Back

Golf Carts Batteries 101: A Complete Guide

Sep. 21 2020 Lifestyle By Clint Griffin

Share

Battery technology is changing so fast it is hard to keep up. It is also difficult to tell which advances have been put to use in which application. Here is our short but comprehensive guide on what you need to know about golf cart batteries.

What You Need to Know First

Remember this information when shopping for golf cart 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.
  • Do not upgrade your batteries over the manufacturer's recommendations, which can ruin your cart.
  • Match the brand standard to the standard on your replacement battery packs. The wrong battery can waste money, a hazardous situation, and any combination in between.

Golf cart batteries and car batteries have different requirements, standards, and maintenance needs. It can be dangerous to use car batteries in a golf cart.

There are two power features to look for when you purchase batteries.

  • The voltage (Volts or V) translates to how much power.
  • The current (amps or A) translates to how fast the power goes.

Amperage is distance and time left on the charge. The higher the amperage, the further the drive per charge. For long leisurely rides, go for high voltage. 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. There will be 3, 4, or 6 holes. Multiply by two, and that is your cart's voltage capability.

Golf Carts Batteries 101: A Complete Guide

The voltage for the charger and the cart must match.

  • Underpowered chargers will build sulfation on the negative plate.
  • Overpowered chargers will build corrosion on the positive plate.
  • Both situations reduce the long-term durability of either the charger or the batteries.

Maintenance for batteries battery life spans over 5-6 years.

  • Clean with a bristle brush and mild cleaner that has anti-corrosive properties.
  • Prevent oxidation and acid contact with the terminals by putting silicone paste on the terminal ends.
  • Watch the wiring and replace frayed cables.
  • Look for installations that are disconnected and reconnect.
  • Charge your cart between 8 to 10 hours.
  • Keep the charge above 20%.
  • Instead of deep charging, just keep it regularly topped off.

Never jump-start your deep cycle lead-acid golf cart batteries off your car. 

The four types of golf cart batteries:

  1. Flooded Lead Acid (wet) batteries
  2. AGM Lead Acid Batteries
  3. Gel Lead Acid Batteries
  4. Lithium-Ion Golf Cart Batteries

Most golf carts come with Flooded Lead Acid batteries but retrofitting with Lithium-Ion batteries is straightforward.

Lithium Golf Cart Batteries cost more than Lead-Acid batteries but bring significant benefits.

  • Last longer than lead-acid batteries
  • Require no maintenance—no watering or cleaning
  • Do not lose power as their voltage dips
  • Recharge speeds are much faster.
  • Weigh less

The battery life span is based on the number of recharges and the quality of maintenance, making used batteries not worth the gamble.