If you own or use a golf cart, its battery is one of the most important parts to understand. Having the right golf cart battery will keep you moving on the course or worksites. This guide will help you understand the different types of batteries for golf carts. We'll compare features like lifespan, maintenance needs, and more. We'll break down what to look for when buying a replacement. Tips for maintenance and care will be provided so your new battery lasts. Let's get started!
Understanding Battery Basics
When talking about batteries, some commonly used terms are volts and amps. Volts measure battery power. It measures the strength or pressure of the flow of current. More volts let a battery do more work. Amps measure how long batteries provide power before needing a recharge. Higher-volt batteries produce more power.
Golf carts typically use 6-volt or 8-volt batteries. Club cars with more accessories need more voltage and amps. Understanding these terms helps you pick the perfect battery.
Comparison of Batteries
Golf cart batteries come in lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion types. Lead-acid has two kinds: flooded and absorbed glass mats (AGM). We compare these next.
Lead-acid batteries include flooded and sealed batteries. Flooded batteries can spill fluids out. Sealed batteries are maintenance-free.
Nickel cadmium (or NiCd) lasts longer than lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries are the newest. They store lots of power while staying lightweight with no maintenance.
Types of Golf Cart Batteries
There are a few main battery types used in golf carts:
Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
These older-style batteries have removable caps to check and refill fluid levels. They need more maintenance but deliver plenty of power. They can leak or spill fluid while moving. They also release hazardous fumes. However, One advantage of flooded batteries is that they are cheaper upfront.
Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries
Sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAs) have no removable caps, reducing maintenance. The most common subtype is Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. SLA batteries offer good power at a lower price point than lithium-ion. But, they cost more than flooded batteries up front.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries hold a charge well and handle high discharge. They also handle temperature changes fine. But they need safety gear when handling because the metals inside are toxic. They are less eco-friendly because of the toxic metals in them. Also, they suffer from the "memory effect," losing maximum capacity if not fully discharged.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries provide high efficiency and stability. They're lightweight, with no toxic chemicals. They last over twice as long per charge versus lead-acid batteries while weighing much less.
Advantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium battery cells hold lots of stable energy. Even in hot or cold weather, they perform well when needed. Lithium batteries will also last over twice the rounds on a golf course than lead-acid ones before needing a swap or recharge.
Why Lithium-Ion is the Best Choice
Lithium-ion golf cart batteries have revolutionized the industry over the past decade. Some major benefits are:
Efficiency
No energy is wasted so more range and run time is possible per charge. They easily store and provide maximum power.
Longevity
It lasts over twice as long as lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer over 2,000 cycles versus just 400-800 cycles for lead-acid.
Safety
The lithium phosphate materials used pose a low risk of fumes, fire, leaks, or spills. They also pose a very low risk of overheating or fire.
Specific Benefits of GoldenMate Energy's Lithium-Ion Batteries for Golf Carts.
These lithium-ion batteries are a better choice than old lead-acid batteries. Some benefits of these batteries are:
- They can be used over 5,000 times without losing power. Old lead-acid batteries break after around 1,000 uses.
- They work well in hot and cold weather. They keep working even when it's -40°F outside.
- They don't catch on fire or explode like old batteries sometimes do. They are very safe to have on golf carts.
- They take up less space and weigh half as much as lead-acid packs but hold the same amount of power. This helps golf carts drive farther on one charge.
Considerations When Buying
Price
Lithium cells cost more upfront than lead-acid golf cart batteries. However, it benefits the buyer in long-term savings from greater durability and efficiency per charge.
Maintenance
Maintenance needs vary by battery type. Lithium cells need little regular service once installed correctly. No fluid checks or refilling needed is a huge convenience.
Weight
Lithium batteries are Lightweight. They are easy to install. Over 50% lighter than lead acid makes hill climbing easier. Heavier lead-acid ones may need a lift assist system and weigh-down performance.
Voltage and Size:
Check your golf cart manual for recommended voltage and capacity. Be sure replacement batteries meet the required voltage and capacity.
Size
Make sure any new battery fits your cart battery compartment.
Maintenance and Care
Caring for batteries properly makes them last. Always use the charger made for your battery type.
Completely recharging flooded lead-acid models avoids lasting cell damage over time.
Flooded lead-acid batteries need distilled water added if plates ever become exposed. Sealed versions need to be kept charged and corrosion cleaned from terminals if present.
For lithium batteries, leave them at a 40% to 80% charge when storing over one month. Avoid leaving lithium or any battery fully drained for any length of time. That causes the greatest cell wear.
Battery Lifespan and Warranty
On average flooded lead-acid types last 2-4 years. Sealed batteries can reach 5-6 years. Lithium-ion batteries offer 6-8+ years of service. Lithium-ion batteries operate well for over 2,000 charge-and-run cycles. That equals over five times more rounds of golf than lead-acid batteries provide.
When shopping check battery warranty terms for lifespan and coverage details.
Warranty options - GoldenMate Energy's offers
GoldenMate Energy gives a 5-year warranty so you know the batteries are high-quality. We also allow a 30-day return policy and a money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
Safety Aspects
Lithium-ion batteries meet high safety standards when made under strict quality controls. Buying reputable brands is important, especially with lithium technology. Never charge lithium batteries unattended indoors since problems are rare but can occur.
GoldenMate Energy's Safety Certifications and Features.
GoldenMate Energy meets all U.S. and global safety rules for their batteries. Our products have safety labels like UL and CE so you can trust them.
Concluding Thoughts
We have covered golf cart battery options, with lithium-ion the best for performance and longevity. When buying batteries, verify they meet your vehicle’s voltage and dimensions. With routine care as covered here, expect years of reliable service. Safe travels on the links!
GoldenMate Energy's lithium-ion battery packs are the best choice for upgrading your golf cart. Our batteries will make your cart much more powerful and reliable for years to come. Visit our store to find a battery perfect for your needs.
