Your questions answered regarding anything golf cart batteries and chargers.
What type of batteries do I need for a golf cart?
There are 3 primary types of golf cart batteries:
Flooded Lead Acid (Wet)
AGM Lead Acid (Non-spillable Sealed)
Lithium-Ion / Lithium Iron Phosphate
Why do golf carts use 6-volt batteries instead of 12 volt?
6 Volt golf cart batteries have thicker plates and can provide higher amp hour (Ah) capacity. This is especially true with flooded batteries. This translates to extended range when compared to 8V or 12V batteries.
Is a golf cart battery the same as a car battery?
No. Golf cart batteries are thick-plate deep cycle in nature constructed to run a constant current electric motor. Car batteries have thin-plates and designed to provide short bursts of power to turn over an engine.
Can you use four 12-volt batteries in a 48-volt golf cart?
Yes, if the space configuration allows. A typical 48-volt golf car will use eight 6-volt batteries, six 8-volt batteries, or four 12-volt batteries. The 12V batteries may cost less, but you may also sacrifice max travel distance.
Are Trojan golf cart batteries the best?
Trojan flooded batteries have a reputation for long lifespans and excellent performance…but so do several others including US Battery, Crown, and East Penn. However, from our experience US Battery and Trojan Batteries contend for the best golf cart battery title in the flooded lead-acid category.
How do you bypass the on-board computer for my Club Car?
It is easier than you might think. Following this link will take you our full article detailing how and why to bypass the OBC.
How long should my golf cart batteries last?
With a proper golf cart charger and regular maintenance, attaining 5-7 years useful life should be easy for flooded or AGM batteries. Installing an on-board battery desulfator will do wonders for your batteries health and help extend usability.
Should I leave my golf cart batteries plugged in all the time?
Yes, if you have a smart charger. If you have not replaced the golf cart charger that came with your cart then there is a good chance you will want to unplug after each charge.
Is it OK to leave my cart uncharged or should we charge it after every use?
It is best to get in the habit of charging your golf cart after every use. This will help to extend the life of your batteries. In the industrial world they call this opportunity charging. While not entirely the same the principle is good advice to follow.
How far can my golf cart travel?
What a loaded question! The distance a golf car can travel is entirely dependent on the system voltage, battery capacity, cargo load, impedance of electronics, speed selected, and terrain type traveled (flat vs hilly, smooth vs rough).
Why does my electric golf cart go slow uphill?
Much of the time, weak batteries are to blame. But other factors could come into play such as poor tire tread as well as aged motors that have a lot of wear and tear.
Can you put marine batteries in a golf cart?
Technically, yes.
Both golf cart and marine batteries are designed to keep up with a constant current demand. These are considered deep discharge applications. A trolling motor and golf car motor both require deep cycle batteries. But that is where the similarities end. Physical size, capacity and terminal type differ.
What are the advantages of and disadvantages of lithium golf cart batteries?
Advantages:
Reduces cart weight – Your cart motor does not have to work reducing wear-and-tear. Less weight also equates to further distances traveled.
Charge up fast – Lithium cells will accept a higher current flow compared to lead acid battery cells. You can be charged up in less than 2 hours vs. an overnight charge.
Slow self-discharge rate – This aspect is ideal for snowbirds that leave their carts in storage for half the year. If there is no parasitic drain you don’t need to leave your batteries on a maintenance charger while you’re gone.
Longer life span – Lithium batteries have 1500 to 2500 more cycles than lead acid batteries. They are predicted to last 2-3x longer with some claims as much as 10x the life expectancy of flooded lead acid.
Disadvantages:
Relatively expensive – The up-front cost is still steep. A new set of lithium batteries can be as much as $6000. The good news is with the average life expectancy being many times that of flooded batteries, lithium golf cart batteries will ultimately cost less.
New charging system required – Even if your batteries come with a BMS, your charger should be re-programmed to those specific batteries lithium profile. If it cannot be re-programmed, buy a new battery charger.
Complete discharge failure – If you manage to completely discharge your lithium batteries they can no longer be re-charged. (Hope your BMS is functioning correctly).
