Victron Energy's new line of LiFePO4 component batteries is an interesting progression of the tech; in many ways the Lithium NG battery line is very similar to Victron's proven line of Lithium Smart batteries, but there are some key differences in the evolution of this new line that we think are important to be aware of:
The NG (as you might suspect, that just stands for "New Generation") does not have bluetooth communication built in to the battery - instead, bluetooth comms are through the required NG BMS.
The NG line is not compatible with the Lithium Smart line; BMSs suitable for the Lithium Smart line cannot be used on the Lithium NG battery line, NG BMSs cannot be used on the Lithium Smart line, and Lithium NG batteries cannot be combined with Lithium Smart batteries. In spite of their apparent similarities, these are two wholly separate product lines that cannot be combined.
Although the Lithium NG line uses the same M8 circular data connection cables that the existing Lithium Smart line uses, the data being transmitted along that cable is fundamentally different, as the NG line now uses high-speed digital communication on that cable rather than the old analog comms of the Lithium Smart line. This is one of the primary reasons the two battery lines and their respective BMS lines are not cross-compatible, and although that can be a bit of a headache for some, it does lend itself to some interesting benefits including being capable of much larger battery banks (up to 50 batteries per BMS), parallel-installation of up to 5 BMSs and their connected battery banks into a single system, and reporting of individual cell voltage, temperature, and current out to the BMS and through it, to a connected GX device (will require a Venus OS update) and, eventually, into the VRM.
The Lithium NG line includes 12v options, 24v options, and -new for Victron- now a 48v option with a 51.2v/100Ah battery. All options can be paralleled to make large systems, and/or (with the exception of the 48v batteries) series-connected as well, up to a maximum system nominal voltage of 48vDC. 48v batteries cannot be series-connected, as 48vDC is the highest system voltage permitted.
All Lithium NG models can be mounted in any orientation except upside-down, and now include mounting brackets to make installation easier and more secure.
Self-discharge rate of the NG line has been improved over the Lithium Smart line (partially because the battery is no longer powering its own little bluetooth transmitter) and is now an estimated <3% per month.
Ingress ratings have been improved, with the NG line possessing an IP65 ingress rating.
BMS options are currently limited to the Lynx Smart BMS NG 500A and the Lynx Smart BMS NG 1000A, but there will be a smallBMS NG released at some point in the relatively near future, likely mid- to late-2025.
Much like the Lithium Smart line requires a Victron BMS, the Lithium NG line requires a Victron NG BMS without exception.
Final thoughts: We think the NG line is a promising evolution of the technology, but we also don't think there's any particular need to rush out and switch over to the new systems just yet if you already have a system that's up and running. The NG battery line is a bit more expensive up front, and although the substantially increased battery bank size enabled by this new product line will be exceptionally useful for off-grid permanent-mounted systems, the majority of mobile installations will continue to be well-served by their existing Lithium Smart systems.
For more in-depth information, we encourage you to check out the Lithium NG line datasheet, the Lithium NG line user manuals, and as always, don't hesitate to give us a call or email should you have questions!