Golf carts require specialized batteries just like a car would. They use deep cycle, rather than car-type, batteries to power them. The reason for this is so that they can travel farther on a steady current.
The electricity for the golf carts is either 36-volt or 48-volt. Some newer models are 72 volts.
This requires a combination of multiple batteries in order to work properly.
If you are not sure of how many batteries you need for your golf cart, then this article can help.
There are 6 or more batteries in most golf carts. However, the battery configuration may vary from cart to cart. I’ll go over that in this article.
The voltage of the battery depends on the power it offers. For example, if you need the battery to run slowly, then the voltage is lower.
If you need it to have high power, then a higher voltage is needed.
Well, all the questions that are being raised in your mind are going to be answered in this article.
How Many Batteries Are in a Golf Cart?
Well, the number of batteries in a golf cart is not a constant, it depends upon the cart, type, brand, requirements, and all that.
But yes, mostly there are 6 batteries in the golf carts which is a standard requirement.
You will find many other brands that are using more or fewer batteries in the golf carts because they can run with those numbers as well.
In general, the number of batteries in your cart will vary depending on a number of factors which will depend on what you need.
You should visit this website, where you will find all of the information you need to know to avoid making mistakes.
If you take the time to fully understand each of these elements, you will know how many batteries your cart needs.
The number of batteries that your golf cart may need depends on a number of different factors, such as the type of cart and its voltage.
The generator in a gas cart needs just one battery because it only needs to power the spark plugs and the gasoline.
Also Read: Best Battery for Gas Golf Carts
A golf cart is typically powered by four to six batteries, though it can have as many as eight.
The number of volts golf carts need to run is specific and depends on the cart type, its distance from the electric pole, and whether it’s charged by solar panels.
Golf carts use an electric engine powered by batteries. Golf carts usually have between 36-48 volts and these batteries are connected in a variety of ways.
Golf cart battery power is affected by the number of batteries. The more batteries a golf cart has, the smoother it will operate and the greater its power will be.
How Many Batteries Are in a 48 Volt Golf Cart
Newer electric carts use a battery system powered by 36 or 48 volts that must be updated occasionally. Golf carts are now using 72-volt systems.
Golf carts can use 6V, 8V, 12V, or 24V lead-acid batteries but are now also able to use 36V or 48V lithium batteries too.
How Do You Determine Your Golf Cart Voltage?
As mentioned earlier, there is no variation in the type of battery used for gasoline golf carts. They all use a 12-volt battery.
So, for the rest of this article, we’re only going to talk about electric golf carts.
Manufacturers can choose for their cart to have a higher or lower voltage level.
A golf cart needs to be able to reach 15-20 miles per hour and have an incline of at least 10 degrees.
Depending on the need of the application, engineers must decide on the layout of their batteries.
Golf carts would be cheaper if the production costs were lowered, with a result in a reduced cost for consumers.
Different types of batteries affect how many are used. Most golf carts use lead-acid or lithium-ion for storing power.
Lead Acid Batteries Vs Lithium-Ion Batteries
Golf carts can run on either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, but some models are only designed for one type.
It is possible to use different types of batteries in your cart and achieve the same level of power.
Some people would prefer to use the lithium-ion battery, but there are several reasons why this may not be the best choice for most buyers.
This is a list of considerations for you to take into account when looking for your batteries.
The costs of lead-acid golf cart batteries are very reasonable because they provide steady power.
Now, batteries are more expensive than lithium-ion, with prices usually in the range of $50 to $100 per battery.
The lead-acid battery is better for stationary needs, like providing emergency backup power or charging car batteries when compared to the lithium-ion battery.
Can I Use Car Batteries in a Golf Cart?
Yes, standard car batteries are 12 volts and you can connect three or four of them in series to provide the required voltage.
However, the design of car batteries provides a huge surge of current for short periods.
You’ll see the battery light comes on when you turn your key. The battery’s job is to provide power for when the engine has started.
After that, the alternator takes over to power all of the electronics in your car.
If you drain a standard car battery below 50% too many times, it will break quickly.
This means that, while you can technically power a golf cart with a standard car battery, it will likely only last a short time.
Deep-cycle batteries are designed for long periods of time, and to be discharged multiple times.
Can I Use Three 12 Volts Batteries in a Golf Cart
It’s possible to replace a 36-volt golf cart that uses 6 volts with three 12-volt batteries.
Using batteries with a higher voltage will increase the time your golf cart runs, but it might also cause it to break down more often.
Can You Use Lithium Batteries in a Golf Cart?
You can replace a golf cart battery with a lithium battery. While it is not common, golf cart owners can expect 50% more battery life with a lithium-ion battery.
Many golf cart owners in my area have replaced their batteries with new ones.
You must take safety precautions in order to get changed from lead acids to lithium irons.
Maintenance and Battery Life of Golf Cart
By taking some simple measurements, like keeping your battery on a trickle charge or topping it off regularly, you can get the most out of your battery and make sure that in 5 years, you’re ready to go.
Add Water to Flooded Batteries
Keeping your golf cart batteries healthy requires topping off the electrolyte with distilled or deionized water.
For golf carts that are neglected and rarely driven, checking the levels of the electrolyte should be done 1-2 times per month; for carts that are used more frequently, checking every 1-2 weeks is a better idea.
It’s not necessary to top off water levels on AGM or lithium batteries – just fill up to a quarter inch above the plates. It’s important not to overfill them in order to keep them from leaking.
The Selection Of The Right Battery Charger
To make sure your charger is compatible with the voltage and chemistries of your batteries, you must make sure to select one that will work for both.
A charger must match the type of battery. Use a 48-volt charger if you have 6 8-volt batteries because that would be an incompatible voltage.
Likewise, use a compatible charger for the type of battery you’re using, which is either flooded AGM, or lithium-ion chemistry types.
Apart from these steps, you must charge your golf cart battery regularly, avoid overcharging, and need to keep the battery terminals clean ever.
FAQs:
ARE CAR BATTERIES IN A GOLF CART A WISE CHOICE?
Yes, 12-volt batteries can be connected in a circuit to fit the voltage requirements. Standard car batteries will work. You can connect three or four of them together to increase the voltage.
How many batteries does an EZ Go golf cart have?
The EZGO Medalist and Txt carts have an 18-volt battery bank. This is made up of six 6-volt golf cart batteries.
Final Words
Many older golf carts will only have a 6-pack battery, but many newer models are geared for 48 volts with some at 72 volts.
The new batteries work with the old-style 4-count, 6-count, and 8-count batteries.