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what kind of batteries do electric golf carts use

by Madelyn Volkman I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Lead-Acid. Lead-acid batteries are the most common and lowest-cost deep-cycle batteries for golf carts. ...
  • AGM. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a sealed variation of a lead-acid battery. In an AGM battery, the lead plates sit between electrolyte saturated fiberglass mats.
  • Lithium-Ion. Golf carts use deep-cycle lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) batteries. Don’t confuse these with the lithium batteries found in small electronics.

Your electric cart will take 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system.
...
The four types of golf cart batteries:
  • Flooded Lead Acid (wet) batteries.
  • AGM Lead Acid Batteries.
  • Gel Lead Acid Batteries.
  • Lithium-Ion Golf Cart Batteries.
Sep 21, 2020

Full Answer

What is a good battery for a golf cart?

Best Batteries for Your Golf Cart: Lithium-Ion. Lithium batteries offer many advantages over lead-acid and AGM batteries, such as an extended lifespan, significant weight reduction, increased efficiency, and an overall reduction in cost. These advantages make lithium batteries the best option for golf cart batteries.

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.

Which golf cart battery is best?

What are the Advantages of Lithium Batteries for Golf Carts?

  • Constant power – Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries operate at full power throughout discharge, even when they are at less than 5%. ...
  • Lightweight – Lithium batteries are 50-60% lighter than their lead-acid equivalents. ...
  • Fast charging – Lithium batteries can be fully charged within 1-3 hours. ...

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How to properly charge a golf cart battery?

When to Charge Golf Cart Batteries:

  1. Charge your golf cart batteries before they get empty.
  2. The cart batteries could get damage permanently if you left them without any charge for a few weeks or a month; because of the self-discharge ability of the cart ...
  3. You should keep charging the batteries even when the golf cart is in rest. ...

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How many batteries are in an electric cart?

How long does a golf cart battery last?

What is amps in a car?

What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?

What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?

How to clean lead acid batteries?

What are AMG batteries?

See more

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What kind of battery does an electric 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.

Is a golf cart battery different than a car battery?

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.

Are golf cart batteries AGM?

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.

What batteries do I need for 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. Purchasing fewer batteries with a higher voltage is appealing because it reduces your upfront cost.

What size battery does a golf cart take?

For short but highly responsive rides, choose amperage. Your electric cart will take 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. To find out which type your cart takes, check the battery compartment.

How much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

Are golf cart batteries gel or AGM?

That being said, gel batteries are excellent when used for slow discharge applications. Gel batteries are perfect for things like battery-powered wheelchairs, golf carts, and other applications that need consistent power and not a burst of power.

How long do AGM batteries last in a golf cart?

To give an unsatisfactory answer, they can last for as little as a few months, and as long as ten years. A battery's lifespan depends on a range of factors. If the stars align, you could enjoy a decade's use of a single battery. But if things go wrong, you could be forced to replace it way before its time.

Is a marine battery the same as a golf cart battery?

The Technical Answer: Yes It's possible to use a marine battery in place of electric golf cart batteries. They're both technically gel lead acid batteries designed for deep-cycle purposes, reports It Still Runs. However, this similarity doesn't mean that they should be used interchangeably.

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 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).

How do I know if my golf cart is 36 or 48 volt?

Determining how many volts your golf cart uses is as easy as counting the water fill caps on all of your batteries. If you have six 6 volt batteries your golf cart is a 36 volt cart, if you have six 8 volt batteries or four 12 volt batteries your golf cart is a 48 volt cart.

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 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.

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.

What is lithium ion battery?

Since discovering the near limitless benefits of this compound, Lithium Ion has been the most preferred choice for batteries and power storage applications. Like their first generation counterparts, lithium-ion batteries are made up of power-generating, conductive surfaces called cells. During the charging cycle, lithium ions move back and forth between its positive and negative electrodes before taking the energy in for storage. The ions, then, move back to the positive electrode when used to produce energy which, in turn, provides power.

What is the power source of an electric golf cart?

The power source or battery is the most vital part of an electric golf cart and, as such, having deeper insight regarding the different kinds of batteries makes it equally important as well. For novice users and owners out there, the golf cart battery is like the fuel tank of a conventional automobile. This means that if buying electric golf carts ...

What type of batteries are used in electric golf carts?

Since they first rolled in the golf course, deep cycle lead acid batteries are the most economic power sources for electric golf carts and modern low-speed electric vehicles. Lead Acid Batteries remain a popular choice for golf cart owners because of their economic maintenance and their time-tested tolerance for extreme usage.

What voltage do golf cart batteries come in?

Regardless whether the vehicle to be purchased is a brand new cheap electric golf cart or used electric golf carts, the first thing that any buyer should know about is that these types of batteries come in three different voltages: 6, 8 and 12. But they do not operate simply as they are.

How many batteries are needed for a 48 volt system?

For instance, a 36-Volt operating system is powered by six pieces of 6-volt batteries while 48-volt operating systems are run by either six 8-volt or four 12-volt batteries.

How does lithium move?

During the charging cycle, lithium ions move back and forth between its positive and negative electrodes before taking the energy in for storage. The ions, then, move back to the positive electrode when used to produce energy which, in turn, provides power.

What is a deep cycle battery?

Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery. These types of batteries are relatively large and are composed of two cells with lead and lead oxide and are maintained by a sulfuric acid and water solution.

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 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 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 is an AGM battery?

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a sealed variation of a lead-acid battery. In an AGM battery, the lead plates sit between electrolyte saturated fiberglass mats. AGM construction eliminates the need to refill the fluid in the battery and allows them to be sealed, making them leak-free.

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.

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 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.

Is a golf cart battery like a car battery?

Golf cart batteries are much like a car battery, not fun to deal with, but manageable and there are fantastic customer service representatives and dealers to help you along the way. Don’t let the fear of a golf cart battery stop you from enjoying all your golf cart has to offer.

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.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.

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.

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