Golf cart batteries power electric carts used by golfers and in resorts, parks, or retirement communities. These quiet, emission-free carts are popular for their convenience. Proper battery knowledge and maintenance ensure optimal speed, acceleration, and run time.
What Are Golf Cart Batteries?
Electric golf motors typically use 36 or 48 volts, drawing 50–70 amps at around 15 mph, with higher current during acceleration or on hills.
Golf cart batteries must endure high currents for long periods and frequent charging; dropping below half charge shortens their lifespan. These durable baterias de ciclo profundo, available in 6, 8, and 12 volts, can be wired in series for the required voltage (e.g., six 6-volts for 36V; four 12-volts for 48V).
Using more lower-voltage batteries (such as eight 6-volt instead of six 8-volt at 48 volts) increases amp-hour capacity and provides longer run time due to more cells.
Can You Use Regular Car Batteries In a Golf Cart?
Using a regular car battery in your golf cart is not recommended.
Car batteries deliver short bursts of power to start engines, while golf cart batteries provide steady, long-term energy.
A car battery will wear out quickly under continuous use, leading to poor performance and potential system damage. For best results, use a battery designed for golf carts.
Types of Golf Cart Batteries: Lithium Vs. Lead-Acid
There are two main types of golf cart batteries: chumbo-ácido e íon-lítio. Each has its own pros and cons.
Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries are the traditional choice and have been used for decades. They are usually cheaper upfront. There are two types of lead-acid batteries:
- Flooded Lead-Acid: These are the most common. They require regular maintenance. You need to check the water levels inside and add distilled water about once a month. They also need their terminals cleaned to prevent corrosion.
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): These sealed, maintenance-free batteries don’t require water and are less likely to leak. However, they cost more without offering much additional capacity.
Íon-lítio
Golf carts use deep-cycle lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) batteries, which differ from those in small electronics. LiFeO4 batteries are safer, highly stable, and designed to provide steady current output.
Benefits of Lithium Batteries over Lead-Acid
Though initially more expensive, lithium batteries offer significant benefits over lead-acid batteries for golf carts.
Longer Lifespan and Warranty
Lead-acid batteries lose capacity with each charge and discharge cycle. In contrast, lithium batteries last 5 to 10 times longer and maintain their lifespan through repeated cycles.
Holo Batery LiFeO4 batteries can come with a 10-year warranty, compared to just 1-2 years for lead-acid batteries.
More Energy Efficient
Lithium batteries have a flatter voltage curve than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries can only be discharged to about 50% before the voltage drops too much for use.
Conversely, lithium batteries can be almost fully discharged with minimal voltage drop, allowing you to use nearly their entire capacity.
With the right charger, lithium golf cart batteries can be fully charged in about two hours. It is much faster than lead-acid batteries.
Less Heavy
Lithium batteries weigh about half as much as lead-acid deep-cycle batteries. Their lighter weight increases golf cart runtime, letting you drive longer and charge less often.
Less Overall Cost
Lithium golf cart batteries cost more upfront but save money in the long run because they last 5-10 times longer than lead-acid batteries.
Mais seguro
Fuga térmica is a major battery risk that can cause damage or fire.
Lead-acid batteries lack protection, while lithium batteries use a sistema de gerenciamento de bateria (BMS) to regulate temperature, detect shorts, and shut down if thermal runaway occurs. This makes lithium batteries much safer than lead-acid batteries.
| Item | Holo Battery 12V100Ah | Lead-Acid 12V200Ah |
| DOD | 100% | 50% |
| Peso | 30lbs | 144lbs |
| Self-discharge Rate | 2% per month | Avg.33% per month |
| Warranty | 10 years | 2-3 years |
| Battery Protection | Internal BMS | No protection |
Upgrade Your Golf Cart to Lithium-Ion Batteries
Upgrading your golf cart to lithium-ion batteries is a smart long-term investment. The process is simple: remove the old batteries, clean the tray, and install the new lithium battery pack. It is important to use a lithium-compatible charger to keep your new battery healthy.
The most immediate difference you will notice is the performance. Your cart will be faster and have better range. You will no longer need to worry about monthly maintenance. The upgrade cost is offset by the years of reliable, hassle-free power you will get in return.
