The higher the voltage of your golf cart, the more efficient the transfer of power will be. Leading to a reduced loss of energy when transferred from the battery to your motor. Therefore higher voltage vehicles can run for longer, which means that the 48-volt golf carts will provide less runtime than the 72-volt.
Full Answer
How do I know what voltage my golf cart is?
It is important to know what voltage your golf cart is to understand its speed and power potential. To determine whether your golf cart is 36V or 48V, follow these steps: Lift up the seat to view the battery compartment. Count the number of holes on each battery. You may need to remove the battery cap to see the holes.
How many volts are in a golf cart battery?
Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car. With this knowledge in place, we can determine a 72 volt system can be more powerful than a 48 volt system, and a 48 volt system can be more powerful than a 36 volt system.
What is the difference between 72-volt and higher voltage golf carts?
Higher voltage vehicles operate off a lower current. Which reduces the loss of energy during the transfer of power from the battery to the motor. As a result, carts with a higher voltage capacity can run for longer. Therefore the 72-volt carts are the superior option in this category.
How does voltage affect a golf cart’s acceleration?
As golf carts rise in voltage. The number of flowing electrons increases, which in turn prompts a faster acceleration. With that in mind, a 48-volt capacity cart does carry the acceleration capabilities found in the 72-volt vehicle. The higher the voltage of your golf cart, the more efficient the transfer of power will be.
Can you over volt a golf cart?
You increase voltage, increase speed, you'll increase load. Result is more motor loss and more motor heat. Add more batteries, it can run longer.
What should golf cart voltage?
Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good.
How many volts should a 48V golf cart have when fully charged?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.
What is max voltage of a 36 volt golf cart?
For example: a 36v battery pack will read 38.2v fully charged. Maximum drop under load should not be more than 6v below 38.2v equal to 32 volts or less.
How do I know if my golf cart battery is bad?
Here are six signs to look for when batteries need replacing.Charge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.
What is a golf cart voltage reducer?
A Club Car voltage reducer is exactly as it sounds. It takes the total voltage of your golf carts batteries and reduces it down to 12 volts for installation of popular accessories. Also in this category is a Club Car voltage regulator which does exactly that.
What should a 48 volt battery read when fully charged?
2=42V for 36V battery fully charged, 13x4. 2=54.6V for 48V battery fully charged and 14x4. 2=58.8V for 52V battery fully charged.
What setting do you put a multimeter on a golf cart battery?
1:244:08Golf Cart Power Testing | ASK DAVE | Golf Cart Garage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPositive and the black lead to the negative terminal on the last battery. Or test each batteryMorePositive and the black lead to the negative terminal on the last battery. Or test each battery individually. This will give us surface charge readings meaning the charge the batteries.
What is the full charge of 48V battery?
48V LiFePO4 Battery Voltage Chart 48V is more popular for larger solar systems. They rarely make sense for small-scale projects. They are fully charged at 58.4 volts and fully discharged at 40 volts. They are made by connecting 16 3.2V LiFePO4 cells in series.
What should a 36 volt golf cart read at full charge?
The peak charging voltage for Gel batteries is 2.3 to 2.36 volts per cell, and for a 36 volt charger this works out to 41.4 to 42.5 volts, which is lower than a wet or AGM type battery needs for a full charge.
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.
Can you run a 48 volt golf cart on 36 volts?
Yes, but effective and simple. However, although it is possible to upgrade these vehicles to electronic speed control at either the 36V or 48V level, I would not recommend it due to the cost associated with the conversion. You can buy a modern 48V cart for far less money than the 36v to 48v conversion.
How Many Batteries Are In a Golf Cart?
An electric golf cart will have either 4, 6 or 8 golf cart batteries and will have either a 36 volt or 48 volt electrical drive system.
48 Volt Golf Cart Voltage Example (12V Batteries)
If you have additional questions about your batteries or charger, check out our Battery Charger Frequently Asked Questions page or learn about how amperage works in a golf cart.
How does amperage affect golf carts?
It determines how far you can travel before having to fill up the tank. 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. Click here to learn how ...
How many volts are in a golf cart battery?
Now that we understand the differences between Amperage and Voltage, we can begin to break this down so we can locate the differences between various battery packs. For standard golf carts, we will typically see a Six Eight Volt Battery System. This can be visually determined by locating six batteries with 8 cells per battery. A cell is distinguished by a battery cap that is used for watering the batteries. With batteries used in Golf Carts, each cell will represent 2 Volts. Let’s take a look at the 5 most common battery packs we see in the market:
What is the relationship between horsepower and MPG?
To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG. Horsepower within a car determines the acceleration and power of your car . If there is no fuel in the car though, then the vehicle is not going to go anywhere. That is the importance of MPG and also how big your gas tank is in your ...
Why is it important to know the difference between golf cart batteries?
The reason understanding their differences is so important is due to the large expense of replacement batteries. By knowing their differences ahead of time, you will be able to decipher which battery pack is suitable for you when making your golf cart purchase.
Is voltage in a golf cart battery similar to horsepower?
Therefore, Voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric vehicle has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car.
What is voltage in golf carts?
Technically speaking, voltage is the potential difference in charge between two points in an electrical field. The greater the voltage is, the greater the current.
How to determine golf cart battery voltage?
Count the number of holes on each battery. You may need to remove the battery cap to see the holes. Multiply the number of holes by 2 to determine the golf cart battery voltage. Multiply the golf cart battery voltage by the total number of batteries.
How to tell if a golf cart is 36V or 48V?
To determine whether your golf cart is 36V or 48V, follow these steps: Lift up the seat to view the battery compartment. Count the number of holes on each battery. You may need to remove the battery cap to see the holes.
How many volts does a golf cart use?
Golf carts that are powered by 48 Volts consist of either (6) 8 Volt batteries or, in the case of some Club Car Precedent golf carts, (4) 12 Volt batteries.
Is it more expensive to replace a 12 volt battery?
Batteries are more expensive to replace. If the system uses 12 Volt batteries, run time will be less due to a lower battery lead volume. Replacement motors and controllers are typically more expensive. 48 Volt cart are more expensive to purchase. Whether you decide to go with a 36 Volt or a 48 Volt, the important thing is ...
Can a 36V golf cart be used off road?
They produce less power than 48 Volt systems. They are less efficient and therefore, yield fewer hours on a charge. It is not recommended that a 36V golf cart be used offroad, since it has less power.
Where is the battery bank?
You will find the battery bank for your golf cart directly under the drivers seat. In some cases the battery system is quite large and will most likely be continued under the front nose cone area of popular carts like Gem cars or other 4 or more passenger golf carts.
What do you see there?
Ok, so you pull the seat back and what do you see? Here is an example of a popular golf cart. This picture is of a older style club car with a 36 volt battery system. Which is easily determined because you will count (6) six batteries.
Another example
Here is another example to make sure you got it. How many volts are found in this battery system found in a late model motor coach waiting for new batteries to be installed? Again 1,2,3 = 6 volts (2 volts x 3) 1,2,3,4,5,6 = 6 volts batteries = 36 volts total (6 volts x 6 batteries) Hey, You are getting good at this! Here is one more for you.
Our shop cart test
Our shop cart has 4 batteries under the seat but each battery has (6) six filler holes or cells on each battery. Would this be a 48 volt system? Yes, It is a 48 volt system because you have 6 cells per battery and you have 4 batteries. (6 cells x 2 volts = 12 volts) (4 x 12 volt batteries = 48 volts).
Why do golf carts have higher voltages?
Golf carts with a higher voltage can deliver more acceleration and speed. This is a result of the increased force generated by an enhanced flow of electrons. As a result, the 72-volt golf cart provides you with more speed and power.
What voltage is used for golf?
The golf market today boasts a wide range of 48 and 72-volt options. 48-volts are a popular option as they are more affordable to maintain, and they deliver a moderate level of power.
What is the difference between a 48 volt golf cart and a 72 volt golf cart?
Therefore higher voltage vehicles can run for longer, which means that the 48-volt golf carts will provide less runtime than the 72-volt.
How many batteries are needed for a 72 volt golf cart?
Most 72-volt golf carts will have the capacity to carry six 12-volt battery packs to power them. Since you will require more batteries than the 48-volt, it means that you will need to budget for a higher upfront cost in that regard.
What is 72 volt golf cart?
72-volt golf carts offer you the most power and speed out of the other models on the market. The cart’s increased voltage enhances the flow of electrons. Providing you with amplified acceleration over lower voltage vehicles.
What is the best battery for a golf cart?
Battery Options. To meet the required 48-volts, you can equip your cart with three different battery options. These are 6-volts, 8-volts, and 12-volts. The 6-volt option is the most expensive, but it is also the most efficient overall.
Why do carts have lower current?
Since carts with higher voltages provide a more efficient transfer of energy, they can use a lower current. A lower current leads to lower resistance losses, which translates to reduced energy loss. This enables the cart to run for longer at an efficient speed.
How many volts does a golf cart battery use?
As a result, the batteries experience a backflow of a constant voltage of 14 volts.
How many wires does a golf cart voltage regulator use?
Two types of voltage regulators are commonly used. One type makes use of three wires while the other type comes with four wires. Irrespective of the kind of voltage regulator that you opt for, it’s essential that the wires of the voltage regulator in your golf cart are connected correctly.
Why is my golf cart battery not charging?
In most cases, a motor problem is likely to be due to a faulty voltage regulator. Having a faulty voltage regulator can lead to other problems as well, such as overcharge causing electrical components to burn out or inability of the golf cart battery to retain a charge.
What is a golf car voltage regulator?
A golf car voltage regulator is one of the most important parts of a golf cart. The voltage regulator helps to limit and regulate the power that is sent to a golf cart battery for its recharge. When you start your golf cart, the starter generator performs the role of a starter motor and causes the engine to start.
How to check voltage on gas club car?
You can follow the steps given below to test the voltage regulator of your gas club car. Connect the voltmeter to the battery and get the golf cart running. You can consider applying the hand brake to prevent rolling. Check if the voltage rating is between 14 volts and 16 volts.
Why is my golf cart overheating?
Improper pin connections are one of the most common reasons for your golf cart voltage regulator to get overheated. Positive ground regulators should have the pins in the order of input, ground, and output from left to right. For negative regulators, the order is ground, input, and output.
How to keep a golf cart from rolling forward?
You might want to additionally keep wheel chocks before the front tires so that the cart does not roll forward. Keep a jack below the frame at the back of the golf cart.
Why is my golf cart battery failing?
The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.
What happens if your golf cart battery fails?
Obviously, for electric golf carts, the battery is what provides power to your motor. If your batteries start to quit on you, the golf cart won’t move, or will drastically decrease in range. With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank.
How does a battery work?
Your battery works by having two metals, a cathode and anode, react to each other to create chemical energy that we harness as electrical energy. With wet cell lead-acid batteries, these metals are kept in a liquid electrolyte, a liquid solution comprised of pure water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a set specific gravity. Other types of batteries typically use a gel, mat, or solid electrolyte to perform the same function. For the purpose of this topic however, the only battery we’ll be discussing is the traditional lead-acid battery, as this is the only type of battery for which you will have to worry about electrolyte levels.
Why is my battery puddled?
If your battery gets dirty, muddy, grimy, or anything else, make sure to clean that off too. These things can cause extra resistance in your electrical system, putting an unnecessary drain on your battery and shortening its life.
What happens when hydrogen gas is released from a battery?
Look for corrosion often, and neutralize it immediately. It’s a long and never ending war, but your wallet will thank you. Corrosion happens when hydrogen gases, released from your battery, mix with other chemicals and gasses in the atmosphere, and then bond to the metals of cables, terminals, and battery posts.
What is the purpose of a gas motor battery?
With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank. Such a vital part as a battery demands that you keep an eye on it, maintain it, and know how to fix things when they go bad.
Can you test golf cart batteries individually?
You can either do this one at a time and test them individually, saving a reassembly headache, or remove them all at once and save a little time if you’re sure on how to reassemble the pack. Either way, you want each battery completely separated from the golf cart.