Description
Heated 12V 125Ah Dual Purpose Lithium Battery — CLI125-12LT
Heated 12V 125Ah dual purpose lithium battery engineered for starting and deep-cycle performance in a single unit — the Canbat CLI125-12LT delivers 1,100 cranking amps for reliable engine starting alongside 125Ah of deep-cycle capacity for sustained accessory and house loads, with an integrated charge-activated heating system that enables safe charging down to -20°C (-4°F). This is not a compromise between two functions — it is a purpose-built dual-purpose platform that replaces both a dedicated starting battery and a separate house bank in one Group 27 footprint.
For fishing boats, centre consoles, overland rigs, Sprinter builds, and any system where weight, space, and installation complexity matter, the CLI125-12LT eliminates the need for separate starting and deep-cycle batteries. At 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg), it replaces a dual-battery AGM setup that would typically weigh two to three times as much — while delivering more usable energy, faster recharging, and cold-weather charging reliability that standard lithium batteries cannot provide.
It ships free across Canada and the USA with same-day dispatch, carries a 10-year warranty, and is built with UL 1642 certified cells. For Canada and USA orders, there are no import duties or cross-border complications.
1,100 Cranking Amps — Starting Power Standard Lithium Cannot Deliver
Standard deep-cycle lithium batteries are not designed for engine starting. They are optimised for sustained low-current discharge and lack the peak current output required to spin a starter motor reliably — particularly in cold conditions when engine oil is thick and starting resistance is highest. The CLI125-12LT is engineered differently. With 1,100 cranking amps and a 500A peak discharge rating, it delivers the instantaneous high-current burst that engine starting demands, while the LiFePO4 chemistry maintains stable voltage under load — a critical advantage over AGM batteries that experience significant voltage sag during cranking.
The CLI125-12LT is compatible with outboard motors up to 250 horsepower, meeting or exceeding the cranking and charging requirements of Mercury 4-stroke engines up to 250hp and other major marine outboard brands. For fishing boats and centre consoles running high-horsepower outboards, this is the battery that starts the engine and powers the electronics, bilge pump, livewells, lighting, and navigation systems — all from a single unit.
After cranking, the CLI125-12LT recovers immediately. Unlike AGM batteries that require extended recovery time after deep discharge events, LiFePO4 chemistry accepts charge rapidly and returns to full capacity quickly — so the house loads that run while the engine is off do not compromise starting reliability when it is time to head back.
Why Dual Purpose Lithium Matters
Traditional marine and vehicle electrical systems require two separate batteries — a dedicated starting battery for engine cranking and a separate deep-cycle battery for house loads. This two-battery approach means more weight, more wiring, more installation complexity, more maintenance, and more potential failure points. On a fishing boat, this translates to a heavier transom, more complicated wiring runs, and two batteries to manage, monitor, and eventually replace. On an overland rig or Sprinter build, it means sacrificing storage space and payload capacity for a dual-battery tray.
The CLI125-12LT consolidates both functions into a single Group 27 battery. Starting capability is handled by the 1,100 cranking amp rating. House loads — electronics, lighting, refrigeration, pumps, and accessories — are handled by the 125Ah deep-cycle capacity. The result is a simpler, lighter, more reliable system that takes up the space of one battery instead of two.
For system builders and installers specifying batteries for marine, overland, and mobile applications, the CLI125-12LT is not just a battery upgrade — it is a system simplification that reduces total component count, eliminates one battery tray, shortens cable runs, and removes a significant source of installation complexity and ongoing maintenance.
Why Standard Lithium Batteries Cannot Charge Below Freezing
One of the most critical limitations of standard lithium batteries in marine and overland applications is winter charging failure. Standard LiFePO4 batteries can discharge normally in cold temperatures — the engine starts, the electronics run — but charging below 0°C (32°F) causes lithium plating on the anode, a form of permanent cell damage that reduces capacity and accelerates degradation. To prevent this, standard lithium batteries simply block charging below 0°C. The battery cannot be recharged from shore power, a solar panel, or the alternator until temperatures rise above freezing.
For boats stored in unheated facilities through Canadian winters, this means the battery arrives at spring depleted and unable to have recovered over the storage period. For overland vehicles parked in cold climates, it means the alternator cannot recharge the battery on cold mornings. For any dual-purpose system where the battery needs to start the engine and power accessories, a depleted battery in cold conditions is not just an inconvenience — it is a reliability failure.
The CLI125-12LT eliminates this limitation entirely. Its integrated heating system activates automatically when the charger connects and the BMS detects temperatures below 0°C — warming the cells to a safe temperature before charging begins, without external heating pads, insulated enclosures, or manual intervention.
| Standard Lithium Battery | CLI125-12LT Heated Lithium | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging below 0°C | Blocked — no charge accepted | Enabled — heater activates automatically |
| Winter storage charging | Not possible below freezing | Down to -20°C (-4°F) |
| Cold-morning alternator charge | Rejected below 0°C | Accepted — heating activates first |
| External heating required | Yes — or battery cannot charge | No — fully integrated |
| Year-round reliability | Seasonal limitations | Full year-round operation |
How the Built-In Heating System Works
Once the battery detects temperatures below freezing, the integrated heating system automatically prepares the cells for safe charging before current reaches the lithium cells. The system draws power from the incoming charging source — not from the battery’s stored energy — so the heating process does not reduce usable capacity or starting reserve. The system operates in four automatic stages:
| Stage | Process | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thermal detection | Charger connects. BMS reads internal cell temperature. If below 0°C, incoming current is redirected to the heating elements instead of the cells. |
| 2 | Internal warming | Heating elements warm the cell stack gradually. The process is powered entirely by the charger — stored battery energy is not consumed. |
| 3 | Charge initiation | Once internal sensors confirm safe cell temperature, the heater disables automatically and full charging current is delivered to the cells. |
| 4 | Continuous monitoring | If temperature drops again during the charge cycle, the heater reactivates automatically. The system manages itself without user intervention. |
This process enables safe charging down to -20°C (-4°F) — covering the majority of Canadian winter conditions and ensuring the battery remains fully charged and ready to start the engine regardless of storage or ambient temperature.
Applications
Marine & Fishing Boats
The CLI125-12LT is the ideal single-battery solution for fishing boats, centre consoles, and smaller powerboats running outboard motors up to 250hp. A single unit handles engine starting, trolling motor power, fish finders, livewells, bilge pumps, lighting, and navigation electronics — eliminating the need for separate starting and auxiliary batteries. IP54-rated for splash and moisture resistance, sealed and maintenance-free, with no risk of acid spills in enclosed bilge spaces. Shore power keeps the battery fully charged through winter storage, regardless of boathouse temperature.
Overland & Off-Road Vehicles
For overland rigs, 4×4 builds, and expedition vehicles where auxiliary power runs fridges, lighting, communications, and winches alongside the main starting system, the CLI125-12LT replaces a dual-battery setup in a single Group 27 tray. At 34.2 lbs it saves significant payload weight compared to two AGM batteries, and the cold-weather charging capability means alternator charging works normally on cold mornings — critical for remote operations where a depleted battery is a serious problem.
Sprinter & Transit Van Builds
Camper van conversions and mobile workstation builds benefit directly from the CLI125-12LT’s dual-purpose capability. A single battery handles vehicle starting and powers the living or working space — refrigerator, lighting, inverter loads, and heating systems — without the weight, wiring complexity, and space requirements of a dual-battery installation. The integrated heating system ensures shore power or solar charging works through winter even when the van is parked in an unheated facility.
RV & Seasonal Vehicles
For RVs with generator or engine starting requirements alongside house load demands, the CLI125-12LT simplifies the system significantly. Cold storage facilities and winter transit no longer compromise the battery’s ability to accept charge — the integrated heating system handles both the starting reserve and the house bank through the full Canadian winter without manual intervention.
Service & Utility Vehicles
Service trucks, utility vehicles, and mobile work platforms running high-draw accessories alongside standard vehicle starting benefit from the CLI125-12LT’s ability to handle both functions without a split-charge system. The cold-weather charging capability is particularly relevant for vehicles that start in sub-zero conditions and need the auxiliary system to be fully charged and operational from the first key turn of the day.
Heated Dual Purpose 12V 125Ah Lithium Battery for Marine & Overland
The CLI125-12LT is Canbat’s heated dual purpose lithium battery — purpose-built for applications that require both engine starting and deep-cycle performance from a single unit. With 1,100 cranking amps, 125Ah of usable deep-cycle capacity, and integrated cold-weather charging to -20°C, it is the primary dual-purpose battery in the LT lineup that directly targets marine starting applications, overland builds, and any system where a conventional two-battery setup is impractical or unwanted.
For Canadians sourcing a heated dual purpose lithium battery for marine, RV, or overland use, the CLI125-12LT ships free with no import duties, is backed by a Canadian technical team, and carries a 10-year warranty. Compatible with all major marine charging systems, solar charge controllers, and inverter/chargers that support a LiFePO4 charging profile.
Runtime & Performance
The CLI125-12LT delivers 1,600Wh of usable deep-cycle energy at 12V nominal — all accessible at 100% depth of discharge after engine starting events. The following estimates represent typical accessory and house load runtimes after the engine has been started:
| Application / Load | Average Draw | Estimated Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Fish finder + navigation electronics | ~5–8A | ~15–25 hours |
| Marine house loads (VHF, nav, bilge, lights) | ~10–15A | ~8–12 hours |
| 12V fridge + lighting | ~15–20A | ~6–8 hours |
| Inverter — 300W load | ~25A | ~5 hours |
| Diesel heater + cabin lighting | ~8–12A | ~10–15 hours |
| Livewell + bilge + fish finder | ~12–18A | ~7–10 hours |
Runtime figures are based on 100% usable depth of discharge. Engine cranking draws are brief high-current events that consume minimal capacity — the CLI125-12LT’s 1,600Wh of usable energy is effectively fully available for accessory loads after starting. Alternator charging during engine operation replenishes the battery rapidly between use cycles.
Series & Parallel Expandability
The CLI125-12LT supports both series and parallel connections — up to 4 units in either configuration — for systems that require greater capacity or higher voltage.
| Configuration | Units | System Voltage | Total Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single unit | 1 | 12V | 125Ah / 1,600Wh |
| Parallel x2 | 2 | 12V | 250Ah / 3,200Wh |
| Parallel x3 | 3 | 12V | 375Ah / 4,800Wh |
| Parallel x4 (max) | 4 | 12V | 500Ah / 6,400Wh |
| Series x2 | 2 | 24V | 125Ah / 3,200Wh |
| Series x3 | 3 | 36V | 125Ah / 4,800Wh |
| Series x4 (max) | 4 | 48V | 125Ah / 6,400Wh |
Every battery in a parallel or series bank retains its integrated heating system — cold-weather charging capability scales with the system.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | CLI125-12LT |
| Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) — Prismatic cells |
| Nominal Voltage | 12V (12.8V nominal) |
| Capacity | 125Ah |
| Energy | 1,600Wh |
| Cranking Amps | 1,100A |
| Cycle Life | 3,000–5,000 cycles at 100% DoD |
| Max Continuous Discharge | 100A |
| Peak Discharge | 500A for 3 seconds |
| Max Charge Current | 100A |
| Recommended Charge Current | 50A or less |
| Charging Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) — via integrated heater |
| Discharge Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) |
| Built-In Heating | Yes — automatic, charge-activated, powered by charger source (104W heater) |
| IP Rating | IP54 — splash and dust resistant |
| Weight | 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 319 x 165 x 234 mm / 12.55 x 6.5 x 9.2 in |
| Terminal Type | M8 / 1.25 — bolts included |
| BCI Group Size | 27 |
| Mounting | Upright or on side |
| Parallel Expansion | Up to 4 units (500Ah / 12V maximum) |
| Series Expansion | Up to 4 units (24V, 36V, or 48V systems) |
| BMS Protection | Over-charge, over-discharge, short circuit, over-current, temperature extremes, cell balancing, heating logic |
| Bluetooth Monitoring | Optional add-on (Canbat BT app — free for iOS and Android) |
| Storage Temperature | Store at 80–100% SoC in a cool, dry environment |
| Certification | UL 1642 certified cells |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Shipping | Free across Canada and USA — same-day dispatch |
Battery Management System and Bluetooth Monitoring
The CLI125-12LT’s integrated BMS manages starting protection, heating logic, deep-cycle protection, and cell balancing simultaneously — with no external battery management required.
- Heating logic — automatically activates and deactivates the cell heater based on internal temperature readings; manages the transition between heating and charging modes
- Peak discharge management — allows 500A for 3 seconds for engine cranking while protecting cells from sustained over-current
- Over-discharge protection — prevents cell damage from excessive depth of discharge between charges
- Over-charge protection — disconnects at the correct voltage ceiling
- Short circuit and over-current protection — responds within milliseconds
- Cell balancing — maintains consistency across the prismatic cell groups over thousands of cycles
The optional Bluetooth add-on connects the battery to the free Canbat BT app, available for iOS and Android. Monitor state of charge, voltage, current, cell temperature, and heating system status in real time — particularly useful for boats in winter storage where confirming the battery is maintaining charge through cold months avoids an unpleasant surprise at launch time.
System Compatibility and Installation
The CLI125-12LT is compatible with any marine charging system, inverter/charger, solar charge controller, or AC charger that supports a LiFePO4 charging profile. When replacing a lead-acid battery, verify that the charging system’s voltage settings are configured for lithium — incorrect lead-acid charge profiles will undercharge the battery or stress the cells over time. Most modern marine chargers, inverter/chargers, and solar charge controllers include a LiFePO4 preset.
For alternator charging, a DC-DC charger is recommended to deliver correct LiFePO4 charging parameters and protect the alternator from the battery’s high charge acceptance rate. M8 terminals with bolts are included. The battery installs upright or on its side in any standard Group 27 tray, battery box, or marine compartment.
For system sizing assistance, engine compatibility questions, or help configuring a dual-purpose installation, Canbat’s Canadian technical team is available by phone, email, and live chat.
Canadian Supply, Support and Warranty
Canbat is a Canadian battery manufacturer. The CLI125-12LT ships free to any address in Canada and the USA with same-day dispatch on in-stock orders. Canadian and US buyers pay no import duties and face no cross-border complications on their orders.
The CLI125-12LT is backed by a 10-year warranty and supported by a Canadian technical team available by phone, email, and live chat. Warranty claims can be submitted directly with Canbat — with no overseas support queues and no runaround.






Taylor M. –
Worked flawlessly during our last dry camping trip. Seems well-insulated and clearly labeled for quick installs.