Is it best to leave a golf cart plugged in all the time?
Leaving a golf cart plugged in continuously depends on the battery type. For traditional lead-acid batteries, prolonged charging risks overcharging, electrolyte loss, and plate corrosion. Modern lithium-ion batteries (LiFePO4) with built-in BMS can safely remain plugged in, as charging terminates automatically at full capacity. Always use a smart charger to prevent voltage spikes and balance cells periodically.
What happens if a lead-acid golf cart battery stays plugged in?
Overcharging lead-acid batteries accelerates sulfation and water loss, reducing lifespan by 30–50%. Pro Tip: Use float chargers that switch to maintenance mode after reaching 100%—manual disconnection isn’t needed. For example, Trojan T-105 batteries lose 200–300 cycles if kept at 100% voltage for weeks.
How do lithium-ion golf cart batteries handle continuous charging?
LiFePO4 batteries with BMS protection stop charging at 100%, preventing overvoltage. Their 3,000–5,000 cycle life remains unaffected if stored at 50–80% charge. Pro Tip: For seasonal storage, set chargers to 50% SOC to minimize calendar aging. A 48V 100Ah lithium pack left plugged in retains 95% capacity after 6 months, unlike lead-acid’s 60%.
| Battery Type | Safe Continuous Charging | Optimal Storage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-Acid | No | 80% |
| LiFePO4 | Yes | 50% |
Fasta Power Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but upgrade chargers and controllers to lithium-compatible models—lead-acid settings will undercharge or damage cells.
What charger voltage suits 72V lithium golf cart batteries?
Use 84V CC-CV chargers (±1% tolerance). Mismatched voltages cause BMS lockouts or incomplete charging cycles.