ATV Battery Requirements: Can a Deep Cycle Battery Start an ATV?

Learn whether a deep cycle battery can start an ATV engine. Understand ATV battery requirements, cranking power, and how to combine deep cycle and starting batteries for best performance.

1. What Does an ATV Battery Need?

An ATV battery must deliver instant high cranking power to start the engine and remain reliable in rough terrain, mud, and extreme weather.
The two main requirements are:

• High Instant Current (Cranking Power): The battery must release a large amount of current quickly to turn over the starter motor.

• Durability and Vibration Resistance: The battery must survive shocks, vibrations, and outdoor exposure typical of off-road riding.

Most ATVs use starting batteries or dual-purpose batteries that provide short bursts of high current (300–600A) to ensure quick and reliable ignition.

2. What Is a Deep Cycle Battery?

A deep cycle battery is designed for long, steady energy output, not for high current bursts.
It is perfect for running electronics, lights, navigation systems, and trolling motors for extended periods.

Key characteristics:

• Long cycle life (up to 4000–5000 cycles)

• Stable voltage during discharge

• High depth of discharge (up to 80%)

• Lower peak discharge current than starting batteries

In short, deep cycle batteries excel at sustained power, but they’re not optimized for engine cranking.

3. Can a Deep Cycle Battery Start an ATV?

Generally, a standard deep cycle battery cannot directly start an ATV engine.
Here’s why:

• ATV engines require high peak current (200–400A) to crank.

• Most deep cycle LiFePO4 batteries have BMS (Battery Management Systems) that limit the maximum discharge current to protect the cells.

• If the cranking demand exceeds that limit, the BMS will shut off temporarily, resulting in a failed start.

However, if the deep cycle battery is specifically designed for high pulse discharge or labeled as “Cranking Type LiFePO4”, it can handle ATV starting.

4. How to Solve the Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Conflict

There are three proven solutions to make sure your ATV starts reliably while still benefiting from deep cycle power.

✅ Option 1: Dual Battery System (Recommended)

Use:

• One starting battery for engine ignition

• One deep cycle LiFePO4 battery for powering accessories

Connect them with a battery isolator or DC-DC charger.
This prevents the deep cycle battery from being drained during startup and allows both batteries to charge efficiently.

Advantages:

• Guaranteed start every time

• Longer battery life

• Stable power for electronics

💡 Example: Pair a small AGM starting battery with an OKMO 12V 50Ah or 100Ah LiFePO4 deep cycle battery for best results.

✅ Option 2: High-Discharge LiFePO4 Battery

Choose a LiFePO4 battery with high peak discharge capability, such as:

• Peak current ≥ 300–600A

• Built-in smart BMS for cranking protection

These advanced batteries combine both starting power and deep cycle performance in one unit.
Some OKMO “Trolling / Marine” series models offer this dual function.

✅ Option 3: Add a Super Capacitor Booster

A super capacitor start module can be connected in parallel with a deep cycle battery.
The capacitor handles the short burst of high current during ignition, while the deep cycle battery provides steady energy afterward.

Pros:

• Inexpensive upgrade

• Extends battery lifespan

• Improves cold-start performance

5. Summary Table

6. Final Thoughts

A deep cycle battery alone is not the best choice for one-key ATV starting.
To ensure reliability and performance, either:

• Use a starting battery for ignition and a deep cycle LiFePO4 for onboard electronics, or

• Choose a high-discharge LiFePO4 battery designed for both starting and deep cycling.

By combining the strengths of both battery types, your ATV will start instantly, run longer, and stay powered in any environment.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a LiFePO4 deep cycle battery to start my ATV?
A1: Only if it supports high pulse discharge (300A+). Standard deep cycle models are not suitable for engine cranking.

Q2: What is the best ATV battery under $200?
A2: The OKMO 12V 20Ah or 50Ah LiFePO4 battery is a great budget choice for powering accessories. For starting, combine it with a small AGM battery.

Q3: Can I use one battery for both starting and accessories?
A3: Yes, but only if the battery is labeled as dual-purpose or high-cranking LiFePO4.

Q4: What is the safest configuration for ATVs?
A4: A dual battery system — one starting battery for the engine, one deep cycle battery for electronics — gives the best safety and longevity.