Description
The Dakota Lithium 12V 54Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery packs 648Wh into a compact U1 form factor, weighing just 14.3 lbs—75% lighter than equivalent sealed lead-acid. Purpose-built for marine electronics, small trolling motors, and mobility scooters, it delivers a flat voltage curve that makes every amp-hour usable. With 5,000 cycle lifespan and active BMS protection, this battery outlasts lead-acid 10:1 while fitting Group 24/24F/24R/24H/24T compartments.
Key Features
- ✓ U1 compact form factor — 7.75 × 5.3 × 7.5 in fits standard U1 battery trays, Group 24 compartments, mobility scooters, and kayak battery boxes without modification.
- ✓ 648Wh / 54Ah capacity — flat voltage curve means you use the full 54Ah, not the 50% typical of lead-acid. Effectively replaces an 80-100Ah SLA.
- ✓ 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) — 75% lighter than equivalent lead-acid. Critical for kayaks, mobility scooters, and any weight-sensitive application.
- ✓ 60A continuous / 100A pulse discharge — powers small trolling motors, fish finders, GPS units, and marine radios without voltage sag.
- ✓ 5,000 cycle lifespan — at 80% depth of discharge, expect 10+ years of daily cycling. Under $0.10/cycle over the battery’s lifetime.
- ✓ Active BMS protection — cell balancing, low/high voltage cutoff, short circuit protection, and thermal shutdown prevent damage in every operating condition.
- ✓ Series-capable up to 48V — connect 2 for 24V, 3 for 36V, or 4 for 48V systems using M6 bolt terminals.
- ✓ Deep cycle only — optimized for sustained discharge, not engine cranking. For dual-purpose starting + deep cycle, see the DL+ line.
Technical Specifications
| Nominal Voltage | 12.8V |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 54Ah / 648Wh |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.75 × 5.3 × 7.5 in (197 × 135 × 190 mm) |
| Group Size | U1 / Group 24 compatible |
| Continuous Discharge | 60A |
| Peak Discharge | 100A (10-second pulse) |
| Max Charge Current | 27A |
| Charge Voltage | 14.4V recommended / 15V max |
| Cycle Life | 5,000 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) |
| Charging Temperature | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) — no Even-Heat on this model |
| Terminals | M6 bolt (15 ft-lbs max torque) |
| BMS | Active — cell balance, over/under voltage, short circuit, thermal |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Certifications | UL1642, IEC62133, UN 38.3, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Warranty | 11 years (manufacturer defect) |
| Use Type | Deep cycle only — NOT for engine starting |
Applications
- Marine electronics — fish finders, GPS, depth sounders, VHF radios powered all day on a single charge
- Small trolling motors — 30 lb thrust motors run for hours; users report “it kept going and going”
- Mobility scooters & wheelchairs — standard U1 drop-in replacement at a fraction of the weight
- Kayak & canoe motors — light enough to carry, powerful enough to run electric kayak motors all day
- Ice fishing — powers electronics and heaters on the ice (note: do NOT charge below 32°F)
- Ham radio & portable communications — stable 12.8V for sensitive radio equipment
- Backup power — pair with a 300W inverter for small electronics during outages
FAQ
Does this battery have Even-Heat technology?
No. The 12V 54Ah does NOT include Even-Heat internal heating. Do not charge below 32°F (0°C) or you risk lithium plating damage. For cold-weather charging, bring the battery indoors or use an insulated battery box with an external heater. If you need built-in cold-weather charging, consider the DL+ line.
Will this fit my mobility scooter?
Yes — this is a standard U1 battery size (7.75 × 5.3 × 7.5 in) with M6 bolt terminals. It directly replaces U1 SLA batteries in most mobility scooters and power wheelchairs. At 14.3 lbs vs 35-40 lbs for SLA, you’ll notice significantly better scooter handling and range.
How long will it run a trolling motor?
A 30 lb thrust trolling motor at medium speed draws roughly 15-20A, giving 2.5-3.5 hours of runtime. At low speed (8-10A draw), expect 5+ hours. For all-day trolling, consider the 12V 100Ah for double the capacity.
Can I use my existing lead-acid charger?
No. Lead-acid chargers output 14.8-15.5V with equalization stages that will damage LiFePO4 cells. Use a LiFePO4-specific charger set to 14.4V with a maximum charge current of 27A. The Dakota Lithium 12V 10A Charger is the recommended match for this battery.
What’s the difference between M6 and M8 terminals?
The 54Ah uses smaller M6 bolt terminals, while larger Dakota Lithium batteries (100Ah+) use M8 terminals. Ensure your cable lugs match M6 bolt size. M6 to M8 adapters are available if you’re connecting to cables sized for larger batteries.
Warranty & Certifications
Backed by Dakota Lithium’s industry-leading 11-year manufacturer warranty—the longest in the LiFePO4 market. Certified to UL1642 (cell safety), IEC62133 (portable battery safety), UN 38.3 (transport safety), and manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 facilities.
