Drift PRO Has Evolved: Gen2 vs PRO Explained

When we launched the original Fogstar Drift PRO in 2023, it was the UK’s first 12V lithium leisure battery with built-in Victron integration. It was designed to make installation and setup easier - especially for those using Victron systems in off-grid homes, van conversions, boats, and commercial builds.

Over time, we learned a lot from how people were using them. We also listened carefully to installers and system designers about what would make life easier.

Drift PRO Gen2 is the result of that feedback. It’s not a full reimagining - it’s a refinement. Same form factor, same performance levels, but with smarter internal tech and an even more user-friendly setup.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, and why it matters.

🔋Active Balancing is Now Built-In

Original PRO:
When cell voltages drifted, you could manually connect an external Active Balancer to sort things out. It wasn’t built-in - you had to plug it in yourself once an imbalance was spotted, then let it do its thing over a couple of charge/discharge cycles. It got the job done, but it required hands-on involvement. We designed it this way because a permanently installed internal balancer (separate from the BMS) would have drained around 1Ah per day - even when idle. With our external option, you stayed in control and only incurred that power loss when you actually needed to.

Gen2:
Now equipped with a 2A active balancer integrated directly into the BMS. It’s not an external add-on, it’s built-in, efficient, and only kicks in when needed, so energy waste is minimal. The result? Better long-term cell balance and battery health, with zero hassle or extra components required.

Why it matters:

• No need for manual plug-in
• No constant drain, unlike many batteries on the market, balancing only activates when needed
• Reduces cable clutter
• Maintenance-free cell balancing.

🔗 Easier Battery Linking with Dedicated Ports

Original PRO:
Multiple batteries could be linked for Victron systems, but it required configuring comms manually. Some users found this process fiddly, especially when scaling up to larger banks.

Gen2:
Now includes dedicated Battery-Link ports (RJ45) that allow batteries to communicate automatically. Just connect Port A on one battery to Port B on the next. Once linked, the whole battery bank communicates as one with your Victron Cerbo GX MK2, Ekrano GX or GX-enabled inverter.

Why it matters:

• Simplifies system design
• No need for manual communication setup
• Easier to expand your system in future
• Cleaner, more reliable communication with Victron.

🔃 Internal Layout Has Been Improved

Original PRO:
Internally well-designed, but with room for improvement in terms of thermal flow and long-term serviceability.

Gen2:
The internal layout has been reworked to improve thermal management, cable routing, and access for servicing. These changes aren’t visible from the outside but make a difference over time, especially when under high-load or enclosed installations.

Why it matters:

• More efficient cooling under loads
• Easier diagnostics and servicing if needed
• Improved long-term reliability.

🧠 Integration with Victron is Still Seamless, Just Easier!

Both the original Drift PRO and Gen2 are designed to work with Victron systems, but Gen2 makes the process more straightforward.

Gen2 includes:

• Native CANbus communication
• Pre-configured BMS settings
• Direct cable connection from battery to Cerbo GX BMS-CAN port, or to VE.Can on the Cerbo Gx MK2 or Ekrano GX (once reassigned in settings)
• Compatibility with both VE.Can and GX-enabled Victron inverters

Why it matters:

• Plug-and-play with Cerbo GX
• Works cleanly with Ekrano GX, no adapter required, just a quick setting tweak.

💰 Same Price. Smarter Product.

Despite the updates, Gen2 is priced the same as the original Drift PRO range. You’re getting more intelligent features, less setup hassle, and cleaner scalability - for no extra cost.

👋 Farewell to Drift PRO – Hello PRO Gen2

As part of our move toward simpler, smarter energy solutions, the original Drift PRO will be phased out completely. Going forward, Drift PRO Gen2 will be the standard across our lithium leisure battery range.

We’ve taken everything people loved about the original PRO; reliability, performance, Victron compatibility, and removed the extra components, manual steps, and setup time.

It’s important to note, while both the original Drift PRO and the Drift PRO Gen2 can be connected together in series or parallel, communication between the two variants isn’t seamless. Gen2 features significantly enhanced comms, including daisy-chaining via dedicated Battery-Link ports for simple, plug-and-play connectivity. The original PRO doesn't support this streamlined communication method - so although they can be connected together, they won’t communicate as a unified system.

If you're currently using Drift PRO batteries:
There’s no need to worry. They’ll continue to be supported, and they remain fully compatible with Victron systems and future Fogstar accessories.

If you're building or expanding a system:
Drift PRO Gen2 is the way forward. It’s easier to set up, more scalable, and includes smarter balancing and communication features out of the box.

➡️ Want to know more? Check out the full range of Drift PRO Gen2 batteries here.