If your golf cart still runs on a set of lead-acid batteries, switching to lithium is the biggest single upgrade you can make. Here’s what changes, what to check before you buy, and where to find lithium batteries and chargers for EZGO, Club Car and Yamaha carts in our Amazon store.
1. A much lighter cart.
A 48V lead-acid set can weigh 300 pounds or more. A lithium (LiFePO4) pack with similar range often weighs under 100 pounds. Less weight means quicker starts, easier hill climbs and less wear on your tires and suspension.
2. No more watering or corrosion.
Lithium packs are sealed. There’s no distilled water to add, no acid to spill and no corroded terminals to scrub.
3. Full speed until the end of the ride.
Lead-acid batteries lose voltage as they drain, so the cart slows down late in the day. Lithium holds its voltage much more evenly, and you can use more of its rated capacity.
4. A longer service life.
Manufacturers commonly rate LiFePO4 golf cart batteries for thousands of charge cycles, several times what a typical lead-acid set delivers. Compare warranties before you buy, since they vary.
5. Faster charging.
With the matching charger, many lithium packs recharge in a few hours, so the cart is ready again sooner.
Before You Buy
- Match your voltage. Count your batteries and their voltage: six 8V or four 12V batteries make a 48V cart, and six 6V batteries make a 36V cart.
- Pick your amp-hours. More amp-hours (Ah) generally means more range. Lifted carts, 4- and 6-seaters and hilly neighborhoods need more.
- Use a lithium charger. Your old lead-acid charger isn’t made for lithium. Choose a kit that includes a matched charger, or buy the one the battery maker recommends.
- Look for a built-in BMS. A battery management system protects the pack from overcharging, deep discharge and overheating.
- Check the fit. Conversion kits are made for specific carts. Confirm the kit fits your make and model, battery tray and connections.
- Get a charge display. A state-of-charge meter tells you how much range is left.
- Cold climate? Lithium batteries shouldn’t be charged below freezing unless they have low-temperature protection, so look for that feature if you store your cart in the cold.
Running accessories?
Light bars, sound bars and USB chargers usually run on 12V. On a 36V or 48V lithium cart, add a voltage reducer rated for your pack, and see our Bling Out Your Golf Cart guide for accessory ideas.
Shop 48V lithium batteries in our Amazon store, or see our chargers and battery care picks for 36V and 48V carts. Sign up for the free Bling Out Your Golf Cart newsletter on our home page to get the next issue in your inbox.
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