Let’s Talk Batteries

Lead Acid are the most common batteries in golf

carts. two electrodes submerged in an electrolyte of

sulfuric acid. They are maintained by adding distilled

distilled water to their ‘cells’. Life expectancy is 3-4

years, but some can last longer with proper

maintenance. They come in voltages of 6-volt, 8 volt

and 12 volts depending on your cart and what it has.

AGM Acid Batteries are similar to Lead Acid but

differ in that it is a sealed unit and has a thin glass mat

that absorbs the electrolyte. This type of battery is

designed for vehicles with heavy use and vibration

being a major factor. They tend to last up to 7 years

compared to traditional Lead Acid batteries.

Lithium-Ion Batteries are the next generation

compared to traditional lead-based batteries and can

be charged and discharged thousands of times. They

come as a single unit in most cases and offer hundreds

of pounds less weight to your cart.

Traditional Lead acid vs AGM Lead Acid:

Lead Acid cost is lower and yield a life expectancy of charge

cycles or times on a full charge of about 300 charges.

An AGM battery will have a higher cost per battery but

they average a 500-600 charge cycle life, sometimes

even higher, with less maintenance with no watering.

But if price is a concern and maintenance isn’t an issue

then traditional Lead Acid batteries are the way to go.

Lead Acid are the most common batteries in golf

carts. two electrodes submerged in an electrolyte of

sulfuric acid. They are maintained by adding distilled

distilled water to their ‘cells’. Life expectancy is 3-4

years, but some can last longer with proper

maintenance. They come in voltages of 6-volt, 8 volt

and 12 volts depending on your cart and what it has.

AGM Acid Batteries are similar to Lead Acid but

differ in that it is a sealed unit and has a thin glass mat

that absorbs the electrolyte. This type of battery is

designed for vehicles with heavy use and vibration

being a major factor. They tend to last up to 7 years

compared to traditional Lead Acid batteries.

Think of this, each Lead Acid battery weighs in at about

80 lbs. each, at almost 500 total lbs. of weight to your

cart. A Lithium Ion set is about 90 lbs in total. That

400 more pounds difference is a lot of weight, not to

mention a reduction in driving time. And, life

expectancy is 10 years plus and can have over

5000 charging cycles vs. 3-5 years on average for Lead

Acid.

In the end it is my expert opinion that if money isn’t an

option and you’ll be enjoying your cart seven days a

week then upgrade your cart to Lithium Ion. You’ll get

a longer drive time and the cart will keep a more

constant power longer vs the Lead Acid batteries.

When Lead Acid batteries get to about 50%, they tend

to be sluggish and have a surging effect. Not to

mention your speed will decrease. With Lithium Ion,

there is no drop in power until you get down to about

3% of total charge. Again, If you’re the average golf cart

owner and a normal user, then Lead Acid is the way to

go. The cost is less, and maintenance isn’t that bad.

You decide which is better for you lead acid or Lithium Ion.