8 Things You Need to know for Golf Cart Batteries

What Are Golf Cart Batteries?

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. To keep you from getting stranded, golf cart batteries must supply a steady flow of high current for long periods.

Golf cart batteries will typically go through full charge and discharge cycles daily. Draining batteries below 50% is hard on them and often leads to a shortened lifespan and reduced performance.

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. For example, six 6-volt batteries connected in series would provide 36 volts, or four 12-volt batteries would provide 48 volts.

Lower voltage batteries typically have a higher amp-hour capacity. 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.

Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart?

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. The purpose of the battery in your car is to provide power while starting the engine. After that, the alternator takes over to power all of the electronics in your vehicle. Repeatedly draining a standard car battery below 50% would ruin it very quickly.

So, while you can technically use standard car batteries in your golf cart, they likely wouldn’t last very long.

Alternatively, deep-cycle batteries are explicitly optimized to provide steady current output over long periods of time and repeatedly be deeply discharged. This makes them a much better choice for golf cart applications.

How Much Are Golf Cart Batteries?

Golf cart batteries cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on your purchase. Lead and AGM batteries are on the lower side of the price range but can still reach $1,500, with most options being lower. However, lithium-ion batteries can cost you $2,000 or more.

There are quite a few options for a new golf cart battery. You should choose one according to your price range, but other factors must also be considered. Spending more money on a good quality battery can be worth the expense, as it will likely last longer. However, you’ll still need to maintain it properly.

In the sections below, I’ll break down some pricing options:

Budget Batteries

If you need a golf cart battery but are on a budget, you have plenty of options. The only issue with choosing a budget battery is the charge. These batteries may not last as long as other options, and you may have to charge them more often to get full use out of them.

Mid-Range Batteries

If you’re looking for a battery that’s better than a budget option but one that won’t drain your bank account, a mid-range battery could be an excellent option for you.

These batteries tend to last longer on a charge than budget batteries and come with added benefits that are worth considering.

Premium Batteries

There are various options if you want a superior quality golf cart battery, and are prepared to pay a little more. With premium batteries, you normally get what you pay for because they come with the features of a mid-range battery and some extras that can help you get the most out of it.

Can you replace regular golf cart batteries with lithium batteries?

Yes, you can replace regular golf cart batteries with lithium batteries, and you should.

If you’re an avid golfer, swapping traditional golf cart batteries for lithium might make your game a bit more “electrifying.” Thanks to lithium battery manufacturers, lithium batteries have become a viable option for most standard golf carts — meaning higher voltage and no memory issues.

A lithium golf cart battery can last 7 to 10 years compared to the 4-5 years from lead-acid counterparts, making them an excellent long-term investment that saves time on charges and lowers long-term maintenance costs.

Better yet, this kind of battery doesn’t experience the same dramatic performance drop in cold weather as lead-acid batteries, so head out at any temperature without worrying about your golf cart charge.

Are lithium batteries good for golf cart batteries?

Lithium provides many benefits compared to lead acids or AGM batteries, including more extended service life, significant weight reduction, and increased energy saving. These advantages make lithium batteries a perfect replacement for golf car batteries.

How far can a lithium-ion battery golf cart go?

A lithium golf cart battery is a secret weapon for dreamers and adventurers. With their power and longevity, lithium golf cart batteries are going the distance to revolutionize the distance a golf cart can travel on one charge—up to 100 miles!

Whether driving around your local course or exploring unfamiliar terrain, lithium battery-powered golf carts will get you there without worrying about wavering battery life.

How long does a golf cart lithium battery last?

Lithium golf cart batteries can last 7 to 10 years compared to the 4-5 years from lead-acid counterparts, making them an excellent long-term investment that saves time on charges and lowers long-term maintenance costs.

Is a gas-powered or battery-powered golf cart better?

Whether a battery-powered or gas-powered golf cart is better depends on the needs and preferences of the user. Gas-powered golf carts are more powerful and have longer ranges, making them more suitable for heavier loads and longer distances. However, they produce emissions and require regular maintenance.

Battery-powered carts are quieter, require less upkeep, and don’t produce emissions; however, they may not have enough power to handle heavier loads over long distances.

Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular for golf carts because they offer a longer life span and require less maintenance than other batteries. In addition, a lithium golf cart battery can hold more energy, allowing them to last longer between charges.

Many lithium battery manufacturers, like Brava Batteries deep cycle batteries, produce high-quality, reliable lithium golf cart batteries that can provide superior performance.

Ultimately, it depends on the needs and preferences of the user when deciding which type of golf cart is best.

Gas-powered or battery-powered, each has its advantages and disadvantages; however, with a quality lithium golf cart battery from a reputable manufacturer, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re operating a safe and reliable vehicle.