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what is special about golf cart battery

by Lolita Turner DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What Makes Golf Cart Lithium Batteries So Great?

  1. Lithium Ion Batteries Charge Much Faster The first thing we should touch on is the charging speed. ...
  2. Lithium Ion Batteries Last Longer Lithium Ion batteries are going to last you a lot longer than traditional Lead Acid. ...
  3. Lithium Ion Batteries Reduce Overall Weight of Golf Carts Lithium batteries are very light compared to traditional batteries. ...

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Golf Cart Lithium Batteries are different than those lithium batteries found in cell phones and other small devices. The type of deep-cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeO4) batteries used in golf carts are one of the most stable and safe forms of Lithium-Ion batteries, and are optimized to provide a steady current.Mar 9, 2022

Full Answer

What is the best battery for a golf cart?

The Best Golf Cart Batteries

  1. Lifeline Marine AGM Battery GPL-4CT. Lifeline Marine products are aimed at the marine product’s market but are totally usable by the golfing community.
  2. Trojan T-105 Batteries. Multiple-use batteries for solar & wind electric systems. ...
  3. UPG UB12350 Battery. ...
  4. Expert Power 12330 Battery. ...
  5. Ampere Time LiFePO4 Battery. ...
  6. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery. ...

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How many batteries does a golf cart need to have?

The average golf cart needs 4 to 6 batteries to operate correctly. In rare cases, you’ll find 8 batteries in a golf cart. Golf carts are powered by a total of either 36 volts or 48 volt. A typical golf round requires the golf cart to run for about 40 minutes.

What battery does a golf cart use?

The majority of golf carts driven today use a 6-volt golf cart battery, which is why most online searches for golf cart batteries tend to take you straight to 6v options. Of course, as any golf cart owner familiar with using a 6-volt battery knows, there are reasons why people want to find another option.

How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Step-by-step Guide

  • Step 1. – Insert pump into jug of distilled water! ...
  • Step 3. – Once hand pump bulb is primed remove the dust cover from the end of the fill line on your battery watering system.
  • Step 4. – Squeezing the golf cart battery watering system hand pump with firm steady pressure to pump water into the battery cells.
  • Step 5. ...
  • Step 6. ...

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What's the difference between golf cart batteries and regular batteries?

Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart? The short answer is yes. Standard car batteries are 12-volts, and you could connect three or four of them in series to provide the required 36 or 48 volts to your golf cart motor. However, the design of car batteries provides a huge surge of current for short periods.

Why are golf cart batteries better?

How long do golf cart batteries last? Lithium batteries last significantly longer than lead-acid batteries because the lithium chemistry increases the number of charge cycles. An average lithium battery can cycle between 2,000 and 5,000 times; whereas, an average lead-acid battery can last roughly 500 to 1,000 cycles.

What kind of battery is in a golf cart?

Over the years, there have been two main types of deep-cycle lead-acid batteries that many golf car owners and fleets have used, the Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) battery and the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery.

Why are golf cart batteries better RV?

AGM batteries discharge very slowly during storage. That means you can leave the batteries in your RV between trips without having to worry about keeping them charged. I'd still remove them and trickle charge them in the winter, but even then they'll only need to be charged every few months – vs.

What is better 36 volt or 48 volt golf cart?

Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).

Should golf cart batteries be charged after every use?

Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

Do golf carts require special batteries?

Golf carts use a series of batteries that supply the needed voltage and amperage, so size and power requirements are key features for a replacement. Be aware that golf carts do not use a single battery, but multiples of 6V, 8V, or 12V batteries. Ensure any replacement batteries you purchase use the same combination.

How many amps should a golf cart battery have?

48-volt golf cart batteries can be arranged in different ways. 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.

Will any 6-volt battery work in a golf cart?

Yes, any 6-volt battery will work in a golf cart. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a 6-volt battery. First, ensure the battery is the right size for your golf cart. 6-volt batteries come in various sizes, so choosing one that will fit in your golf cart is essential.

Are RV batteries the same as golf cart batteries?

The golf car batteries can often be purchased at a good price; and do work as deep cycle batteries in RV's. However, the extra height often creates an expensive installation problem. And you can get 12 volt deep cycle batteries that are essentially the same weight as the golf car batteries.

Which is better 6 8 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries?

The lower it is, the better. In their study, US Battery found that 6-volt batteries deliver the smallest depth of discharge percentage out of the three.

What's better 2 6V or 12v?

Are Two 6-Volt Batteries Better Than Two 12-Volt Battery? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, it's all about how many amp-hours the batteries have. RVers like 6V batteries because you can get higher amperage batteries.

Which is better 6 8 volt batteries or 4 12-volt batteries?

The lower it is, the better. In their study, US Battery found that 6-volt batteries deliver the smallest depth of discharge percentage out of the three.

What is the life expectancy of golf cart batteries?

That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.

Which is better 6-volt or 12-volt?

Because most 6-volt batteries have a higher amp-hour rating for each battery, it makes sense to purchase two 6-volts and wire them in a series. What is this? That gives you 12-volts, meeting your electrical system's needs. The 6-volt batteries last longer than most 12-volt ones, and they are lighter, as well.

Why are Trojan batteries better?

Trojan batteries provide superior performance, long lifespans and have been proven to withstand the test of time. What does this mean? Your golf cart will get the best power/speed with Trojans and the batteries will last the longest (5-6+ years on average).

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 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.

What is the controller in a car?

A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller. Voltage is great to know, however the true knowledge lies with the total amperage in a battery pack. To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG.

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 is a golf cart battery?

Golf cart batteries are deep-cycle batteries designed and built with additional durability to sustain prolonged current draw and frequent deep discharging. They usually come in 6, 8, and 12-volt configurations that can be wired in series to provide the required voltage.

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

Lead-acid batteries are the most common and lowest-cost deep-cycle batteries for golf carts. They consist of lead plates suspended in a sulfuric acid solution which creates a chemical reaction allowing energy to be stored.

How does lithium battery work in golf carts?

Lithium batteries are about half the weight of lead-acid deep-cycle batteries. Reducing the weight of the golf cart increases your runtime, allowing you to spend more time driving and less time charging.

How many amps does a Battle Born golf cart battery draw?

Governors limit the speed of the golf cart, which, in turn, limits the current draw. Battle Born Batteries have a continuous discharge current limit of 100 amps and can discharge at up to 200 amps for 30 seconds. Exceeding these limits will cause the battery to shut off. Battle Born Batteries are all 12-volts.

What is the difference between 8 volt and 6 volt batteries?

For example, if you wanted to provide 48 volts to your golf cart motor, eight 6-volt batteries would have more capacity and run longer than six 8-volt batteries. This is because you are using more batteries overall.

How long do lithium batteries last?

Lithium batteries typically last for five to ten times as long as lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are true deep-cycle batteries with minimal impact on their lifespan as they go through repeated charge and discharge cycles. Battle Born lithium batteries generally come with a 10-year warranty.

How many amps does an electric golf motor draw?

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.

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

Flooded lead-acid batteries are one of the most common battery types found in a golf cart. These batteries use thick plates, large separators, and high-density paste material. Usually, flooded lead-acid batteries are not sealed and do not recombine the gases to liquids internally. These batteries have an electrolyte that is free to roam ...

What is an AGM battery?

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are designed differently than the traditional flooded battery, with a fiberglass separator to keep the electrolyte in place and absorb the battery acid. AGM has a low internal resistance and can deliver high currents when needed, and offers a long life span, even when deep cycled.

What is the difference between AGM and gel batteries?

Gel batteries are similar to AGM, but they use a thick paste instead of a fiberglass mat. The significant difference between Gel and AGM batteries is the charge rate. AGM batteries can handle higher charge as well as discharge rates compared to gel batteries.

How long do lithium batteries last?

Lithium batteries are renowned for their longevity. These batteries have been the top choice for rechargeable batteries for nearly two decades as they can last about 5000 charge cycles.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

A lead-acid battery should last somewhere between 500 and 1,000 charging cycles. That’s quite the range. The reason for the wide range is because there are different factors that will affect your golf cart battery lifespan. The amount of daily or weekly use will determine how quickly your battery wears out.

Why is weight important in golf carts?

Weight is important because it determines the stability, power and duration capabilities of your golf cart.

What voltage do you need for a golf cart?

It is important to know that golf cart batteries come in three voltages: 6V, 8V, and 12V (V stands for Volts). Often, you will need to use multiple 6V batteries to meet the golf cart’s 36V power requirement. For example, if your golf cart requires 48V of power, you can use 6 8 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries.

What are the different types of golf carts?

There are two types of golf carts: gas and electric. If you own an electric golf cart, you have probably wondered about the battery. Electric golf carts run on a rechargeable battery. Recharging the battery might be more convenient than refilling a gas tank every week, but it also will eventually need to be replaced.

What does a dealer do with a golf cart?

A dealer will ensure everything is done safely and correctly. They will also be able to test your golf cart and do a safety and performance check. The downside is that using a dealer to install your batteries will significantly increase the total cost.

What does AH stand for in battery?

To explain further, the price depends on the voltage and on the “AH”. AH stands for ampere-hour and is the amount of charge in a battery that will allow one ampere of current to flow for one hour. The higher the AH, the longer one charge on the battery will last, like having a bigger fuel tank in a car.

Do lead acid batteries last longer?

Lead-acid batteries cost less upfront, but do not last as long as their competitor and require regular maintenance throughout their life span. The rate you use your golf cart with lead-acid batteries will also determine how long your lead-acid batteries last (as a pack).

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

Due to their thick plates, the 6-Volt or 12-Volt batteries typically used for golf carts are quite durable, they can experience long periods of deep-discharge and recharge with less effect on lifespan. A first-time battery buyer may be tempted by these deep-cycle batteries, which are readily available at department stores ...

Can you use golf cart batteries off the grid?

Yes, golf cart batteries are durable but…. Golf cart batteries are being touted in the media as extremely versatile and even suitable for powering off-grid homes and cabins. While this isn’t the route we’d recommend for going off-grid, golf cart batteries do have their strengths. Due to their thick plates, the 6-Volt or 12-Volt batteries typically ...

Pros of Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

Lithium batteries have many benefits over lead-acid when it comes to powering your golf cart.

Cons of Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

There really aren’t many downsides to lithium golf cart batteries. In the past, they were associated with the risk of fire or explosion. However, now they come with the BMS that we discussed above, which nullifies that risk.

Conclusion

As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons of lithium batteries for golf carts. The higher cost is more than worth it for the performance enhancement you’ll experience when making the switch. More and more customers are moving to lithium golf cart batteries.

How do golf cart batteries work?

As you know, golf cart batteries work by being wired in series and the total number of volts you need depends on the size and the weight of your vehicle, so make sure you check those specifications and pick the best fit voltage size for your golf cart.

How old is a golf cart battery?

When you search for the best golf cart battery, accessories and cables, keep in mind that any top rated battery will ideally not be older than 6 months. Each battery maker puts a code on their battery which tells you the age of the battery.

What is the best discharge depth for a golf cart battery?

Batteries that have 70% depth of discharge are supposed to have a longer battery life even though the best golf cart battery in the market most likely discharges to a nominal capacity of 50%.

How many volts does a golf cart battery use?

Then, depending upon the voltage of the system, you should decide what battery to use and how many. Generally, golf and electric vehicles run on 6-volt , 8-volt, and 12-volt batteries.

How fast can a golf cart go?

Golf carts with a total of 36 combined battery voltage will be able to travel at around 12-14 mph, whereas with 48 volts you’ll be able to cruise along at a cool 20mph.

What is the advantage of a 6 volt battery?

A key advantage of the 6-volt option over 12-volt is that you will be able to get a deeper discharge, meaning you will get more amperage for 6-volts than a single 12-volt battery.

Do golf carts need a trickle charger?

In addition to ensuring you have a trickle charger in place to make sure your golf-cart battery survives the winter (if it is a lead-acid battery), there are other steps you need to take to keep your battery healthy and that you get the most out of your golf cart.

1. Excretion of Hydrogen Gas

When it comes to the main reason why golf cart batteries blow up, the answer is simple; golf cart batteries excrete a flammable and combustible fume known as hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is a by-product of batteries that occurs during a chemical reaction involving the water and sulfuric acid solution and lead plates.

2. Poor Quality Chargers

If you are using a charger that is poor in quality, you will be taking the risk of causing an overcharge to occur (which will be discussed further later in the article) and ultimately producing an explosion. Overcharging, along with blocked or clogged vent plugs, can cause the by-product hydrogen gas to accumulate within the cell.

3. Clogging in Vent Caps

Golf cart batteries require a vent in order to release the gases and fumes that form inside the pack, if the vent plugs or caps become clogged or blocked from dirt, corrosion, or dust, the accumulation of hydrogen gas is highly combustible.

4. Frayed or Corroded Battery Cables

A very important part in proper maintenance for your golf cart batteries is ensuring that all cables connected to the battery have no fraying or corrosion.

5. Wet Battery Lids

At some point, your batteries will secrete some battery acid while charging. Hydrogen gas is produced at a rapid rate and causes bubbling and boiling as the acid spills over onto the lid of the batteries.

6. Sparks or Fire

Due to the combustibility of hydrogen gas, when it accumulates within the battery pack, a single spark or flame can cause the batteries to blow up. Once the amount of hydrogen gas inside a room reaches 4 percent, it becomes highly combustible.

7. Overcharging

Poor quality chargers can continue to charge your batteries past their initial stopping point, especially if you need to replace any of the batteries in the pack; it is always recommended that you change every battery within the pack in order to reduce the risk of unbalanced charging.

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