Leaving your lithium golf cart plugged in continuously isn’t recommended for optimal battery health. While modern lithium-ion batteries (LiFePO4) include Battery Management Systems (BMS) to prevent overcharging, prolonged charging at 100% capacity accelerates cell degradation. Instead, store the cart at 40–60% charge if unused for weeks and recharge when capacity drops below 20%.
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How does continuous charging affect lithium batteries?
Keeping lithium batteries at full charge stresses cells, reducing cycle life. High voltage saturation degrades electrolytes and increases internal resistance. Pro Tip: Use a charger with auto-shutoff at 100%—avoid trickle charging, which forces BMS balancing circuits to run continuously, wasting energy.
Lithium batteries tolerate partial charging better than lead-acid. For example, charging to 80% instead of 100% can double cycle lifespan. Practically speaking, a golf cart stored plugged in for months might lose 10–15% capacity annually versus 5–8% with proper storage. Warning: Never leave batteries discharged below 10%—deep discharges cause irreversible anode damage.
What’s the ideal storage voltage for lithium golf cart batteries?
Store LiFePO4 batteries at 3.3–3.4V per cell (51.8–53.5V for 16S packs). This 40–60% state-of-charge minimizes aging while preventing BMS over-discharge triggers. Use a maintenance charger if storage exceeds 6 months.
Voltage thresholds vary by chemistry. While NMC cells prefer 3.7V/cell (59.2V for 16S), LiFePO4’s flat discharge curve makes voltage-based monitoring unreliable. Pro Tip: Check capacity quarterly—self-discharge rates under 3% per month mean minimal upkeep. For instance, a 72V 100Ah pack stored at 50% charge retains usability for 18–24 months with monthly voltage checks.
| Storage Duration | Recommended Charge | Voltage Range |
|---|---|---|
| ＜1 Month | 60–80% | 53.5–55V |
| 1–6 Months | 40–60% | 51.8–53.5V |
| ＞6 Months | 30–50% | 50–51.8V |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—lead-acid chargers apply incorrect voltage curves (14.4V vs. 14.6V per 12V equivalent for lithium), risking undercharging or BMS faults.
How often should I charge my lithium golf cart?
Charge after each use if below 30% capacity. Partial charges (20–80%) are better than full cycles—lithium has no “memory effect.”
