Lithium Rhino vs EPOCH 36V Trolling Batteries

If you run a 36V trolling motor, a single-case 36V lithium battery is one of the best upgrades you can make. It replaces three heavy 12V batteries, removes series jumpers and holds voltage all day. In our store, Lithium Rhino and EPOCH both offer single-case 36V batteries in two sizes each. This comparison uses our product listings to help you choose. Check product pages for current specs and stock.
The short version
- Choose Lithium Rhino for more amp-hours per size class, an IP67 case across the line and listed 150A continuous output.
- Choose EPOCH for internal heating, Bluetooth, an 11-year listed warranty and a compact 36V 50Ah that fits a group 31-size space.
The four batteries
| Lithium Rhino 36V 65Ah | Lithium Rhino 36V 120Ah | EPOCH 36V 50Ah Essential | EPOCH 36V 100Ah | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 65Ah | 120Ah | 50Ah | 100Ah |
| Energy (approx.) | 2.5 kWh | 4.6 kWh | 1.9 kWh | 3.8 kWh |
| Ingress protection | IP67 | IP67 | IP65 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internal heating | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous discharge | 150A | 150A | Check listing | Check listing |
| Max charge current | 50A | 50A | Check listing | Check listing |
| Weight | Check listing | Check listing | 35 lb | 75 lb |
| Listed warranty | 8 years | 8 years | 11 years | 11 years |
| Listed cycle life | 6,000+ | 6,000+ | Check listing | Check listing |
Energy is capacity times a 38.4V nominal LiFePO4 voltage, rounded.

Capacity: how much do you need?
Your trolling motor’s average draw decides it. A 36V motor might average 15–25A over a day of mixed use, more with heavy GPS anchoring in wind.
| Average draw | 6 hours uses | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| 10A | 60Ah | EPOCH 50Ah (careful), Rhino 65Ah |
| 15A | 90Ah | EPOCH 100Ah, Rhino 120Ah |
| 20A | 120Ah | Rhino 120Ah |
| 25A | 150Ah | Rhino 120Ah plus charging on the run |
Lithium Rhino’s sizes give a bit more capacity in each class: 65Ah versus 50Ah, and 120Ah versus 100Ah. For long tournament days, that extra margin matters.
Cold weather
EPOCH lists internal heating on both of its 36V models, which lets the battery accept charge below freezing. Our Lithium Rhino listings don’t show heating. If you fish early spring or late fall in the North, or charge in an unheated garage, EPOCH’s heating is a real advantage. In the South, it matters less.
Water resistance
Lithium Rhino lists IP67 on both kits; EPOCH lists IP67 on the 100Ah and IP65 on the 50Ah. All are well suited to a trolling battery compartment, but none should sit in bilge water, and terminals still need protection.
Size and weight
EPOCH’s 36V 50Ah lists a group 31 size and 35 pounds, a compact package for skiffs and smaller bass boats. The 36V 100Ah weighs 75 pounds. Our Lithium Rhino listings don’t show weights or dimensions, so check the product pages and measure your compartment before ordering.
Warranty
EPOCH lists 11 years; Lithium Rhino lists 8 years. Read each maker’s terms for what’s covered.
Charging
All four need a 36V LiFePO4 charger. Lithium Rhino lists a 50A maximum charge current, so any common onboard charger is within range. EPOCH sells a 36V 15A charger and a two-bank 12V/36V onboard charger that also handles the start battery. The Allied Lithium 36V 15A waterproof charger is another option. To add range on the water, a 12V-to-36V DC-DC charger can top up the trolling battery from the outboard.
Example decisions
Northern bass angler, 112-lb thrust motor, spring and fall tournaments: EPOCH 36V 100Ah for heating and capacity, with a two-bank onboard charger.
Florida bay boat, heavy spot-lock use: Lithium Rhino 36V 120Ah for the extra capacity; heating isn’t needed.
Small skiff, moderate use: EPOCH 36V 50Ah for its compact size, or Lithium Rhino 65Ah for more capacity if it fits.
Single case vs three 12V batteries
Both options beat a three-battery lead-acid bank on weight and steady voltage. Compared with three 12V lithium batteries, a single case removes jumpers and balance concerns and gives one Bluetooth readout for the whole bank. Three 12V batteries are easier to lift individually and fit split compartments.
Installation tips for either brand
- Measure first. Check the length, width and height of the compartment, including room for cables and a hold-down strap. A single 36V case is often longer or taller than one 12V battery.
- Remove the old jumpers. Take out the series jumpers between the old 12V batteries and connect the motor leads directly to the single battery.
- Fuse the positive lead. Install a fuse or breaker sized for your trolling motor close to the battery. Your motor maker lists the recommended size.
- Check cable size. Long runs to a bow-mounted motor need heavy cable to keep voltage drop low. Reuse the existing cables only if they’re in good condition and correctly sized.
- Secure the battery. Lithium batteries are lighter but still need a tray or strap so they can’t shift in rough water.
- Swap the charger. Remove the old three-bank lead-acid charger leads and install a 36V lithium charger, or a two-bank charger that handles both the trolling battery and the start battery.
Monitoring with Bluetooth
Both brands list Bluetooth monitoring. The app shows state of charge, voltage and current, which is far more useful than reading voltage on a 36V lead-acid bank. Check the app before you leave the dock and at lunch. If you’re below about half by midday, ease off the spot-lock or plan a shorter afternoon.
More reading
For the full lineups, see EPOCH vs Dakota Lithium and Battle Born vs EPOCH. If you’re considering a sealed lead-acid bank instead, see Interstate lithium vs AGM and Trojan vs Interstate. For an overview of the EPOCH lines, read EPOCH Eco vs Essential vs Elite. The hubs at marine battery comparisons and marine battery brands compared cover everything else.
Products mentioned
- Lithium Rhino 36V 65Ah
- Lithium Rhino 36V 120Ah
- EPOCH 36V 50Ah Essential
- EPOCH 36V 100Ah
- EPOCH 36V 15A lithium charger
Frequently asked questions
Which 36V lithium battery has more capacity?
Lithium Rhino’s 36V 120Ah is the largest of the four. In the smaller class, Rhino’s 65Ah beats EPOCH’s 50Ah.
Which has internal heating?
EPOCH lists heating on both 36V models. Our Lithium Rhino listings don’t show heating.
Which has the longer warranty?
EPOCH lists 11 years; Lithium Rhino lists 8 years.
Can I use my old 3-bank charger?
Not with a single-case 36V battery. Use a 36V LiFePO4 charger.
Are both waterproof?
Lithium Rhino lists IP67 on both kits. EPOCH lists IP67 on the 100Ah and IP65 on the 50Ah.
