Watch the video above for a hands-on look at 24V trolling motor configurations using Revolution Power lithium batteries.
The Question: Can You Run 24V From 12V?
This is one of the most common questions we get from bass anglers and freshwater fishos. You've got a 24V trolling motor, but you want to simplify your battery setup and run it from 12V.
Short answer: Not directly — a 24V motor needs 24V. But there are two approaches that work well with lithium batteries.
Option 1: Two 12V Batteries in Series (The Standard Approach)
Wire two Revolution Power 12V batteries in series — positive terminal of Battery 1 to negative terminal of Battery 2. The trolling motor connects to the positive of Battery 1 and negative of Battery 2. You now have 24V.
Why this works so well with lithium:
With AGM batteries in series, you need to be careful about cell balance drift over time. One battery can discharge faster than the other, creating an imbalance that damages both.
Revolution Power LiFePO4 batteries include an integrated BMS that manages cell balance internally. In a series connection, both batteries self-balance through normal use, reducing the risk of imbalance.
Recommended setup:
- 2× Revolution Power 12V 100Ah — 200Ah effective (190Ah usable)
- Weight: ~18kg total
- Equivalent AGM: ~55kg, usable capacity ~100Ah
Option 2: One Revolution Power 24V Battery
The cleanest solution. Our 24V 200Ah batteries are purpose-built for 24V applications.
One battery, one set of terminals, one charger. No series wiring, no balance concerns.
Available in:
- 24V 200Ah Low Draw
- 24V 200Ah High Draw
- 24V 200Ah CAN Bus
Charging a 24V Lithium System
For a 2× 12V series system, use a 24V lithium charger — do not charge each 12V battery individually while connected in series (this can cause imbalance).
Options:
- Victron Blue Smart IP22 24V — AC shore power charger with LiFePO4 profile
- Victron Orion-Tr Smart 24V DC-DC — if charging from a 24V engine battery
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 — for solar charging, set to 24V LiFePO4
Runtime on a 24V System
For a 24V/80lb Minn Kota drawing around 40A at full speed:
| Configuration | Usable Capacity | Runtime at 50% speed (~20A) | |---|---|---| | 2× AGM 100Ah in series | ~100Ah | ~5 hours | | 2× RP 12V 100Ah in series | ~190Ah | ~9–10 hours | | 1× RP 24V 200Ah | ~190Ah | ~9–10 hours |
Nearly double the runtime from the same size battery box. For a full day on the water without shore power, the lithium advantage is decisive.
Need help sizing a trolling motor setup for your boat? Get in touch — our team has experience across every major trolling motor brand and can spec the right solution.