Trolling motors are the heart of many serious anglers’ setups. Whether casting for bass on a lake or navigating tight river channels, reliable, long-lasting power is nonnegotiable. For years, lead-acid and AGM batteries dominated the marine market. But now a revolution is underway: 24V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery systems are rising in popularity—and HHS ENERGY is leading the wave.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Why 24V systems are popular for trolling motors
Why LiFePO₄ chemistry excels in marine use
How HHS ENERGY designs its 24V LiFePO₄ packs for trolling motors
The technical details that matter (capacity, cycle life, BMS, charging, safety)
Real-world performance: range, load handling, temperature behavior
Installation and upgrade tips for using 24V LiFePO₄
Challenges & considerations (cost, compatibility, cold charging)
Forecasts for adoption in the marine industry
Suggested visuals & diagrams to illustrate key points
Let’s dive in.
Many trolling motors are rated for 24V systems as a sweet spot for balance between:
Voltage headroom: More voltage allows more power without pushing huge currents.
Current handling: Compared to 12V, 24V halves the current for the same power, reducing losses in wiring.
Motor compatibility: Many mid-to-high thrust trolling motors are built for 24V to deliver better torque and speed.
Battery configuration flexibility: Two 12V modules in series are easy; or a custom 24V pack simplifies wiring.
Because of these benefits, upgrading from dual 12V lead-acid batteries to a single 24V LiFePO₄ pack (or paired LiFePO₄ modules) is an attractive option for marine power systems.
LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is one of the safest lithium chemistries. It has low risk of thermal runaway and performs well under rugged conditions.
Lead-acid systems generally limit safe discharge to ~40–60% of rated capacity. LiFePO₄ systems from HHS allow 80–100% depth of discharge in many designs, giving more usable energy per battery.
A well-made LiFePO₄ pack can last 2,000 to 6,000+ cycles, far beyond what typical lead-acid packs manage. Over time, that dramatically lowers cost per use.
Unlike lead-acid, which sags in voltage under heavy draw, LiFePO₄ maintains a flatter discharge curve. That means your trolling motor runs stronger and more consistently, even as the battery depletes.
LiFePO₄ packs can weigh 50–70% less than equivalent lead-acid systems. Reducing weight in a boat is more than convenience—it improves speed, handling, and efficiency.
When your boat sits docked between trips, LiFePO₄ batteries lose very little charge—ideal for seasonal or occasional use.
HHS ENERGY has tailored its battery design specifically for trolling motor applications:
Modular 12V cells preassembled in series to form 24V packs
Integrated BMS protections (overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, temperature, cell balancing)
Marine-grade packaging: sealed enclosures, corrosion-resistant terminals, IP-rated housings
High discharge capability: Continuous and burst current profiles suited for motor loads
Thermal management: Internal temperature sensors and safety derating when hot or cold
Communication features: Some packs support Bluetooth or CAN for monitoring performance
Because HHS focuses on marine & electric mobility markets, their packs are optimized for real-world conditions, not just spec sheets.
A 24V 100Ah pack yields 2,400 Wh (watt-hours).
With LiFePO₄ allowing 80–100% use, that gives close to full capacity.
Compare that to two 12V 100Ah lead-acid batteries that you often can’t fully drain.
Trolling motors may draw bursts of current, so the battery must support both sustained and peak loads.
HHS designs packs with high surge capacity while maintaining thermal safety margins.
HHS manufactures for thousands of cycles at moderate depth of discharge.
Calendar degradation is minimized by quality cell selection and thermal controls.
Overcharge protection: safeguard against cell damage
Over-discharge cutoff: to protect battery when drained
Cell balancing: ensures uniform performance across modules
Temperature shutdown or derating: avoids damage in extreme heat/cold
Short-circuit protection and reverse-polarity safeguards
LiFePO₄ typically uses a CC-CV (constant current / constant voltage) method.
Charger must match voltage thresholds (e.g. 29.2V, 28.8V, or as specified by manufacturer).
Efficiency is high—often >95%, with minimal energy lost to heat during charge/discharge.
Sealed housings to fend off water, salt, and vibration
Active or passive internal heating elements in cold climates
Modular design for ease of replacement or expansion
In field trials, a 24V 100Ah HHS pack delivered:
Light load (steady trolling): 6–8 hours of operation
Moderate load (mixed speeds): 3–5 hours
Heavy load / continuous high-draw: shorter runs, but still stronger than lead-acid
Compared to traditional 12V setups, users report 1.5× to 2× range improvements overall.
When encountering deep water, wind, or weeds, the motor draw increases. LiFePO₄ packs maintain voltage under those surges better than lead-acid, giving you margin to recover rather than losing thrust.
In hot weather: HHS’s thermal management prevents overheating and protects cells.
In cold weather: Some packs include heating or conservative current limits until warmed.
LiFePO₄ suffers less capacity loss in chilly conditions compared to lead-acid.
After hundreds of cycles, capacity showed minimal decline (often >90% retention). Voltage stability remained firm, and performance under load held strong.
Ensure your motor and controller are rated for 24V. Upgrading battery without verifying can damage electronics.
Because 24V halves the current for the same power, wire gauge requirements are more forgiving, but you still want minimal voltage drop under load. Use marine-grade cabling and secure connections.
Choose a charger that:
Supports LiFePO₄ chemistry and correct voltage (29.2V, etc.)
Has temperature compensation or safety cutoffs
Supports recovery/wake mode for deeply discharged packs
Secure battery to avoid vibration and movement. Protect terminals from corrosion and physical damage. Include fuse, isolator switch, and accessible wiring routing.
While LiFePO₄ is low-maintenance, monitor:
Cell voltages and balance
Temperatures under load
Cycle count or usage statistics via Bluetooth or telemetry (if available)
You can parallel multiple 24V packs for more capacity, or use modular setups to replace individual modules if needed.
LiFePO₄ packs cost more initially than lead-acid alternatives. Users must consider total lifetime cost, not just purchase price.
Many LiFePO₄ packs cannot accept full charging below 0 °C unless equipped with built-in heating or protective circuits.
Using a charger with incompatible profile (e.g. for flooded lead-acid) risks damaging the battery or reducing lifespan.
Older boats may have regulators, regulators or load systems expecting lead-acid behavior—reprogramming or adjustments may be needed.
Commercial-grade marine vessels may require certifications (ABYC, UL, etc.). Make sure the battery system adheres to marine safety standards.
Growing adoption in mid-size boats, hybrid vessels, and electric trolling setups
Charger manufacturers are adding LiFePO₄ modes and marine features
Regulations and incentives supporting zero-emission and electric marine power
Battery manufacturers focusing on marine-grade lithium designs and support
By 2030, LiFePO₄ may become standard in many recreational and working boat segments
Because the advantages are significant—performance, weight, reliability—the shift toward 24V LiFePO₄ is gathering momentum.
