What Size Battery Do I Need For My Golf Cart?
The optimal golf cart battery size depends on voltage requirements (36V/48V/72V), capacity (Ah), and chemistry (lead-acid or lithium-ion). For 18-hole courses, lithium-ion 48V 100Ah packs provide 5-6 hours runtime, while lead-acid systems need 150Ah+ to offset lower depth-of-discharge. Always match battery voltage to your cart’s motor controller.
Les Schwab Golf Cart Batteries
How do voltage requirements impact golf cart battery sizing?
Golf cart voltage (36V, 48V, or 72V) dictates motor power and speed. Older carts use 36V systems, while modern models require 48V+ for hills. High-voltage 72V packs suit performance carts but demand compatible controllers.
Voltage directly determines your cart’s torque and efficiency. A 48V system draws 33% less current than 36V for the same power, reducing heat in cables and connectors. For example, upgrading a 36V EZ-GO TXT to 48V increases speed from 14 mph to 19 mph using identical motors. Pro Tip: Never exceed your motor’s rated voltage—72V on a 48V motor risks insulation breakdown. Transitional components like solenoids and throttle sensors must also handle the higher voltage. If you’re tackling steep terrains, 72V systems with 200Ah lithium packs deliver sustained climbs without voltage sag.
Lead-acid vs. lithium-ion: Which chemistry works best?
Lithium-ion batteries offer 3× longer lifespan and 70% weight reduction versus lead-acid. Though pricier upfront, lithium saves long-term costs through 2,000+ cycles and no maintenance.
Let’s break it down: A 48V 100Ah lithium battery weighs 55 lbs versus 150 lbs for lead-acid, improving cart efficiency. Lithium also permits 80-90% depth-of-discharge (DoD), while lead-acid degrades past 50% DoD. Real-world example: Trooper 48V 105Ah lithium packs power 25-mile rounds at Reunion Resort, whereas lead-acid equivalents need midday swaps. But what if budget constraints exist? Flooded lead-acid remains viable for light weekend use at half the cost. Check our comparison table:
| Metric | Lithium-Ion | Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 2,000+ | 400-600 |
| Charge Time | 3-4 hrs | 8-10 hrs |
How to calculate required battery capacity (Ah)?
Use this formula: Ah = (Watt-hours per round) ÷ Voltage. Average 18-hole rounds consume 1,800-2,500Wh. For 48V carts, 40-52Ah suffices with lithium-ion.
But course terrain changes everything. Florida’s flat greens need 25% less capacity than mountainous Utah courses. Suppose your cart draws 50A continuous: At 48V, 100Ah gives two hours at full throttle. Pro Tip: Add 20% buffer to Ah ratings for lead-acid to compensate for Peukert’s Law inefficiencies. For example, Club Car Onward lithium owners report 45-mile ranges with 125Ah packs, but equivalent lead-acid setups cap at 28 miles. Transitionally, battery meters help track real-time usage—essential for avoiding strandings.
What lifespan differences exist between chemistries?
Lithium-ion lasts 8-10 years with 80% capacity retention. Lead-acid degrades to 50% in 2-3 years, requiring frequent replacements.
Why the disparity? Lithium’s stable chemistry tolerates deeper discharges and faster charging. Trojan T-105 lead-acid batteries average 750 cycles at 50% DoD, whereas RELiON RB100 lithium handles 5,000 cycles at 80% DoD. Environmental factors matter too: Lithium operates at -4°F to 140°F, while lead-acid loses 30% capacity below freezing. For northern golfers, lithium’s cold-weather resilience justifies the premium. Here’s a cost comparison:
| Type | Initial Cost | 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Lead-Acid | $900 | $3,600 |
Fasta Power Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but replace motor controllers and chargers. 48V systems demand 58.4V chargers and upgraded wiring for 30%+ current increases.
Do lithium batteries work with existing lead-acid chargers?
No – use lithium-specific chargers with CC-CV profiles. Lead-acid chargers overheat lithium cells, causing BMS lockouts or swelling.