See how much usable battery capacity remains in your caravan, motorhome, boat or off-grid system with a Victron BMV battery monitor. Each model measures current through an included shunt, then calculates battery state of charge, amp-hours used and estimated time remaining.
Choose the right Victron BMV monitor
| Model | Best suited to | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| BMV-700 | Standard 6.5–95V battery systems | Monitors the main battery. Bluetooth requires an optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. |
| BMV-702 | Standard 6.5–95V systems needing a second measurement | Adds an auxiliary input for a second-battery voltage, midpoint voltage or battery temperature with the optional sensor. Bluetooth requires an optional dongle. |
| BMV-712 Smart | Standard 6.5–70V systems where phone or tablet monitoring is wanted | Built-in Bluetooth for VictronConnect, plus the auxiliary input. |
| BMV-700H | Compatible high-voltage battery systems | High-voltage model without built-in Bluetooth. |
| BMV-710H Smart | Compatible high-voltage systems where wireless monitoring is wanted | High-voltage model with built-in Bluetooth. |
Important: the H models are specialised high-voltage monitors. Confirm the system voltage, grounding arrangement and installation requirements before ordering. Grey and black selections change the display colour only where that option is listed.
What the BMV range shows
- Battery voltage and current
- Power and amp-hours consumed
- Calculated state of charge
- Estimated time remaining at the current discharge rate
- Historical battery-use information
- Programmable alarm and relay functions
- VE.Direct connection for compatible Victron monitoring equipment
What is included
Victron lists a 500A/50mV shunt, 10-metre RJ12 connection cable, fused positive supply lead, round display, square bezel overlay and mounting hardware with the BMV range. The high-voltage H models use a shunt in a protective enclosure. Optional accessories, including the temperature sensor and VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, are not included unless specifically stated.
Installation and setup
The shunt must be wired so the monitor measures all current entering and leaving the battery bank. Incorrect shunt placement can produce incomplete or misleading readings. Set the correct battery capacity and charging parameters during commissioning, then synchronise the monitor as described in the Victron manual.
Battery installations can involve high fault currents and hazardous voltages. Use suitable protection and cable sizing, follow the official instructions, and have the system installed or checked by a suitably qualified person when required.
Compare the Victron BMV range or read the Victron BMV installation manual.
Frequently asked questions
Which Victron BMV has Bluetooth built in?
The BMV-712 Smart and BMV-710H Smart have built-in Bluetooth for VictronConnect. The BMV-700, BMV-702 and BMV-700H require an optional VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle for Bluetooth access.
Can the BMV-700 monitor a starter battery as well?
The BMV-700 is intended for main-battery monitoring and does not have the auxiliary input used for a second-battery voltage. Choose the BMV-702 or BMV-712 Smart if you need that additional input.
Does the BMV-702 monitor two complete battery banks?
Its shunt measures current and state of charge for the main battery bank. The auxiliary input can measure a second-battery voltage, midpoint voltage or temperature with the optional sensor, but it does not calculate full state of charge for a second bank.
Is the temperature sensor included?
No. The compatible temperature sensor for the BMV-702 and BMV-712 Smart is an optional accessory.
Will a BMV work with lithium batteries?
Victron provides lithium setup guidance in the BMV manual. The monitor must be configured for the actual battery capacity and charging characteristics of your system.
Need help choosing a Victron battery monitor in New Zealand? Contact the Select Caravans team in Auckland before ordering. Delivery is available throughout New Zealand.
