Introducing the New Victron XS 1400 DC-DC Charger

Introducing the New Victron Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) DC-DC Charger

The highly anticipated Victron Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) has been released, setting a new benchmark for DC-DC battery charging. This powerful new 50A model from Victron Energy effectively replaces the previous generation Victron Orion XS 12/12-50A. (It's important to note that it was that *previous* Orion XS 12/12-50A model that was known by the pre-release identifier "Smart Buck-Boost 50A".)

This article focuses on the features and advancements of the new Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A). It works with both 12V and 24V systems, and its compact, fanless, IP65-rated design makes it ideal for RVs, boats, and off-grid setups where reliable and efficient battery charging is critical. For official specifications, you can refer to the Victron Energy Orion XS page for model ORI242417040, which corresponds to this new charger.

Technical Overview of the Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A)

The Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) is a 50 Amp DC-DC charger with up to 1400 W of output power capacity. (The “1400” in its name refers to this maximum power when used in higher-voltage systems – for example, ~1400 W when charging a 24V battery at ~28V/50A, whereas in a 12V system 14.4V×50A is ~720 W.) Despite this significant jump in power from the older Orion-Tr Smart 30A models (and building upon the foundation of the previous Orion XS 12/12-50A), the new Orion XS 1400 is remarkably compact and lightweight – about 138 × 124 × 53 mm in size and only 0.52 kg. This is roughly one-quarter the weight of the much older 30A units (which were ~1.8 kg each) and notably smaller in volume, making the Orion XS 1400 far easier to mount in tight spaces. Victron achieved this size reduction with a new design (including an aluminium PCB for cooling) that runs at high efficiency with minimal heat. In fact, the Orion XS 1400 boasts a peak efficiency of 98.5%. It’s a fanless design with a rugged cast aluminium casing, and it’s sealed to IP65, offering excellent protection against dust, water and vibration – a significant durability improvement over the older IP43-rated Orion-Tr Smart models.

From a functionality standpoint, the new Orion XS 1400 is packed with smart features. It uses an adaptive multi-stage charge algorithm to properly charge your battery – including bulk, absorption, float, and even a storage/equalisation stage for lead-acid batteries. Victron describes it as an “adaptive 4-stage” charger for lead-acid, whereas the previous Orion-Tr Smart generation used a 3-stage algorithm. This adaptive charging prolongs battery life by adjusting absorption time based on discharge depth and preventing overcharge on shallow cycles. The unit is fully programmable via the VictronConnect app, allowing you to set custom charge voltages or select preset battery profiles (for AGM, Gel, Lithium, etc.). You can even configure the Orion XS 1400 in a fixed output mode to serve as a constant voltage power supply if required.

Another major enhancement in the Orion XS 1400 is the user-configurable current limiting. Via the app, you can adjust both the output charging current and the input current limit (from 1A up to 50A in 0.1A increments). This means you can protect your alternator by capping how much current the DC-DC charger draws from it. In vehicles with smart ECU-controlled alternators or in situations with smaller alternators, this feature is extremely useful to prevent overload. The Orion XS 1400 also includes an engine-run detection algorithm (for smart alternator systems) and a remote on/off terminal, so you can set it to only activate when the engine is running. This prevents accidental discharge of the starter battery. Multiple Orion XS 1400 units can still be connected in parallel for higher current needs, just like the older models, thanks to their built-in current sharing capabilities.

On the connectivity side, Victron has included a VE.Direct port in the Orion XS 1400 – a feature notably absent on the Orion-Tr Smart 30A range. The VE.Direct interface (in addition to built-in Bluetooth) allows the Orion XS 1400 to integrate with Victron monitoring systems (like the Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX) for remote monitoring, data logging, and coordinated charging via DVCC (Distributed Voltage & Current Control). Of course, it still has Bluetooth Smart for wireless setup and monitoring via the VictronConnect mobile app, so you can view real-time data (voltage, current, etc.) and update firmware easily. The unit supports Victron’s VE.Smart Networking, meaning it can receive wireless battery voltage and temperature data from devices like a Smart Battery Sense or SmartShunt to optimize charging – though it does not itself transmit data to synchronise multiple chargers.

In terms of safety and protections, the Orion XS 1400 has all the expected Victron safeguards: it’s fully short-circuit proof (current limited to 50A max), and it has over-temperature and under/over-voltage protection. If it overheats or the input voltage is out of range, it will automatically reduce output or shut down to protect your system. Victron specifies full output up to 40°C ambient, with a controlled derating above that (about 1.5% per °C beyond 40°C) – an improvement over the older Orion-Tr Smart units which started derating above 40°C as well (at ~3%/°C, see older Orion-Tr Smart specs). The Orion XS 1400 can operate from -20°C to +60°C environment temps without issue. It also features a low standby current draw of <1.5 mA when off (and ~<100 mA when idle on), so it won’t drain your battery when not in use.

Overall, the new Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) introduces major improvements over the much older Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC chargers, including more than double the charging current, a broader voltage range, much higher efficiency, and a smaller, tougher form factor. By consolidating what used to require four separate Orion-Tr Smart models into one adjustable unit, Victron has made installation and inventory simpler as well – you can use the same charger model whether you need 12V→12V, 12V→24V, 24V→12V or 24V→24V volt charging. Next, we’ll compare the Orion XS 1400’s specs to the older Orion-Tr Smart 30A range to highlight these differences in detail.

Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) vs. Orion-Tr Smart 30A – Comparison Table

To understand how the new Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) stacks up against the previous generation of Orion-Tr Smart chargers, the table below compares key specifications. The Orion-Tr Smart non-isolated 30A DC-DC charger range includes four main models: a 12V→12V 30A charger, a 12V→24V 15A booster, a 24V→12V 30A buck converter, and a 24V→24V 17A charger. All are Bluetooth-enabled, 3-stage smart chargers.

Notes: All units above are non-isolated (input and output share a common ground). The older Orion-Tr Smart models each target a specific voltage conversion, whereas the new Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) can be programmed for any 12V/24V configuration. The Orion XS 1400’s 50A current can produce between ~720 W to 1400 W output depending on system voltage (e.g. ~720 W at 14.4V, up to 1400 W at 28V). All models support Bluetooth app monitoring/programming, adaptive charging for all battery types, remote on/off control, and can be wired in parallel for higher currents. A key difference is the new Orion XS 1400 includes a VE.Direct port for integration with Victron systems (the 30A Orion-Tr Smart models do not. Also, the Orion XS 1400 is built to a higher IP65 ingress protection, versus IP43 on the older Orion-Tr Smart units.

As evident from the comparison, the new Orion XS 1400 brings significant upgrades over the Orion-Tr Smart range: it roughly doubles the charging current of the comparable 12/12-30 model, handles both 12V and 24V configurations in one unit, and is much more efficient (~98% vs ~87–89%) and compact/lightweight despite its higher power. It also runs cooler (less wasted heat) and tolerates harsh environments better with its IP65 sealed casing. These improvements make the Orion XS 1400 especially suited for modern vehicles and larger battery banks where the older 30A chargers might struggle to provide enough current or might run hot at high loads. For example, charging a large lithium house battery from an alternator can now be accomplished with a single 50A unit rather than two 30A units in parallel. And if even more than 50A is needed, multiple Orion XS 1400 units can be paralleled and even synchronized via VE.Smart networking to share temperature/voltage sense data.

Isolated vs. Non-Isolated DC-DC Chargers

All the Orion models discussed above are non-isolated DC-DC chargers – meaning the input negative and output negative are common (directly connected). In a typical vehicle or RV system this is perfectly fine (and actually preferred) since the starter battery and service battery share a common ground/chassis. The alternative is an isolated DC-DC charger, which has galvanic isolation between input and output (no direct electrical connection between the two sides).

When do you need an isolated charger? Generally, isolated DC-DC converters are used when you must keep two systems electrically separate to avoid ground loops or noise, or when the input and output have no common reference. For instance, in marine systems or in cases where sensitive electronics require elimination of ground loop interference, an isolated charger can prevent unwanted currents circulating through the ground. Isolated units also provide an extra safety barrier against potential faults by physically separating the source and load circuits (Solar 4 RVs Guide). However, isolation adds complexity: isolated chargers tend to be larger, heavier, and more expensive, and they are usually a bit less efficient due to the isolation transformer. Non-isolated chargers, on the other hand, are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective – ideal when an isolation barrier isn’t needed (Solar 4 RVs Guide). They rely on the system’s common ground, which is perfectly acceptable in most automotive and RV setups (indeed, the vast majority of vehicle DC-DC chargers are non-isolated).

In summary, if your installation does not specifically require galvanic isolation, a non-isolated unit like the Orion XS 1400 or Orion-Tr Smart will offer better value and performance (higher efficiency and amperage in a smaller package), as detailed on our guide on Isolated vs Non-Isolated DC-DC Chargers. Victron and Solar 4 RVs carry both types. In most RV/vehicle scenarios, non-isolated chargers are the go-to choice, whereas isolated models are used in specialised applications or certain marine and industrial contexts that demand it.

Conclusion – A New Era of Smart DC-DC Charging

The new Victron Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) DC-DC charger marks a significant leap forward in DC-DC charging technology for caravans, RVs, boats, and off-grid power systems. It combines the flexibility of a buck-boost converter with the intelligence of Victron’s adaptive charging algorithms, all in a robust and miniaturised package. Users upgrading from the older 30A Orion-Tr Smart units (or the previous Orion XS 12/12-50A) will immediately notice benefits: faster charging times (50A versus 30A), less strain on alternators (thanks to adjustable input limits and smarter engine detection), and a cleaner installation due to its reduced size and wiring (one unit can do the job of many). The Orion XS 1400’s high efficiency means more of your alternator’s energy goes into your battery rather than being lost as heat – an important factor when every bit of power counts on the road or water.

Solar 4 RVs is excited to offer the new Victron Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) to Australian adventurers looking to optimise their dual-battery setups. This new charger is backward-compatible with existing systems and easy to integrate: it can be configured via smartphone, or even connected to a GX monitoring system for complete oversight of your power ecosystem. By opening up support for both 12V and 24V systems in one unit, Victron has made the Orion XS 1400 a future-proof choice – whether you upgrade your vehicle, change battery bank voltage, or expand capacity, this charger can adapt along with you.

Ready to upgrade? The new Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) is available now on our store. For more information or to purchase, check out the Victron Orion XS 1400 (12/12-50A) DC-DC Smart Charger product page on the Solar 4 RVs website. And as always, feel free to contact our team at Solar 4 RVs for expert advice on configuring your off-grid power system – we’re here to help you get the most out of this cutting-edge charger and all your Victron Energy gear. With the Orion XS 1400, you can drive (or sail) with confidence knowing your batteries are being charged faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.