How to Choose the Best Golf Cart Batteries? 2024 Guide
Nowadays, electric golf carts have outnumbered gas-powered golf carts. The reason behind this fact is that electric carts are more efficient, last longer, and are more environmentally friendly. A power source - battery - is the backbone of an electric golf cart; therefore, it is important to keep it in optimal conditions for maximized performance and a longer lifespan.
Different battery types can be used to power up electric golf carts, such as AGM, lead-acid, and lithium iron phosphate. This article presents key factors that you should consider when choosing the best golf cart batteries. It also compares the performance of lead-acid vs AGM batteries to let you know which one is the best. Let's get into detailed specifics.
Types of golf cart batteries
Here, we will familiarize you with the three frequently used golf cart batteries.
1. Lead-acid battery
Out of all deep cycle batteries available on the market, lead-acid batteries are the most common ones. The first lead-acid battery was developed and introduced more than hundred years ago. This battery type generates power from the chemical reaction between sulfuric acid and lead. In terms of cost, a lead-acid battery is the most affordable one.
It is also called a wet battery due to the acid and water mixture. Regular monitoring and refilling are considered the leading drawback of lead-acid batteries.
2. AGM battery
It is basically an improved version of a lead-acid battery. The leading benefit associated with this battery type is that it comes with a self-maintained system designed to eliminate the need for watering or refilling.
Though AGM batteries are advanced batteries available on the market, they are sensitive to high voltage spikes and overcharging. Therefore, you should keep a close eye on the battery's performance to avoid it going flat.
3. Lithium iron phosphate battery
It is also known as LiFePO4 or LFP battery. It first appeared on the market in 1996. A LiFePO4 battery is more efficient than an AGM or a lead-acid battery in many ways. The built-in Battery Monitoring System (BMS) keeps the battery away from experiencing different concerns, such as voltage issues and overcharging.
On average, LiFePO4 batteries can easily last for up to 10 years. If we compare the lifespan, a lithium iron phosphate battery can last 4 to 6 times longer than a lead-acid battery.
6 factors to consider when choosing the best golf cart battery
Selecting the top rated golf cart batteries will always be worth it. But the question that arises here is, “How to choose the best battery for golf carts?” Is this what you are thinking at the moment? If so, all you need to do is keep the below factors in mind before you buy a battery.
1. Performance
If we compare the performance of lithium, AGM, and lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries outperform both of their counterparts. It shows that a lithium battery can provide you with more power and high speed to easily handle rough terrain and hills. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not undergo things like voltage sag.
One of the potential advantages of lithium batteries over other battery types is that they do not lose their strength when they lose charge. This is the reason lithium batteries are better than lead-acid ones when it comes to powering up electric golf carts.
2. Battery voltage
Matching the battery’s voltage to the cart’s specifications is essential. The common battery voltages are 6, 8, and 12 volts, whereas electric golf carts operate at 36 or 48 volts.
For example, if your cart operates at 36 volts, you will need three 12V batteries or six 6V batteries. Similarly, if your cart operates at 48 volts, you will have to install four 12V batteries, six 8V batteries, or eight 6V batteries.
Some carts even operate at 72 volts, so you can make the battery combination accordingly. Once you know the cart’s voltage, you will be able to choose the best battery for golf carts.
3. Capacity
The capacity of a battery means how much power it can store within the structure and deliver a consistent flow as and when needed. Determine your requirements and usage patterns before you choose a specific battery. The amp-hour rating of a battery should exceed or at least meet your requirements for maximized performance in the long run.
Regardless of the discharge rate, lithium batteries have the ability to provide 100% of their rated capacity. In comparison lead-acid batteries can provide only 50% of their rated capacity.
4. Lifespan
This is another area where lithium batteries outperform others. A lead-acid battery loses its capacity over time when in operation. A significant portion of the total charge in a lead-acid battery is lost in several months. This is not the issue with lithium batteries.
Similarly, when the batteries are not in use, lead-acid batteries discharge more quickly than lithium batteries. A lithium battery loses charge at a rate of 2% per month, whereas the monthly discharge rate of a lead-acid battery is 30%.
5. Cost
In terms of initial cost, AGM and lead-acid batteries are affordable compared to lithium batteries. Though they both are cheaper than lithium batteries, they can last only for about 400 to 500 charge cycles. In comparison, lithium batteries come with a life cycle of up to 5,000 cycles.
Despite higher prices, using lithium batteries in your electric golf cart will be worth it. Ready to buy the best battery for golf carts? Try a 12V 200 Ah Pro Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with self-heating and Bluetooth function.
6. Ease of use
You can simply plug in lithium batteries and start using them, as they don’t need maintenance practices. On the other hand, standard lead-acid batteries start to corrode if you don’t add water at regular intervals. The weight of lithium batteries is much less than lead-acid and AGM batteries.
Are lithium golf cart batteries better than lead-acid?
Why use old TVs equipped with antennas when you have the option to get entertainment on the latest smart televisions? Similarly, why use an old mobile device just to make calls and send messages when you have smartphones to do a lot more things in the same-sized structure? The same is the case with electric golf cart batteries.
A lead-acid battery can power up your golf cart, and it costs less, but a good battery offers more than just a power backup. In comparison to a lead-acid battery, a lithium battery is smart and intelligent.
A lithium battery comes with a built-in Bluetooth function to check its performance status on your mobile phone. With this function, you can check different parameters on your phone, such as how long it takes to charge fully and how long it can operate the golf cart.
What battery is best for a golf cart?
Lead-acid, AGM, and lithium, all batteries can provide enough power to operate your golf carts, but they all are different from each other in different aspects, including lifespans, initial costs, safety, and capacity.
If you are looking for an affordable solution to run a golf cart, lead-acid batteries will do the job. But these batteries are not safe to use, as they release hydrogen gasses while charging. These gasses may result in an explosion.
Similarly, AGM batteries offer a low depth of discharge (80%) when compared to their lithium counterparts (95%). A lithium battery can deliver more power, offer greater energy density, and longer life cycle.
However, the prices for lithium batteries are higher, but they are worth buying, as they offer more power, longer lifespan, enhanced safety, and Bluetooth connectivity. If you are searching for the best rated golf cart batteries, try Renogy LiFePO4.
Conclusion
Non-golfers can never understand the importance of premium-quality equipment or components installed in an electric golf cart. Only true sportsmen understand it. While exploring a battery collection, you should consider a couple of factors to understand whether or not they are the best golf cart batteries. They include performance, battery voltage, capacity, lifespan, cost, and ease of use.
In terms of energy density, capacity, charge time, depth of discharge, weight, lifespan, and overall performance, lithium batteries are much better to use in golf carts than AGM and lead-acid batteries. However, lead-acid batteries provide you with a budget-friendly solution, but they have a shorter lifespan and are heavy weight. Before you choose one and buy it, it is better to research further. It will help you make an informed decision.
FAQs about the best battery for golf carts
What is the average lifespan of a golf cart battery?
It actually depends on what battery type you have installed in your golf cart. If you have a lead-acid battery installed in the cart, it can last up to 3 to 5 years on average. The average lifespan of an AGM battery is around 7 years. On the other hand, advanced lithium batteries can last up to 10 years.
Are lithium-ion batteries worth the higher cost?
Yes, despite the higher initial cost, lithium batteries are worth buying. The reason behind this fact is that they come with an extended lifespan, higher energy density, more capacity, and greater efficiency. In addition, lithium batteries need no maintenance to store. All these factors contribute to the popularity and exponentially rising demand for lithium batteries.
How many lithium batteries do I need for a 48 volt golf cart?
It all depends on the battery voltage. If you want to use 6V batteries, you will need 8 batteries to power up a 48V golf cart. If your batteries provide 8V, 6 batteries will be able to provide the power the cart needs. Similarly, if you are more attracted to buying 12V batteries, you will need four batteries in total.
