charger if you switch battery type later on.

VE.Smart Networking: it works as a team

If you already own other Victron devices in the installation (MPPT charge controller, Smart Battery Sense, BMV monitor), they all talk to each other wirelessly. The charger knows the real battery temperature thanks to the sensor and adjusts its behaviour. No cables to run, no settings to fiddle with.

Frequently asked questions

Will it work for my golf cart?

Most golf carts run on 36V or 48V batteries. Check the voltage on your vehicle's plate and pick the matching IP43 model. Make sure to also select the right chemistry profile (typically lead-acid in classic carts, or LiFePO₄ in newer models).

Can I leave it plugged in all winter?

Yes, that is one of its typical use cases. Once the battery is at 100%, the charger automatically switches to maintenance mode (float) and only supplies enough energy to offset self-discharge. Your battery will be in perfect shape when you come back to use the vehicle or boat.

Do I need technical knowledge to set it up?

No. For standard home use, you just pick your battery type profile in VictronConnect and you are done. For advanced configurations (custom charge curves, relay logic) some experience helps, or you can ask an installer.

What does IP43 mean?

It is the protection rating of the enclosure. IP43 means it is protected against particles larger than 1 mm (dust, tools) and against splashing water. Suitable for garages, workshops, sheltered boat bilges and technical cabinets. It is not waterproof if submerged, but it handles humid environments without issues.

Does it charge fast?

It depends on your battery size. As a reference, the 48V/13A model delivers up to 624W, which means a typical 200Ah bank at 48V will charge from empty to 100% in around 10-15 hours. More than enough for maintenance use, and also fine for emergency fast charging.

Need help choosing the right Smart IP43?

Voltage, current, battery type, number of outputs... every setup is different. Tell us what you need to charge and we will recommend the exact reference at no commitment.

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More information in the official Victron Energy announcement, on the manufacturer's product page, and in the Smart IP43 range available at Shop4Sun.