48V Power System – Simplified Overview

The Harvok 48V power system allows you to run household appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, fridges, and lights completely off-grid. Below are five key questions customers often ask, each explained with a dedicated diagram for easy understanding.

1. Where Does the 12V Power Come From?

The 12V system powers your caravan’s lights, water pump, fans, and other low-voltage appliances.

Diagram showing 48V to 12V DC-DC converter powering 12V caravan appliances.

Explanation:
The 48V lithium battery feeds into a DC-DC converter, which steps down the voltage to 12V. This 12V power runs all your essential low-power devices reliably.

2. Where Does the 240V Power Come From?

The 240V system powers your microwave, induction cooktop, air conditioner, power points, and other standard appliances.

Diagram showing inverter converting 48V battery power to 240V AC power

Explanation:
The Victron MultiPlus-II inverter converts 48V DC battery power into usable 240V AC. This allows you to operate most home appliances, even while free camping.

3. What Happens When Shore Power or a Generator Is Plugged In?

Diagram showing generator/shore input charging the battery and supplying AC loads via inverter/charger.

Explanation:
When connected to shore power or a generator:

  • The inverter/charger automatically charges the 48V battery bank.
  • The system supplies 240V directly to outlets.
  • The Power Assist feature protects your generator by using battery power to supplement high appliance demand.

4. How Do the Solar Panels Charge the Batteries?

Diagram showing solar panels connected to MPPT charger and 48V battery bank.

Explanation:
Your rooftop solar panels connect to a Victron MPPT solar charger. This device efficiently manages solar input to charge your 48V battery bank, supporting long-term off-grid travel.

5. How Does the Towing Vehicle Charge the Caravan Batteries?

Diagram showing alternator feeding through Anderson plug to DC-DC charger in caravan.

Explanation:
A 120A Anderson-style plug connects your caravan to the tow vehicle. While driving, your vehicle’s alternator supplies power through this plug. The caravan’s DC-DC charger converts and steps this power up to charge the 48V battery safely.

Summary

This visual breakdown shows how your Harvok® 48V electric power system works together — from solar and towing charge to running everyday appliances off-grid. Each part of the system communicates intelligently to deliver a safe, reliable, and efficient energy experience.