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Differences Between Deep Cycle Group 24 VS Group 31 Battery

John Marius
John Marius
—
02/11/2023

Navigating the world of batteries can often feel like deciphering a complex code, especially when faced with terms like "Group 24" or "Group 31." 

In this analysis, we will thoroughly examine the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of Group 24 and Group 31 batteries, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of each type. 

For more information on battery sizes, click on Group 24 vs. Group 27 Battery to gain a better understanding.

Table of Contents

Understanding BCI Battery Group Sizes

At the heart of battery classification in North America is the BCI (Battery Council International) group size standard. Think of BCI group sizes as a universal language for battery dimensions and terminal placement.

This standardization ensures that when you need a replacement, you can find one that physically fits into the often tight confines of a battery compartment and allows for proper, safe electrical connections. While these numbers primarily define a battery's length, width, and height, and the layout of its positive and negative terminals, it's a common observation that within the same battery chemistry (like lead-acid or lithium), a physically larger group size often correlates with greater power storage capacity.

bci battery group size chart

It’s this physical compatibility and implied power potential that make understanding BCI group sizes a critical first step before any purchase. Ignoring these specifications could lead to a battery that simply won't fit, or worse, one that can't be securely installed, posing a safety risk.

All About Group 24 Batteries: Compact Powerhouses

When you encounter a Group 24 battery, you're typically looking at a power source engineered for scenarios where space might be at a premium, yet reliable, moderate power is still essential. Their dimensions consistently hover around 10.25 inches in length, 6.81 inches in width, and 8.88 inches in height, though slight variations between manufacturers are to be expected. These batteries are versatile, appearing in various chemistries from traditional flooded lead-acid and maintenance-free AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or Gel types, to the increasingly popular lightweight lithium (LiFePO4) options.

In the realm of advanced lithium deep cycle batteries, an interesting development has emerged from specialized manufacturers. For these particular product lines, a LiTime Group 24 lithium deep cycle battery offer the exact same Amp-hour capacity, cycle life, and overall electrical performance as its Group 31 counterpart from the same product family. The distinction, in these cases, narrows down purely to the external BCI-defined physical dimensions. This thoughtful engineering allows users to select the precise energy storage solution they need, with the choice between Group 24 and Group 31 simply becoming a matter of which form factor best integrates into their available installation space.

dimension information of litime group 24 lithium battery

All About Group 31 Batteries: The Heavy-Duty Contenders

Stepping up in size and often in power, the Group 31 battery is a robust energy solution designed for more demanding tasks. Physically, these batteries are noticeably larger, with common dimensions measuring approximately 13 inches in length, 6.8 inches in width, and 9.44 inches in height. This increased size directly contributes to their enhanced capacity and power delivery. Like their Group 24 relatives, Group 31 batteries are available in flooded lead-acid, AGM, Gel, and high-performance lithium chemistries, with AGM and lithium often being favored for their deep-cycle capabilities and durability in rugged conditions.

Echoing a trend seen with their smaller counterparts, some manufacturers like LiTime specializing in lithium deep cycle technology produce Group 31 batteries that are, in terms of their core energy capacity (Amp-hours) and performance metrics like cycle life and discharge capabilities, identical to their Group 24 offerings within the same specific product series. The larger Group 31 casing is then utilized to ensure a perfect fit in battery compartments designed for this BCI standard, while delivering a pre-defined, consistent level of performance regardless of the chosen case size. This effectively decouples the battery's power specifications from its physical footprint for these select product lines.

Furthermore, showcasing the progress in their lithium technology, LiTime Group 31 batteries can also incorporate sophisticated functions designed for challenging environments. These often include features like bluetooth and low-temperature protection, which safeguards the battery cells in cold weather, and integrated self-heating systems that ensure optimal performance and charging capabilities even when external temperatures fall significantly. Such intelligent features greatly enhance the battery's usability, reliability, and overall lifespan across diverse climates.

function of litime group 31 bluetooth lithium battery

Key Differences Between Group 24 and Group 31 Deep Cycle Batteries

Understanding the individual characteristics of Group 24 and Group 31 batteries is helpful, but a direct comparison truly highlights their distinctions.

Generally, as outlined below, a larger group size implies greater capacity. However, it's crucial to acknowledge a specific innovation in the lithium deep cycle battery market, particularly relevant if you are considering products. For certain advanced lithium product lines, the Group 24 and Group 31 variants are designed to offer identical Amp-hour capacities, cycle life, and other critical electrical specifications. In these instances, the BCI group size (24 vs. 31) is purely an indicator of the battery's external physical dimensions, tailored for fitment. The choice then becomes about selecting the case that fits your application, with the assurance of receiving the same high-performance energy core. This is a significant departure from the traditional expectation where size directly dictates capacity.

Feature Group 24 Group 31 Notes
Dimensions Smaller (e.g., ~10.25"L x 6.81"W x 8.88"H) Larger (e.g., ~13"L x 6.8"W x 9.44"H) Always verify exact dimensions.
Weight Lighter (~40-50 lbs for lead-acid) Heavier (~60-75 lbs for lead-acid) Lithium versions significantly lighter. For specialized lithium lines with identical capacity, weight difference between G24 & G31 lithium may be minimal, due to casing.
Capacity (Ah) Typically 70-85Ah (lead-acid) Typically 95-125Ah+ (lead-acid) Lithium generally offers high density. Crucially, some lithium deep cycle lines offer identical Ah capacity for both G24 and G31, differing only in case size.
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) Generally lower range (e.g., 500-800) Generally higher range (e.g., 600-1150+) Primarily relevant for starting batteries; deep cycle lithium often focuses on Ah and discharge rates.
Cost Generally more affordable (lead-acid) Generally more expensive (lead-acid) Lithium is premium. For identical-capacity lithium G24/G31, prices might be very similar, reflecting the shared internal components.
Primary Use Moderate power needs, space-constrained High-demand, heavy-duty applications For identical-capacity lithium, use is determined by fitment rather than power difference.


Which Battery is Right for YOU? Tailoring the Choice to Your Needs

Pinpointing the ideal battery when faced with these distinct options involves a careful assessment of your specific circumstances. There's no single "better" battery; there's only the battery that's better for you.

You'll likely find a Group 24 battery to be the most suitable choice if your vehicle or equipment manufacturer explicitly specifies this size, and the battery tray cannot physically or safely accommodate anything larger. It's also a strong contender if your power requirements are moderate – perhaps for a smaller boat's electronics, an RV used primarily with shore power, or a basic emergency backup. When space is tight and weight is a critical factor, the more compact nature of the Group 24 is a clear advantage. And, if budget is a primary driver, particularly for lead-acid types, the Group 24 often presents a more accessible price point.

Conversely, a Group 31 battery becomes the more logical selection when your power demands are high. This could mean running numerous onboard electronics in a large RV or boat, needing substantial energy for a trolling motor over extended periods, or requiring robust starting power for commercial trucks or heavy machinery. If you're building an off-grid power system where significant energy storage is paramount, the higher amp-hour capacity generally found in a Group 31 is invaluable (though, as we'll see, this isn't always the case with certain specialized lithium lines). Naturally, opting for a Group 31 assumes your battery compartment can safely house its larger dimensions and support its greater weight. For those seeking more resilient performance and potentially a longer operational life under consistent, heavy use, the Group 31 is often built to endure such conditions.

Before making a final decision, several key factors warrant thorough consideration:

  • Manufacturer's Recommendation: Always begin with your vehicle or equipment manufacturer's guidance—this is your safest baseline.
  • Battery Tray Size & Fitment: Meticulously measure your battery tray. A battery that doesn't fit securely is a non-starter, impacting safety and the battery's longevity.
  • Power Requirements (General): Accurately assess your needs. Are you primarily concerned with high Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for starting engines, or do you need sustained deep-cycle performance measured in Amp-hours (Ah) for running electronics and appliances?
  • Battery Chemistry & Budget: Your budget will inevitably play a role. Balance upfront costs with long-term performance and the benefits of different battery chemistries – from economical flooded lead-acid, to maintenance-free AGM with its vibration resistance, or premium lithium known for its light weight, extended cycle life, and high efficiency.
  • Special Consideration for Advanced Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries (e.g., LiTime products): It's important to be aware of a unique characteristic offered by some manufacturers in the advanced lithium deep cycle market. For specific product lines, like those from LiTime, their Group 24 and Group 31 lithium batteries may share identical electrical performance and Amp-hour capacity. In these instances, the decision between a Group 24 and a Group 31 simplifies significantly. Your choice is then driven almost entirely by which physical BCI case size correctly and securely fits into your vehicle's or equipment's designated battery compartment. You select the form factor you need, with the confidence that the energy storage capabilities and performance characteristics will be the same.

Summary

Selecting the right battery—Group 24 or Group 31—comes down to your specific needs. Group 24 batteries are generally compact, fitting moderate power requirements and limited spaces. Group 31 batteries, being larger, typically offer more power for demanding applications needing higher capacity or starting performance.

Neither is universally superior; the best choice is contextual, depending on your battery compartment's fit, your equipment's energy demands, and your budget. To choose confidently, consult your equipment's manual, measure your available space, and assess your power consumption. This ensures you get reliable power and lasting value.

FAQs about Group 24 VS Group 31 Batteries

1. What is the primary difference between Group 24 and Group 31 batteries?

The core differences lie in their physical size, weight, and, consequently, their typical capacity and power output. A lead acid Group 31 battery is physically larger and generally offers more amp-hours (Ah) and/or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) than a Group 24.

2. Can I Connect LiTime Group 24 and Group 31 Battery in Sereis and Parallel?

Because of the different BMS, it's not recommended to connect LiTime Group 24 and Group 31 batteries in neither series or parallel configurations.  

3. How many amp hours is a typical Group 31 battery?

A Group 31 lead-acid or AGM battery usually offers a capacity ranging from 95 to 125 amp-hours (Ah), with some premium or lithium versions potentially exceeding this. LiTime provide 12V 165Ah Group 31 Lithium Battery as the highest energy-density leader in group31 LFP batteries.

4. Can I put a physically larger battery (like a Group 31) in a spot designed for a Group 24?

This is only feasible if the larger Group 31 battery fits correctly and securely within the existing battery tray, does not interfere with any other components (like the vehicle's hood), and can be properly connected and held down. Often, this requires modification to the tray or hold-down system, which should be approached with caution to ensure safety and stability.

John Marius
John Marius
John Thompson, an automotive engineer with 15+ years of EV and lithium battery experience, holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. He’s passionate about advancing battery tech and promoting green energy.

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