How long does 100ah battery last in a golf cart？

The runtime of a 100Ah battery in a golf cart depends on several factors, including the cart's energy consumption, driving conditions, terrain, weight load, and the type of battery. However, we can estimate the runtime by calculating based on the power draw of the cart.

Step-by-Step Estimate:

1. Battery Capacity:
   • A 100Ah battery means it can theoretically provide 100 amps of current for 1 hour, or 50 amps for 2 hours, etc.
   • If it's a 48V battery, the total energy stored is:
     $Energy=Capacity (Ah)\times Voltage (V)\backslash text\{Energy\}\; =\; \backslash text\{Capacity\; (Ah)\}\; \backslash times\; \backslash text\{Voltage\; (V)\}$

     Energy=Capacity (Ah)×Voltage (V)
     $Energy=100Ah\times 48V=4800Wh(or4.8kWh)\backslash text\{Energy\}\; =\; 100Ah\; \backslash times\; 48V\; =\; 4800Wh\; (or\; 4.8\; kWh)$

     Energy=100Ah×48V=4800Wh(or4.8kWh)

2. Energy Consumption of the Golf Cart:
   • Golf carts typically consume between 50 - 70 amps at 48V, depending on speed, terrain, and load.
   • For example, if the golf cart draws 50 amps at 48V:
     $Power consumption=Current (A)\times Voltage (V)\backslash text\{Power\; consumption\}\; =\; \backslash text\{Current\; (A)\}\; \backslash times\; \backslash text\{Voltage\; (V)\}$

     Power consumption=Current (A)×Voltage (V)
     $Power consumption=50A\times 48V=2400W(2.4kW)\backslash text\{Power\; consumption\}\; =\; 50A\; \backslash times\; 48V\; =\; 2400W\; (2.4\; kW)$

     Power consumption=50A×48V=2400W(2.4kW)

3. Runtime Calculation:
   • With a 100Ah battery delivering 4.8 kWh of energy, and the cart consuming 2.4 kW:
     $Runtime=Total Battery EnergyPower Consumption=4800Wh2400W=2 hours\backslash text\{Runtime\}\; =\; \backslash frac\{\backslash text\{Total\; Battery\; Energy\}\}\{\backslash text\{Power\; Consumption\}\}\; =\; \backslash frac\{4800Wh\}\{2400W\}\; =\; 2\; \backslash text\{\; hours\}$

     Runtime=Power ConsumptionTotal Battery Energy​=2400W4800Wh​=2 hours

So, a 100Ah 48V battery would last approximately 2 hours under typical driving conditions.

Factors That Affect Battery Life:

• Driving Style: Higher speeds and frequent acceleration draw more current and reduce battery life.
• Terrain: Hilly or rough terrain increases the power required to move the cart, reducing runtime.
• Weight Load: A fully loaded cart (more passengers or gear) consumes more energy.
• Battery Type: LiFePO4 batteries have better energy efficiency and provide more usable energy compared to lead-acid batteries.