Golf Cart Batteries: Types, Lifespan, Costs, Maintenance!

Are you tired of your golf cart running out of charge? Frustrated with inconsistent performance and frequent replacements? You’re not alone. Many golfers struggle with the same issues, but it all comes down to one important factor – the battery.

Golf cart batteries are essential for proper performance and longevity. They require proper maintenance, appropriate charging habits and careful life expectancy so that your golf trip is never cut short.

Do you want to know what makes these batteries tick or how to choose the right one for your needs? Then stick with us as we’ll share details about these powerhouses that will surely solve your golf carts power issue.

Types of Golf Cart Batteries

Golf carts have four types of batteries with 6V, 8V, and 12V variants. Each battery type offers unique features and characteristics tailored to various operational needs and preferences. Below is a detailed overview of these battery types:

1# Flooded Lead Acid (Wet) Batteries

Flooded lead acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in golf carts. These batteries are affordable and also reliable. 

However, flooded lead acid batteries require regular maintenance. Like regular water top-up, and cleaning to keep it to the top shape. 

These batteries have a removable cap on the top. So that they can be removed and topped up with water when needed. 

Essential facts

Price: 

• 6V lead acid battery: $250 per battery
• 8V lead acid battery: $270 per battery, and 
• 12V lead acid battery: $400 per battery. 

Lifespan: Lead-acid batteries have the shortest lifespan among all the options. For about only 400 cycles with a depth of discharge of 80%. 

You may need to be replaced every 2 to 4 years. 

Charging time: 8 to 12 hours 

Range on a single charge: 15-40 miles, about two to three rounds of golf [fully charged] 

Best for: Casual golfing and short trips 

2# AGM Lead Acid Batteries

AGM battery stands for absorbed glass matt. Actually, these batteries are the improved version of the lead acid batteries. 

More notably it requires zero maintenance. Moreover, AGM batteries last longer but are a little bit more expensive than lead-acid batteries. 

Essential facts

Price: 

• 6V AGM batteries are $360 per battery, 
• 8V batteries are about $460 per battery, and 
• 12V AGM batteries are $540 per battery. 

Lifespan: For about 500 cycles with a depth of discharge of 80%. They can last up to 3 to 7 years. 

Charging time: Two to eight hours 

Range on a single charge: 25 to 40 miles  

Best for: Consistent performance under challenging conditions 

3# Gel Lead Acid Batteries

Gel lead acid batteries are almost similar to AGM batteries. The main difference is it uses thick paste instead of fiberglass mats. 

However, the significant difference is that gel lead acid batteries can handle less charge and have lower discharge rates than AGM batteries. 

Essential facts

Price: $199 to $499  

Lifespan: 4 to 6 years or 500 cycles at 80% depth of discharge

Charging time:  8 to 14 hours 

Range on a single charge: 25 to 50 miles 

Best for: off-road or for deep cycling.

4# Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have become more popular in recent years due to their advanced features. The battery uses lithium-ion. 

It is used as a primary component of its electrochemistry. Lithium-ion batteries last longer than any other type of golf cart batteries. 

Essential facts

Price: 

• 48V lithium battery with 105 Ah: 2500 USD, 
• 48V lithium battery with 160 Ah: 3500 USD, 
• 48V lithium battery with 210 Ah: 5200 USD

Lifespan: 10 years or 3000 to 5000 cycles 

Charging time: below 4 hours

Range on a single charge: For about 50-80 miles, some say100 miles, Four to six rounds of golf  

Best for:  Top choice for the golf carts 

Choosing the Right Golf Cart Battery for Your Needs

Well, you just need to consider some factors to choose the right battery for your golf cart. Below highlighted factors below will help you to choose. 

1# Choose the battery type 

First, you need to choose the right type of battery based on your needs. Each type of golf cart battery has a different cost, lifespan, or charge time as we already discussed. Just pick one that fits your requirements. 

2# Consider battery voltage and ampere 

The next thing is to consider the voltage and ampere. The two power features of the golf cart batteries. Higher amperage of the golf cart means higher drive per charge. 

If you want a short but highly responsive ride, then you should consider a high ampere. However, if you desire long leisurely rides, choose high voltage. 

3# Determine your golf cart usage 

Your golf cart usage will also impact the type of battery you choose. For example, if you want to use your golf cart for short rides or flat terrain, go for small batteries. 

But if you will use your golf cart on hilly terrain or for longer rides, you will need larger batteries with a high Ah rating. 

4# Assess your budget 

When choosing a golf cart battery, a balance between your budget and quality is crucial. True high-power batteries will offer better performance and longevity. 

But if you go for a budget-friendly option, you can still have reliable performance when maintained properly. That depends on your choice and preference.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last on One Charge? 

It is essential to understand how far a golf cart goes with a single charge, in general to keep the battery in good shape. Take a close look below.

Voltage (Battery system)	Total amp (approx.)	Travel distance
36 volts (6-6 volts)	1350	22 miles (approx.)
48 volts (4-12 volts)	600	12 miles (approx.)
48 volts (6-8 volts)	1020	19 miles (approx.)
48 volts (8-6 volts)	1800	35 miles (approx.)
72 volts (6-12 volts)	900	17 miles (approx.)

To be frank, the batteries of your golf cart can last long on a single charge. But be aware, not to drain them fully. 

It’s not good for them. Instead, you should aim to use only 50% of their charge. 

If you run the batteries down too low, it’ll shorten its lifespan. So, never drive until the battery is almost dead. 

[Note: The travel distance shown in the above chart is based on this rule.]

Charging Your Golf Cart Batteries: Best Practices!

To maintain the optimal performance and longevity of your golf cart batteries, it is crucial to follow proper charging practices. Adhering to the guidelines below will help ensure that your batteries remain in excellent condition:

Step 1: Check your battery type and gather the equipment

First, determine what type of battery your golf cart uses. Moreover, ensure the battery charger is compatible with the battery. You can consult the owner’s manual if you’re not sure. 

Now gather the essential equipment to charge the battery. 

• Battery charger [compatible with your golf cart battery] 
• Gloves and safety glasses 
• Clean cloth 
• Distilled water for the lead acid batteries 

Step 2: Park your golf cart in a well-ventilated area 

Next, choose a well-ventilated area. It’ll be best if the place is outdoors. Minimum 5-6 feet away from home. 

The place can also be a garage with good ventilation or the door open. Moreover, ensure that there are no flammable materials in that area. 

Step 3: Turn off your golf cart and connect the charger 

Turn off your golf cart and take out the ignition keys. Now connect the charger. 

But before that ensure the charger is in good condition. Moreover, ensure that it is free from any damage. Connect the charger and ensure a secure fit. 

Step 4: Monitor the charging process 

Monitor the charging process closely when you are done connecting the charger with the port. 

By any chance, if you notice any smell or sound, disconnect the charger immediately. Check whether there are any signs of damage in the battery. 

Step 5: Disconnect the battery charger and store it

Carefully disconnect the charger from the golf cart port and the power source when the battery is fully charged. Now keep the battery charger in a dry and secure place.

Signs Your Golf Cart Batteries Are Failing

Let’s now take a quick look at the obvious signs of the failing golf cart battery. 

1# Reduced capacity 

If your golf cart becomes less powerful or feels sluggish, it is one of the most obvious signs that the battery is nearly dead. 

The signs of reduced capacity include. These signs together indicate that the golf battery is nearing to end of its life or it requires to be replaced soon. 

• You are not able to travel the same distance on a single charge that you used to. 
• It’s taking longer to charge the battery 
• Your golf cart does not accelerate as quickly as it used to. 

2# Low or uneven voltage reading 

A fully charged deep cycle golf cart battery shows the below reading. 

6-volt	6.3 volts or higher
8-volt	8.4 volts or higher
12-volt	12.7 volts or higher

You should check the voltage of the battery on a regular basis. That’s especially true when the new season starts. If you notice the battery voltage is lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation, that indicates the battery is about to die. 

3# Swelling, bulging, or leaking

If you see any of these signs of swelling, bulging, or leaking in your golf cart battery, discontinue using it. Moreover, you should replace the battery as soon as possible. These signs mean that the battery has reached its limit. 

4# Difficulty in climbing hills 

Climbing with the golf cart inclines more power. But when there is a weak battery, it struggles to provide the necessary charge for climbing. It results in a sluggish or stalled performance of the golf cart. 

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Tips

Frankly, a little careful maintenance can extend the life of the battery dramatically and ensure long performance in the course. Check it out below. 

• You should always ensure that the battery is regularly charged. Charge the battery every time it drops 50% of its capacity. 
• Avoid overcharging the batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended best practices for charging and discharging. 
• If your golf cart uses flooded batteries, you’ve to maintain the electrolyte solution inside. Top up the battery with distilled or deionized water. 
• Make a habit of checking the level of your battery and add water every month in summer and at least once in three months in winter.
• Keep your golf cart battery clean. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean up the battery terminal. 

FAQs

To assist with maintaining the power system of your golf cart, here are answers to some commonly asked questions about golf cart batteries:

Can I mix old and new golf cart batteries?  [source] 

Typically, it is not recommended to mix the old and new batteries. That’s because there can be possible issues with the safety and performance. No matter what type of battery you use or what manufacturer, batteries will lose their power eventually which can create potential risks. 

Can I use a regular car battery for my golf cart? [source] 

No, you should not use a regular car battery for your golf cart. Golf cart batteries are deep-cycle ones. But car batteries are starter batteries. It can provide a very high initial surge of current that can damage the drivetrain of the golf cart. 

What are the best golf cart batteries? [source] 

Lithium batteries are best for your golf cart in the long run. This battery can last around 5,000 partial cycles. But as for the lead acid batteries, it generally lasts for about 400 cycles or recharges. Moreover, many AGM batteries last for about only 500 cycles. 

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

A properly maintained fleet golf cart battery can last about 4 to 6 years. As for the golf carts owned by private owners, their batteries tend to last for about 6 to 10 years. However, depending on the type of the golf cart battery, this duration may vary. 

Conclusion

All in all, the right choice for the battery of your golf cart ensures that you enjoy the longer rides. Moreover, enhanced performance with no interruptions. 

So, always stick to the maintenance routine to keep the battery in top condition. Always fully charge your battery after every use and follow the proper cleaning guide. These steps may sound simple but can ensure that your golf cart is ready for the next round. Always!