48-V Price comparison and Q&A
The following cost comparison compares the highest output 12V Victron and Redarc systems commonly promoted and fitted by workshops throughout Australia, and the EGON 48V system. Prices provided below reflect average retail in Australia.
Victron 12-Volt
Max charge from alternator: 100A
Max charge from solar: 70A
Total max charge: 170A,
Max Watt: 2176W
Cost: ± A$12 586.20
Redarc 12-Volt
Max charge from alternator and solar are combined: 100A
Total max charge: 100A
Max Watt: 1280W
Cost: ± A$15,794.00
EGON 48-Volt
Max charge from alternator: 100A @ 48V (400A @ 12V equivalent)
Max charge from solar: 40A @ 48V (160A @ 12V)
TOTAL max charge: 140A (480A @ 12V)
Max Watt: 7168W
Cost: ± A$13,823.60
PRICE COMPARISON DETAILS
VICTRON 12V- 2176W
Orion XS (DC-DC) 50A $587.40 (2) $1,174.80
50A MPPT $348.70
20A MPPT $168.30
400 Ah 12V battery $3,599.00
Cerbo GX $467.50
Touch 50 $415.80
EGON DC-Hub DUAL $847.00
Multi Plus II 3kVA Inverter / Charger $2,077.00
Alternator Upgrade $1,800.00
Smart Shunt 500A $188.10
Consumables $1,500.00
Total: ±A$12,586.20
REDARC 12V - 1280W
Manager Alpha-100 $5,599.00
400 Ah 12V battery $3,599.00
EGON DC-Hub Dual $847.00
Inverter RS3000 $2,699.00
Alternator Upgrade $1,800.00
Consumables $1,250.00
Total ±A$15,794.00
EGON 48V - 7168W
48V Alternator - various models 48V, 100A $3,299.00
48V-12V DC-DC Converter 100A $399.00 (2) $798.00
EGON DC-Hub 48V, ready to install $2,349.00
48V, 105 Ah battery (420Ah @ 12V) $2,990.00
20A MPPT $168.30 (2) $336.60 (optional)
Combined price for EGON architecture system items: $2,198.00
- Wakespeed WS 500 PRO
- Wakespeed WS 500 P-type Harness
- Wakespeed to Victron CAN Bus Cable 2m
- Wakespeed WS 500 8m Temp Sender
- Cerbo GX and Touch 50
Inverter Multi Plus II 3kVA 48V $1,103.00
Consumables $750.00
Total ±A$13,823.60
Value summary
If we compare 48V to what we see as the best value 12V system available, the one made by Victron, the Egon 48V is 3,2 X less costly per watt. And it charges 4X times faster, and if we add the reduction in losses when using the stored energy, the system averages about 5X more effective than the best 12V system.
It is as easy to install (we think easier than the Redarc), it has in-built redundancy systems not dreamt of by Redarc or Victron, can power Inverters twice as large, and batteries and inverters are lighter and cheaper than 12V equivalents. And if one can charge this fast, then a smaller battery becomes a workable option, and the need for large solar arrays becomes optional.
We hope that this real world comparison puts the three systems into perspective.
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FAQs
48V appears like new technology. But it isn't really. Its been used in military vehicle for decades. But because of EGON's radical departure from normal complex systems, for the first time 48V is now available to everyone, at no more cost than 12V. But as a result, there are a lot of questions relating to it. So as we respond to these questions, we'll be posting them here:
Q: Will the very fast charging of the battery by the 48V system not damage the battery at all? Even over a period of time?
A: Simple answer is, not at all. Its current that potentially damages a battery. Not voltage. So divide everything you know about 12V by 4. Which means, 100A @ 12V is the same as 25A at 48V. Most 12V LiFePo4 batteries can handle 100-140A charge rates. In 48V terms, a 120A charge is the same as charging 480A @12V. Its the higher voltage that makes this possible. 120A @ 48V is 5,7kW. And that is what this system delivers and the batteries don't even break a sweat. They are also controlled by smart BMS, and alternator controllers that control charge currents based on temperatures. If a battery gets too warm, it tells the controller to back off the charge current to save the battery and alternator. It's a clever system that takes care of itself. Also, these batteries are rated for thousands of charge cycles before they lose significant capacity.
Q: Surely if I can charge that fast, can I get away with a smaller battery?
A: Yes. Very possibly. It all depend on how you use the energy. But it's true to say, if one can replace the energy faster, then the amount one needs to store is reduced. The same goes for solar. Why add the expense and weight of solar when engine charge rates as so fast?
Q: Isn't 48V dangerous to have in a vehicle?
A: 48V is considered 'ultra low voltage' under Australian legislation, so like 12V, one does not need special qualifications to work with it. We've made a video if you want to watch it: WATCH NOW
Q: How does the system handle high-current loads like winching?
A: When winching, the winch uses the start battery as a buffer for the high currents. Once the current eases off, the 48V to 12V DC-DC converter starts to charge the start battery back up, similar to how a 12-volt alternator system operates. 48V winches are being developed now and will soon be on the market. We cannot wait to test their efficiency.
Q: What inverter is recommended?
A: A 6kW inverter is recommended for multiple AC loads. Specifically, the Victron 48V RS6000 inverter as a very light and sufficient unit that can run directly through the EGON DC-HUb 48V.
Q: What 48V alternator options are available?
A: EGON offers its own version of a 48V alternator, which is made exclusively for us in Australia. It is a 48V 100 Amp unit. They are available for most commonly available utes and SUVs, including Toyota 4,5 V8, 2,8 D, 3.0 D4D, Isuzu, Mercedes Benz Sprinter and many others. Egon's 48V architecture can handle any 48V alternator. If you can find one for your vehicle, then it will work without limitations.
There is a generic alternative 48V alternator that can be fitted to other engines via a Ram Air installation kit. So, in reality, 48V alternators can be fitted easily to all vehicles, either in tandem with the OE alternator or as a second alternator.
Q: Doesn't 48V use more fuel?
A: Not only does it not use more, it uses less. Independent tests has proved that the efficiency and reduction in losses in the system typically means that an engine will use 1,4L less diesel charging a 200a/h 48V battery than it would charging an equivalent 12V battery (800a/h @ 12V).
Q: Winching?
A: In a winching operations from the star battery, turn the key to 'accessory - on'. The system now continues to charge the start battery from the house battery via the DC-DC converter feeding the car systems. When the winch draws power from the start battery, as much as a 100A charge current will feed the start battery and most importantly, keep the start battery voltage high to assist the winching. One does not need to start the engine for this to occur.
Q: When will the system be available?
A: It is available in Australia now, from this website. The main components (battery excluded) are also available outside of Australia and will soon be in the hands of our distributors in South Africa and Europe. In the meantime, egon.com.au will handle international orders. Batteries will not be shipped. But any modern LifePO4 48V will work without limitations.
Q: Can I use my Toyota 48V hybrid alternator?
A: At this time, Egon's 48V system is incompatible with Toyota's 48V hybrid system. It cannot be fitted to these vehicles. While we are working to solve this, Toyota has not volunteered sufficient technical information for Egon to make integration possible.
Q: Can I fit 48V alternator to older engines?
A: The limitations come when driving a 48V alternator. If your engine runs a serpentine belt, then yes. But older engines such as Toyota's 1HZ, because it runs a traditional 'fan-belt', these do not have sufficient power transmission capabilities to handle the demands of this system. HOWEVER - if you can find a 48V alternator for ANY engine, it can be fitted, made to work but not at the capacities shown in our examples. All you'll have to do is dial it down a bit. You'll still get far more charge current available to any 12V system.