Centurion D5 Evo vs D5 Smart
A detailed, honest comparison to help you choose the right Centurion gate motor for your South African property, particularly for load shedding.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | D5 Evo | D5 Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Gate weight capacity | 500kg | 500kg |
| Battery system | 12V single (7Ah standard) | 24V dual-battery |
| Battery backup cycles | ~30–40 cycles/charge | ~60–80+ cycles/charge |
| App control (CONNECT) | No | Yes |
| GSM push notifications | No | Yes |
| NOVA remote compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Price (fully installed) | R8,500–R11,000 | R10,000–R13,000 |
| Price premium over D5 Evo | , | +R1,500–R2,000 |
The Key Difference: Load Shedding Performance
Both motors handle the same gate weight (500kg). The real difference is battery. The D5 Evo uses a standard 12V 7Ah battery, good for approximately 30–40 gate cycles per charge. The D5 Smart uses a 24V dual-battery system, providing 60–80+ cycles per charge, more than double. For South African properties experiencing Eskom load shedding, this difference is significant.
A household opening and closing the gate 20–30 times per day on a D5 Evo during Stage 4–6 load shedding (up to 8–12 hours without power) may find their battery depleted by day's end. The same household on a D5 Smart runs comfortably through even the worst load shedding schedules.
D5 Evo Pros & Cons
Advantages
Disadvantages
D5 Smart Pros & Cons
Advantages
Disadvantages
Our Recommendation
For most South African residential properties (2025):
Choose the D5 Smart if your area experiences regular load shedding (Stage 2 or higher), you want remote gate access from your phone, or your gate has high daily usage (30+ cycles). The R1,500–R2,000 premium is recovered in convenience and security within the first year of ownership for most homeowners.
The D5 Evo is perfectly adequate if your area has minimal load shedding, your gate usage is low (under 20 cycles daily), or budget is the primary concern. It's still an excellent, reliable motor, just without the smart features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Centurion D5 Evo and D5 Smart?
The primary difference is the battery system. The D5 Evo uses a standard 12V single battery (30–40 cycles per charge). The D5 Smart uses a 24V dual-battery system (60–80+ cycles per charge). The D5 Smart also adds app control via Centurion CONNECT and GSM alerts. Both motors handle the same gate weight (500kg).
Can I upgrade a D5 Evo to have more battery capacity?
Yes. You can add an external dual-battery upgrade kit to a D5 Evo to increase load-shedding cycles. This is more cost-effective than replacing the motor if you already have a D5 Evo. However, an external battery upgrade doesn't give you app control or GSM alerts, for those features, you need the D5 Smart.
Are D5 Evo and D5 Smart remotes interchangeable?
Yes. Both use the same Centurion NOVA remote system. Your existing NOVA remotes from a D5 Evo can be reprogrammed to work on a D5 Smart, and vice versa. This is convenient if you're upgrading from one to the other, you don't need to replace all your remotes.
Need Professional Help?
Our qualified technicians can assess your situation and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Same-day service available across Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Request a Free QuoteGet a Free Quote, D5 Evo or D5 Smart
We'll assess your gate, usage, and load-shedding situation and recommend the right motor. Free site visit and itemised quote.