Dakota Lithium LiFePO4 batteries perform best when charged by a LiFePO4-compatible battery charger. LiFePO4 batteries require a different charging profile and voltage requirements compared to traditional battery chargers. Chargers designed for different chemistries may work, but they may not charge a Dakota Lithium battery to full capacity. It’s important to select a charger that has a LiFePO4-compatible constant-current constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging profile, provides the correct charging voltage for your battery, does not exceed the charge current (amp) for the battery, and has a charge indicator LED to let you know when the battery is fully charged. You can find more information on How to Charge Dakota Lithium and LiFePO4 batteries on our website. If you need help finding a compatible charger for your Dakota Lithium battery, or if you want to check your current charger compatibility, please reach out to our support team.

All Dakota Lithium batteries are constructed with grade A lithium cells that are tested per IEC62133/UL1642 standards. Select battery pack models are UL listed. All battery packs are UN 38.3 compliant and meet all US & International DOT regulations for safe air, ground, marine, and train transport. Select battery models are manufactured in ISO certified facilities (ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System & ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System) for use in industry applications. Additional UL & IEC certifications and laboratory services are available upon request by our OEM clients.

We have two battery options available for starting motors: the LTO Automotive Cranking battery and the DL+ Dual Purpose line. Both are designed for starting motors, with a 1000CCA equivalent of engine starting power for boat, car, or truck engines. The DL+ line also offers our legendary deep cycle capability in addition to engine starting power. Please note that our standard deep cycle packs do not have cranking ability and cannot be used for starting motors.

Yes! Here at Dakota Lithium we build all of our batteries with lithium iron phosphate technology which has many distinct advantages over traditional batteries. Including 60% less weight, a charging speed that is up to 5X faster, and a significantly longer lifespan (5-10 years longer on average). One of the most noticeable advantages however is the flat voltage curve. Unlike a lead acid battery where the voltage drops as you use the battery a Dakota Lithium battery has a steady voltage for 99% of the battery’s charge. That means you get all the power down to the last drop and double the usable power of traditional batteries.

Dakota Lithium is a proud sponsor of over 200+ professional athletes in the fishing industry. Here’s batteries sizes recommended by our pros depending on the size of your trolling motor:

Motor Thrust / Max Amp Draw (A) @ Voltage (V) / Recommended Battery

• 20 lbs / 20A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60
• 25 lbs / 25A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60
• 30 lb / 30A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 45 lb / 42A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 55 lb / 50A @ 12V / DL 54 or DL+ 60 or DL 100
• 70 lb / 42A @ 24V / 24V Single or DL 54 x 2 or DL+ 60 x 2 or  DL 100 x 2
• 80 lb / 56A @ 24V / DL+ 60 x 2 or DL 100 x 2 or DL+ 320 x 2
• 101 lb / 46A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3  DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3
• 112 lb / 52A @ 36V / 36V Single or DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3
• >112 lb / Up to 100A @ 36V / DL+ 60 x 3 or DL 100 x 3 or DL+ 320 x 3

For wiring multiple batteries in series we recommend Connect Ease trolling motor connection kits available on our trolling motor battery page.

For a deep dive on trolling motor batteries read How to Choose A Lithium Battery for Trolling Motors

Dakota Lithium batteries are 100% safe & reliable. Our signature chemistry, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), does not contain rare earth elements (like Cobalt) or heavy metals, is non-toxic, including no lead or acid, is non-corrosive, does not off gas, requires no watering or maintenance, can be placed in any orientation, and unlike other lithium batteries will not explode or catch fire. In addition, each Dakota Lithium battery is protected from over heating, over charging, and short circuiting, by a battery management system (BMS) microchip that also extends the lifespan and is contained in a rugged, waterproof case (although enough water can conduct electricity between the terminals, so don’t submerse the battery). For best performance & reliability we recommend using a LiFePO4 charger.

It’s best to use a LiFePO4 compatible battery charger with a charge indicator function. The compatible chargers will have a red light while charging and a green light when charging is complete. You can calculate the charge time by dividing your battery capacity by the charger’s amp rating. For example, a 100Ah battery charging with a 10A charger will take 10 hours to charge.

When shipping lithium batteries, it is important to carefully follow the regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the chosen carrier (FedEx, UPS, or DHL). Lithium batteries must be packaged appropriately, including cushioning material, with the terminals protected, and must be accompanied by the required placarding and documentation. Batteries with a capacity of over 300Wh are considered hazardous materials and may require certification to be shipped with a carrier. Additionally, batteries exceeding weight limitations must be shipped via freight. If you need assistance with shipping your lithium battery, please contact our support team.

For best battery lifespan, use a charger specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries only. Avoid deep discharges, and try not to discharge the battery below 20% of its capacity. Extreme temperatures can affect performance and longevity, so avoid extreme heat or charging at very low temperatures. Periodically check the battery’s voltage and condition, especially if it’s used in a system where it may not be accessed frequently. When storing, avoid prolonged periods without a full charge, and cycle regularly. Regular use can help maintain the battery’s health, so try to cycle it through partial discharges rather than letting it sit for long periods.

The ideal storage conditions for a LiFePO4 battery are as follows: -Isolate & Protect: Always store your battery not connected to any devices or chargers. Protect the terminals from both short circuit and corrosion. Store the battery in a safe, secure place where it won’t be subjected to physical stress or impact. – Charge level: Store your battery at 50% capacity or more. Cycle it at least once every six months, and never store a discharged battery. – Temperature: Store the battery in a cool, dry environment, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Avoid extreme temperatures while storing, as they can degrade the battery. – Humidity: Store the battery in a low-humidity area to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause corrosion. The ideal humidity level for storing batteries is generally between 30% and 50%.

Yes, you can connect Dakota Lithium 12V batteries in series to achieve a higher voltage, up to 48V. When you connect 12V batteries in series, their voltages add up while the capacity (Ah) remains the same. For example, if you connect two 12V batteries in series, you’ll get 24V (12V + 12V). It’s important to use batteries of the same type, capacity, and age to ensure balanced performance. Be sure to regularly check the voltage and condition of each battery to ensure they are in balance and working well together. Wiring batteries in series is common practice in the boating and solar storage community. A number of the pro-bass fishing champions we sponsor use three 12V Dakota Lithium batteries in series to run their 36V trolling motors. It provides the high voltage needed for big motors, while providing the long amp hours needed to run a trolling motor for a full day. If you need any help with series wiring, please reach out to support.

Yes, Dakota Lithium batteries are ideal for series and/or parallel connections. Should you be unfamiliar with wiring batteries in series or parallel, both processes are detailed fully here. 

Please note that while most Dakota Lithium batteries can be wired in series for a higher voltage, none are rated to exceed 48V maximum.

Yes, you can charge a LiFePO4 battery with a solar panel. There are a few important things to consider to ensure safe and efficient success: Solar Panel Size: The size (voltage & wattage) of the solar panel should be compatible with the battery and solar charge controller needs and limitations. For instance, a larger solar panel array will charge the battery more quickly, but it also requires a charge controller that can handle the extra power. Although you can quickly deploy a battery with a solar panel of the same voltage class together for a quick top-up, it is best practice to use a solar charge controller between the solar panel and the LiFePO4 battery, especially in long-term solar charging applications. Solar Charge Controller: You want to ensure that your solar charge controller has a LiFePO4-compatible charging profile. For best efficiency, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller is recommended for multiple panels in series and 24V-48V applications. A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller is best for 12V applications and multiple panels in parallel. Charging Voltage and Current: LiFePO4 batteries have specific charging voltages and currents. Typically, they require a LiFePO4-compatible charging profile. You must ensure that your solar panel array and solar charge controller provide the appropriate voltage and current that matches the controller and battery specifications. Overcharging or charging at incorrect voltages can damage the battery or solar charge controller. For more information, please reach out to support.