Is a 24 Volt Battery Really Better? The Truth!

Boat owners are swapping out their old batteries for setups that actually keep up. RV folks can’t seem to agree on which voltage makes the most sense. And solar users? They just want solar batteries that works without constant babysitting.

This post takes on 10 real questions people ask about 24-volt batteries. We’ll cover what “24 volts” actually means, how these batteries get wired up, the right way to charge them, and where they make the biggest difference, whether that’s running an RV fridge, pushing a trolling motor, or storing power for your off-grid cabin.

Let’s get into it.

What is a 24 volt battery?

When people say “24 volt battery,” they don’t actually mean it’s sitting there at a perfect 24 volts all the time. In fact, it almost never is. A full one will read closer to 27 or 28 volts, and when it’s drained you’ll see it drop down near 20. The “24” is just the average, a handy label so we don’t have to say “somewhere between 20 and 29 volts” every time.

How it’s built is pretty simple. It’s just a bunch of smaller cells chained together. Line them up end to end and their voltages add. Lead-acid versions usually need about 12 cells at 2 volts each. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) setups only need 8 cells at about 3.2 volts each. Nothing fancy, just math.

Why bother with 24 volts? Because it handles bigger jobs better. Compared to a 12 volt setup, it pushes the same power with half the current. That means thinner wires, less wasted heat, and a system that doesn’t feel like it’s constantly straining. 

So if you’re running something heavy, like an RV setup, trolling motor, or solar gear—a 24 volt battery just makes life easier. And don’t stress if your meter flashes 28 volts on a “24 volt battery.” That’s completely normal. The number on the label is more of a ballpark than a promise.

24 volt battery vs 12 volt: Which is better?

Curious if a 12 volt or 24 volt battery suits you best? It depends on your needs. Here’s a concise comparison to clear things up.

Quick Tip: Pick 12V for simple, small systems. Go 24V for heavy power needs over 1000W.

24 volt battery for trolling motor

Wondering if a 24 volt battery can supercharge your fishing trips? Absolutely, especially for motors with 70-80 pounds of thrust. Many, like Minn Kota models, need 24 volts for peak performance. Traditionally, you'd link two 12 volt batteries in series, but now a single 24 volt battery (like lithium) simplifies everything.

Why switch?

• Lighter and Roomier: A 24 volt lithium battery weighs a fraction of two lead-acids, say, 30-40 pounds versus 100+ total. More space for tackle!
• Steady Power All Day: Lithium holds voltage steady, so your motor doesn't fade. Lead-acids sag, slowing you down.
• Easy Setup: One battery, two connections. Add Bluetooth for monitoring? Even better.

Pair it with a proper charger, and you're set for longer, smoother outings. It's a no-brainer upgrade for serious anglers.

Can you run 12v accessories off a 24 volt battery?

Got a 24V battery and a bunch of 12V toys? Bad news: they don’t play nice if you hook them up raw. Twice the voltage = instant smoke show.

What you actually need is a DC-DC converter. Think of it as a voltage babysitter, it takes the 24V down to a chill 12V so your gadgets live to see another day. Victron makes good ones, but honestly there are plenty out there that’ll do the job.

And before you think about pulling power off “just one” 12V battery in a 24V setup, don’t. That’s how you end up with one healthy battery and one battery-shaped corpse.’

Converters are cheap, simple, and keep things drama-free. For small stuff like USB devices, tiny step-down adapters are all you need.

Basically: you can run 12V accessories off 24V, but only if you don’t skip the middleman. Otherwise, it’s lights out.

How to charge a 24 volt battery (lithium)

Curious how to juice up a 24 volt battery without mishaps? For lithium types, it's straightforward but needs the right gear.

Key steps:

• Pick a 24 Volt Charger: Aim for one with a lithium profile—outputs 28-29 volts to fully charge. Avoid constant "float" mode; lithium doesn't like it long-term.
• Set Profiles Right: Bulk charge to 28.8 volts, then taper. Charge at 0.5 times capacity (e.g., 50 amps for 100Ah) for speed, or slower for gentleness.
• Solar or Alternator? Use an MPPT controller for panels, set to 24 volts. For 12 volt vehicles, add a DC-DC booster.

Don't split integrated batteries, charge as one unit. Follow maker specs, and it'll last thousands of cycles.

Can you charge a 24 volt battery with a 12v charger?

Thinking about charging a 24V battery with a 12V charger? Yeah… not happening. A 12V charger tops out around 14–15 volts, and a 24V battery needs closer to 28–30 to actually charge. So instead of “charging,” all you’ll get is… nothing. Or worse, a half-charged brick.

You could try sketchy hacks like wiring two 12V chargers in series, but unless you like expensive smoke shows, it’s really not worth it. The safer play? Just use a proper 24V charger. Wrong charger, wrong results, it’s like trying to fill a swimming pool with a coffee straw.

24 volt battery voltage chart 

Ever stared at your voltmeter wondering if your 24 volt battery is full or fading? Voltage charts help estimate state of charge (SoC). Remember, measure at rest, no load or charge recent.

For LiFePO4 (lithium):

Lithium's curve is flat mid-range, so use a monitor for precision.

For lead-acid (comparison):

Charts vary by type, so check yours.

24 volt battery for solar & RV (is it worth it?)

Pondering if a 24 volt battery boosts your solar or RV game? Depends on size.

For small vans: 12 volts suffice, everything plugs in easy.

For big setups: Worth it! Handles large inverters (3000W+) with lower amps, efficient solar (fewer controllers), less drop in long wires.

Downside? Might need converters for 12 volt stuff. If pushing high watts, yes, more future-proof.

Hybrid: 24 volt core with 12 volt subs.

Two 12v in series vs one 24 volt battery

Debating two 12 volts linked or one true 24 volt battery? Electrically similar, but differences matter.

One 24 volt: Unified BMS balances cells, simpler install, often lighter.

Two 12 volts: Cheaper, flexible (reconfigure to 12V), but risk imbalance.

For lithium, single 24 volt wins for reliability. Lead-acid? Series pairs are common but need monitoring.

What can a 24 volt battery run?

Intrigued by a 24 volt battery's versatility? It powers tons:

• Trolling motors, marine winches.
• RV inverters for appliances, solar cabins.
• Trucks/buses: Starters, lights.
• Scooters, wheelchairs.
• Tools, pumps, kids' toys.

Via inverter, AC stuff too. A 100Ah holds 2.4 kWh, runs fridges days or microwaves hours.

In wrap-up, a 24 volt battery unlocks efficient power for boats to off-grid living. Curious to try? Check Mach1 Lithium's options like the 24V 50Ah LiFePO4 battery for compact needs or the 24V 100Ah battery for bigger adventures. Power on curiously!