Product Specifications for Dakota Lithium LTO Automotive 1100 CCA 12V Cranking Battery
| BM Part #: | DL-LTO-12V20 |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dakota Lithium |
| Voltage: | 12.8 Volt |
| Cold Cranking Amps: | 1100 CCA |
| Capacity: | 20 Ah |
| Energy Capacity: | 240 Wh |
| Terminals: | SAE |
| Type: | LiFePO4 |
| Battery Size: | Group 21 |
| Length: | 8.15" |
| Width: | 6.89" |
| Height: | 7.48" |
| Shipping Weight: | 13.00Lbs |
| Warranty: | 11 Year (Factory Direct) |
| Rechargeable: | Yes |
- Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) Chemistry: A fundamentally more durable battery chemistry than lead-acid or standard lithium, delivering 10,000 charge cycles at 80% capacity for a service life that can outlast the vehicle itself.
- 1,100 Cranking Amps: Purpose-built for automotive starting, with enough power to reliably turn over cars, trucks, SUVs, and marine engines in demanding conditions — including cold weather down to -40°F.
- Built-In Emergency Jump Start: The BMS reserves 25% of the battery's charge as an emergency reserve. If the battery appears fully drained, press the jump start button to release that reserve and start your vehicle without jumper cables or outside help.
- Cold-Weather Charging Down to -4°F: Unlike most lithium batteries that cannot be safely charged below 32°F, the LTO chemistry supports charging in temperatures as low as -4°F — a critical advantage for drivers in cold climates.
- True Drop-In Fitment: Group 21 size with standard SAE automotive post terminals fits most cars, trucks, and marine applications. Compatible with battery sizes 49, 99, 99R, 102R, and 140R with no modifications required.
- IP65 Rated and 11-Year Warranty: Sealed against dust and water jets for reliable performance in harsh environments, backed by Dakota Lithium's industry-best 11-year manufacturer's defect warranty.
Product Description
Most lithium car batteries are a straightforward chemistry swap — lithium iron phosphate in place of lead-acid. The Dakota Lithium LTO Automotive Battery takes a different approach entirely. Built with Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) technology, it's a fundamentally different kind of battery: one that's engineered specifically for the demands of automotive starting, extreme temperatures, and decades of service life.
What Makes LTO Different
LTO chemistry replaces the graphite anode found in most lithium batteries with a titanium oxide anode. The result is a battery that charges faster, operates in a much wider temperature range, and lasts significantly longer than either lead-acid or standard lithium options. Where a quality lead-acid battery might survive 500 charge cycles and a standard lithium battery 2,000–5,000, the Dakota Lithium LTO is rated for up to 10,000 cycles at 80% capacity. Under typical automotive use, that translates to a battery that can realistically last the life of the vehicle.
The cold-weather performance is equally impressive. This battery discharges safely down to -40°F — a level of cold tolerance that very few batteries of any chemistry can match. More importantly, it can be charged in temperatures as low as -4°F. That's a meaningful advantage over most lithium batteries, which typically cannot be safely charged below freezing.
1,100 CCA for Reliable Starts in Any Conditions
This battery is purpose-built for starting engines. It delivers 1,100 cranking amps to turn over cars, trucks, SUVs, and marine engines without hesitation. The standard SAE automotive post terminals make it a true drop-in replacement for conventional lead-acid and AGM starting batteries in Group 21 applications, with compatibility across sizes 49, 99, 99R, 102R, and 140R as well. No adapter hardware or terminal modifications needed — it installs the same way your existing battery does.
One important note on alternator compatibility: this battery supports a maximum alternator output of 220 amps. It's compatible with the vast majority of passenger vehicles, trucks, and boats. For vehicles with higher-output alternators, two batteries can be connected in parallel.
Built-In Emergency Jump Start
One of the most practical features on this battery is something you hope you never need — and will be very glad to have when you do. The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) includes an Emergency Jump Start function that works as a safeguard against a completely dead battery. Here's how it works: the BMS quietly reserves 25% of the battery's charge at all times. If you accidentally leave your headlights on and the battery appears fully drained, simply press the jump start button on the battery. That reserved 25% is released, giving you enough power to start your vehicle and get moving. No jumper cables, no waiting for roadside assistance.
Rugged, Sealed, and Weather-Ready
The LTO Automotive Battery is rated IP65 — protected against dust ingress and resistant to water jets from any direction. Whether it's living under the hood of a work truck, on a boat, or in an overland vehicle that sees mud and water regularly, the sealed construction stands up to the elements. At 11.02 lbs and measuring 8.15" long x 6.89" wide x 7.48" tall, it's lighter than a comparable lead-acid battery while fitting the same standard Group 21 footprint.
11-Year Warranty
Dakota Lithium backs this battery with an 11-year manufacturer's defect warranty — the same coverage they offer across their premium lineup. For a battery rated at 10,000 cycles with this level of build quality, that warranty is a statement of confidence, not just a sales point. If you're looking for a starting battery you can install and genuinely forget about for years, this is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LTO, and how is it different from a standard lithium battery?
A: LTO stands for Lithium Titanium Oxide. It's a distinct battery chemistry that uses a titanium oxide anode instead of the graphite anode found in most lithium batteries. The practical benefits include a dramatically longer cycle life (up to 10,000 cycles), a much wider operating temperature range, and the ability to charge in below-freezing temperatures — something most lithium batteries cannot do safely. The tradeoff is a slightly lower energy density, which is why this battery is optimized for starting applications rather than deep cycle use.
Will this battery fit my vehicle?
A: This battery is Group 21 size and is also compatible with battery sizes 49, 99, 99R, 102R, and 140R. It uses standard SAE automotive post terminals, so it installs exactly like a conventional lead-acid or AGM battery — no adapters or modifications needed. If you're unsure whether it fits your specific vehicle, check your owner's manual or the label on your current battery for the group size.
How does the Emergency Jump Start feature work?
A: The built-in Battery Management System quietly holds back 25% of the battery's total charge as a reserved emergency supply. Under normal conditions, the battery operates on the remaining 75%. If the battery is drained — say, from leaving the lights on overnight — pressing the jump start button on the battery releases that reserved 25% of charge, giving you enough power to start your vehicle. It's a one-press solution that works without jumper cables or another vehicle.
Can this battery be charged in cold weather?
A: Yes, and this is one of the standout advantages of LTO chemistry. This battery can be safely charged in temperatures down to -4°F, which is significantly better than most lithium batteries that cannot be charged below 32°F. Discharge is rated down to -40°F, making it one of the most cold-tolerant automotive batteries available.
Is this battery compatible with my vehicle's alternator?
A: This battery supports a maximum alternator output of 220 amps, which covers the vast majority of passenger cars, trucks, and boats. If your vehicle has a high-output alternator that exceeds 220 amps, two batteries can be connected in parallel to handle the load. If you're unsure about your alternator's output, your vehicle's service documentation or a quick check with a mechanic can confirm the spec.
Is this battery suitable for deep cycle use?
A: No. The LTO Automotive Battery is engineered specifically for engine starting applications. It delivers high cranking power in a burst, which is what a starting battery needs to do. For sustained deep cycle use — powering accessories, trolling motors, RV house loads, and similar applications — a LiFePO4 deep cycle battery is the appropriate choice.
