Golf Cart Batteries: The Ultimate Guide
How long do batteries last? What are the best golf cart batteries? How many volts are the batteries?
Electric golf carts have several benefits over gas-powered models. They are operated noiselessly, provide instant torque, and require little maintenance. They do not emit fumes or smell when used indoors, which is especially beneficial for facilities that host events with high attendance such as weddings or corporate outings.
What is the typical lifespan of a golf cart battery?
Lead-acid golf cart batteries, when properly maintained with the use of a golf cart battery charger / maintainer, will last up to 6 years with regular use. A high-quality golf cart battery charger / maintainer will deliver the correct electrical flow when charging your cart’s batteries and also feature an auto shut-off function so that you don’t fry your cart’s batteries from over-charging.
Lithium-ion battery packs for golf carts
Lithium batteries have been used in consumer electronics such as cell phones and laptops for years, but the explosion of growth in this industry over the past few years can be attributed to their use in golf cart batteries. Golf carts require a special type of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeO4) battery that is more stable and safer than other types of Lithium-Ion batteries. These LiFeO4 batteries are optimized to provide a steady current which can be difficult to achieve with Lead-Acid batteries which result in more wear-and-tear on the electrical system.
The following are some of the benefits of lithium golf cart batteries:
Lithium batteries last longer, store more energy, and are safer to use than traditional lead-acid batteries. They do not require maintenance or watering, and they do not lose power as their voltage dips (lead-acid batteries get ‘tired’ as they are used). Lithium batteries can be recharged much more quickly than lead-acid batteries (80% charge can be achieved for lithium in as little as 1 hour; full charge in 2-3 hours). Lithium batteries weigh about half as much as equivalent lead-acid batteries weigh (72lbs avg. vs 325lbs avg.).
Can I use regular car batteries to replace my golf cart’s lead-acid batteries?
You cannot use car batteries in your golf cart.
The car’s engine, which runs on combustion, is not powered by the car battery.
The alternator, which converts mechanical power into electrical energy, is what powers the car’s accessories when it is running.
Once the car has started, a car battery provides simple power for starting the engine.
What type of golf cart batteries do I have: 6-volt, 8-volt or 12-volts?
The easiest way to determine what type of batteries your E-cart is designed for, as well as their voltage:
Inspect your batteries for the number of acid holes beneath the covers on each battery. Golf carts typically have 3, 4 , or 6 holes per battery head. Each battery has a voltage of 2 volts per hole. When replacing batteries in your golf cart, be sure to use the proper 6-volt, 8-volt, or 12-volt golf cart batteries after inspecting your setup.
What voltage is my golf cart?
Example: 36-Volt Golf Cart (with 6, 6V Battery System):
3 acid holes x 2 volts per hole Equals 6 volts
A 36-volt cart is made up of six 6V batteries Example:
48-Volt Golf Cart (with 6, 8V Battery System):
4 acid holes x 2 volts per hole Equals 8 volts
A 48-volt cart is made up of six (8-volt) batteries 72-Volt Golf Cart (w/ 6 12V Batteries):
6 acid holes x 2 volts per hole Equals 12 volts
A 72-volt cart requires six 6-volt golf cart batteries
Recently, Lithium-ion Golf Cart Batteries have taken the golf cart market by storm. Battery Expert provides the best lithium-ion golf cart batteries. To discover more about lithium batteries, read our article Why Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Are the Future.
