EGON 48V Power Revolution
This page stakes our claim that EGON's 48V architecture is “Not Evolution. It’s Revolution”
In our minds, if this was just evolution it might be a smarter, more powerful 12V alternator and DC-DC charger combination to radically improve charge rates and reduce losses inherent in the DNA of 12V. That’s not over the horizon thinking.
The Revolution we are talking of means the complete overthrow of the dynasties created by the reigning champions of 12V. Because simply put, 12V just cannot do what 48V can do. Physics prevents it. And even the few 48V systems available have been dealt a body blow because of their mind-numbing complexities and unreliability, not helped by companies selling this kit not supporting their customer base to their satisfaction.
So it’s time now, with the early versions of the Egon DC-Hub 48V being fitted to customer’s vehicles, for the system to be explained. These first 48V systems are being fitted for the lucky few who are so keen to have this in their rigs, that they are happy to be a for a short while, a tailless South American rodent.
EGON 48V Hub, version 0.2 prototype illustrated.
I’ll explain how it works. This won’t take long.
- · 48V alternator
- · Wakespeed alternator controller
- · 48-12V converter to feed the car
- · 48-12V converter to feed the 12V part of the house system
- · Victron Cerbo-GX to set up and monitor the system.
- · 48V battery
- · Egon Dc-Hub 48V
Because I know how curious you are, these components deserve explanation.
48V alternator
Converting voltage up is extremely lossy. Down, isn’t. So we start with 48V at the main charging component. Once complex to install, it now isn’t. They are the same size and cost no more than a high-output 12V alternator. They are available for most vehicles but not all, but already includes Toyota 2,8 & 3.0D4D and 4,5 V8, Isuzu Dmax, Sprinter and dozens more. And almost every large truck on the road.
Wakespeed alternator controller
The system works with any alternator controller, but Wakespeed is our one of choice. It controls the alternator and presides over its operation. For example, it governs current depending on the battery’s needs and the temperature of the alternator.
48V-12V converters
Replacing DC-DC chargers, these are solid state, one third the cost of a DC-DC, and extremely reliable. Two are needed if part of the house system still relies on 12V. The second can also act as a spare, and this is important because the primary one feeds the car its 12V needs, and also serves to charge the start battery. They can handle 100A @12V. That’s as big as the biggest 12V DC-DC charger but at around $400.
Victron Cerbo GX
Setting up the system and monitoring battery charge is done using the familiar Victron device which is also linked by Bluetooth to the Victron App - one of the best in the business. CanBus connects it, but the only digital part of the system is used for monitoring and settings only.
48V battery
Any 48V battery will work. We will offer Egon-Certified batteries because they have been pre-configured for the system we offer. But, if another battery is used, we supply free configuration tables with the system. No sweat.
Protection
The EGON DC-Hub 48V has outputs that enable a max 6kW inverter to be connected. Plus 2x80A connections for charging a trailer. In the language of 12V, that’s 2x320A each! Also, built into the hub are a few critical part of this system. Not only does the hub reduce the wiring to a simple follow-the numbers task, it also protects every component connected, via the inbuilt load-dump protector. It also has a built-in shunt. No more need for a Victron shunt if a smart battery is used.
Blistering charge rates to rig and caravan
We’ve spoken a lot about the advantages of 48V in the past, but suffice to say, imagine charging a battery of 400a/h, flat to 100% (in 12V language), in a single hour of driving. While a towed caravan still with its 12V installation receives a higher rate of charge while idling than one can get from shore power. Say goodbye to soft charging rates. This is real off-grid motoring. Say goodbye to shore power. Its just non needed any more.
What about cost?
We are yet to present detailed cost comparisons, but we can already see that a top-of-the-range 12V system is more expensive than 48V that will easily exceed 4-times the charge rates of 12V. Our conclusion is, if you are changing your alternator because you need higher charge rates, then sticking with 12V is going to be regretful, because Egon 48V is here, its simple, extremely reliable, and cheaper!
What if it breaks?
Some very bad press regarding 48V hit YouTube early 2025, where a 48V system using a system out of Queensland broke, could not be fixed, and resulted in widespread distrust of 48V. We do not want to disparage another products, suffice to say, while they are also 48V-based, this is where the similarity ends. The two systems work totally differently.
The EGON system has built in redundancy never seen before in 48V or even 12V.
· CanBus failure means monitoring will be curtailed, and will be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. It doesn’t significantly affect charging efficiency should it go down.
· An alternator failure means the charge can then taken over by solar alone. One can continue driving and if the sun is shining, to the moon and back. If you have 200W of solar, it might be no more than a minor inconvenience.
· The 48V-12V chargers replace DC-DC charging in 12V. There are connections for two of them and these things almost never fail.
· The EGON architecture is based on our proven board-based technology. It’s almost all analogue, undemanding, point-and-shoot, and has proven far more trustworthy that traditional wiring systems. It just works.
· What about preventing a 48V system being accidentally plugged into a 12V system. We will soon offer a new specialized sealed high-current plug systems, like an Andersen but without its corrosion issues, but intentionally not Andersen compatible.
Buying and installing all this
Again, simplicity is our watch word. In April 2026, all these components will be for sale on the Egon website, and in countries where it’s easier for your to acquire components locally, we’re here to help there too.
What else?
Our testing period on our own rig continues, now alongside first test-case customers fitting version .03 of the Hub. We’re obsessed with research and testing, having already driven across Australia twice, once the easy way and back through the Red Centre. The system has worked flawlessly. And consultation with industry players and 48V battery makers, it is close to being version 1.0.
For enquiries about 48V, please feel free to ask any questions you have. Please use this form: https://egon.com.au/pages/contact
Watch these videos and get the full picture of EGON 48V architecture in use: