A Group 24 battery typically provides 70–100 amp-hours (Ah) at 12 volts, translating to 840–1,200 watt-hours (Wh). Exact capacity depends on chemistry (lead-acid vs. lithium), depth of discharge limits, and temperature. For example, a lithium Group 24 battery may offer 100Ah (1,200Wh), while lead-acid versions often deliver 70–85Ah (840–1,020Wh) under optimal conditions.
What Is a Group Size 24 Battery?
What Defines a Group 24 Battery’s Watt-Hour Capacity?
Group 24 batteries are standardized by their physical dimensions (10.25″ L x 6.75″ W x 8.75″ H) but vary in energy storage. Watt-hour capacity is calculated as voltage × amp-hours. Lead-acid batteries typically provide 70–85Ah (840–1,020Wh), while lithium variants reach 100Ah (1,200Wh). Actual usable capacity depends on discharge rates and temperature tolerances.
How Does Chemistry Impact Group 24 Battery Performance?
Lead-acid Group 24 batteries suffer from 50% depth-of-discharge limitations, reducing usable capacity to 420–510Wh. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) versions allow 80–100% discharge, delivering 960–1,200Wh. Lithium batteries also maintain stable voltage under load, while lead-acid models experience voltage sag that reduces effective watt-hour output by 15–20%.
Top 5 best-selling Group 14 batteries under $100
| Product Name | Short Description | Amazon URL |
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Weize YTX14 BS ATV Battery  |
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UPLUS ATV Battery YTX14AH-BS  |
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Weize YTX20L-BS High Performance  |
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Mighty Max Battery ML-U1-CCAHR  |
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Battanux 12N9-BS Motorcycle Battery  |
Sealed SLA/AGM battery for ATVs and motorcycles, maintenance-free with advanced technology. | View on Amazon |
The chemical composition directly affects energy density and cycle life. Lead-acid batteries use lead dioxide and sulfuric acid electrolytes, which degrade through sulfation during partial charging. Lithium batteries employ cobalt-free cathodes that withstand 3,000+ deep cycles without significant capacity loss. New hybrid designs combine lithium’s efficiency with lead-acid’s cost benefits through carbon-enhanced electrodes, achieving 65Ah (780Wh) at 40% lower cost than pure lithium models.
| Chemistry Type | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|
| Flooded Lead-Acid | 30-40 | 200-500 |
| AGM | 35-40 | 400-600 |
| LiFePO4 | 90-120 | 3,000-5,000 |
How Do Discharge Rates Influence Real-World Capacity?
At 0.2C (20A draw for 100Ah battery), lithium maintains 95% rated capacity versus 80% for lead-acid. High 1C discharges (100A) reduce lead-acid capacity by 50%, while lithium loses only 10%. Peukert’s constant effects are severe in lead-acid: 1.25–1.3 vs lithium’s near-1.0, making lithium 25–30% more efficient under heavy loads.
Discharge rate dramatically impacts runtime in critical applications. For example, a trolling motor drawing 30A from a 100Ah lithium battery provides 3.3 hours at full capacity, compared to 2.1 hours with lead-acid. Manufacturers now specify dual C-rating capacities – lithium Group 24 batteries list both 0.2C (100Ah) and 1C (90Ah) ratings, while lead-acid typically only shows 0.05C (20-hour) rates. This distinction helps users accurately size battery banks for high-drain devices like winches or inverters.
| Discharge Rate | Lithium Efficiency | Lead-Acid Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05C (5A) | 98% | 100% |
| 0.2C (20A) | 95% | 80% |
| 1C (100A) | 90% | 50% |
“The shift to lithium in Group 24 sizes represents a 72% energy density improvement over lead-acid since 2020. We’re now seeing graphene-enhanced anodes pushing capacities to 135Ah (1,620Wh) in the same form factor. For marine applications, this translates to 40% longer runtime without weight penalties.”
— Dr. Elena Voss, Chief Engineer at OceanPower Batteries
FAQ
- How long will a Group 24 battery power a 100W device?
- A 100Ah lithium Group 24 battery (1,200Wh) runs a 100W device for 12 hours at full discharge. Lead-acid versions (840Wh) provide 8.4 hours considering 50% depth limit. Real-world derating for inverter efficiency (85%) reduces runtime to 10.2 hours (lithium) and 7.1 hours (lead-acid).
- Can Group 24 batteries be used in series for 24V systems?
- Yes. Two 12V Group 24 batteries in series create 24V while maintaining Ah rating. For lithium, this yields 100Ah at 24V (2,400Wh). Lead-acid pairs provide 70Ah at 24V (1,680Wh). Ensure identical batteries and use a compatible 24V charger to prevent imbalance.
- What maintenance extends Group 24 battery life?
- For lead-acid: monthly terminal cleaning, electrolyte level checks, and equalization charging every 10 cycles. Lithium requires annual capacity tests and storage at 50–60% charge if unused. Both types benefit from temperature-controlled environments and using manufacturer-specified chargers.