Delivering Reliable Off-Grid Victron Power Systems and Lithium Storage for Brand Cruiser's Mobile Advertising Vehicles

Brand Cruiser operates digital promotional trucks across the UK. Designed for brand campaigns, local roadshows, and live event coverage, each vehicle requires a resilient, continuous mobile power supply to run demanding visual and commercial equipment on site.

To ensure quiet, uninterrupted operation without relying on noisy diesel generators, Callidus supplied a custom pre-built Victron power system paired with high-capacity Pytes lithium battery storage, roof-mounted solar panels, and multi-source road charging. This case study details how the off-grid power solution keeps Brand Cruiser's mobile promotional fleet fully operational wherever campaigns take them.

Mobile Power Overview: By integrating roof-mounted solar panels, vehicle engine charging, road-side EV charging points, and lithium storage, Brand Cruiser's LED promotional trucks achieve silent, zero-emission power delivery during live advertising events.

The Challenge: High Power Demands on Mobile Commercial Vehicles

Mobile LED advertising trucks present unique electrical engineering challenges compared to stationary commercial buildings. Brand Cruiser vehicles host an all-weather, high-brightness LED display with video feed and live streaming capabilities requiring stable AC power.

Operating this equipment requires substantial electrical power. Conventional mobile setups rely heavily on diesel generators, which introduce severe drawbacks: high noise levels that disrupt marketing messaging, exhaust fumes near hospitality guests, ongoing fuel costs, and frequent maintenance requirements.

Furthermore, vehicle-mounted electrical components must endure constant road vibration and wide ambient temperature shifts. Brand Cruiser required a pre-configured, vibration-tested power board that could be rapidly installed into vehicles while offering multiple flexible charging methods on the road.

The Solution: Pre-Built Victron Power Board & Pytes Battery Storage

Callidus engineered and assembled a complete off-grid mobile power system built around a pre-wired Victron control board and specialised PYTES lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Assembled and fully tested in the Callidus workshop prior to vehicle installation, the pre-built board reduced on-site installation time and eliminated electrical wiring errors.

Victron 8 kVA Power Distribution & Management

The central control system consists of an 8 kVA Victron inverter/charger paired with a Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller and an integrated DC-to-DC engine charger. System highlights include:

• Victron 8kva Inverter/Charger: Converts stored battery energy into clean, regulated 230V AC power to run the LED screen without voltage dips.
• DC-to-DC Charger: Draws power directly from the vehicle engine's alternator while driving between campaign locations, replenishing battery capacity during transit.
• Touchscreen System Monitoring: A Victron touchscreen display mounted inside the vehicle provides driver and campaign managers with real-time visibility over battery state-of-charge, solar yield, and power usage.
• Custom Distribution Infrastructure: Includes custom heavy-duty DC bus bars, circuit isolation, surge protection devices, complete cabling, trunking, and anti-vibration connections.
  

PYTES V5A Plus Lithium Battery Bank

Energy storage is provided by PYTES V5A Plus lithium batteries. Selected specifically for mobile vehicle applications, these batteries incorporate essential durability and safety features:

• Vibration-Tested Construction: Specially reinforced internal components and casing designed to withstand road vibration and movement during UK-wide transport.
• Integrated Heating Elements: Built-in heaters ensure reliable charging performance during winter roadshows when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Internal Fire Suppression Systems: Automated fire safety technology integrated within each battery module for maximum vehicle protection.
• Internal Surge Capacitors & Isolators: Surge capacitors absorb high load spikes during hydraulic screen operation, while integrated isolators allow safe battery management.
  

Multi-Source Hybrid Charging System

To ensure the promotional trucks never run out of energy during extended campaigns, the power system incorporates four distinct charging inputs:

• Roof Solar Array: Three 440 Watt solar panels (1,320 Watts total capacity) mounted on the truck roof generate clean electricity whenever daylight is available.
• Vehicle Engine Alternator: The Victron DC-to-DC charger charges the battery bank while the vehicle is in transit.
• On-Road EV Charging Points: Equipped to plug into standard EV charging points along public roads and highway service stations.
• Mains Plug-In: Connects directly to standard grid sockets or venue mains power when stationary overnight.
  

System Specifications Summary

The table below details the main electrical and solar components installed across Brand Cruiser's mobile LED promotional vehicles.

Results: Reliable, Zero-Emission Mobile Campaigns

The installation of Callidus off-grid power systems has significantly improved the operational capabilities of Brand Cruiser's promotional trucks across the UK:

• Silent Campaign Operation: By replacing generator reliance with Victron battery and solar power, Brand Cruiser trucks operate quietly in town centres, pedestrian zones, and outdoor events without noise or exhaust emissions.
• Uninterrupted Commercial Power: The 8 kVA Victron inverter handles sudden electrical spikes from hydraulic screen lifts and ice machines without flickering screens or media resetting.
• Flexible Energy Replenishment: Drivers can charge off solar power during daytime events, top up via EV chargers on motorway routes, charge via the alternator in transit, or plug into venue power overnight.
• Fast & Reliable Installation: Callidus's pre-built power board layout allowed Brand Cruiser to integrate complex electrical controls quickly across their vehicle fleet with plug-and-play reliability.
  

Powering LED promotional trucks requires a robust, versatile electrical system built to withstand mobile conditions. By pairing pre-built Victron boards with PYTES vibration-tested lithium batteries and 1.32 kW of roof solar, Callidus provided Brand Cruiser with a dependable off-grid power infrastructure. This setup ensures brand campaigns deliver maximum visual impact while maintaining silent, clean, and continuous energy anywhere in the country.

Need Mobile Commercial Power Solutions? For custom mobile solar, lithium storage, and vehicle power systems built to exact commercial requirements, contact the Callidus Trade engineering team.