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Golf Cart Batteries – The Good, the Bad and the Truth

Golf Carts are powered either by gas powered engines or by battery banks

Golf Carts and EV Carts are powered either by gas powered engines or by battery banks.  Golf Cart Batteries come in 2 different types, Lead-Acid Batteries and Lithium-ion Batteries.

In this latest Golf Cart Blog article, ‘Golf Cart Batteries – The Good, the  Bad and the Truth’, we’ll explore the best battery option for your needs? How much do EV Cart batteries cost? How long do they last? Can you swap the type of Golf Cart Batteries you have for the type of batteries that you want?

Let’s get started.

What are the main types of Golf Cart Batteries?

There are 2 main types of Golf Cart batteries: Lead-Acid Batteries and Lithium-ion Batteries.

Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of Golf Cart battery. They are relatively inexpensive and are widely available, but they are also heavier and have a shorter lifespan compared to Lithium-ion Batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology and are becoming increasingly popular in EV Carts. They are lighter and have a longer lifespan compared to Lead-Acid Batteries, but they are also more expensive. Lithium-ion batteries are also more environmentally friendly, as they do not produce emissions when they are charged and do not contain heavy metals such as lead.

The lifespan of Golf Cart batteries can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, how well it is maintained, and how it is used.

There are also other types of batteries that are used in Golf Carts or EV Carts, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries, but these are less common.

Which type of Golf Cart Battery is best; Lead-Acid Batteries or Lithium-ion Batteries?

Both Lead-Acid Batteries and Lithium-ion Batteries have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of Golf Cart battery and are relatively inexpensive. However, Lead-acid batteries are heavier and have a shorter lifespan compared to Lithium-ion Batteries. They also require more maintenance, such as adding water to the cells to maintain proper electrolyte levels.

Lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology and are becoming increasingly popular in Golf Carts, or EV Carts.  They are also more environmentally friendly, as they do not produce emissions when they are charged and do not contain heavy metals such as lead. Lithium-ion batteries also require less maintenance compared to Lead-Acid Batteries.

Overall, if you are looking for a more long-term solution and are willing to pay a higher upfront cost, Lithium-ion Batteries may be the better choice. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, Lead-Acid Batteries may be a good choice. It’s also a good idea to consider your specific needs and how you will be using your EV Cart when making a decision.

Golf Cart at sunset

A Golf Cart’s Batteries are the lifeblood of your EV Cart.

Can I replace the batteries in my EV Cart?

Yes, of course! You can generally replace the batteries in your EV Cart yourself if you have some basic mechanical skills and access to the necessary tools. However, keep in mind that working with batteries can be dangerous, as they contain chemicals that can be hazardous if handled improperly.

To replace your Golf Cart Batteries, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first, then the positive terminal. Make sure that you do not touch the positive and negative terminals together, as this can cause a spark and potentially ignite any hydrogen gas that may be present.
  • Remove the old batteries from the EV Cart. This may require removing bolts or other fasteners that hold the batteries in place.
  • Clean the battery tray and terminals before installing the new EV Cart batteries.
  • Place the new batteries in the tray and secure them with the bolts or fasteners that you removed earlier.
  • Connect the positive terminal of the new battery first, then the negative terminal. Make sure that the connections are tight and secure
  • Charge the new batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Keep in mind that the specific steps for replacing the batteries in your EV Cart may vary depending on the make and model of your Golf Cart and the type of batteries that you are using. It’s a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or seek the advice of a professional if you are unsure about any part of the process.

How much do Lead-Acid Batteries or Lithium-ion Batteries for Golf Carts cost?

The cost of Golf Cart batteries can vary significantly depending on the type and size of the batteries, as well as the specific make and model of your EV Cart.

Lead-acid batteries are generally less expensive than Lithium-ion Batteries. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for a set of lead-acid EV Cart batteries, depending on the size and quality of the batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology and are generally more expensive than Lead-Acid Batteries. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a set of lithium-ion Golf Cart batteries, depending on the size and quality of the batteries.

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on your location and other factors. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different Golf Cart Battery retailers to get the best deal.

How long do Lead-Acid Batteries or Lithium-ion Batteries for Golf Carts last?

The lifespan of Golf Cart batteries can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, how well it is maintained, and how it is used.

Lead-acid batteries are generally less expensive than Lithium-ion Batteries, but they also have a shorter lifespan. A set of lead-acid EV Cart batteries can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology and are generally more expensive than Lead-Acid Batteries. However, they also have a longer lifespan, with a typical lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and the actual lifespan of your Golf Cart batteries may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Proper maintenance and charging can help to extend the lifespan of your batteries. It’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining and charging your batteries to get the most out of them.

We hope you find value in our latest Golf Cart Blog article, ‘Golf Cart Batteries – The Good, the Bad and the Truth.’  We invite you to visit our Bright Electric Vehicle Golf Cart Blog for more tips & recommendations for all there is to experience when owning a Golf Cart.

You may be interested in our Golf Cart Blog article; ‘5 Top Golf Cart Accessories for 2023!

For more information on purchasing a new or used Golf Cart, or to learn about favorable financing options, reach one of our experienced Customer Service Team Members at: 888.260.0707 or Email us.

About Bright Electric Vehicles:

Bright Electric Vehicles (‘BEV’) is a multi-brand, multi-state Golf Cart Dealership representing top EV Cart Brands including, ICON Golf Carts and Evolution Golf Carts, with other brands coming soon.

Our commitment to providing each Customer with the very best prices and outstanding personalized service has earned Bright EV a Top 5-Star Rating from our loyal Customers.

With our strategic locations situated throughout the Southwest, Hawaii and new locations coming soon, Bright EV has the buying power and locations to serve our Customers and to ship EV Carts throughout the U.S. at the most competitive pricing possible.

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LSV Requirements

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a mandate that requires hybrids and electric vehicles travelling at less than 18.6 mph (30 km/h) to emit warning sounds that pedestrians must be able to hear over background noises- The regulation requires full compliance in all electric vehicles, including LSVs. Because of the quietness of electric vehicles and the possibility of collision with visually or audibly impaired pedestrians, the overall objective is to facilitate proximity awareness and minimize the chance of personal injury. In summary, an LSV (legally licensed to drive on streets up to 25 mph> must emit a sound when the forward or reverse switch is in the:

Forward position:

  • From 0 MPH to 18.6 mph.The sound is allowed to stop once the vehicle exceeds 18.6 mph.

Reverse position:
In order to comply with NHTSA rules, all LSV vehicles have a Pedestrian Alert sound generator installed.

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