Victron Energy has just published the Firmware v1.15 for the Orion XS range, and it includes a feature that many campervan, motorhome and boat owners have been asking for for some time: the emergency reverse charging. If the engine’s starter battery runs flat, the Orion XS itself can now recharge it from the auxiliary (service) battery so that you can start the engine again.
Typical configuration: the Orion XS connects the starter battery (alternator) to the auxiliary battery. With version 1.15, power can also flow in the opposite direction in an emergency.
During normal operation, the Orion XS charges the auxiliary battery from the starter battery and the alternator. With the new function, the charger temporarily reverses the direction of the load and transfers power from the auxiliary battery to the starter battery when the latter does not have sufficient capacity to turn the starter motor. In practice, it is an «assisted start» function built into the DC-DC charger itself, without the need for jumper cables or external boosters.
The update is available for the entire Orion XS range:
Reverse charging is initiated manually via the app VictronConnect: after updating, on the screen Status A new boot battery charging icon appears. Simply tap it.
This function is only available when the charger it has stopped loading in the normal direction, that is to say:It also works with the Orion XS in «remote off» mode, provided it is configured to stop the load in the forward direction only.
As the Orion XS 1400 It is multi-voltage; firmware v1.15 adds a new setting to indicate whether the The starter battery is either 12 V or 24 V. This is configured in the product settings within VictronConnect, and the app also prompts you to do so the first time you use the function. It is important to ensure this is configured correctly: the maximum voltage (14.4 V or 28.8 V) at which the unit will charge the starter battery depends on this setting.
If you have a Orion XS in your campervan, motorhome or boat, it’s well worth updating it now: it’s free and turns the charger into a jump-start system for the starter battery. Bear in mind that the power comes from your auxiliary battery, so it works best when this is well charged (for example, a lithium battery powered by solar panels). And if your starter battery frequently runs flat, it’s a good idea to check its condition or look for parasitic drains: reverse charging is an emergency aid, not a permanent solution.
What is the emergency reverse load of the Victron and Orion XS?
This is a feature introduced with firmware version 1.15: the Orion XS temporarily reverses the charging direction and recharges the engine’s starter battery from the auxiliary battery when the starter battery does not have enough power to start the engine.
Which Orion XS models are compatible with firmware version 1.15?
The entire Orion XS range: Orion XS 12/12-50A, Orion XS 12/12-70A and Orion XS 1400.
How do you activate reverse charging?
From the VictronConnect app, by tapping the new starter battery charging icon that appears on the Status screen. This is only available when the charger has stopped charging in normal mode (due to an input voltage fault or a detected motor stall), or in remote off mode if it is configured to stop normal charging only.
How long does the reverse charging cycle last?
15 minutes of reverse charging followed by a 5-minute pause with the charger switched off, which is the time to try starting the engine.
At what voltage and current does the starter battery charge?
Up to 14.4 V in 12 V systems (28.8 V with the Orion XS 1400 configured for 24 V start-up). The current is the lower of the configured limit and half the equipment’s rated current.
Can reverse charging drain my auxiliary battery?
The Orion XS automatically reduces the current if the auxiliary battery voltage drops significantly. However, power is still drawn from the auxiliary battery, so it is advisable to ensure it is fully charged.
What do I need to update the Orion XS to v1.15?
VictronConnect v6.43 or later. You can update via the app using Bluetooth, remotely via the VRM portal, or using the firmware file from the Victron Professional downloads section.
Are you unsure whether your system is compatible, or would you like to fit a Orion XS in your vehicle? At FV Componentes, we specialise in Victron: take a look at the Orion XS loaders Or drop us a line and we’ll help you choose.
Source: press release from Victron Energy Professional, 24 September 2026.
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