Powering Your Golf Cart: What You Need to Know About Batteries
When it comes to getting you from tee to green and back again, the batteries in your golf cart provide the power to keep you moving. But how many batteries do golf carts have, and what type of batteries should you choose for longest travel range and life? The answers depend on factors like what voltage system your cart uses and whether you prefer maintenance-free batteries or more economical flooded lead-acid types.
How Many Batteries Do Most Golf Carts Have?
The majority of golf carts use either a 36 or 48 volt battery system. Cart voltage determines how many batteries your cart will hold:
•36 volt golf cart battery configuration - Has 6 lead-acid batteries rated at 6 volts each, or can have 2 lithium batteries. Most common in older carts or personal carts. Requires more frequent charging and either flooded lead-acid or AGM batteries.
• 48 volt golf cart battery configuration - Has 6 or 8 lead-acid batteries rated at 6 or 8 volts each, or can have 2-4 lithium batteries. Standard on most club carts and preferred for longer travel since it delivers more power with fewer charges needed. Can use either lead-acid and AGM batteries or long-lasting lithium ones.
Which Battery Type is Best for My Golf Cart?
The two primary options for powering your golf cart are lead-acid batteries (flooded or sealed AGM) or more advanced lithium-ion:
•Flooded lead-acid batteries - Most economical but require regular maintenance. Shorter 1-4 year lifespan. Best for budget personal carts. Six 6-volt batteries in serial for 36V cart, six 8-volt for 48V.
•AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries - Lead-acid batteries where electrolyte is suspended in fiberglass mats. No maintenance, spill or gas emission. Moderate upfront cost, last 4-7 years. Also 6-volt or 8-volt in serial for cart voltage.
•Lithium batteries - Higher initial cost offset by long 8-15 year lifespan and fast recharges. No maintenance. Environmentally friendly. Use 2-4 lithium batteries in 36 to 48 volt serial configuration. Hold charge well when idle.
The choice comes down to how much you want to spend upfront versus long-term costs of ownership. Lithium batteries save time and money over the long run but have a higher entry price. Lead-acid or AGM batteries require more frequent maintenance and replacement, reducing convenience, but start at a lower price point.
For serious or professional use, lithium batteries are the top choice. Recreational and budget users can benefit from more affordable lead-acid options. Make your selection based not just on what your cart can support but also how long and how far you travel in a typical day on the course. The more you use your cart, the more a longer-lasting lithium-ion system may make sense in the end.Continued use and enjoyment of your golf cart for many seasons is possible when you choose a battery system matched to how and how often you use your cart. Now that you know how many batteries power a golf cart and the types available, you can decide which is right for your needs and budget. Stay out on the greens as long as you like by giving your cart the battery motivation to keep up with you!
Post time: May-23-2023
