Full Answer
How far can you Drive on a golf cart battery?
However, if you have determined your Golf Cart use will be driven less than 5 miles per day, than you can have your pick of battery packs. Keep in mind though that a standard 18 holes of golf ranges between 5-7 miles per round depending on your handicap ;). How to charge your batteries?
Is it bad for a golf cart battery to go dead?
As letting the batteries go completely dead is very bad for the batteries and will definitely cut the life expectancy short. In the golf cart business we use a golf cart battery recovery unit like BatteryPete’s Super Charger to jump start the golf cart in seconds or minutes to get the customers golf cart battery charger to kick on…
How often should you charge your electric golf cart batteries?
Using your golf cart when your batteries aren’t fully charged leads to hard sulfation and can affect battery performance and the range of your batteries. Make sure your batteries have enough time to complete a charge cycle before using your cart. If possible, charge your batteries every day that you use an electric golf cart.
How fast do electric golf carts go?
Depending on the customers’ preference, it is worthwhile to note that electric golf carts have a high speed of up to 25 miles per hour (mph) compared to their counterparts – gasoline-driven golf carts, which speed up to 19 mph. At such slow speeds, moving from a point A to B that are separated by vast distances becomes a challenge for you.
How far can an electric golf cart go on a charge?
Depending on the manufacturer, most gas golf carts have between a 5 and 6 gallon gas tank and get about 40 miles to the gallon. Electric golf carts with fully charged batteries in perfect condition get about 35 miles to the full charge.
How far can you go on a 48V golf cart?
The maximum range of this new battery when powering a 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf cart is approximately 20.5 miles when moving at 12 miles per hour. In golfing terms, this equates to around 3 rounds or 54 holes.
How long does a charge last on an electric golf cart?
Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times.
How long can a golf cart go without being charged?
Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use.
How far will a 36V golf cart go?
A 36 volt golf cart is adequate for 2 to 4 passenger use when you are primarily using it on flat a flat surface. The average drive time or range for a 36 volt DC system is about 30 miles on a full charge.
How far will a golf cart go on a single charge?
The average range of the electric golf cart is 8-10 miles on a lead-acid battery. Lithium batteries cover up to 100 miles on a single full charge.
How often should you charge an electric golf cart?
4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.
How fast does a 48 volt golf cart go?
The standard 48v golf cart will travel between 12 to 14 mph. However, if you apply modifications to the vehicle you can expect top speeds of 20 to 24mph.
What is the range of a golf cart?
Desired range: An electric cart's range is typically 15 to 25 miles, depending on the type of battery. With a 4 to 6 gallon fuel tank, you'll average 100 to 180 miles with a gas cart.
How far can a lithium battery golf cart go?
For a fleet carts a minimum of 2 batteries are required and will have a range of 30-40 miles per charge. If a user would like to extend the distance of the system additional batteries can be added within 2 years of installation. Each additional battery will provide around 15-20 miles of extended distance.
Can you charge golf cart while driving?
No. You should turn your golf cart off when charging its batteries. Trying to charge a golf cart while it is running is a pointless exercise, as the battery will be draining while you're trying to charge it. A golf cart should only be turned on once its batteries are fully charged.
Should you leave your electric golf cart plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
How far can a golf cart go with a new battery?
An electric golf cart with new batteries will go anywhere between 25 to 40 miles depending on the battery configuration, the model, and voltage of the cart.
How does driving affect golf cart batteries?
Things like going uphill or carrying a large load for a long period can reduce the batteries function quickly .
Why do golf cart batteries need to be charged?
Charging. Batteries need to get fully charged between uses. Using your golf cart when your batteries aren’t fully charged leads to hard sulfation and can affect battery performance and the range of your batteries. Make sure your batteries have enough time to complete a charge cycle before using your cart.
What type of motor is used in a golf cart?
Golf carts are powered by either a 4-stroke internal combustion engine or a 36V or 48v electric AC or DC motor. Originally, these vehicles were only electrically powered, but with time, gasoline-powered variants started to emerge. Most communities prefer the electric version over gas powered carts for several reasons:
How many amps does a golf battery use?
A typical round of golf will require about 40 minutes of run time while discharged at 56 amps. With all three configurations, the batteries have more than enough capacity to get through two rounds. But you’ll also want to look at the battery’s depth of discharge or DOD.
How does extra weight affect golf cart speed?
This is because the extra weight of the body and other operating parts put more strain on the drivetrain, requiring more power to move as compared to the lighter 2-seater cart. If you’re looking for ways to make your golf cart go faster, just know the extra weight also effects the golf cart speed as well. A typical round of golf will require about ...
Why do people use electric golf carts?
Most communities prefer the electric version over gas powered carts for several reasons: Zero pollution. Low operating noise. Safety for pedestrians and other carts (due to slow speeds). This article talks about the electric variant of golf carts and the maximum range this vehicle can get on a single charge.
What size batteries are used in golf cars?
Golf car batteries are generally build in three different sizes. 6V, 8V, and 12V. Usually, the run time on the battery is inversely related to the battery voltage rating. Meaning, that a 48V golf car with 4 x 12V batteries will have a shorter run time than a 48V golf car with 6 x 8V batteries.
What is the most common golf car battery?
Historically, the most common golf car battery was the “wet cell” FLA. The price and quality of this type of battery can vary significantly due to manufacturing materials and processes.
What will increase the drag on a golf car?
Terrain that has steep hills will require more power from the motor and from the batteries. Wet, soft ground will increase the drag on the golf car and limit the efficiency, causing the motor and batteries to supply more power. Hard, flat terrain will extend the driving time of the batteries.
What factors should be considered when driving a golf car?
Any terrain that limits the amount of work the golf car has to do will also limit the amount of power consumed from the batteries. Terrain that has steep hills will require more power from the motor and from the batteries.
How much pressure should a golf tire be?
The tire pressure on a standard golf car tire should be inflated to 22 psi. Under-inflated tires causes significantly more friction and drag, causing the golf car electric motor to work harder and pull more power from the batteries, thus reducing the driving time.
How fast can a golf car go?
Consumer golf cars or personal transport vehicles (PTVs) often can have a top speed of 19.5 mph. This speed comes at the expense of the run time of your batteries. Golf courses usually have the speed of their fleets set at 12 – 15 mph.
What is an AC/DC motor?
Type of Electric motor – AC/DC. Alternating Current or AC electric motors are a more powerful and more efficient technology that direct current or DC motors. Tesla Motors began their electric car manufacturing by introducing an AC motor in their vehicles. The efficiency can be between 15-20% greater than DC.
How many rounds of golf can you use a golf cart battery?
To give you some kind of comparison factor, fleet golf cart batteries, are used for two to four rounds of golf every day ...
How often should I water my golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries need to be watered on a regular basis. By regular basis, I mean checking them AT LEAST once a month and then adding DISTILLED water if needed (Do not use tap water. It will hurt your batteries.). When checking them, make sure they are fully charged.
What is the best way to not overcharge a battery?
This refers to a charger that does NOT sense when the battery is becoming fully charged and either shuts down at the right time or slows down to a trickle charge as the battery approaches saturation point. Newer battery chargers either close down or slow down as the battery becomes fully charged since they have a built in algorithm that knows when the batteries are fully charged. A lot of the time a manual charger will come with a built in timer that you set. However if this is not the case, it is highly recommended you get a kitchen timer or set an alarm clock, because over-cooking your batteries is a sure way to sacrifice longevity.
How long do batteries last?
In the worst case scenario, your batteries may only last you three years. In the best case scenario, they may last you ten years. If your batteries only last three years or less, then it means a combination of factors. It usually entails a few of the following items:
Can you recharge a cart with lead acid?
However, fully charging batteries before reusing the cart is recommended. That said, lead-acid batteries don’ t last as long if you let them drain down to zero before recharging them. And, remember, top quality chargers are recommended, so that recharging is safer and the charging is steady and fully automated.
Is battery life important for golf carts?
In a nutshell, battery duration is certainly a major concern and a major expense for golf cart owners. Taking the recommended maintenance steps very seriously will lead to extended life and keep costs down. author- Timothy Baler.
Do you need to fill batteries if they are discharged?
When checking them, make sure they are fully charged. You do not want to fill them if they are discharged as this could cause overfilling. One of the biggest “battery killers” is not properly maintaining them with water, so be sure to check them on a regular basis.
How long do electric golf cart batteries last?
Used Electric Golf Cart or Utility Vehicle. Batteries are the main thing to be concerned with when buying used electric equipment. They can last up to eight years if properly cared for, but only two or three years if they’ve been ignored.
How far can an electric car go on one charge?
How far can a street legal electric vehicle go on one charge? On average, an electric maintenance vehicle or golf cart can go 40 miles on a single charge (this assumes a 48-volt system with eight 6v batteries). You can increase this range up to 80 miles by driving flat and level surfaces and not towing. Upgrades such as lithium ion batteries and ...
How fast can a golf cart go?
There are two main things that distinguish a golf cart from a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), sometimes referred to as a Low-Speed Vehicle or LSV: - The maximum speed of a golf cart is 15mph. - An NEV / LSV must go 25mph or more.
What is a golf cart?
And an increasing number of people use their street-legal golf cart, also known as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle or NEV, in place of a car.
How far can you drive a car with a flat surface?
You can increase this range up to 80 miles by driving flat and level surfaces and not towing. Upgrades such as lithium ion batteries and even solar panels further extend a vehicle's range.
How to check if a golf cart battery is dead?
There are four methods of checking whether your golf cart battery is dead. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of each battery in your golf cart. Use a hydrometer to check the gravity of the electrolytes in the batteries. Use the Load Testing method.
How many amp hours does a golf cart battery last?
A bigger voltage drop is a sure sign of a failing or faulty battery. A golf cart battery comes with a specific amp hour rating at 20 hours. This is usually mentioned in the battery information sticker.
How to charge a 6 volt battery overnight?
Connect the battery to a three-phase charger that can charge 6 volts batteries and let it charge overnight. Check the charger status in the morning. If it indicates a full charge, check the battery cells once again and add some more distilled water to the cells with exposed battery plates.
Why does my golf cart battery keep going dead?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps going dead may be due to loose connections, incorrect battery wiring, or having a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is at fault and tends to affect the starter solenoid.
Why does my golf cart battery drain so quickly?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.
How to check the specific gravity of a golf cart battery?
Using a Hydrometer. You can use a hydrometer with a thermometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the golf cart batteries. If this value lies between 1.1 and 1.2, you must consider recharging the battery. Alternatively, if the value is between 1.225 and 1.265, you can continue testing your battery.
How much sulfuric acid is in a battery?
It’s worth keeping in mind that the sulfuric acid to water concentration for a fully charged battery is 1.28 while it’s 1.145 for a discharged battery. It’s highly recommended that you wear a pair of safety gloves and safety glasses when you use a hydrometer. Pour the electrolyte into the hydrometer.
Can you turn off the radio on a golf cart?
Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly. In the case of a gasoline-powered golf cart, you may end up having to jump-start the cart to get it working again if this happens.
Can you use an automatic battery charger when it is fully charged?
It's important to make sure you're using an automatic battery charger that will stop being active as soon as the battery is fully charged. We've had clients come in with what they felt were "bad" batteries, only to have to explain to them that the battery had simply been damaged by being overcharged too many times.
Can you drive a golf cart up steep hills?
Forcing your golf cart up very steep hills or to go longer distances than it is made for will run the battery down and could leave you stranded. Just keep a careful eye on distance traveled and consider using a truck or trailer when transporting your golf cart longer distances.
Should golf cart batteries be charged?
Another common issue is golf cart owners who think that golf cart batteries should only be charged when they've become very low. If you drive your golf cart that day? Charge the battery. Letting golf cart batteries run down until near-empty or totally dead will damage them over time just as much as overcharging them.
How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?
A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.
Which golf cart battery has the least range?
However the 4-12 Volt system has the least range. The more lead and the heavier the battery pack as a whole typically leads to a more expensive but higher quality battery pack. And a higher quality battery pack will have a longer life for your golf cart and generally better performance in terms of range.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?
A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.
How does amperage affect golf carts?
It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric golf cart. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.
What to do when buying an electric golf cart?
If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...
How many cycles does a lithium battery last?
Also, some lithium batteries carry a lifetime warranty and can deliver up to 5000 cycles versus the typical 100-500 cycles for a lead acid battery. Even with a 500-cycle lead acid battery cart, that means replacing the power source 10 times more than the lithium-ion model.
What kind of batteries are used in golf carts?
While the aim of this article is to discuss primarily deep cycle batteries used in golf carts, some people are interested about learning the other types of batteries being used in Golf Cars. We have an article for you that discusses differing battery types in detail specifically for you.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need?
Others require a little less. So for example a 36 volt battery charger would require approx. 25-30 volts to activate, whereas a 48 volt charger would require 30-35 or even 40 volts present to activate.
What does it mean when a golf cart battery is bad?
So being if the golf cart battery cable lug connector or connection between two batteries is bad the cart will usually not work, drive or charge. So check all the connections and cables for signs of corrosion or wear or completely broken off battery.
How does a 12 volt battery charger work?
So being in a pinch a 12 volt battery charger will work to get some energy back into your dead golf cart batteries and revive them. The sole purpose here is to just get some energy back into the batteries so the golf cart battery charger itself can do the brunt of the charging and charge the batteries properly.
Why does my golf cart beep?
If you can get enough voltage and energy back into the batteries to make the golf cart move, beep or lights to work usually means there is enough voltage present at this point for the original golf cart battery charger to be plugged in and it will turn on to charge the batteries completely.
Why is my golf cart battery charger not working?
Ok…. So the first guess or main reason why your golf cart battery charger is not working right now is because the batteries in your golf cart are completely dead. ( Not always but usually 90% of the time) This is because the federal government years ago made it mandatory that all manufacturers ...
What to do if golf cart battery is broken?
Again if the golf cart battery cables are broken or corroded they need to be replaced and reconnected accordingly. Also it is recommended to use some type of corrosion preventative on all terminal connections to avoid the elements eating away at your connector, cables or terminals.
Can you baby sit your golf cart batteries?
Though due to recent advances in charging technology you can now purchase a Smart charger for your golf cart that will basically baby sit your batteries while you are away on vacation for the summer or whenever.