Did you know that modern electric-powered golf carts are faster than gas-powered carts? That’s an extra advantage of electric golf carts. But how long do golf cart batteries last?
Golf cart batteries can typically last five to eight years when properly maintained. In rare cases, they can last up to 10 years. Still, numerous factors may increase or reduce the longevity of these batteries, such as maintenance and charge cycles.
If you’re a golf cart owner or a golfer who’d like to know everything about the lifespan of golf cart batteries, stick around!
Table of Contents
How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last? Lithium vs. Lead-acid
Most golf carts use lithium batteries rather than lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries last remarkably longer, with a lifespan of at least five years, whereas lead-acid batteries only last a year.
Moreover, lithium batteries aren’t affected by fluctuating temperatures, while lead-acid batteries deteriorate in changing temperatures, specifically in winter. Besides, most manufacturers offer a five-year warranty on their lithium batteries.
From a charge cycle perspective, lithium batteries have a range of 2,000 to 5,000 cycles. However, lead-acid batteries have a lifespan of around 500 to 1,000 cycles.
A key takeaway is to compare different battery types before getting a replacement.
For example, sealed lead-acid batteries are pricey, but they’re maintenance-free and more resistant to damage than flooded batteries.
How Can You Prolong the Life of My Golf Cart Batteries?
Experts recommend following these simple steps to extend the batteries’ life and get more run time out of your golf cart:
- Avoid emptying the battery frequently.
- Charge your golf cart regularly.
- Only use a chargerthat’s compatible with your battery pack voltage.
- Avoid overcharging your batteries.
- Try to get an automatic chargerto turn off by itself once fully charged.
- Refrain from leaving your batteries uncharged for longer than a month.
- It’s better to get your batteries made by the same manufacturer.
- Always keep your battery pack charged above 20%.
- For longer rides, get batteries with higher amperage.
- Get monthly professional maintenance carried out if available.
- Replace your lead-acid batteries with lithium.
- Charge your batteries fully before storing your golf cart in winter.
- Make sure distilled wateris ⅛ inch past the lead plates in your lead-acid battery cells.
- Fully charge your batteries before any future use.
- Check your battery connections and vents to ensure they’re installed properly.
When Should You Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries?
It’s crucial to be sure whether your golf cart batteries need a replacement before hitting the golf course. Here are eight signs you need to replace your golf cart batteries:
- The batteries are taking too long to recharge.
- Your game was interrupted halfway because of dying batteries.
- Your golf cart is taking too long to accelerate.
- Your golf cart is having difficulty climbing up hills.
- You hit down the gas pedal but never reach the top speed.
- Your cart batteries are leaking acid.
- The batteries are expanding or cracking.
- You’ve tested the voltage of each battery, and one or two battery readings were lower than expected.
We recommend replacing the whole pack even if you find one faulty battery. That’s because replacing one battery at a time would be more costly in the long run.
How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last on a Single Charge?
When you fully charge your electric batteries with a 36-volt DC system, your cart can run about 35 miles. However, this distance may vary according to the batteries’ brand, condition, type, voltage, and amperage.
Consequently, driving your golf cart at 25 mph on a flat surface, you may run nonstop for approximately 90 minutes. This duration significantly shortens when using the cart in a hilly area.
If your golf cart has a 48-volt DC system, you can drive for an extended range of around 45 miles on a single charge. Still, bear in mind that 48-volt golf carts are designed for hilly areas. So, you can definitely go farther with those without getting stranded because of a dead battery.
Amazingly, modern electric golf carts powered by lithium batteries may reach up to 100 miles. That’s over 20 rounds of golf on a full charge.
On the other hand, if you have lead-acid batteries, they may last for 36 holes, which is around eight to ten miles.
Moreover, electric golf carts are either two-seater or four-seater. Surprisingly, two-seater carts offer a better running range. That’s because the four-seater cart’s extra weight of passengers, luggage, and operating parts will decrease its power.
How Can You Troubleshoot Dead Golf Cart Batteries?
Your golf cart not charging is an early spring common problem that might make you think you have a faulty charger. Don’t panic, though! You’re most likely wrongfully accusing your charger when it’s the batteries that are at fault.
If you don’t use your golf cart for long, the batteries will discharge completely. For this reason, your charger won’t be able to sense the batteries.
You can work out this situation by simply using a volt-meter to confirm that your batteries have a cut on voltage. If you’re gauging a six-volt battery and the reading you get is higher than three, your charger is to blame.
Conversely, getting a reading of only three volts or lower means you have a nominal voltage issue. How can we address this problem then?
All you need to do is use a 12-volt automobile battery charger to charge each two six-volt batteries at a time for approximately an hour. By doing this, your batteries will get the charge required so that your automatic charger detects them and charges them as usual.
To prevent this little hiccup from recurring, fully charge your batteries before storing them.
The Bottom Line
So, how long do golf cart batteries last? In brief, the durability of batteries depends on several factors, but they should last for at least five years. Even though you may hear of batteries that last nine or ten years, these instances are rare.
Still, with the tips we’ve gone through, you can get optimum performance from your battery pack.
Simply put, by making an informed choice, you’ll get batteries with longer lifespans and, in turn, better value for money.
