Installing a Victron inverter in a commercial van

In October 2024, Suradj contacted Robust-MT Marine Technology BV. He was looking for a reliable power supply to operate heavy tools and pumping systems in his company van. Moreover, these activities often take place in vulnerable Natura 2000 areas. The use of a traditional generator or a running engine is strictly prohibited there due to emissions and noise pollution.

Therefore, our engineering team designed a silent and completely emission-free custom installation. We neatly assembled all components into a robust, metal installation cabinet. We ordered all materials at the end of December. On January 8, 2025, Suradj delivered the van to our workshop in Monster, and on January 13, he picked it up again. Thanks to this system, the entrepreneur now possesses a key Unique Selling Point: he is guaranteed to operate emission-free and in compliance with the strictest environmental requirements at every location.

Customer wishes

The client's primary requirement was a stable power supply for intensive daily use without mains power. The installation had to meet the following criteria:

High continuous power

The installation must effortlessly power heavy pump systems, battery chargers, and a coffee maker up to 3000 Watts

100% emission-free on site

The system must function without the use of a generator or a running vehicle engine to meet the Natura 2000 requirements

Charging while driving

The extra battery must charge efficiently and safely via the vehicle's alternator during drives between jobs

External charging option

The system requires a shore power connection to charge the battery at work or at home via the fixed grid

Clear management

The user must be able to easily read the battery status and current power consumption at any time

Solution by Robust-MT

Our engineering team designed a high-quality 12-volt system using components from Victron Energy. We mounted the delicate electronics in a sealed, metal installation cabinet. This provides optimal protection for the equipment against sliding tools and dust in the cargo area. The configuration consists of the following components:

Inverter & charger

We installed a Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-32 inverter/battery charger combination. This powerful unit effortlessly delivers the desired peak and continuous power.

Energy storage

As a reliable power source, we chose a Victron 12.8V Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with 200Ah Smart capacity

Safety & distribution

The system uses a professional Lynx BMS and a Lynx Distributor. Additionally, a BatteryProtect the battery against deep discharge. Main switches enable the system to be manually de-energized.

Charging via alternator

A compact Victron Orion XS 12/12 50A DC/DC battery charger manages the power supply from the starter battery. This allows the system to safely charge the lithium battery while driving without overloading the alternator.

Shore power & infrastructure

On the exterior, we installed a Ratio shore power intake . Additionally, we mounted various robust 230V sockets in strategic locations inside the company van.

Monitoring

A Cerbo GX forms the communication heart of the installation. The customer reads all data directly via a sleek, built-in touchscreen display on the installation cabinet.

Suraj

Result

The installation of the Victron system in the commercial van has been a great success. Thanks to the compact metal installation cabinet, the cargo space remains organized and functional. Furthermore, the Orion XS DC/DC charger ensures fast battery charging during every trip. With the powerful 3000 Watt inverter, the entrepreneur has a quieter and cleaner alternative to the traditional generator at their disposal. This guarantees operational reliability in ecologically sensitive areas and offers the customer a significant advantage in public tenders.

Global cost indication

For a custom project of this kind, a transparent calculation is essential. With a professional 12V installation featuring a powerful 3000-watt inverter, currents can easily rise to over 250 amperes. To absolutely rule out voltage drop and fire hazards in the cargo area, our team uses only extremely thick copper battery cables, heavy-duty crimp terminals, and high-quality distribution materials. Furthermore, the labor cost reflects the high degree of custom engineering. Designing the system, pre-fabricating the mounting plate, and vibration-free installation of the metal cabinet require significant specialist time. However, the entrepreneur quickly recoups this one-time investment. Operational costs decrease immediately due to the elimination of fuel costs for a generator. Moreover, this emission-free commercial van offers a unique strategic advantage and a direct head start in public tenders in vulnerable Natura 2000 areas. Below you will find the exact cost overview of this electrical installation

Post	Description	Amount (incl. VAT)
Total investment	Delivered fully ready for use and emission-free	€ 13,466,47
Hardware & components	Pre-invoiced main materials including the Victron MultiPlus-II inverter, 200Ah lithium battery, Lynx distribution, Orion XS DC/DC charger, and the Ratio shore power set	€ 6.139,14
Labor hours & installation	Man-hours for the technical design, the complete assembly of the components on the mounting plate, the installation of the metal installation cabinet in the bus, and the system tests	€ 5.445,-
Small parts & cables	High-quality cabling, fuses, main switches, distribution materials, heat shrink tubing, and specific mounting materials for safe vehicle installation	€ 1.828,33,-