The Victron VE.Bus BMS is the battery management system to use when a Victron lithium bank feeds a MultiPlus, Quattro or VE.Bus inverter. It talks to the inverter/charger over VE.Bus, so it can stop inverting on low cell voltage and stop charging on high voltage or bad temperatures. There are two current versions, and picking the wrong one is a common mistake. Here’s how they differ, from Victron’s datasheets.
Victron VE.Bus BMS: V2 vs NG
| VE.Bus BMS V2 | VE.Bus BMS NG | |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | Lithium Battery Smart (12.8V, 25.6V) | Lithium NG (12.8V, 25.6V, 51.2V) |
| Max batteries | 20 | 50 at 12V/24V, 25 at 48V |
| Max bank | 84kWh (12V), up to 102kWh (24/48V) | 192kWh (12V), 384kWh (24V), 128kWh (48V) |
| Bluetooth | Not listed in the datasheet | Yes, with Instant Readout |
Source: Victron VE.Bus BMS V2 and VE.Bus BMS NG datasheets.
What Both Do
- Disable inverting over VE.Bus on cell undervoltage, and switch other loads off through the Load Disconnect terminal.
- Disable charging over VE.Bus on cell overvoltage or temperature faults, stop VE.Direct and VE.Can solar chargers through a GX device, and switch other chargers off through the Charge Disconnect terminal.
- Pre-alarm before the low-voltage shutdown.
- Remote panel port for a Cerbo GX, Digital Multi Control or VE.Bus Smart dongle, so you can still switch the inverter on, off or to charger-only.
- GX-Power output and Aux-In terminals to power a GX device.
- Remote on/off terminals (L and H).
VE.Bus BMS NG: Specs
| Input voltage | 9–70V DC |
| Current draw | 10mA normal, 2mA at low cell voltage |
| Load disconnect | 1A source |
| Charge disconnect | 10mA source |
| Pre-alarm | 1A, not short-circuit protected |
| VE.Bus ports | 2 × RJ45 |
| Size / weight | 23.2 × 95 × 105.8mm, 120g |
| Protection | IP20 |
Source: Victron VE.Bus BMS NG datasheet.
Compatibility Warning
The NG datasheet says inverter/chargers or inverters with small processors labeled 19xxxxx or 20xxxxx aren’t supported. Older Multis should be checked before you buy.
Who It’s For
- Any MultiPlus or Quattro system with Victron lithium batteries.
- Vans and boats that want the inverter/charger, MPPT and DC-DC charger all controlled by one BMS.
For bigger banks, the Lynx Smart BMS NG adds a contactor and a built-in shunt.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Match the BMS to the battery range. V2 for Lithium Smart, NG for Lithium NG.
- Charge disconnect on the NG is only 10mA, so it’s a signal output, not a relay driver.
- IP20, so it needs a dry spot.
Want the source figures? The VE.Bus BMS NG page on Victron’s site has the datasheet.
Victron’s VE.Bus BMS V2 product page has the full datasheet and manual downloads.
Worked Example: A Van With a MultiPlus-II and Lithium NG
A 12V van with two Victron Lithium NG 12.8V batteries, a MultiPlus-II 12/3000, a SmartSolar MPPT and an Orion XS DC-DC charger:
- BMS: VE.Bus BMS NG, since the batteries are Lithium NG.
- MultiPlus-II: connected to the BMS over VE.Bus, so inverting stops on low cell voltage and charging stops on high voltage or temperature.
- MPPT: controlled through a GX device, or its remote on/off wired to the BMS’s Charge Disconnect.
- Orion XS: remote on/off wired to Charge Disconnect.
- DC loads: switched through a Smart BatteryProtect wired to Load Disconnect.
- Remote panel: a Digital Multi Control, VE.Bus Smart dongle or Cerbo GX connected to the BMS’s remote panel port.
Worked Example: A Boat With Lithium Smart Batteries
An existing boat system with four Lithium Battery Smart 12.8V 200Ah in parallel and a Quattro. Here the VE.Bus BMS V2 is the match, since it supports the Lithium Smart range. Four batteries is well within its limit of 20, and the 10.2kWh bank (4 × 2,560Wh) is far below the 84kWh maximum at 12V.
How the Disconnect Outputs Work
| Output | What it controls | Typical device |
|---|---|---|
| VE.Bus | Inverting and charging on the MultiPlus or Quattro | MultiPlus-II, Quattro |
| Load Disconnect | DC loads | Smart BatteryProtect, inverters with remote on/off |
| Charge Disconnect | Other chargers | Orion XS, MPPTs with remote on/off, Smart IP43 |
| Pre-alarm | Warning before shutdown | Buzzer, light or relay |
Because the NG’s Charge Disconnect sources only 10mA, it’s a signal for chargers with remote on/off inputs. To switch a device without such an input, use a properly rated relay or a BatteryProtect.
When to Choose a Lynx Smart BMS NG Instead
For larger systems, the Lynx Smart BMS NG combines the BMS with a contactor, a battery monitor and a Lynx busbar connection. It suits builds already using Lynx distribution, or where you want a main contactor that the BMS can open as a last line of protection. The VE.Bus BMS NG keeps things compact for smaller systems where the inverter/charger is the main load and charger.
Setup in VictronConnect
On the NG, the built-in Bluetooth lets VictronConnect show the BMS status, including whether loads and charging are allowed, and alarm states. Instant Readout shows the key status in the device list without opening a connection. After installation, check that each connected charger and load responds when the BMS changes state, so you know the wiring works as intended.
Powering a GX Device
Both BMS versions have a GX-Power output that can power a GX device. That keeps the Cerbo GX running while the BMS has disabled loads, so you can still see the system and reset alarms remotely.
Choosing at a Glance
Using Lithium Battery Smart? Choose the VE.Bus BMS V2. Using Lithium NG? Choose the VE.Bus BMS NG. Need a contactor, built-in shunt or Lynx busbar? Look at the Lynx Smart BMS NG.
FAQ
Do I need a Victron VE.Bus BMS with a MultiPlus?
With Victron lithium batteries and a VE.Bus inverter/charger, yes, or a Lynx Smart BMS. The smallBMS NG lacks VE.Bus.
Can the NG work with Lithium Smart batteries?
No. Victron’s NG datasheet says it’s for Lithium NG batteries, not the Lithium Smart range.
Can I use a VE.Bus BMS with third-party lithium batteries?
No. The VE.Bus BMS V2 and NG are designed for Victron’s own lithium batteries and their BMS cables.
Do I still need a battery monitor?
It’s a good idea. The BMS protects cells, while a SmartShunt or Lynx Shunt shows state of charge, current and time remaining.
Sources: Victron VE.Bus BMS V2 and VE.Bus BMS NG datasheets; product pages, victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026.
Related: LiTime 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 Battery Review, XZNY 12V 18Ah LiFePO4 Battery Review, Klein CL390 Clamp Meter Solar Panel Test, plus the Victron Energy Guide