The Dakota Lithium 12V 46Ah Deep Cycle U1 is a battery pack with a nominal voltage of 12.8V, a rated capacity of 46Ah, a continuous discharge of 50 A and a weight of 10.5 lb (4.75 kg).
Last updated: 2 November 2026
What we found
- Matched to a device: MotorGuide R3 30 lb freshwater (12 V, 30" shaft, 5 forward/2 reverse), by setting each maker's published figures against the other — neither names the pairing.
- 10 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, 1 of them corroborated by a second source.
- 6 figures are contradicted by another credible source. Both readings are shown below, and neither is presented as the correct one.
Battery and charging
- Energy
- 552Wh
- Voltage
- 12.8V
- Rated capacity
- 46Ah
- Chemistry
LiFePO4
12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
Lithium Iron Phosphate technology (LiFePO4)
Dakota-Lithium-Batteries-Catalog-2023.pdf · retrieved 22 October 2026
“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
- Rated charge cycles
6,000 cycles to 80% capacity
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“LIFECYCLES (BATTERY LIFESPAN) Up to 80% capacity for 6,000 cycles in recommended conditions. The typical SLA has 500 cycles.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
5,000 cycles
12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery · 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/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
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
- 50A continuous
- Highest charge current it will take
- 23A maximum, 10A or less recommended for longest life
- Charging voltage
14.6V recommended
12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Charge 23A max, 14.6V recommended, 15V max. Please note: this battery should be charged between 32°F to 131°F (0°C to 55°C) and with a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
12 Volts 14.4 Volts
Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“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
- Charger the maker names
- A 12V 10A charger, sold separately
- Wiring a higher-voltage string
- Series wiring above 48V voids the warranty
Unconfirmed
“ENERGY 552 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 46 ampere hours (Ah). Dakota Lithium batteries provide consistent power for all 46 amp hours.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“DISCHARGE 50 A max continuous discharge. The flat discharge voltage curve provides a 3X bigger capacity then a U1 SLA 35Ah battery.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“CHARGE Recommend for longest life 10A or less (.2C), Max continuous 23A (.5C). 14.4 V recommended, 15 V max, BMS protection from over charging will cut off at 15V.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“Recommended Charger 12V 10A LiFePO4 charger (Sold Separate)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
“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
- Low-temperature charging protection
- No low temperature protection
- Ingress protection
- water resistant at an IP 65 to IP 67 rating depending on the battery
- What the battery management system protects against
- Cut-offs at 10V and 15V, plus balancing, short circuit and temperature
- Temperatures it may be charged in
Avoid charging below 32°F; stated cut-offs at 23°F charge and −20°F discharge
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Avoid charging below 32°F. Discharge cut off at - 20'F / -20'C. Charge cut off at 23'F / - 5'C. BMS high temp cut off at 167'F / 75'C.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
Charge between 32°F and 131°F — with nothing enforcing it
12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Charge 23A max, 14.6V recommended, 15V max. Please note: this battery should be charged between 32°F to 131°F (0°C to 55°C) and with a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
- Temperatures it may be run in
- −4°F to 140°F
“COLD TEMPERATURE CHARGING PROTECTION No low temperature protection”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“Cold temperature charging protection No low temperature protection”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
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
“Includes active BMS protection Contains a high discharge capable circuit that handles cell balancing, low voltage cutoff (10V) preventing over discharge, high voltage cutoff (15V) preventing over charging, short circuit protection and temperature protection for increased performance and longer life.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“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. Avoid charging below 32°F.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
Size and fit
- Overall dimensions
194 × 132 × 173 mm, a U1 case
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“SIZE 7.6"L x 5.1" W x 6.8" H (194mm x 132mm x 173 mm). U1 size (Group 21)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
194 × 132 × 161.55 mm; 171 mm over the terminals
12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Size 7.6”L x 5.1” W x 6.36” H | 194mm x 132mm x 161.55 mm (171mm including terminals). U1 size (Group 21)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
- Torque for the battery terminal nuts
- 15 ft·lb maximum
- Stated weight
- 10.5 lb (4.75 kg)
- Terminal thread
- F12 screw-in posts taking M6 bolts
- Connector on the battery
- F12 terminals
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“Terminals F12 terminals (posts that screw in) with M6 size bolts. Max torque 15 ft. lbs.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
“WEIGHT 10.5 lbs (4.75 Kg). 65% lighter than a SLA or lead battery.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“Terminals F12 terminals (posts that screw in) with M6 size bolts. Max torque 15 ft. lbs.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
“F12 terminals (posts that screw in) with M6 size bolts. Max torque 15 ft. lbs.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-battery
Compatibility
- Trolling motor thrust it is sized for
- Trolling motors of 30 lb thrust or less
- What the manufacturer says it fits
- Garmin and Lowrance electronics, kayaks, scooters, and off-grid power
- What it replaces
- A drop-in for a U1 35Ah sealed lead-acid
“TROLLING MOTOR COMPATIBILITY Perfect for trolling motors with 30 lbs of thrust or less. For larger 12v motors the DL+ 12V 60Ah battery is recommended. For 24V & 36V trolling motors the single 24V 60 Ah or 36V 60 Ah batteries are recommended.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“Used for: Garmin and Lowrance electronics, kayaks, scooters, and off-grid power”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product-category/all-batteries-by-voltage
“Drop in Replacement Size U1 35Ah SLA U1 equivalent for physical dimensions & terminal compatibility.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-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
- UN 38 certified
- 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
Unconfirmed
“CERTIFICATIONS All DL batteries are UN 38 certified. Dakota Lithium's cells are UL1642 certified and have been tested per IEC62133 standards. Meets all US & International regulations for air, ground, train, & marine 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.
- MotorGuide R3 30 lb freshwater (12 V, 30" shaft, 5 forward/2 reverse)Figures comparedView device: MotorGuide R3 30 lb freshwater (12 V, 30" shaft, 5 forward/2 reverse) →
One of these, on its own, at 12 V.
“Perfect for trolling motors with 30 lbs of thrust or less.”
Only within Dakota Lithium's ceiling of 30 lb of thrust for a 12 volt motor, and this motor's 30 lb is within it — check yours before buying.
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.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.
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 46 Ah and 50 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".
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.
This pack is rated 46 Ah and 50 A continuous.
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 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.
- 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 50 A continuous — their datasheet reads "50 A max continuous discharge" — 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 150 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 50 A continuous — their datasheet reads "50 A max continuous discharge" — 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 130 A.
- Progressive Dynamics PD1610 Pure Sine Wave InverterFigures compared — they do not meetView device: Progressive Dynamics PD1610 Pure Sine Wave Inverter →
Dakota Lithium rate this pack at 50 A continuous — their datasheet reads "50 A max continuous discharge" — and the PD1610 draws up to 100 A at full load by Progressive Dynamics' own figure. The pack is not rated to deliver that continuously, short by 50 A.
- Garmin Force Current (10–32 V, kayak)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Garmin Force Current (10–32 V, kayak) →
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. 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.
- 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.
Source: minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/blog/selecting-best-trolling-motor-battery
- Garmin Force (20–45 V, 50" and 57" shafts)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Garmin Force (20–45 V, 50" and 57" shafts) →
- Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb (60" shaft, wireless remote)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb (60" 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 “80 lb Lithium 100–125Ah 2–3 hours Best for long days” for lithium.
Source: minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/blog/selecting-best-trolling-motor-battery
- Garmin Force Kraken (20–45 V, 48" to 110" shafts)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Garmin Force Kraken (20–45 V, 48" to 110" shafts) →
- Garmin Force Pro (20–45 V, 50" and 57" shafts, brushless)Figures compared — they do not meetView device: Garmin Force Pro (20–45 V, 50" and 57" shafts, brushless) →
Sources
- 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
- 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
- Archived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dakota-Lithium-User-Manual.pdf
Retrieved September 12, 2026
- 12v 46Ah LiFePO4 Lithium BatteryArchived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/12v-46ah-lifepo4-deep-cycle-u1-scooter-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
- All Batteries by Voltage | Dakota Lithium BatteriesArchived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/product-category/all-batteries-by-voltage
Retrieved October 10, 2026