VictronConnect and Lithium Smart batteries – better balance and performance

The latest VictronConnect update provides improved functionality for Lithium Smart batteries with firmware v1.19, including optimized charging logic, better status information, and new setting options for more efficient energy management.

Today we are launching an important update for VictronConnect and our Lithium Smart batteries. The update is crucial in certain use cases. Previous firmware could cause imbalance between the cells in a battery, meaning that the batteries needed full charging more often than normal to restore balance. The problem only applied to 12V Lithium Smart batteries – not the 24V model.

How to update:

Connect each battery, one at a time, to VictronConnect. Firmware updates automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions and stay close to the battery. If the update is interrupted, it can always be resumed.

Do you have multiple batteries? Update all – preferably immediately, otherwise within two weeks. This is especially important if the batteries are connected in series.

Do I need to rebalance the batteries?

No, usually not. The batteries are automatically balanced at the end of each charging cycle. If you suspect problems, it may help to restart the charger several times to give the battery time to balance.

Does imbalance affect battery life?

No. Imbalance only temporarily reduces the usable capacity. When the cells are balanced, the capacity is restored.

How is imbalance noticed?

A clear sign is that the BMS often shuts off the charger. With VictronConnect, you can check the cell voltages when the battery reaches 14.2 V. All cells should be between 3.50–3.60 V and finally stabilize at 3.55 V.

Improvements with new firmware

• Less charging time required to keep batteries balanced
• Faster recovery from imbalance
• More stable performance over time

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Does balancing continue at 13.5 V (float)? Yes, but absorption is required for full balance.

Q2: Does higher voltage than 14.2 V help? No, the speed is controlled by the battery's internal circuits.

Q3: Do I need to charge individually? Only when installing new series-connected batteries.

Q4: Bluetooth off? Contact your dealer.

Q5: Max current for imbalance? Same as normal max current according to the datasheet.

Summary

After the update, the batteries perform better than ever. Less charging time, smoother balancing, and more stable operation. The update has been tested in both lab and field – with excellent results.