When most people hear "on-board charger," they think EV conversion. But an IP67-rated OBC — fully dustproof and submersion-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes — opens up a much wider range of applications than a standard charger ever could.
Here's where IP67 waterproof OBCs are actually being used, and why the rating matters in each case.
1. EV Conversions (DIY and Professional)
The most obvious application — and still the most common.
Whether you're converting a classic car, a motorcycle, a small truck, or a three-wheeler, an on-board charger lives inside the vehicle and must survive whatever the vehicle encounters: rain, road spray, high-pressure washing, humidity from weather changes, and condensation in cold climates.
Why IP67 matters here:
- Engine bays and undercarriage mounts are directly exposed to water and road debris
- Repeated wash-downs (common for commercial vehicles) require genuine waterproofing, not just splash resistance
- In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles drive moisture into any unsealed enclosure
A standard IP54 or IP65 charger may survive casual rain. IP67 gives you genuine submersion tolerance — which matters when a vehicle passes through standing water or gets pressure-washed.
2. Electric Motorcycles and E-Bikes (High-Power)
E-bikes with smaller chargers are common, but high-power electric motorcycles — particularly conversions using Zero, Energica, or custom frames — often need a 3.3kW or 6.6kW OBC integrated into the frame.
Motorcycle fairings are not weatherproof enclosures. Rainwater channels directly onto components. In off-road applications (electric enduro, trail bikes), mud and water immersion are routine.
IP67 is effectively the minimum acceptable rating for any OBC mounted inside a motorcycle frame or under a fairing.
3. Marine and Boat Charging Systems
This is one of the fastest-growing applications for IP67 OBCs in Europe.
Electric and hybrid canal boats, RIBs, sailboats with electric auxiliary motors, and electric tenders all need compact, reliable onboard charging. The marine environment is uniquely hostile:
- Salt spray accelerates corrosion on any exposed connector or unsealed housing
- Bilge moisture means even "indoor" compartments have high relative humidity year-round
- Occasional flooding of engine compartments is a real scenario on small boats
An IP67-rated OBC can be mounted in compartments that would destroy a standard charger within a season. Pair it with tinned marine-grade wiring and you have a genuinely durable installation.
4. Electric Agricultural Vehicles
Small electric tractors, ride-on mowers, vineyard vehicles, and autonomous agricultural robots (AGVs) operate in environments that combine:
- Outdoor exposure to rain and dew
- High-pressure cleaning (standard practice in food production environments)
- Dust from soil, grain, and crop debris
IP67 covers all of these. Agricultural OEM and aftermarket retrofitters increasingly specify IP67 as the minimum for any charging hardware that stays on the machine.
5. Industrial and Warehouse Equipment
Electric forklifts, tuggers, and AGVs in logistics facilities often operate in environments with:
- Wet floors (cold storage, food processing, wash-down areas)
- Steam cleaning during sanitation cycles
- Outdoor loading dock exposure
For equipment that crosses between indoor and outdoor environments, or operates in food-safe facilities requiring regular wash-downs, IP67 OBCs are the correct specification. IP54 or IP65 is insufficient for pressurized cleaning.
6. Off-Grid and Mobile Power Systems
Increasingly, builders are using OBCs not just for vehicle charging, but as the AC-to-DC conversion stage in mobile or off-grid power systems:
- Expedition vehicles and overlanding rigs — charging LiFePO4 house banks from shore power or a generator while exposed to the elements
- Mobile medical units and emergency response vehicles — where reliable charging in field conditions is critical
- Portable power stations for outdoor events, construction sites, or disaster relief
7. Electric Boats and Underwater ROVs (Topside Charging)
At the more specialized end: topside charging units for underwater ROVs and surface vessels used in aquaculture, inspection, and research frequently require IP67 or higher on all deck-mounted electronics. Salt spray, rain, and spray from the ROV surfacing are constant — IP67 provides the necessary protection margin.
Choosing the Right IP67 OBC for Your Application
| Spec | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Power output | 3.3kW (standard), 6.6kW (faster charge), 11kW+ (commercial) |
| Input voltage | 110–240V AC single phase, or 3-phase for 11kW+ |
| Output voltage | Match to your battery pack (48V, 72V, 96V, etc.) |
| Communication | CAN bus for BMS integration — essential for EV and marine |
| Connector rating | Input and output connectors should also be IP67 |
| Certifications | CE for EU, UL for US market where required |
Deligreen IP67 OBC Range
Our on-board chargers are designed specifically for applications where standard enclosures fail:
- Genuine IP67 rating — tested to IEC 60529
- CAN bus communication — compatible with JK BMS, Daly, Orion, and custom BMS setups
- Wide input range — 85–265V AC, suitable across EU and US grid voltages
- Aluminum enclosure — thermal management by design
- Available in 3.3kW, 6.6kW, and 11kW configurations
Browse our IP67 OBC range or contact our technical team to specify the right charger for your application.
