Determining the right battery for your golf cart requires evaluating three key factors: battery type (lead-acid vs. lithium-ion), voltage/capacity (e.g., 48V 100Ah), and physical compatibility with your cart’s battery compartment. Lead-acid remains budget-friendly but demands regular maintenance, while lithium-ion offers longer lifespan, faster charging, and 40–60% weight reduction. Always match the original system voltage (typically 36V, 48V, or 72V) to avoid controller/motor damage.
Why Trojan Golf Cart Batteries Are the Top Choice
How do I choose between lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries?
Lead-acid batteries cost 50–70% less upfront but require monthly water topping and last 2–4 years. Lithium-ion variants (LiFePO4/NMC) deliver 3,000+ cycles, operate at -20°C–60°C, and provide 20% more runtime per charge. Pro Tip: Calculate total ownership costs—lithium often becomes cheaper after 5+ years despite higher initial pricing.
Beyond chemistry, consider duty cycles. A golf cart used daily at hilly courses benefits from lithium-ion’s consistent voltage output, preventing the “voltage sag” that reduces lead-acid performance. For example, a 48V 105Ah lithium pack maintains 51V under 200A load, while lead-acid drops to 42V, triggering premature low-voltage cutoffs. Transitionally, lithium’s compact size (e.g., 30% smaller than equivalent lead-acid) simplifies installation in tight compartments. But what if your cart uses older chargers? Most lithium systems require compatible smart chargers to avoid overcharging—never reuse lead-acid chargers without voltage calibration.
| Factor | Lead-Acid | Lithium-Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 500–800 | 2,000–5,000 |
| Weight (48V 100Ah) | 130–150 kg | 55–70 kg |
What voltage and capacity should my golf cart battery have?
Most carts use 48V systems, though older models may run on 36V, and heavy-duty ones on 72V. Capacity (measured in Ah) determines range—a 48V 100Ah battery provides ~4.8 kWh, sufficient for 25–35 km per charge. Always verify your controller’s max input voltage; exceeding it risks MOSFET burnout.
Practically speaking, upgrading from 36V to 48V requires replacing the motor, controller, and wiring. For example, a Club Car DS designed for 36V (six 6V batteries) can switch to 48V by reconfiguring to eight 6V or four 12V units. Pro Tip: Use a lithium battery’s built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor cell balance—critical for packs with series-connected cells. Transitionally, runtime calculations should factor in terrain: hilly courses consume 20–30% more energy than flat ones. Did you know? Trojan T-105 lead-acid batteries deliver 225Ah at 6V, while Redway’s 48V 60Ah lithium pack matches the energy in half the space.
| Voltage | Typical Use | Range per Charge |
|---|---|---|
| 36V | Light-duty/residential | 15–25 km |
| 48V | Standard golf courses | 25–40 km |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, if voltage matches. However, lithium’s lower weight may require securing the battery tray to prevent movement.
How do I calculate required battery capacity?
Multiply average amp draw (e.g., 50A) by desired runtime (hours). A 50A × 4h = 200Ah at 48V. Add 20% buffer for reserve capacity.
Are lithium batteries safe in cold weather?
Yes, with heated models. Standard LiFePO4 operates down to -20°C but charges only above 0°C. Use thermal blankets in sub-zero climates.
