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how much power do i need to charge a golf cart

by Leonora Brekke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Often, a 120-volt charger typically draws 10 amps of power from your home's power system. That's good to know – but how does this translate to a cost level? Well, if you multiply the volts of your charger – 120 – by the amp yield – in this example, 10 amps – you get around 1,200 watts or 1.2 kilowatts.

Full Answer

Can You charge a golf cart battery with a car charger?

You can charge a golf cart battery using your car charger designed for 6 volts or 12 volts applications by following the steps given below and adhering to a few precautions. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery using a wrench and take it out of the battery compartment.

How many amps does an electric golf cart use?

For this case, let’s take into account a 120 volt charger that draws 10 amps. Volts multiplied by amps yields watts as the product, so the result is 1,200 watts. Another study done by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority evaluated the energy use of electric golf carts per hour.

How much water do you add to a golf cart battery?

Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over; add the water to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. Change your golf cart batteries every six months, check your batteries often to ensure they’re well hydrated and operating at optimum water levels.

What type of charger plugs do I need for my golf cart?

There are about 8 different types of charger plugs that you can find across various golf cart models. While some of plugs are exclusively for either 36 volts or 48 volts carts, others will work with both voltages. The optimum battery charging voltage depends on the type of batteries that you use in your golf cart.

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What voltage do you need to charge a golf cart?

The charger you buy needs to match the voltage of your golf cart (to avoid unnecessary damage to your batteries): 36-volt golf carts require a 36-volt charger. 48-volt golf carts require a 48-volt charger.

How many watts does it take to run a golf cart?

But golf carts, like the one we have at work, use six 6 volt batteries likely capable of about 200 ampere hours. That would be 7200 watt hours for the set. A 200 watt solar panel would take 36 hours to produce an equivalent amount of energy.

How many amps does a golf cart battery charger draw?

1 x 100 = 10 amp charge rate. 6 volt golf cart batteries are typically 200 to 225 amp hours, and 8 volt batteries about 150 amp hours. It is important to know the ah rating of your battery, if you aren't replacing an existing charger, or to check if the existing charger is sized correctly.

Can you charge an electric golf cart with a generator?

0:4510:53Can You Charge An Electric Car With This BIG Generator? (Part 1 of 3)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo yes technically the little generac here did charge our tesla but at 120 volts we only got two orMoreSo yes technically the little generac here did charge our tesla but at 120 volts we only got two or three miles of range gained.

How many amps does it take to run a golf cart?

On average, electric golf motors operate at 36 or 48 volts and draw between 50-70 amps of current while cruising at about 15 miles per hour. Keep in mind that the current draw during acceleration or while going up a hill is much higher.

How many kilowatt hours does it take to charge a golf cart?

The national average is about $0.12 per hour but gets as high as $0.33 and as low as $0.08 per hour. So if you multiply that by the six kilowatts you'll use in your cart, you get a cost of about $0.48 to $1.98 for every time that you charge your cart's battery.

Does the AMP matter on a golf cart charger?

Well, Amperage in a golf cart is like the gas tank in your car. It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric Golf Car. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.

How many amps does a 48v golf cart charger pull?

A 48-volt system of 4×12 volts can deliver approximately 600 amps. Yet a 48-volt system of 8×6 volts can deliver 1,800 amps. This alone can increase the range of a golf cart from about 12 miles to about 35 miles. Both systems deliver the same voltage, so their speed and acceleration will be similar.

How many watts is a golf cart charger?

For this case, let's take into account a 120 volt charger that draws 10 amps. Volts multiplied by amps yields watts as the product, so the result is 1,200 watts.

Is there a portable charger for electric cars?

Today, new electric cars come with portable charging equipment to allow you to plug in to any 120-volt outlet. Typically, the average daily commute of 40 miles can be easily replenished overnight with a Level 1 charger.

Will an electric car run off a generator?

They want to be sure they can charge their electric cars with a generator or backup battery so they can always get power in a pinch. So can you use a backup battery or another power source to recharge your electric vehicle? In short, yes.

How many watts does it take to charge an electric car?

7,200 wattsMost electric vehicles charging at home on a 240-volt level 2 charger will draw about 7,200 watts or less. For comparison, a typical electric furnace draws about 10,000 watts and a water heater uses 4,500 watts.

How many amps does a 12 volt golf cart battery have?

The Five Most Common Golf Cart Battery PacksBattery System TypeVoltageAmps (Estimated)4-12 Volts48 Volts6006-8 Volts48 Volts1,0208-6 Volts48 Volts1,8006-12 Volts72 Volts9001 more row•Nov 3, 2020

Should I leave my 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.

Can you overcharge batteries in a golf cart?

Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.

How many volts is a full charge on a 36 volt golf cart?

The target voltage for a 36 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 43.2 to 44.1 volts.

How much energy does a golf cart use?

Another study done by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority evaluated the energy use of electric golf carts per hour. The report indicated a 3.3 kWH for its daily energy consumption, while gas carts consumed much more at 1.13 L or 10 kWh of energy.

How long does it take to charge a golf cart battery?

Savings can go up to $1,000 annually. It takes approximately 8 to 14 hours to charge a depleted lead acid battery pack depending on the age of the batteries. It’s takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of charging time for the new Lithium Elite from E-Z-GO. This saves you energy out of the wall (money) and down time compared to lead acid batteries.

How to check golf cart battery voltage?

To determine your golf cart voltage, check the battery compartment below your golf cart seat. Count the number of holes on the battery then multiply that number by 2 to know its golf cart battery voltage.

What is a golf cart battery?

A golf cart battery is actually a deep cycle battery. This type of battery is also referred to as “wet” or “flooded” batteries because of the electrolytes they contain. These electrolytes are comprised of a water and acid solution that produces an electrical current over long periods of time.

Why use an automatic golf cart charger?

You might want to use an automatic golf cart charger to avoid overcharging. Luckily almost all chargers today are “smart” chargers that measure, through an algorithm, the amount of energy left in the battery pack and then calculate the time needed to charge the battery pack to full charge status.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

A well-maintained golf cart battery would be able to last up to six years. The minimum predicted lifespan would be at four years. Golf carts typically contain 6 volt batteries, 8 volt batteries, or 12 volt batteries.

How many volts does a golf cart battery have?

A standard golf cart battery will have between 38 and 46 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the golf cart’s battery will last, and the more power you’ll get out of that cart – that depends on the speed you’re using on the golf cart and how you use that cart over its terrain.

How long does it take for a GPS golf cart to charge?

It also has the capability of being fully charged in approximately five hours. As it was designed for multiple golf games, the battery will take you up and down the straights of the course and help you improve your golfing game.

Can You Overcharge An Electric Golf Cart?

You can overcharge an electric golf cart. Overcharging can damage the cells in your golf cart’s battery, reducing the battery’s longevity, making your cart more likely to lose its charge faster than if you used an automatic charger that turns itself off when the battery is full. Don’t drive a golf cart until the battery dies; lead-acid batteries won’t last as long when drained to 0.

How to prevent golf cart batteries from overcharging?

My best advice to prevent overcharging your golf cart batteries is to set a timer while you charge the battery. You will also want to ensure that you check the battery’s heat and charge at regular intervals to ensure the battery doesn’t overheat and hasn’t finished charging too soon.

Why won't my golf cart battery charge?

Putting too much or too little water in your golf cart batteries can be detrimental to the battery’s lifespan. Too much water and you can flood or overflow the acid tanks inside the battery as you charge it. Too little water and you’ll find the battery won’t charge as there is not enough water to allow the electrolysis charging process inside of the battery to take place.

How to ensure electric golf cart longevity?

One other way to ensure the longevity of your electric golf cart is not to overwork its battery when out on the course. Stick to pathways and flat terrain as much as possible and don’t over-rev or work the cart as you move up and down the course’s undulation s.

Why is it bad to leave a golf cart plugged in?

Leaving your cart plugged in for too long can increase electricity consumption, which will inevitably cost you more money the longer you charge your cart. So when not in use, it’s wiser to avoid overcharging your golf cart to the extent that you are overloading the battery’s voltage.

How many volts does a golf cart charger have?

There are about 8 different types of charger plugs that you can find across various golf cart models. While some of plugs are exclusively for either 36 volts or 48 volts carts, others will work with both voltages.

How to choose a golf cart battery charger?

How to Choose the Best golf Cart Battery Charger. You must choose a battery charger according to the voltage of your cart to prevent the possibility of damage to your batteries. Check the charging receptacle of your golf cart and select your charger accordingly.

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Golf Cart Battery?

A new golf cart battery that is fully discharged will take 2-4 hours to completely charge. On the other hand, a 5 year old battery may take up to 10 hours to fully charge.

How to turn off golf cart battery?

Turn the ignition key of the golf cart to the OFF position. Although there is no battery draw when the key is left on, doing this is considered to be a safe practice.

What is the power of a golf cart generator?

The generator can charge the batteries that supply the power to an electric motor responsible for moving the cart. The 48 volts system in a golf cart usually features an onboard computer (OBC) that controls the battery pack charging process and restricts the charging when the cart is moving.

How to keep golf cart from accumulating?

Keep the golf cart where there is good ventilation to prevent gases from accumulating during the charging process.

Why does my golf cart go into tow mode?

Your golf cart usually runs in tow mode when it does not have enough power to get moving on its own. One reason may be that the batteries are old and do not have the same power as new ones. If this happens with new batteries, the most likely reason is that they don’t have enough charge.

How many volts does a golf cart have?

There is a major difference between 36 volt up to 48 volt systems, impacting both performance and potential upkeep and maintenance costs. Hint: some batteries are much more expensive ...

What is the amperage of a golf cart?

Golf Cart Battery Amps. Amperage can be considered akin to the fuel in a gas-powered engine. Similar to a tank of gas, the amount of amperage will dictate how far you can drive your cart on a single electric charge.

What does the owner manual on a golf cart tell you?

If uncertain, referring to your golf cart’s owner manual will provide guidance as to the type of battery your make and model was made to handle. As always, if you have questions or need further assistance, our talented and highly trained staff is standing by to assist and make sure you get just what you need to enjoy the trails or links worry-free.

What does voltage mean in a battery pack?

Voltage represents how much power your system will be delivered, resulting in increased ability to tow, carry more weight, and accelerate faster.

Does a golf cart battery need to be recharged?

In this regard, a higher voltage (although more powerful) often comes at a cost. That cost is that it can burn through more amps faster, draining the golf cart battery quicker, and requiring you to recharge more frequently.

How many volts does a golf cart battery use?

Most modern-day golf cart batteries come in either 6, 8 or 12 volts (the voltage being the force needed to create an electrical current, indicating the strength of the battery).

How often should you charge golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries should be kept fully charged at all times – this means hooking them up to a charger as soon as you are finished using the cart. Regular charging will prevent damage to the battery and give it longer-lasting life.

Should your golf cart be turned on when charging?

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 golf carts be plugged in all the time?

No, you should not leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. While automatic battery chargers are designed to shut-off once at full capacity, leaving a battery connected to power for long periods leaves it susceptible to damage should the electrical circuit be overloaded.

Should golf cart batteries make noise when charging?

If your golf cart uses a standard 12 volt flooded lead acid battery, then it is quite normal to hear a bubbling sound when it’s charging. However, if your cart uses a sealed battery (such as a gel or AGM battery), then a hissing or bubbling sound may indicate damage.

How do I keep my golf cart batteries from dying or corroding?

To ensure long-lasting life for your golf cart batteries, make sure you: keep them fully charged at all times; keep the water level in your battery cells at an optimum level; and keep the terminal connections on your battery clean. Doing these three things will prevent your battery from corroding or dying.

What type of lead acid is used in golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries do come in different types and models – including Flooded Lead Acid; Gel Lead Acid; and AGM Lead Acid – so it’s important to seek clarification if you’re uncertain about which replacement to buy.

How much energy does an electric golf cart use?

A report done by a Toronto-based Authority showed that electric golf carts consumed up to 3.3 kWh daily for its stored energy. This is on average. Meaning that this consumption can go even higher depending on usage.

What Does an Electric Golf Cart Cost to Operate in 2022?

Many people are looking for alternative energy to power their engines. They want clean energy that leaves no carbon footprint. It is no wonder that

What is a top charge?

Topping charge – Continues charging up to a saturation point. This charge is good for the health of the battery.

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

We are going to focus on the two major battery types that are commonly found in golf carts, lithium-based batterie s, and lead-based batteries.

How does having many energy-consuming parts on the cart affect the depletion rate?

Having many energy-consuming parts on the cart will hasten the depletion rate by increasing the intake rates.

When to charge battery on a cart?

Charge the battery when the cart is turned off – this will ensure the cart reaches saturation point as expected

Do golf carts use energy?

So, what determines the usage, you ask? Just like any other motor vehicle, golf carts need the energy to power almost all its components. The brakes, propulsion, and even other elements such as cooler systems require energy. Therefore, whenever you are using more than one aspect of your golf cart, you automatically expect it to deplete its SOC fast.

How to save a golf cart battery from overcharging?

To save your battery from overcharging, you can use an automatic golf cart charger that will shut off once the batteries are fully charged.

What affects battery life of golf cart?

One of the most important things that affect battery life is your purchasing power. Do not buy a charger simply based on lowest cost. Consider the quality of the golf cart charger before buying.

How to save batteries from damage?

Avoid direct heat exposures such as radiators to save your batteries from damage.

Why is water important for batteries?

Add water when the batteries are completely charged. It's important to add water at the right time and in the right amount for optimal performance.

Can you drive a golf cart on a steep hill?

Driving your golf cart forcefully on the steep hill could leave you stuck and damage your batteries.

Can you leave a golf cart inactive?

Leaving the golf cart inactive for an extended period reduces battery life. Using the batteries in a partial state of charge or storing the discharged batteries may damage them badly.

How long does it take to charge a golf cart?

That is because the label says 120 volt and 10 amps on it. And then, they figure that the average charge time for a cart is about 5 hours. So that makes the calculation of cost per charge pretty simple to figure out. 1.2 kilowatts multiplied by 5 hours equals 6 kilowatt-hours. Then we just need to multiply the number of kilowatt-hours by the local rate that we are charged per kilowatt-hour by our power company and bingo. Where I live, here in central Florida, we currently pay about 11 or 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, so I’ll use 12 cents for the following examples. So now, we multiply our 6 kilowatt-hours by $0.12 and we get $0.72 for the cost of charging the cart. You can get on the internet and find the rate for your local power, or just divide the amount of you last bill by the number of kilowatt-hours that is stated on the bill.

What outlet do I plug a golf cart charger into?

I plugged the charger into the 120- volt outlet, and as soon as I plugged the golf cart into the DC side, the charger came on and started the charge cycle (as it was supposed it to), and here were my readings:

How to calculate wattage?

Now let’s say that you had 10 of the same type of bulbs plugged in at the same time. You would then be using 10 amps of current (instead of 1 amp), but the voltage would still be 120 volts, so, you would now be using 10 times the wattage: 10 amps x 120 volts = 1200 watts. This can also be expressed as 1.2 kilowatts (1.2 x 1000 watts).

What is a smart charger?

The type of charger that I have used in this example is becoming extinct, but I used it because it had a current meter on its panel, which made it easier for me to make the point. The newer chargers (referred to as “smart” chargers), however, are much more sophisticated and actually get involved in current and voltage regulation to create at least three different “phases” of the charge cycle to provide a more efficient charge. They still rely on the fact that the batteries themselves drive the process through their changing their resistance to current flow depending on their state of charge, but they use algorithms programmed into their “smart” microprocessor that controls their performance. I could have used one of these smart chargers and got very similar results but because most of them don’t have a meter to read, I would have had more work to do to monitor the operation. Most of the newer chargers not only have no meter, but rely on communicating their progress during the charge cycle to the operator through LEDs on their front panel. If something goes wrong, they can flash the LEDs in certain sequences so that the operator can “look up” the code it is flashing and see what the charger thinks is wrong.

How many watts does a 120 volt AC use?

So, at that point, the wattage on the AC side was 120 volts X 8.3 amps, or 996 watts.

How many watts is a DC power supply?

The wattage on the DC side would be 37.76 volts x 22.5 amps, or 849.6 watts.

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