Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries weigh roughly 60% less than equivalent lead-acid units, deliver high-current output, and last far longer, without fading.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key benefits and trade-offs of onboard lithium batteries, then spotlight today’s top options so you can choose the best match for your rig and budget.
Best Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries in 2025
Advantages of Lithium Batteries
1. Longer Lasting Power
A 100 Ah LiFePO4 battery delivers nearly twice the usable capacity of a 100 Ah lead-acid cell because you can safely discharge it down to 10–20% State-of-Charge (SoC).
In contrast, lead-acid batteries should stay above 50% SoC to avoid accelerated wear. In practice, that means a 100 Ah lithium pack yields about 80 Ah usable, equivalent to a 160 Ah lead-acid bank.
2. Extended Cycle Life
LiFePO₄ cells typically last 3 000–5 000 full charge/discharge cycles before falling to 75–80 % capacity. At one fishing trip per cycle, that’s a decade or more of reliable use.
By comparison, a lead-acid battery often fails after only 200–300 deep cycles.
3. No Peukert Losses
Lead-acid capacity drops sharply as discharge current increases (Peukert’s Law)—a “100 Ah” battery might only deliver 80 Ah at higher draw rates.
Lithium chemistry maintains its rated capacity even under heavy loads, so your motor runs as long at full throttle as it does cruising.
4. Zero Sulfation
Lead-acid plates in traditional batteries accumulate irreversible sulfate crystals when left partially discharged, leading to reduced capacity and failure.
Lithium batteries don’t suffer from sulfation, so you won’t wrestle with long charging times or unexpected capacity drops.
5. Lighter Weight & Smaller Footprint
A lithium pack can weigh 60% less than a similarly rated lead-acid battery, and prismatic/LiFePO₄ form factors often occupy less space.
The result? A lighter, more maneuverable boat and easier battery swaps between trips.
6. Flat Discharge Curve
With lead-acid, voltage sags steadily as SoC (State-of-Charge) falls—foot-steer can suddenly lose thrust even though you haven’t fully depleted the battery.
Lithium cells hold within 3% of nominal voltage until nearly empty, giving you consistent thrust right to the end.
7. Faster Charging
Lead-acid batteries limit charge rates to 10–30% of capacity (e.g. 30A max on a 100Ah pack), meaning overnight refills only. Lithium permits charging at 100% of Ah capacity (up to 100A on a 100Ah pack), enabling daytime “top-ups” from an alternator or generator.
Disadvantages
Higher Upfront Cost
LiFePO₄ batteries can be 2–3× more expensive per Ah than lead-acid. However, their extended lifespan and deeper usable capacity often deliver a lower total cost of ownership.
Temperature Sensitivity
Charging below 32°F/0°C can damage some lithium batteries unless the BMS prevents it. If you fish in freezing conditions, choose a pack with an integrated low-temp cutoff or add a battery warmer.
Charger Compatibility
To maximize lifespan, you’ll need a dedicated lithium charger or an alternator/DCDC converter programmed for LiFePO₄ charge profiles—standard lead-acid chargers aren’t always ideal.
Battery Management System (BMS) Limits
Ensure the BMS continuous and peak current ratings exceed your motor’s maximum draw to avoid unwanted shutdowns under heavy load.
Weight vs. Capacity Trade-off
While lithium is lightest per Ah, very large packs (200 Ah+) still require two hands or mechanical assist to move. Plan your install access accordingly.
Lithium Battery Reviews
12V 100Ah Lithium Batteries
Looking for a straight-swap upgrade to a Group 27 deep-cycle battery?
A 100Ah 12 V LiFePO4 pack shares the same footprint, so it drops right into your existing tray. These batteries support up to 100A of continuous current—plenty for even the most demanding trolling motors—while slashing your onboard weight.
Let’s explore the leading options.
Battle Born 12V 100Ah
Battle Born’s 100 Ah pack is the gold standard for marine and RV use. At 29 lb, it’s heavier than some competitors, but its cylindrical cells deliver rock-solid performance and exceptional thermal management.
Specs:
Voltage: 12V Capacity: 100Ah Type: LiFePO4 BMS: 100A Terminal: Marine Weight: 29 lb Dimensions: 12.75 x 6.88 x 9 in
Who It’s For:
- Anglers who demand top reliability
- Users in extreme climates—cells handle heat spikes and cold snap cycling with minimal degradation
- Anyone who values U.S. tech support and a no-hassle 10-year warranty
Performance Highlights:
- True 100 Ah usable capacity down to 10% SoC, giving you up to twice the runtime of a lead-acid equivalent
- Sustained 100 A output means full thrust on most trolling motors without voltage sag
- Threadless marine terminals eliminate stripped threads and simplify wiring
Potential Drawbacks:
- Pricey: The upfront cost can be 2–3× a budget pack, though lifetime-cost calculations often favor LiFePO₄ over replacements of lead-acid
- Weight: At 29 lb, it’s not the lightest, but design prioritizes durability over grams saved
Bottom Line: If you chase trophy fish or rely on spot-lock in cold water, none does it better.
If one cell goes bad, the impact on the entire pack is low. With prismatic cells if one cell goes bad it can compromise the whole battery pack. Cylindrical cells radiate heat and control temperature more easily than prismatic cells.
[Source]
You won’t find any cheap or unsafe components in a Battle Born battery. The terminals are very simple and sturdy. There are no threads that could be damaged by using too much force.
All their products run through a test cycle for a month before shipment. This could be the reason why you can hardly find any complaints.
The company fully stands behind its product, offering a 10-year warranty and technical support to help with your installation.
Greener Power 12V 100Ah
Greener Power’s 100 Ah battery trims almost 7 lb off the Battle Born while still offering a 100A BMS. Its prismatic cells are high-grade, and the unit’s sub-23 lb weight makes mounting and removal very easy.
Specs:
Voltage: 12V Capacity: 100Ah Type: LiFePO4 BMS: 100A Cycles: Up to 15000 Terminal: M8 Weight: 22.57 lb Dimensions: 10.23 x 6.61 x 8.3 in
Who It’s For:
- Anglers who need a balance of value and performance
Performance Highlights:
- Lightweight design (22.6 lb) that still supports continuous 100 A draw
- Competitive cycle life (up to 15 000 cycles under ideal conditions)
- Compact footprint to fit tighter battery trays
Potential Drawbacks:
- Low-temp cut-off issues reported by some users—avoid charging below freezing unless you’re monitoring first charge cycles carefully
- Prismatic cells can run slightly hotter under heavy load compared to cylindrical
Bottom Line: This Greener Power battery is an excellent blend of value and portability—just make sure you don’t charge it below 32F/0C to prevent damage.
12V 50Ah Lightweight Lithium Batteries
These small lithium batteries are great for kayaks, canoes, and inflatables.
The biggest downside of smaller lithium batteries is that their maximum current output may be too low in some cases.
For example, a Minn Kota Terrova 55 has a maximum amp draw of 50A. This is right at the limit and could mean that the BMS (Battery Management System) will shut down the batter to protect itself.
Make sure to check the amp draw of your trolling motor.
Eco-Worthy 12V 50Ah
At only 12.6 lb, Eco-Worthy’s 50 Ah battery is great match for kayaks, canoes, and small inflatables. Don’t let the size fool you—its 50A BMS can handle steady medium-speed draws, but it’s best matched to motors under 45 lb thrust.
Specs
Voltage: 12V Capacity: 50Ah Type: LiFePO4 BMS: 50A Cycles: 3000~15000 Terminal: M6 Weight: 12.65 lb Dimensions: 9.13 x 5.31 x 7.13 in
Who It’s For:
- Solo anglers, paddle-craft users, or anyone needing an ultra-portable battery
- Those who won’t exceed mid-range throttle for long periods
- If you want to upgrade from small SLA packs
Performance Highlights:
- As light as it gets—easier to carry in and out of shore than any AGM
- Stable discharge curve for consistent thrust from start to finish
Potential Drawbacks:
- 50 A max means a Minn Kota Terrova 55 or similar high-draw motor can trigger the BMS safety cutoff if you hold full throttle too long
- Smaller reserve—plan for shorter outings or pack a secondary 35–50 Ah unit
Bottom Line: Perfect for shorter, lighter outings—just don’t exceed its continuous output, and you’ll be rewarded with exceptional runtime for weight.
24V Lithium Batteries
When you’re running a 24 V trolling motor, a purpose‐built 24 V LiFePO4 pack streamlines your install—no series wiring or matching charge profiles. That said, remember:
- Size & Fit: One large 24 V unit can be bulky and tricky to position, whereas two 12 V batteries let you spread the weight and fit into tighter spots.
- Charging Gear: A dedicated 24 V lithium charger is required, which usually carries a higher price tag than a standard 12 V charger.
LiTime 24V 100Ah
LiTime’s 24 V 100 Ah pack removes the hassle of wiring two 12 V batteries in series. At 45.8 lb, it’s still lighter than two 12 V lead-acid units and sports a 100 A BMS to feed 24 V trolling motors up to 80 lb thrust.
Specs:
Voltage: 24V Capacity: 100Ah Type: LiFePO4 BMS: 100A Cycles: 4000-15000 Terminal: M8 Weight: 45.8 lb Dimensions: 21 x 8.5 x 8.2 in
Who It’s For:
- Anglers with 24 V motors who want a tidy, one-piece install
- Boaters with limited space on deck or in battery compartments
- If you value quick swapping without rewiring
Performance Highlights:
- Single-pack simplicity—no series link cable to fail or loose
- Solid cycle life (4 000+ cycles) for routine fishing seasons
Potential Drawbacks:
- Bulk & weight—requires lift or mechanical assist to swap out
- Charger cost—24 V chargers tend to be pricier than 12 V models
Bottom Line: When you need true 24 V power in a single-module package, LiTime delivers without series-wire headaches.
36V Lithium Battery Options
True 36V LiFePO4 packs do exist, but reputable models are few and far between—and dedicated 36 V lithium chargers tend to be specialty items with a higher price tag. For most, the more practical solution is to wire three identical 12 V lithium batteries in series.
By using three matched 12 V cells you get:
- Greater flexibility in sizing and positioning—spread three smaller units across your battery tray rather than fitting one large 36 V block.
- Easier charger sourcing—standard 12 V lithium or DC-DC chargers are far more common (and affordable) than their 36 V counterparts.
- Simplified spares—keep an extra 12 V battery on hand rather than a rare 36 V pack.
Just be sure to pick three batteries with identical capacity, BMS ratings, and cycle life so your series bank stays balanced and delivers reliable, long-lasting performance.
Things You Should Know About Lithium Batteries
How Safe Are Lithium Batteries?
Not all lithium-ion chemistries are created equal. The LiFePO₄ (lithium-iron-phosphate) cells used in marine deep-cycle packs are inherently more stable than the lithium cobalt oxide found in phones or scooters. You won’t see thermal runaway or sudden fires with LiFePO₄:
- No watering or equalization: No gassing, no regular maintenance—just periodic checks of terminal tightness.
- Non-toxic & non-corrosive: No lead, acid or heavy metals.
- Built-in BMS protection: Automatically prevents over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, and charging below freezing.
Estimating Run Time
A simple formula gives you a ballpark:
Run Time (hrs) = Usable Ah ÷ Motor Draw (A)
- Usable Ah = Battery Ah × Depth of Discharge (e.g. 100 Ah × 80 % = 80 Ah)
- Motor Draw = The amp draw at your typical speed (e.g. 20 A)
So a 100 Ah pack at 80 % DoD feeding a 20 A motor yields:
80 Ah ÷ 20 A = 4 hours
Remember, wind, current, boat load and throttle changes all bump your draw and shorten runtime.
Charging Options
- Dedicated LiFePO₄ Charger
Ensures correct bulk, absorb and float voltages without tinkering. - Marine Alternator/DC–DC Converter
Use a DC–DC converter programmed for LiFePO₄ profiles to top up while underway. - Lead-Acid Chargers (Some Brands Only)
If your manufacturer permits, set bulk/absorb to 14.4 V and float to ≤ 13.6 V. Skip equalization and temperature compensation.
Always follow the battery maker’s specs to avoid over-voltage or charging in extreme cold.
Maintenance Best Practices
- Avoid 100 % Storage: Storing at 90 % SoC or less extends cycle life.
- Prevent Full Discharge: Letting LiFePO₄ dip below its BMS cutoff can require a “wake-up” charge.
- Keep Terminals Clean: A quick wipe and terminal-bolt check before season start keeps connections solid.
With minimal upkeep, a quality LiFePO₄ pack will outlast multiple lead-acid replacements.
Choosing the Right Battery
1. Voltage Matching
- 12 V for ≤ 55 lb thrust;
- 24 V for 68–100 lb;
- 36 V for > 100 lb (usually via three 12 V packs).
2. Capacity vs. Weight
- You can discharge LiFePO₄ down to 80 % DoD. A 50 Ah pack gives about 40 Ah usable—equivalent to an 80–100 Ah lead-acid.
3. BMS Current Rating
- Ensure the continuous & peak current ratings exceed your motor’s max amp draw (many LiFePO₄ are rated 1 C = Ah).
4. Warranty & Support
- Pick a reputable brand with at least a 5 year warranty and clear customer support channels.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can my outboard alternator charge my LiFePO4 battery?
A: Yes, if you use a DC-DC converter or an alternator programmed for LiFePO4 profiles—standard alternators alone may over-voltage the pack.
Q: Will charging in freezing weather damage it?
A: Most LiFePO4 packs include a low-temp cutoff in the BMS. If yours doesn’t, avoid charging below 0 °C or use a heated box.
Q: Can I use a LiFePO4 as a starter battery?
A: Technically possible, but not recommended—starter batteries require massive short-bursts (> 200 A). LiFePO4 deep-cycle packs excel at steady discharge over time.
With the right voltage, capacity and charging gear, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery becomes a virtually “fit-and-forget” upgrade—lightweight and long-lasting.
