The BCDC Core 25A DC to DC in-vehicle battery charger is the next evolution of REDARC's legendary BCDC platform that has been powering off-grid adventures for over 10 years. The BCDC Core is the perfect DC to DC charging solution for internal mounting in vehicles where weatherproofing isn’t required.
Suitable for use with standard or 'smart' alternators, the BCDC Core combines a 25A DC-DC (battery-to-battery) charger together with a 375W MPPT solar charge controller, giving you the ability to charge either from your alternator, your solar panels, or both simultaneously. It utilises Green Power Priority, so the charger will always use the maximum amount of solar power available with the remainder of the rated output being provided by the vehicle's alternator. This approach maximises the charge rate and minimises the load on your alternator, saving fuel.
The BCDC Core supports all battery types (wet and sealed lead-acid, AGM, Gel, calcium and Lithium) and uses multi-stage charging technology to ensure 100% full charging, maximising the performance and life of your batteries. It is straightforward to install with a very simple setup and has a wide vehicle input voltage range (9-32V DC), allowing you to charge a 12V battery from either a 12V or 24V alternator input. This makes is suitable for use in vans and small motorhomes as well as in larger motorhomes, horseboxes and lorries.
The BCDC Core has no noisy fans and the housing is compact and slimline, making it perfect for hiding away in confined spaces and leaving you room for more important things. Common installation positions are behind a bulkhead, under a seat, or inside a cupboard, in fact any internal location with a bit of space around the unit for ventilation.
Features
- Suitable for internal vehicle installations
- Compact form factor and silent operation
- Simultaneous DC and solar charging with Green Power Priority
- Suitable for 12V or 24V standard and smart alternators
- Maximises the performance and life of your auxiliary battery
- Can charge AGM, GEL, standard lead acid, calcium and Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
Further information
Although the maximum power output of this unit is 375W, a larger solar array can be connected and the charger will automatically limit power going to the unit if the panels supply more than the maximum wattage needed. While output power may be limited in peak solar conditions, having this additional solar panel wattage is beneficial for solar power availability when conditions are sub-optimal. This will allow the BCDC Core to charge more effectively earlier in the day and later into the night when solar irradiance is lower, when panels are shaded or when they cannot be angled directly towards the sun.
For most applications, the BCDC Core 25A is suitable for battery bank sizes of 60-200Ah for AGM and lead acid and up to 100Ah for lithium. Check the manufacturer’s data for your battery and ensure that the ‘Continuous Current Rating’ of the charger does not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum charging current. For higher capacity needs of over 200Ah, REDARC recommends the BCDC Core 40A.
Important - only to be used with solar panels or solar panel arrays that have an Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) of 32V or less. Greater voltages may damage the unit and will void the warranty.