If you own or are thinking about purchasing an electric powered golf cart, there is one aspect that can’t be overlooked: the cart’s battery amps and voltage. There is a major difference between 36 volt up to 48 volt systems, impacting both performance and potential upkeep and maintenance costs.
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.
Are 36 volt or 48 volt golf carts more expensive?
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 that you understand the difference so that you have realistic expectations of your new golf cart.
What are the pros and cons of 12-volt batteries for golf carts?
The biggest pro of 12-volt batteries is that you need fewer packs to power your 48-volt golf carts. You will only need four 12-volt units to run your cart, which is half the quantity of the 6-volt batteries you need. Fewer batteries translate to a lighter cart and less installation time compared to the 6 and 8-volt batteries.
What is the difference between a 36V and 48V 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).
What is the best voltage for a golf cart?
Replacement batteries are more expensive. While 72-volt golf cars boast unmatched power, range, and efficiency, the parts and general upkeep can drain your wallet. If you're looking for a ride that has enough power but is less expensive, the 48-volt may be all that you need.
What's the difference between 36V and 48V?
Battery Volts A 36V e-bike battery will allow you to draw a lesser critical current, typically around 15 amperes whereas, a 48V e-bike battery will allow more current in the range of 10 – 40 amperes. It means you can go faster with a 48V E-bike battery.
What voltage should a 48V golf cart?
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.
Which is better 48 volt or 72 volt golf cart?
48-volts are a popular option as they are more affordable to maintain, and they deliver a moderate level of power. The 72-volt options are more powerful and can deliver accelerated speeds for longer. However, they require more battery packs than a 48-volt cart, increasing the upfront and maintenance costs.
How fast can a 72 volt golf cart go?
19 mphSpecsExpress S2VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY500 lb (227 kg)TURNING RADIUS11.0 ft (3.4 m)OUTSIDE CLEARANCE CIRCLE22 ft (6.7 m)SPEED (LEVEL GROUND)19 mph (31 kph) max3 more rows
Can I run 48V on a 36V golf cart?
It all depends on your battery bank used with this 36V to 48V conversion. can only be accomplished through installing a 48V motor capable of higher torque, or installing a 48V controller with a higher current limit (amperage).
Can I use a 36V battery with a 48V motor?
Re: 48V motor and 36V battery Can i use the 48v on that motor? you would have to change out the controller to a 48V one.
How fast will a 36 volt golf cart go?
between 12-14 mphHow fast is a 36 volt golf cart? Without any upgrades, you can plan on max speeds between 12-14 mph.
Can you use 4 12 volt batteries in a 48 volt golf cart?
For example, a typical 48-volt golf car may use eight 6-volt batteries, six 8-volt batteries, or four 12-volt batteries.
Can I use 48V battery with 60V motor?
Re: How to use a 60v battery pack on 48v motor The motor doesn't matter. It all depends on the controllers max voltage limit. Most with an lcd display are limited to 60V max by the display and 63V max by the controller.
How long will a 48 volt golf cart run?
The average drive time or range for a 36 volt DC system is about 30 miles on a full charge. The 48 volt golf cart offers many more advantages in all 2, 4 or 6 passenger models. They are designed to be used in hilly areas and they offer extended range about 40-45 miles between charges compared to the 36 volt cart.
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:
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
How long does a golf cart battery last?
With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.
How many batteries are in an electric cart?
Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.
What is amps in a car?
Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.
What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?
An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.
What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?
Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”
How to clean lead acid batteries?
Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers. Check battery wiring.
What are AMG batteries?
Also called absorbent glass mat batteries, these are different from their lead-acid counterparts – the electrolyte is held in the glass mats as opposed to it free floating. These tend to hold their charges better than lead-acid batteries. Deka Solar Batteries.
Why do golf carts have 12 volt batteries?
It is the 12-volt variety that takes this round. Because you need to install fewer packs, thus reducing your initial start-up cost. This is one of the main reasons why golf cart owners seriously consider this option.
How many volts does a golf cart need?
Considering that your golf cart likely requires 48-volts to run, it means that you need to budget for eight 6-volt batteries. This is why 6-volts carry a higher upfront cost and demand more time for installation.
What is the depth of discharge of a 12 volt battery?
12-volt battery provides the least impressive depth of discharge between the other three battery types. The DOD at 80 minutes reaches 48%, which is almost at the recommended limit of deep-cycle flooded batteries. The DOD of these packs is 13% higher than the 6-volt units.
How many amps does a 12 volt golf cart battery use?
Out of the three batteries we have examined, the 12-volt golf cart batteries provide the shortest running minutes at 56 amps. These batteries can only deliver 110 minutes at that rate. Which is 54 minutes less than the 6-volt batteries deliver.
What does 12 volt mean?
If you opt for 12-volt batteries, it means you will need to install the least amount of packs in a cart, compared to the other two options. Fewer battery packs result in a lighter cart, which leads to less energy use upon acceleration. This also means you will enjoy an expedited installation process compared to the other batteries.
How much do 6 volt batteries discharge?
Once again, it was the 6-volt batteries that reigned supreme in the DOD department. After 80 minutes of running, these batteries only discharge up to 35%. This figure is substantially lower than the 44% from the 8-volts and 48% of the 12-volt’s.
How long does an 8 volt battery last?
Resulting in a shorter lifespan than a 6-volt unit. On average, an 8-volt pack will discharge by 44% if running for 80 minutes.
How to Determine the Voltage of a Battery
Determining the voltage of a Golf cart’s battery is a pretty easy task. But there are batteries with different sizes and volt ratings so let’s see them one by one.
Why Does Gas Golf Cart Use 12 Volt Battery
The Gas Golf Cart uses a 12-Volt battery because it is highly durable and robust. The 12-Volt battery has the lowest amperage, due to which it is preferred inside a Gas Golf Cart.
Difference Between 12-Volt Battery with other Voltage Batteries
The 12-Volt battery has the lowest amperage as compared to a 6-volt and an 8-volt battery. This property makes this battery more durable and has a longer life-span. These can experience long periods of charging and discharging.
Benefits of Using 12 Volt Battery
The 12-volt battery reduces the cost of wiring to half in contrast to a 24-volt battery system. These provide a safer and constant DC voltage to your Golf cart. The 12-volt batteries are designed to give maximum and continuous power until they are 80% discharged.
Disadvantages of Using 12 Volt Battery
The 12-Volt batteries are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to other voltages. But most of the appliances, especially at your home, are run by a 12-Volt battery.
Conclusion
Now your Cart and your journey will be safe. You don’t have to worry much now after reading this article. And if you haven’t read and you skipped to here, then I’ll warn you that will be a severe mistake.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
What type of batteries are used in golf carts?
There are four battery types available for golf carts: AGM Lead Acid Batteries. Gel-Cell Batteries.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... link to Club Car DS Wiring Diagrams 1981 To 2002.
How long do 6 volt batteries last?
6-volt batteries are built with heavier lead plates in each cell and usually have longer lifespans than 12-volt batteries. They can last from four to eight years, depending on maintenance, type, and use of the battery. 6-volt batteries also weigh less than 12-volt batteries, which makes them better for lowering the burden on your golf cart.
What voltage do solenoids operate on?
Step 5. If your electrical accessories and solenoids are operating on an18-volt tap, an important factor to consider is you will need to use a step-down from batteries 1 and 2. It is possible that the solenoids will operate with just 12-volts, but it is something to consider.
Why is a 6 volt battery bigger than a 12 volt battery?
They have a larger discharge and recharge capacity – 6-volt batteries can discharge and recharge more often than 12-volt batteries, owing to the larger lead plates. The bigger the Amp-Hour on a 12-volt, the larger it gets – Going for a larger Amp-Hour rating on a 12-volt to compensate for the difference with the 6-volt means ...
What is the difference between a 12 volt and a 6 volt battery?
What Are The Differences Between 12-Volt And 6-Volt Batteries? Other than the obvious difference in voltage, 6-volt flooded lead-acid batteries have an advantage over the 12-volt flooded lead-acid batteries. 6-volt batteries are built with heavier lead plates in each cell and usually have longer lifespans than 12-volt batteries.
What is a 12 volt battery?
The 12-volt starting battery you have in your car is a shallow discharge type. It is designed to deliver a high amperage burst of power to start a car and not as a long, steady electric source. You will also need to confirm that your speed control and battery charger are compatible with this change.
