The Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah is a battery pack with a nominal voltage of 12.8V, a rated capacity of 100Ah, 1280Wh of energy, Lithium Iron Phosphate technology (LiFePO4) cells, a continuous discharge of 100 A and a peak of 200 A for a 10-second pulse.
Last updated: 2 November 2026
What we found
- Matched to devices across several brands, by setting each maker's published figures against the other — neither names the pairing.
- 4 devices are compared as NOT run by it, by setting each maker's published figures against the other — neither names the pairing.
- Specifications are published for it, each with its source.
- 5 figures are contradicted by another credible source. Both readings are shown below, and neither is presented as the correct one.
Battery and charging
- Energy
- 1280Wh
- Voltage
- 12.8V
- Rated capacity
- 100Ah
- Chemistry
- Lithium Iron Phosphate technology (LiFePO4)
- Rated charge cycles
5,000 cycles to 80% capacity
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“LIFECYCLES (BATTERY LIFESPAN) Up to 80% capacity for 5,000 cycles in recommended conditions. The typical SLA has 500 cycles.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
2,000 cycles at full discharge, up to 6,000 at a fifth of it
Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“HOW LONG WILL MY BATTERY LAST? The average lifespan of a Dakota Lithium Iron Phosphate battery depends on use. If the battery is used at maximum discharge (typically 1C) then the lifespan is typically 2,000 recharge cycles or roughly 5 – 10 years with regular use. When used at <0.2C discharge the lifespan increases, up to 6,000 recharge cycles.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
- Maximum continuous discharge
- 100A continuous
- Peak discharge
- 200A for a 10-second pulse
- Recommended charging
- 14.4V at under 0.3C, so three hours or more
- Highest charge current it will take
- 50A maximum, at 14.4V recommended and 15V absolute
- Charger the maker names
Included is a LiFePO4 compatible charger.
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“CHARGE 50A max, 14.4V recommended, 15V max. Included is a LiFePO4 compatible charger. A SLA charger may work, but will reduce performance and lifespan of the battery.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
A 12V 10A charger, sold separately
12v 100Ah Lithium Battery Deep Cycle Marine/Solar · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Recommended Charger 12v 10A LiFePO4 Charger (Sold Separate). Dakota Lithium 12V batteries should be charged at 14.4 volts, higher than AGM or lead acid. Lead acid chargers will work, but will only charge the battery to 80% of capacity.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
- Wiring a higher-voltage string
- Series wiring above 48V voids the warranty
“ENERGY 1280 Watt-hours (Wh)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“VOLTAGE 12.8V (Dakota Lithium 12V batteries can be used in series for up to 48V systems)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“STORAGE CAPACITY 100 Ampere hours (Ah). Dakota Lithium batteries provide consistent power for all 100 Amp hours.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“All Dakota Lithium batteries are engineered with Lithium Iron Phosphate technology (LiFePO4)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dakota-Lithium-Batteries-Catalog-2023.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“DISCHARGE 100A max continuous, 200A max pulse 10 second pulse.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“DISCHARGE 100A max continuous, 200A max pulse 10 second pulse.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“DAKOTA LITHIUM BATTERY VOLTAGE RECOMMENDED CHARGING VOLTAGE RECOMMENDED CHARGING SPEED (C) 12 Volts 14.4 Volts <0.3C (3 hours or more)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
“CHARGE 50A max, 14.4V recommended, 15V max. Included is a LiFePO4 compatible charger. A SLA charger may work, but will reduce performance and lifespan of the battery.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“Dakota Lithium 12V to 48V batteries are not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
Battery care and safety
- Not for starting engines
- Deep cycle only — not for starting engines
- Ingress protection
- water resistant at an IP 65 to IP 67 rating depending on the battery
- Temperatures it may be charged in
Do not charge below 32°F
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“OPERATING TEMPERATURE Ideal for rugged & harsh environments. Much better than SLA or other lithium's. -20°F min, +120°F max optimal operating temps (battery performs well down to -20°F). Avoid charging below 32°F.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
No cold-charging ban here — the heater handles it below 0°C
12v 100Ah Lithium Battery Deep Cycle Marine/Solar · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Internal Even-Heat Technology Helps protect the battery when charging in cold temperatures. When the battery is charged in temperatures below 0°C (32°F), the internal heating element warms the cells to 5°C (41°F), reducing the risk of damage to the battery cells during charging in cold conditions.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
- Temperatures it may be run in
-20°F min, +120°F max optimal operating temps
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“OPERATING TEMPERATURE Ideal for rugged & harsh environments. Much better than SLA or other lithium's. -20°F min, +120°F max optimal operating temps (battery performs well down to -20°F). Avoid charging below 32°F.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
−4°F to 140°F
12v 100Ah Lithium Battery Deep Cycle Marine/Solar · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Operating temperature Ideal for rugged & harsh environments. Much better than SLA or other lithium’s. -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) optimal operating temps.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
- Heating built into the battery
- An internal heater warms the cells to 5°C before cold charging
- Temperatures the heater works between
- The heater runs when charging starts below 0°C
“NOT FOR STARTING ENGINES This is a deep cycle 12V battery. Not designed for starting gasoline engines.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
Unconfirmed
“Use a battery box or battery tray that protects the battery from water (DL batteries are water resistant at an IP 65 to IP 67 rating depending on the battery, but terminals may corrode if repeatedly exposed to salt water, and sitting in standing water for extended periods is not recommended for batteries).”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
The maker’s own documents give different figures
Unconfirmed
“Internal Even-Heat Technology Helps protect the battery when charging in cold temperatures. When the battery is charged in temperatures below 0°C (32°F), the internal heating element warms the cells to 5°C (41°F), reducing the risk of damage to the battery cells during charging in cold conditions.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
“Internal Even-Heat Technology Helps protect the battery when charging in cold temperatures. When the battery is charged in temperatures below 0°C (32°F), the internal heating element warms the cells to 5°C (41°F), reducing the risk of damage to the battery cells during charging in cold conditions.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
Size and fit
- Overall dimensions
- 260 × 169 × 215 mm, 220 mm over the terminals
- Group size the maker names
- BCI Group 24
Unconfirmed
“SIZE 10.23" L x 6.60" W x 8.66" H (260mm x 169mm x 215mm) (220mm to top of terminal) Group 24 equivalent.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“GROUP SIZE 24 BCI Group Number 24 & Group 24 equivalent / compatible for physical dimensions (L x W x H) & terminal location.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
Compatibility
- What it replaces
- Twice the usable capacity of a lead-acid of the same group
“Group Size 24 BCI Group Number 24 & Group 24 equivalent / compatible for physical dimensions (L x W x H) & terminal location. Usable deep cycle capacity is much higher (2x) than a lead-acid battery of the same group size. Deep cycle only. Not for starting engines.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
Conditions and exclusions
- What the warranty does not cover
- Not covered: negligence, misuse, normal wear and tear
“This warranty does not cover negligence or misuse of the battery or normal wear and tear.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
Certification claims
- Standards the maker claims
- The CELLS are UL1642 certified and tested per IEC62133 and UN 38.3
- Company quality certification
ISO 9001:2015 — a company standard, not a battery one
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“ISO 9001:2015 Dakota Lithium is certified by ISO 9001:2015 for lithium battery engineering, manufacturing, and quality control. This means that the battery systems available at Dakota Lithium are designed and manufactured to the highest ISO 9001:2015 engineering standards.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004
Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“CERTIFICATIONS - Tested and certified for safety and reliability Dakota Lithium batteries are UN 38 certified and built from grade A cells. Dakota Lithium's cells are UL1642 certified and have been tested per IEC62133 standards. UN Manual of Tests and Criteria certified, and meets all US & International regulations for air, ground, marine, and train transport. Select battery models are ISO Certified ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System & ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System for use in industry applications.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
- Safety claim
- The maker calls them 100% safe and not prone to fire
“CERTIFICATIONS Dakota Lithium's cells are UL1642 certified and have been tested per IEC62133 and UN 38.3 standards. They meet all US and international regulations for air, ground, and train transport.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
Unconfirmed
“ARE LITHIUM BATTERIES SAFE? 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 is not prone to exploding or catching fire due to the lack of oxide / oxygen in the LiFePO4 chemistry.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
Devices documented to run on this
The figures below line up. Neither manufacturer states that this pack runs this device — that is our reading of what each of them published separately, not a claim by either of them or a test by us. Even where every stated figure agrees, these can still decide it:
- The device’s published draw is usually a peak, not the load it holds — the two numbers are not the same kind of quantity
- A maker’s amp-hour minimum and their reserve-capacity minimum can give different answers about the same battery
- Conditions attached to the chemistry, such as a speed limit for running on lithium
- Whether the pack may be wired in series at all, where the device needs 24 or 36 volts
- The charger, which both makers put conditions on and neither supplies
- Case size, hold-down and terminal type — fitting the space is not being secured in it
Worth confirming with the device's manufacturer or a dealer before buying.
Three of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 36 V.
Only at 36 volts, and on published figures — neither maker has named the other and nobody has tested this pairing — check yours before buying.
The motor's maker asks for 100 Ah minimum for a lead-acid or AGM battery, and 50 Ah to 100 Ah where the battery is lithium, and the battery must be able to supply 60 A of continuous current. This pack is rated 100 Ah and 100 A continuous. Which of the two figures applies turns on what is inside this pack, and its chemistry is not published in anything we hold — so the stricter one is used. The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V — three of these packs is 38.4 V, four would be 51.2 V".
- Garmin Force Current (10–32 V, kayak)Figures comparedView device: Garmin Force Current (10–32 V, kayak) →
Two of these, identical to each other, wired in series for 24 V.
Only at 24 volts, and on published figures — neither maker has named the other and nobody has tested this pairing — check yours before buying.
The motor's maker asks for 100 Ah minimum for a lead-acid or AGM battery, and 50 Ah to 100 Ah where the battery is lithium, and a 40 A continuous draw, which the circuit breaker is specified against. This pack is rated 100 Ah and 100 A continuous. Which of the two figures applies turns on what is inside this pack, and its chemistry is not published in anything we hold — so the stricter one is used. The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V — three of these packs is 38.4 V, four would be 51.2 V".
- Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb (60" shaft, wireless remote)Figures comparedView device: Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb (60" shaft, wireless remote) →
Two of these, wired in series for 24 V.
Dakota Lithium state these 12 V packs may be used in series for up to 48 V systems, so two at 24 V is inside what they permit. 100 Ah is the bottom of Minn Kota's lithium band; 100 A continuous against a 56 A draw. Note that Dakota Lithium's warranty excludes serial wiring above 48 V, which this is well inside. Minn Kota's installation manual states their motors are designed for lead acid, that lithium holds a higher voltage for longer, and that running above 85% speed for a prolonged period could cause permanent damage to the motor.
- Progressive Dynamics PD1610 Pure Sine Wave InverterFigures comparedView device: Progressive Dynamics PD1610 Pure Sine Wave Inverter →
Dakota Lithium rate this pack at 100 A continuous — their datasheet reads "100A max continuous" — and Progressive Dynamics publish a max current at max load of 100 A for the PD1610. The two figures are EQUAL, so a pack running this inverter at its full 1000 W would be at its maker's stated limit with nothing spare. That is a different statement from a comfortable fit, and neither company has made either. Compared on continuous figures only: nothing here is about surge.
Source: forestriverinc.com/files/component-manuals/Electrical/Progressive Dynamics - Inverter Model PD1600 Series Operation Guide.pdf
Devices whose figures this pack does not meet
Neither maker names the other. These devices publish a draw this pack’s own maker does not rate it to deliver continuously. That is a comparison of two documents and not a manufacturer’s refusal — check both against your own equipment before deciding anything.
Neither company names the other, and this is a comparison of two documents rather than anybody's refusal.
Compared on continuous figures only: nothing here is about surge.
Minn Kota ask for “at least a 105 amp-hour rating”, in a paragraph about lead-acid: “The motor will operate with any lead acid, deep cycle marine 12-volt battery/batteries.
Source: johnsonoutdoors.widen.net/content/zp8zgjh29h/pdf/Terrova-BT-Installation-2327132rj.pdf
Until the chemistry is established the two cannot be compared, so neither is offered as a verdict.
This pack is rated 100 Ah and 100 A continuous.
- Progressive Dynamics PD1620 Pure Sine Wave InverterFigures compared — they do not meetView device: Progressive Dynamics PD1620 Pure Sine Wave Inverter →
Dakota Lithium rate this pack at 100 A continuous — their datasheet reads "100A max continuous" — and the PD1620 draws up to 200 A at full load by Progressive Dynamics' own figure. The pack is not rated to deliver that continuously, short by 100 A.
- Progressive Dynamics PD1618 Pure Sine Wave InverterFigures compared — they do not meetView device: Progressive Dynamics PD1618 Pure Sine Wave Inverter →
Dakota Lithium rate this pack at 100 A continuous — their datasheet reads "100A max continuous" — and the PD1618 draws up to 180 A at full load by Progressive Dynamics' own figure. The pack is not rated to deliver that continuously, short by 80 A.
- Minn Kota Terrova 55 lb (54" shaft, wireless remote)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Minn Kota Terrova 55 lb (54" shaft, wireless remote) →
For best results, use a deep cycle, marine battery with at least a 105 amp-hour rating.” We have not recorded this pack's chemistry, and that figure is a lead-acid one — Minn Kota's table for this motor names “55 lb AGM or Lithium 100Ah 2–4 hours Most common setup” for lithium.
Source: minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/blog/selecting-best-trolling-motor-battery
- Minn Kota Terrova 112 lb (60" shaft, CHIRP sonar, wireless remote)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Minn Kota Terrova 112 lb (60" shaft, CHIRP sonar, wireless remote) →
For best results, use a deep cycle, marine battery with at least a 105 amp-hour rating.” We have not recorded this pack's chemistry, and that figure is a lead-acid one — Minn Kota's table for this motor names “112 lb Lithium 125–150Ah 1.5–2.5 hours Heavy-duty” for lithium. The pack's maker permits the series wiring this needs: "not intended or warrantied for serial wiring applications above 48V — three of these packs is 38.4 V, four would be 51.2 V".
Source: minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/blog/selecting-best-trolling-motor-battery
Sources
- Progressive Dynamics PD1600 Series Operation GuideManufacturer document
Progressive Dynamics
Source: forestriverinc.com/files/component-manuals/Electrical/Progressive Dynamics - Inverter Model PD1600 Series Operation Guide.pdf
Retrieved September 20, 2026
- BCI Group Sizes — Dimensional Specifications and RatingsStandards organisation
Battery Council International
Source: batterycouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BCI-Group-Sizes.pdf
Retrieved September 11, 2026
- Dakota Lithium — 2024 Product CatalogManufacturer document
Dakota Lithium
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- Archived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- 12v 100Ah Lithium Battery Deep Cycle Marine/SolarArchived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- Archived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dakota-Lithium-Batteries-Catalog-2023.pdf
Retrieved October 22, 2026