Trolling motor battery selection & recommendations in 2025.
Both lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries can be used in trolling motors. Lead-acid batteries have advantages in price and thermal stability, while lithium batteries have advantages in cycle life, charge and discharge efficiency, and energy density. As the cost of lithium batteries drops rapidly, lead-acid batteries are losing their cost advantage, and customers are more inclined to buy lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries can be classified into lithium-ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. The difference between these two batteries lies mainly in the difference in cathode materials. The cathode material of lithium-ion batteries is NCM or NCA; while the cathode material of lithium iron phosphate batteries is lithium iron phosphate. Because of the difference in cathode materials, these two batteries also show different performances. You can learn more from the comparison sheet below.
Item | Lithium-ion | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
Chemistry | NCM, or NCA | LiFePO4 |
Nominal Voltage (cell) | 3.6V - 3.7V | 3.2V |
Energy Density (Wh/L) | High | Medium |
High Temperature Discharge | Max 60℃ | Max 60℃ |
Low Temperature Discharge | High | Low |
High Temperature Charge | Medium | Medium |
Low Temperature Charge | Above 0℃ | Above 0℃ |
Overcharge | Medium | High |
Over-discharge | Medium | Medium |
Safety | Medium | High |
Life Cycle | Medium | High |
Cost/Wh | High | Medium |
How should customers choose lithium batteries? This can be determined from the following factors.
1. Battery weight - The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is much higher than lithium iron phosphate batteries. If customers need to bring their batteries back to shore for charging frequently, then the weight of the batteries will be a very critical factor. Lithium-ion battery can significantly reduce the weight of trolling motor battery and is convenient to carry.
2. Price - Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a better Wh cost. If consumers have limited budget, then lithium iron phosphate batteries are undoubtedly a wiser choice.
3. Expected life cycle - Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a cycle life twice that of lithium-ion batteries, so the cost per use will be lower. Considering that the service life of lithium-ion batteries can reach 1,000 times, if customers do not use their battery frequently (calculated as 100 times/year), considering the calendar life of rechargeable batteries, the expected service life of these two batteries is at same level, and both can meet the expected service life of 5-10 years.
Are lithium batteries safe？
There is no rechargeable battery is absolutely safe. Cell is an important factor affecting the safety of lithium batteries. Thermal runaway of the cell can cause serious safety accidents. The battery management system (BMS) can ensure that the cell works within the allowable range, prevent the cell from being overcharge, over-discharge, over temperature, or under temperature, help the cell achieve charge balancing, and protect the cell safety in abuse scenarios, such as short circuits. The manufacturing and quality control capabilities are another critical factor. If the manufacturer lacks advanced facility and quality control capabilities, they cannot guarantee the high quality of their products.
1. Cell - Experienced customers prefer to choose high-quality cell manufacturer. Although high-quality cells will cost more, considering the enormous losses caused by possible lithium battery safety accidents, high-quality cells are the wisest choice.
The market is flooded with low-quality batteries and recycled batteries. The safety of these batteries is very poor, and the probability of triggering thermal runaway events is much higher than that of high-quality batteries. Customers should be highly vigilant about these batteries and avoid purchasing and using them.
2. BMS - The main function of battery management system (BMS) is to ensure that cell can work within acceptable conditions. Once the working environment of the cell exceeds the acceptable conditions, it will not only accelerate the degradation of the cell, but may also cause thermal runaway accidents.
Intelligent battery management systems can provide more comprehensive management and protection for cells. Although intelligent BMS costs will be higher, experienced customers still prefer to use intelligent BMS to guarantee battery safety.
The redundant design of BMS is crucial. Although reserving sufficient redundant design will increase some costs, it can significantly improve the service life of BMS and easily cope with various abuse situations.
3. Battery manufacturing and quality control capability - Any manufacturing defects or deficiencies in quality control will bring safety risks to lithium batteries. The quality of lithium batteries cannot be judged only by appearance. Its manufacturing and quality control process are the real decisive factors.
A lithium battery manufacturer with state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and excellent quality control can bring high-quality commitment to its products. Customers should pay more attention to these decisive factors and avoid buying lithium battery products from bad business reputation manufacturers.
What lithium batteries can be used for trolling motor?
The performance parameters of DCU105B trolling motor battery can be obtained from the following table.
Part Number | DCU105B |
Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
Nominal Battery Voltage (V) | 12.8 |
Nominal Battery Capacity (Ah) | 105 |
Minimum Battery Capacity (Ah) | 103 |
Nominal Battery Energy Capacity (Wh) | 1344 |
Type of Cell | Prismatic |
Cell Configuration | 4S1P |
Cycle Life | 3,000 cycles at 90% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current |
5,000 cycles at 80% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current | |
Battery Management System (BMS) | Built-in and integrated |
Charge Voltage (V) | 14.4 - 14.6 |
Charge Balancing | Passive, 50 - 80mA |
Max Charge Current (A) | 120 (10℃~35℃) |
Recommended Charge Current (A) | 20 - 30 |
Reverse Polarity Protection | Applicable |
Discharge Cut-off Voltage (V) | 11.2 (2.8/cell) |
Continuous Discharge Current (A) | 100 (10%~100% SOC) |
Max Discharge Current (A) | 120 in 6 minutes |
150 in 60 seconds | |
Pulse Discharge Current (A) | 300 in 6 seconds |
External Short Circuit | Prohibition (consult the manufacturer if needed) |
Operating Temperature Charge (℃) | 0℃ - 50℃ (charge will be closed by BMS at <-5℃, or >55℃) |
Operating Temperature Discharge (℃) | -20℃ - 60℃ (discharge will be closed by BMS at <-25℃, or >65℃) |
Storage Temperature (℃) | -20℃ - 35℃ with 50% - 60% SOC |
Storage Time @ Storage Temperature | 6 months |
Humidity (non-condensing) | 10% - 90% |
Battery Terminals | Threaded insert - M6 |
Torque: 8 - 10 Nm | |
Battery Box Material | ABS + PC, UL 94V-0 |
Ingress Protection (IP) | IP56 |
Cooling | Natural convection |
Battery Outer Dimensions (L x W x H) | 299.6 x 179 x 188 mm |
11.8 x 7.1 x 7.4 inch | |
Weight | 10.5 kg / 23.2 lb |
Mounting Position | Upright |
Series Connection | Prohibition |
Parallel Connection | Consult the manufacturer if needed |
Fuse | Use appropriate fuse as close to battery positive (+) terminal as possible |
Communication | CAN2.0B, or RS485 is optional |
Bluetooth | BLE5.0 with 10 meters |
Firmware Upgrade | By OTA, or host computer software |
Remote Fault Diagnosis | By App (under construction) |
KEY Switch | Available |
BMS Power Consumption | 5mA in stand-by dormant |
1mA in deep dormant | |
Application | Trolling motor, Yacht, Sail boat, Fishing boat |
The performance parameters of DCU2475B trolling motor battery can be obtained from the following table.
Part Number | DCU2475B |
Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion NCA |
Nominal Battery Voltage (V) | 25.4 |
Nominal Battery Capacity (Ah) | 75 |
Minimum Battery Capacity (Ah) | 72 |
Nominal Battery Energy Capacity (Wh) | 1905 |
Type of Cell | Samsung SDI INR21700-50GB |
Cell Configuration | 7S15P |
Cycle Life | 800 cycles at 90% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current |
1,000 cycles at 80% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current | |
Battery Management System (BMS) | Built-in and integrated |
Charge Voltage (V) | 29.2 (4.175/cell) |
Charge Balancing | Passive, 50 - 80mA |
Max Charge Current (A) | 40 (10℃~35℃) |
Recommended Charge Current (A) | 15 - 25 |
Reverse Polarity Protection | Applicable |
Discharge Cut-off Voltage (V) | 19.6 (2.8/cell) |
Continuous Discharge Current (A) | 60 (10%~100% SOC) |
Max Discharge Current (A) | 80 in 6 minutes |
100 in 60 seconds | |
Pulse Discharge Current (A) | 150 in 6 seconds |
External Short Circuit | Prohibition (consult the manufacturer if needed) |
Operating Temperature Charge (℃) | 0℃ - 45℃ (charge will be closed by BMS at <-5℃, or >50℃) |
Operating Temperature Discharge (℃) | -20℃ - 60℃ (discharge will be closed by BMS at <-25℃, or >65℃) |
Storage Temperature (℃) | -20℃ - 35℃ with 50% - 60% SOC |
Storage Time @ Storage Temperature | 6 months |
Humidity (non-condensing) | 10% - 90% |
Battery Terminals | Threaded insert – M6 |
Torque: 8 - 10 Nm | |
Battery Box Material | ABS + PC, UL 94V-0 |
Ingress Protection (IP) | IP56 |
Cooling | Natural convection |
Battery Outer Dimensions (L x W x H) | 299.6 x 179 x 188 mm |
11.8 x 7.1 x 7.4 inch | |
Weight | 10.8 kg / 23.8 lb |
Mounting Position | Upright |
Series Connection | Prohibition |
Parallel Connection | Consult the manufacturer if needed |
Fuse | Use appropriate fuse as close to battery positive (+) terminal as possible |
Communication | CAN2.0B, or RS485 is optional |
Bluetooth | BLE5.0 with 10 meters |
Firmware Upgrade | By OTA, or host computer software |
Remote Fault Diagnosis | By App (under construction) |
KEY Switch | Available |
BMS Power Consumption | 5mA in stand-by dormant |
1mA in deep dormant | |
Application | Trolling motor |
The performance parameters of DCU3650B trolling motor battery can be obtained from the following table.
Part Number | DCU3650B |
Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion NCA |
Nominal Battery Voltage (V) | 36.3 |
Nominal Battery Capacity (Ah) | 50 |
Minimum Battery Capacity (Ah) | 48 |
Nominal Battery Energy Capacity (Wh) | 1815 |
Type of Cell | Samsung SDI INR21700-50GB |
Cell Configuration | 10S10P |
Cycle Life | 800 cycles at 90% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current |
1,000 cycles at 80% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current | |
Battery Management System (BMS) | Built-in and integrated |
Charge Voltage (V) | 41.75 (4.175/cell) |
Charge Balancing | Passive, 50 - 80mA |
Max Charge Current (A) | 35 (10℃~35℃) |
Recommended Charge Current (A) | 10 - 15 |
Reverse Polarity Protection | Applicable |
Discharge Cut-off Voltage (V) | 28 (2.8/cell) |
Continuous Discharge Current (A) | 50 (10%~100% SOC) |
Max Discharge Current (A) | 75 in 6 minutes |
100 in 60 seconds | |
Pulse Discharge Current (A) | 150 in 6 seconds |
External Short Circuit | Prohibition (consult the manufacturer if needed) |
Operating Temperature Charge (℃) | 0℃ - 45℃ (charge will be closed by BMS at <-5℃, or >50℃) |
Operating Temperature Discharge (℃) | -20℃ - 60℃ (discharge will be closed by BMS at <-25℃, or >65℃) |
Storage Temperature (℃) | -20℃ - 35℃ with 50% - 60% SOC |
Storage Time @ Storage Temperature | 6 months |
Humidity (non-condensing) | 10% - 90% |
Battery Terminals | Threaded insert - M6 |
Torque: 8 - 10 Nm | |
Battery Box Material | ABS + PC, UL 94V-0 |
Ingress Protection (IP) | IP56 |
Cooling | Natural convection |
Battery Outer Dimensions (L x W x H) | 299.6 x 179 x 188 mm |
11.8 x 7.1 x 7.4 inch | |
Weight | 10.5 kg / 23.2 lb |
Mounting Position | Upright |
Series Connection | Prohibition |
Parallel Connection | Consult the manufacturer if needed |
Fuse | Use appropriate fuse as close to battery positive (+) terminal as possible |
Communication | CAN2.0B, or RS485 is optional |
Bluetooth | BLE5.0 with 10 meters |
Firmware Upgrade | By OTA, or host computer software |
Remote Fault Diagnosis | By App (under construction) |
KEY Switch | Available |
BMS Power Consumption | 5mA in stand-by dormant |
1mA in deep dormant | |
Application | Trolling motor |
The performance parameters of MP48105 Pro trolling motor battery can be obtained from the following table.
Part Number | MP48105 Pro |
Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
Nominal Battery Voltage (V) | 51.2 |
Nominal Battery Capacity (Ah) | 105 |
Minimum Battery Capacity (Ah) | 103 |
Nominal Battery Energy Capacity (Wh) | 5376 |
Type of Cell | Prismatic |
Cell Configuration | 16S1P |
Cycle Life | 3,000 cycles at 90% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current |
5,000 cycles at 80% DOD, at 25℃ / 0.5C current | |
Battery Management System (BMS) | Built-in and integrated |
Charge Voltage (V) | 57.6 - 58.4 |
Charge Balancing | Passive, 50 - 80mA |
Max Charge Current (A) | 80 (10℃~35℃) |
Recommended Charge Current (A) | 20 - 30 |
Reverse Polarity Protection | Applicable |
Discharge Cut-off Voltage (V) | 44.8 (2.8/cell) |
Continuous Discharge Current (A) | 100 (10%~100% SOC) |
Max Discharge Current (A) | 120 in 6 minutes |
150 in 60 seconds | |
Pulse Discharge Current (A) | 300 in 6 seconds |
External Short Circuit | Prohibition (consult the manufacturer if needed) |
Operating Temperature Charge (℃) | 0℃ - 45℃ (charge will be closed by BMS at <-5℃, or >50℃) |
Operating Temperature Discharge (℃) | -20℃ - 60℃ (discharge will be closed by BMS at <-25℃, or >65℃) |
Storage Temperature (℃) | -20℃ - 35℃ with 50% - 60% SOC |
Storage Time @ Storage Temperature | 6 months |
Humidity (non-condensing) | 10% - 90% |
Battery Terminals | Threaded insert - M8 |
Torque: 8 - 10 Nm | |
Battery Box Material | Powder coated iron case |
Ingress Protection (IP) | IP56 |
Cooling | Natural convection |
Battery Outer Dimensions (L x W x H) | 640 x 243 x 325 mm |
25.2 x 9.6 x 12.8 inch | |
Weight | 49.5 kg / 109.1 lb |
Mounting Position | Upright |
Series Connection | Prohibition |
Parallel Connection | Consult the manufacturer if needed |
Fuse | Use appropriate fuse as close to battery positive (+) terminal as possible |
Communication | CAN2.0B, or RS485 is optional |
Bluetooth | BLE5.0 with 10 meters |
Firmware Upgrade | By OTA, or host computer software |
Remote Fault Diagnosis | By App (under construction) |
KEY Switch | Available |
BMS Power Consumption | 5mA in stand-by dormant |
1mA in deep dormant | |
Application | Electric outboard motor |
About DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd.
DEFORD New Power Co., Ltd. is committed to design and manufacture advanced, safe, and reliable battery systems for marine. We are veterans of battery industry, and our core team has nearly 20 years battery expertise.
Thanks to our deep understanding to battery technology, battery management system (BMS), and expertise on mechanics and thermodynamics. With the assistance of our advanced manufacturing facilities and cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES). We do have the ability to guarantee the high quality, safety and reliability of your battery systems.
For any inquiries about trolling motor battery, please contact us by info@deford.com.cn.