The Dakota Lithium 12V 54Ah is a battery pack with a nominal voltage of 12.8V, a rated capacity of 54Ah, M6 bolts, a continuous discharge of 60 A, a peak of 100 A for a 10-second pulse and a weight of 14.3 lb (6.5 kg).
Last updated: 2 November 2026
What we found
- 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.
- 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
691 Watts (Wh)
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“ENERGY 691 Watts (Wh)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
648Wh
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“648 Wh · LiFePO4 BATTERY”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
12v 54Ah Dakota Lithium Deep Cycle Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Energy 648Wh”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
- Energy printed on the battery
- 648Wh printed on the battery itself
- Voltage
- 12.8V
- Rated capacity
- 54Ah
- Chemistry
LiFePO4
12v 54Ah Dakota Lithium Deep Cycle Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“LiFePO4 12V 54Ah Battery”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-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
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 400 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
- 60A continuous
- Peak discharge
- 100A for a 10-second pulse
- Highest charge current it will take
- 27A maximum
- Charging voltage
14.4V recommended
12v 54Ah Dakota Lithium Deep Cycle Battery · retrieved 12 September 2026
“Charge 27A max, 14.4V recommended, 15V max. Please note: this battery should be charged between 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) and with a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
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 LiFePO4-compatible charger is included
Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf · retrieved 12 September 2026
“27 A max, 14 V max recommended, 15 V max. Included is a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
A 12V 10A charger, sold separately
12v 54Ah Dakota Lithium Deep Cycle Battery · 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-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
- Wiring a higher-voltage string
- Series wiring above 48V voids the warranty
The maker’s own documents give different figures
“648 Wh · LiFePO4 BATTERY”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“VOLTAGE 12.8V”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“STORAGE CAPACITY 54 ampere hours (Ah). Dakota Lithium batteries provide consistent power for all 54 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 60 A max continuous, 100 A max pulse 10 second pulse.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“DISCHARGE 60 A max continuous, 100 A max pulse 10 second pulse.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“CHARGE 27 A max, 14 V max recommended, 15 V max. Included is a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
The maker’s own documents give the same figure
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
- What the battery management system protects against
- Balancing, low and high voltage cut-off, short circuit, temperature
- Temperatures it may be charged in
- Charge between 32°F and 113°F
- Temperatures it may be run in
- −4°F to 140°F
“DEEP CYCLE USE ONLY This is a deep cycle 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
“Includes active BMS protection Contains a circuit that handles cell balancing, low voltage cutoff, high voltage cutoff, short circuit protection and temperature protection for increased performance and longer life.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
“Charge 27A max, 14.4V recommended, 15V max. Please note: this battery should be charged between 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) and with a LiFePO4 compatible charger.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
“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/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
Size and fit
- Overall dimensions
- 197 × 135 × 190 mm, 195 mm over the terminals
- Stated weight
- 14.3 lb (6.5 kg)
- Terminal thread
- M6 bolts
- Group size the maker names
- A U1 case, said to suit Group 24 and its F, R, H and T variants
- Connector on the battery
- M6 bolt size
“SIZE 7.75"L x 5.3"W x 7.5"H (197mm x 135mm x 190mm) 195mm to top of terminals) U1 battery size, Group 24 compatible. Group 24F 24R 24H 24T compatible.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“WEIGHT 14.3 lbs (6.5 Kg). That's 75% lighter than a SLA battery.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“Terminals M6 bolt size. Easy to adapt to different connection needs. (Max torque 15 ft. lbs.)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
Unconfirmed
“U1 battery size, Group 24 compatible. Group 24F 24R 24H 24T compatible.”
Source: dakotalithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dakota-Lithium-Catalog-20241014-compressed.pdf
“M6 bolt size. Easy to adapt to different connection needs. (Max torque 15 ft. lbs.)”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-battery
Compatibility
- What the manufacturer says it fits
- marine electronics, small trolling motors, mobility scooters
“Best for Marine electronics, small trolling motors, mobility scooters”
Source: dakotalithium.com/product-category/all-batteries-by-voltage
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
- 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
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 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 54 Ah and 60 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 54 Ah and 60 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 60 A continuous — their datasheet reads "60 A 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 140 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 60 A continuous — their datasheet reads "60 A 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 120 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 60 A continuous — their datasheet reads "60 A max continuous" — 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 40 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 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
- 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
- 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 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 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
- 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 54Ah Dakota Lithium Deep Cycle BatteryArchived document
Source: dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-54ah-deep-cycle-lifepo4-trolling-motor-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