The US golf cart market is worth over a billion dollars as of 2018, and it’s clearly only getting bigger. If you’re part of the cart community, choosing the right battery is essential for keeping your vehicle up and running.
Without using the right golf cart batteries, you could risk your cart failing in the middle of a round. This may lead to cutting your game short, and having to leave the cart stranded on the course. Choosing the wrong batteries could also result in shortening the overall life of your cart, which may cost you a small fortune in the long run.
Table of Contents
Figure Out Which Golf Cart You Have
Before you start browsing, it’s important to know for sure whether you’re driving an electric or gas-powered golf cart. This is vital, because a gas-powered cart will only require one starting battery, with the same system as a traditional car. Electric carts, however, need multiple batteries to stay running. Knowing your cart will also determine the necessary voltage of the batteries that you choose
In the modern world, especially with gas prices increasing so much, it’s likely you’ll want to choose an electric model. Electric carts are generally much cheaper, and produce fewer carbon emissions, too. An electric model will generally require around 4 to 8 batteries to function.
Understanding Voltage
You should be able to find your vehicle’s voltage in the user manual. If you can’t find it in writing, there’s a simple way to figure it out.
Calculating Voltage
The process of calculating the voltage is simple:
- Start by looking at how many cells or caps can be seen on the existing batteries in your cart. Usually there’ll be 3, 4, or 6 per battery.
- Multiply the number of cells by 2 to figure out the voltage of the battery.
- Multiple the resulting number by the number of battery slots in your cart to figure out the vehicle’s voltage. The number will generally be either 36v or 48v.
Once you’ve figured out the voltage, it’s time to decide whether you need to accommodate for 36v or 48v golf cart batteries.
Amperage
Once you’ve determined the voltage required for your golf cart, you need to consider the proper amperage of the batteries. As a rule, the higher the amps (Ah), the longer the batteries will last and the more efficiently they’ll run.
Golf Cart Battery Price
Lead-acid batteries tend to be the most common and cost-effective choice, starting from $100 and going up to around $250 per battery. However, lithium-ion models have gained in popularity due to strong energy density as well as extended lifespan – Now though they come with a heftier price tag that can range anywhere between roughly $800 -$3,500 or more depending on your selection.
| Battery Type | Capacity (AH) | Voltage (V) | Brand Examples | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
| Flooded Lead-Acid Battery | 150-170 AH | 6V | Trojan, US Battery | $90 – $150 | Traditional lead-acid batteries, lower initial cost but shorter lifespan and high maintenance. |
| AGM Lead-Acid Battery | 150-170 AH | 6V | Trojan, Lifeline | $200 – $300 | Maintenance-free lead-acid batteries with a longer lifespan than Flooded, but at a higher price. |
| Lithium-Ion Battery | 100-150 AH | 48V | Leadmax Battery,Seastar Battery, RoyPow | $900 – $2,500 | Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan, are lightweight, and charge quickly, but come with a high upfront cost. |
| GEL Battery | 200-220 AH | 12V | MK Battery, Trojan | $250 – $400 | Similar to AGM but performs better during deep discharges. |
| NCM Lithium Battery | 100-120 AH | 48V | Seastar, RELiON | $1,200 – $2,000 | Ideal for high-performance golf carts, lightweight, durable, and long-lasting. |
Golf Cart Battery Types
After you’ve calculated the proper voltage, you need to consider the type of batteries you need prior to browsing the different golf cart battery manufacturers. The two main types are lithium and lead-acid batteries, which each offer different degrees of lasting power, efficiency, and cost.
48-Volt Golf Cart Battery Voltage Chart
| Battery Type | Individual Battery Voltage | Number of Batteries | Total Voltage | Example Setup |
| Flooded Lead-Acid | 6V | 8 | 48V | 8x 6V Flooded Lead-Acid batteries |
| AGM Lead-Acid | 6V | 8 | 48V | 8x 6V AGM Lead-Acid batteries |
| GEL Battery | 12V | 4 | 48V | 4x 12V GEL batteries |
| Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4) | 48V | 1 | 48V | 1x 48V Lithium-Ion battery pack |
| NCM Lithium | 48V | 1 | 48V | 1x 48V NCM Lithium battery pack |
Lithium vs Lead-Acid
The eternal discussion in almost any debate about batteries is: lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries? So, what is it that sets the two apart?
Advantages of Lead Acid Batteries
- Inexpensive
- Reliable, durable, and time-honored technology
- Easily understood by both manufacturers and consumers
Advantages of Lithium Batteries
- Quicker charge times
- Low-cost charging
- Higher-energy density
- Around 5 x longer lasting
- Lighter
- Much more compact – around half the size of lead acid batteries
- More eco-friendly due to more efficient charging and containing no lead
A major disadvantage of the golf cart lithium battery is that the initial investment is significantly higher than that of a lead acid battery. However, once they’re purchased you’ll save money in the long run due to the fact you’ll need less charges, use less energy within a charge, and need to replace your golf cart battery much less regularly.
Another thing to add is that even the best lithium batteries for golf carts have the capacity for thermal runaway, which can lead to a fire or even an explosion. This outcome can be avoided by keeping your batteries at a stable, low temperature in a cool dry place – and never over-charge them.
LiFePO4 Golf Cart Batteries
While the debate between lithium and lead acid batteries might dominate the conversation, in recent years a new technology has been all the rage amongst golf cart battery suppliers and manufacturers. We’re talking about LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries have broken into the industry and quickly become renowned for their quality.
Advantages of LiFePO4 Batteries
- Even more lightweight
- No need for maintenance
- Longer overall life
- Longer runtime
- Consistent power supply even at lower battery life
- Quicker recharge time
- Safer and less likely to set on fire
- Cheaper in the long run
Are lithium golf cart batteries safe
If you are worried about safety, you should know that lithium batteries are safe to use and it has a battery management system that can shut down batteries that are not working properly. SEASTAE BATTERY’s Lithium golf cart battery cells are made from CALT, BYD, and other world-renowned brands while SEASTAR BATTERY lithium golf batteries come with a 3-5 year warranty.
Much like when you compare lithium batteries to lead acid, LiFePO4 golf cart batteries are indeed more expensive than their comparative counterparts. However, they will save you money and perform better over time. Thanks to the fact they charge more quickly and last much longer in both the short and long term, you can trust that LiFePO4 batteries are the best choice for your golf cart.
Lithium golf cart range
With the right battery, golf cart trips can reach far and wide. From a base range of 20-30 miles per charge to an impressive 50 with a high-end lithium option, even challenging terrain won’t stop you from reaching your destination!
48V golf cart range
48V golf carts powered by lithium batteries are a perfect choice! With a full charge they can take you up to 60 miles – and yes, terrain matters. But no matter which battery technology and quality level you choose, your total range will be sure to impress.
72V golf cart range
With a powerful 72v lithium battery, golf carts can zoom up to 60-70 miles on one full charge – an impressive feat! Yet the range depends heavily on factors such as cart weight and road conditions.
36V golf cart range
36v lithium golf cart battery Reaching up to 25 miles of range per full charge, depending on weighty factors such as terrain and speed drove
How long will a 36-volt golf cart run on a full charge?
As a manufacturer of lithium golf cart batteries, we understand the importance of battery runtime. On a full charge, a 36-volt golf cart can typically run for approximately 15-30 miles. However, actual mileage may vary depending on factors like cart weight, terrain, speed, and battery capacity. Our high-quality lithium golf cart batteries are designed to deliver reliable power and extended runtime, making them an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts and professionals seeking optimal performance on the course.
Top 10 golf cart battery manufacturers
Trojan Battery Company
Crown Battery Manufacturing
EnerSys
East Penn Manufacturing Co.
Johnson Controls
Exide Technologies
Interstate Batteries
Duracell
U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co.
SEASTAR Battery (Lithium golf cart battery)
Discover the Advantages of Lithium Golf Cart Batteries
Experience the next generation of golf cart battery technology with lithium batteries. Renowned for being the lightest metal with exceptional electrochemical potential, lithium provides unmatched energy efficiency. Say goodbye to the limitations of lead-acid batteries and embrace the benefits of lithium. Let’s explore the advantages of lithium golf cart batteries:
Safety Above All
Forget the safety concerns of older lithium batteries. Modern lithium batteries, specifically Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), are non-combustible and extremely safe. Overcharging is no longer a threat, ensuring peace of mind for golf cart owners.
Consistent Power Output
Bid farewell to “voltage sag” that plagues lead-acid batteries. With lithium batteries, you’ll enjoy a consistent power output throughout the entire range of charge capacity. No more slower speeds, tougher climbs, or sluggish performance. Your golf cart will effortlessly maintain top speed and conquer any terrain.
Extended Lifespan
Lithium batteries triumph over lead-acid in terms of longevity. With an impressive average of 2000-5000 charge cycles, lithium outlasts lead-acid batteries, which usually max out at around 1000 charge cycles. Double the lifespan means double the value.
Minimal Maintenance
Save time and effort with lithium golf cart batteries. Unlike lead-acid batteries which require regular maintenance and water level checks, lithium batteries demand very little attention. Simply install them, keep them charged, and perform routine safety checks.
Where to Go
If you need a new golf cart battery or two, it’s important to find a manufacturer you can trust. Seastar produces a variety of custom LiFePO4 and lithium batteries for your golf cart. With our top-quality manufacturing process and fast turnarounds, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better supplier in the world.