12V 172Ah Marine Cranking Lithium Battery – Epoch Dual Purpose LiFePO4
The Epoch 12V 172Ah Dual Purpose LiFePO4 battery (model 12172A-DP) combines engine cranking and deep-cycle house power in one compact BCI Group 31 case. With 2.20kWh of stored energy, a 1,000A 5-second cranking pulse and 200A continuous output, it is a marine cranking lithium battery designed for anglers and boaters who want fewer batteries, less weight and more confidence on the water.
Weighing just 40 lb (18.14 kg), it can replace separate starting and house batteries in compatible setups, free up crowded battery compartments, and run fish finders, livewell pumps, bilge pumps, GPS, radios and lighting – all without watering, acid service or lead-acid equalization.
Key Features
- Dual-purpose design: a cranking-capable BMS delivers 1,000A for up to 5 seconds (approx. 1,000 CCA equivalent) for engine cranking only, plus 172Ah of deep-cycle capacity for onboard electronics.
- Outboard starting support: Epoch's compatibility target is outboards up to 250 hp when the engine's battery requirements, alternator output, wiring and charging profile match.
- 200A continuous discharge: powers fish finders, GPS, radios, livewell and bilge pumps, lighting, stereos and other 12V loads. Keep any load lasting longer than 5 seconds at or below 200A.
- 200A maximum charge current: from all sources combined (86A recommended) at 14.2–14.6V bulk/absorption.
- Bluetooth monitoring: the free Epoch Li-Ion app (iOS and Android) shows state of charge, voltage, current, temperature and BMS status.
- Advanced BMS protection: guards against overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit, and high and low temperature.
- IP65 enclosure: dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Not submersible.
- 4,000+ cycle life: long-lasting LiFePO4 chemistry with stable voltage and maintenance-free operation.
- Expandable: wire up to 4 matched batteries in parallel for a 12V 688Ah / 8.81kWh bank.
- 11-year limited warranty: 3 years of free replacement, then 40% off MSRP on a replacement battery through Year 11.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | 12172A-DP |
| Series | Essential Series |
| Nominal voltage | 12.8V |
| Nominal capacity | 172Ah |
| Stored energy | 2.20kWh (2,202Wh, nominal) |
| Max. continuous discharge | 200A |
| Peak discharge / cranking | 1,000A for up to 5 seconds (approx. 1,000 CCA equivalent) |
| Battery group size | BCI Group 31 |
| Weight | 40 lb / 18.14 kg |
| Enclosure protection | IP65 (not submersible) |
| Cycle life | 4,000+ cycles |
| Warranty | 11-year limited (3 years free replacement) |
Detailed Technical Specifications
General & Electrical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Epoch Batteries |
| Battery type | Dual-purpose cranking and deep cycle |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) |
| Cell type | Prismatic LiFePO4 |
| Cell configuration | 4S1P |
| Operating voltage range | 10.0V – 14.6V |
| Maximum charge input | 15.0V maximum input rating (target 14.2V – 14.6V) |
| Max. continuous charge current | 200A, all charging sources combined |
| Series / parallel | Parallel only, max. 4 matched batteries (688Ah, 8.81kWh at 12.8V); series wiring not approved |
| Bluetooth | Yes – Epoch Li-Ion app, iOS and Android |
| Self-heating | No |
| Estimated runtime at 100W / 500W load | Approx. 17.6 h / 3.5 h |
Recommended Charging Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Bulk / absorption voltage | 14.2V – 14.6V |
| Absorption end condition | When current falls to C/20 or after 15 minutes maximum, whichever comes first |
| Float voltage | 13.4V – 13.8V, or disabled (preferred) |
| Re-bulk voltage | 13.2V |
| Equalization | Disabled |
| Temperature compensation | 0 mV/°C (disabled) |
| Recommended charge current | Up to 86A (0.5C, 50% of capacity) |
| BMS high-voltage cutoff | 14.6V |
| SOC recalibration voltage | 14.6V |
Temperature Ratings
| Condition | Range |
|---|---|
| Charge (rating) | -5°C to 55°C / 23°F to 131°F |
| Charger programming | 0°C to 55°C / 32°F to 131°F |
| Discharge | -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F |
| Storage | 0°C to 35°C / 32°F to 95°F |
| Low-temperature charge protection | Yes – the BMS blocks charging when the battery is too cold (no internal heating) |
Dimensions & Mechanical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 12.91 in L × 6.22 in W × 8.46 in H |
| Metric dimensions | 328 × 158 × 215 mm |
| Weight | 40 lb / 18.14 kg |
| Terminal type | M8 female, torque 8–12 Nm (71–106 in-lb) |
| Case material | ABS and PC blend |
| Flame rating | UL94-V0 |
| Enclosure protection | IP65 (IEC 60529): dust-tight, water-jet resistant, not submersible |
BMS Protection & Compliance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| BMS | Smart BMS with built-in battery management |
| Protections | Overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit, high temperature, low temperature |
| Cell certification | UL 1642 (cells) |
| Thermal runaway testing | UL 9540A (cells) |
| Battery certification | IEC 62619:2022 |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| Transport | UN 38.3, Class 9 |
Where It Goes to Work
- Marine engine starting (outboards up to 250 hp when requirements match)
- Dual-purpose boat systems: starting plus house power
- Bass boats, fishing boats, pontoons, skiffs, flats boats and center consoles
- Fish finders, livewell pumps, bilge pumps, GPS, marine radios and lighting
- Group 31 AGM or lead-acid replacement projects where fitment and charging profile match
- 12V house banks up to 688Ah using matched batteries in parallel
- RV, camper, van, cabin, backup power and solar 12V deep-cycle systems
Installation & Compatibility Notes
- This battery is not a drop-in replacement for every lead-acid installation. Check tray fit, lid clearance, hold-down method, terminal clearance, cable size, overcurrent protection and charger profile first.
- Always verify your outboard manufacturer's required CCA, charging profile, alternator output, fuse and cable sizing. Some alternator systems may require lithium-ready regulation or a DC-to-DC charger.
- Use a 12V LiFePO4-compatible charger, converter, inverter charger, solar controller or DC-to-DC charger.
- Mount the battery upright and place a DC-rated main fuse or breaker as close as practical to the positive terminal, sized for engine cranking current as well as house loads.
- The 1,000A / 5-second rating is for engine cranking only. Keep enough charge in reserve to start the engine.
- Do not submerge or pressure-wash the battery, and do not install it where standing water can collect, such as a bilge. Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight and engine or exhaust heat.
- Parallel connection only (up to 4 matched batteries). Series wiring is not approved for this model, so it cannot be used for 24V or 36V trolling motor systems.