Top 8 Best Golf Cart Batteries In 2022 for Long-Lasting, Continuous Performance

They’re just too much fun to drive around, aren’t they? And what’s even better is that you can use a golf cart both on the course and off the course. But renting one does indeed drain your wallet, especially if you’re a frequent golfer. In fact, some golfers prefer buying a golf cart in order to do away with the constant expense of renting one all the time.

So if you too are an avid golfer who spends ample time on the course, then it’s only logical to invest in a cart. It may seem like an expensive decision but, in the long run, this investment is totally worth it. And if you’re buying a golf cart, then you also have to factor in the best golf cart batteries.

A cart covers around 8 to 13 miles on a single charge. Needless to say, travel distance also depends on the configuration and model of the battery. That said, let’s find out more about the different batteries.

Top 8 Best Batteries for Golf Carts

Things That Matter the Most When Buying Batteries for Golf Cart

It’s only logical to assume that different companies have different standards of manufacturing these batteries. So before you waste your money on something that is just going to be a hazard, go through the most important factors discussed below...

Voltage

Your golf cart has a particular voltage as well as amperage capacity. So you should buy your replacement batteries based on these factors. More often than not, golf carts function on 36 voltage or 48 voltage.

Now let me bring to your attention, in case it’s your first time buying batteries for your brand new golf cart, that the cart operates on a combination of 12V, 8V, or 6V batteries. And if you want to bring about safe, effective power pass-through, then you have to adhere to the standards. Allow me to elaborate below.

Let’s say you have a 36V golf cart. And this uses two 6V batteries. So when buying replacement batteries, keep in mind this same combination. Of course, upgrading is possible but that might increase the chances of spoiling your expensive golf cart. So it’s best, at such times, to adhere to the manufacturing standards for ensuring safety.

Voltage and Battery Configuration

Voltage (V) and current (A or amps) are the two most crucial characteristics, no doubt. And here is the simplest explanation of the two terms. In the context of water pipes, the current is the flow rate while voltage is the water pressure. And in terms of batteries for golf carts, their voltage is the amount of power the batteries are able to exert.

So does that mean 48V is more powerful in comparison to 36V? Not necessarily, because it’s the controller of the golf cart that decides the level of amps at the time of operation. Speaking of amperage, it determines the distance and time the cart covers on one charge. That means higher amps equal to longer distance and time.

However, voltage is more important than amperage if you want your ride to be more responsive. But this comes at the cost of giving up a little bit of distance. So if your aim is to boost speed, then focus more on the voltage of the batteries. But if you spend a longer time on the golf course, then amperage should be prioritized over voltage.

Electric golf carts accept 12V, 8V, and 6V batteries. Their systems are outfitted with either 36 volts or 48 volts arrangement.

So to find out which is it, lift the seat of your cart to check the battery compartment. Do you spot 6, 4, or 3 holes? How many ever holes you see, multiply the number by 2 to get the voltage. And then multiply the voltage by the number of installed batteries in the golf cart.

Charger

If your golf cart is a 36V version, then the charger should also be 36V. If you’ve gone through the reviews, then you might know that most batteries are the lead-acid type (more on the types of batteries below). So, in the case of a lead-acid battery, the only thing that matters is a proper charger. That’s the only maintenance.

When the charger is not sufficiently powered, sulfation buildup is inevitable, which tends to affect the performance. On the other hand, overpowered chargers give rise to corrosion buildup.

Type of Battery

For golf, you get to choose from three different batteries.

Battery Maintenance

Brands claim that their batteries are maintenance-free. And this is true only to a certain extent. That means you have to put in some effort if you want your cart battery to live longer. And this effort involves…

Used Batteries vs. Unused Batteries

The majority of the time golfers purchase used batteries is because of a tight budget constraint. If that’s the case, then you can go ahead and buy used batteries. Nevertheless, it’s highly advisable to get brand new, unused batteries. This way the batteries not only last for a longer time but they also don’t come with any defects.

However, those buying the used version, make sure the batteries aren’t used for over 6 months. Just look at the date of manufacture of the battery on its metal part. The letter denotes the month of the year, A being January and L is December. And the number next to the letter indicates the year within the decade. For example, 8 means manufactured in 2018.

And one last thing, batteries for the golf cart have a lifespan of not more than 10 years.

Weight

Does more battery weight bring more stability to your cart? Yes, which means it’s less prone to falling out during motion. However, heavier batteries add more weight. And that, in turn, slows down the speed of your golf cart.

Replacing Batteries In Your Golf Cart - When Is the Right Time?

Battery manufacturing companies highly recommend replacing batteries once in 5 years. But it all depends on the efforts you make with regards to maintenance. If done right, a battery can last for 10 years as well. But the lifespan reduces considerably if proper maintenance is not a part of the picture. That said, look for the following warning signs…

Decreased Travel Distance

When the battery is powerful i.e. in good condition, then it gives you a minimum 7-mile coverage on a  single full charge. But as it weakens, the distance also reduces. And that means your golf cart not being able to complete even a single round of 18 holes on the course.

Longer Charge Time

When charging time increases, know that your cart batteries are almost touching the end of their lifespan.

Physical Wear

Does the battery have bumps and bulges? And/or is it leaking like a runny nose at the time of flu season? If yes, then it’s time to get new replacement batteries.

Reduced Speed

A loss of power and acceleration is also a very prominent warning sign. In comparison to new batteries, old ones take off as a tortoise does. And this becomes even more annoying when your golf cart has to climb up a hill.

Voltmeter Test

Why wait for the batteries to give you any warning signs when you can easily find out where they stand in terms of performance! All you need is a voltmeter for testing the batteries. You can make it a part of regular maintenance.

Cleaning Batteries for Golf Cart

Here’s how you can extend the lifespan of your brand new battery to keep the golf cart running as long as you want it to.

Step 1

Start by watering the batteries, use distilled water for the job. Pour a little bit of water over the plates of the battery. By little bit, I mean less than half an inch, and nothing more if you want to prevent corrosion.

Step 2

Then comes cleaning the terminals and connections using a brush terminal cleaner or wire brush. Get rid of dirt and dust. And if there’s any acid buildup, then apply a small amount of baking soda and clean with water.

Step 3

Every golf cart and battery comes with its own user manual, right? So follow the instructions strictly. Based on the guidelines, you either charge after the battery is completely exhausted or after every application. Just check the manual and you’ll know.

Step 4

Last but not the least, storage. Let’s assume that you take out the golf cart only a few times a year. In that case, storage is very important. When the weather is cold, keep the fully charged batteries in a warm setting. And for the summer, cool storage is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cost of Batteries for Golf Cart?

The cost differs from one brand to the next. However, the average cost of the most commonly used lead-acid batteries is anywhere between $800 and $1,500. But if it’s a 72V battery, then expect the price to be over $2000. Whatever the case, you can save some money by installing the battery on your own.

Also, even though on a tight budget, keep away from cheap batteries. These may be lower priced but they increase your cost in the long run by demanding constant deep cycles that affect efficacy.

How Long Do Batteries for Golf Cart Last?

Anywhere between 5 and 10 years. Keep in mind that maintenance plays an important role here. When properly maintained, the battery can surely last for a longer time than the manufacturer mentions.

Why Is the Battery for Golf Cart Draining So Quickly?

The possible reasons could be corroded connections, loose wires, or not enough water present in the battery. Quick discharge and/or slow charge often indicate that it’s time to replace your old, worn-out, or damaged batteries.

Is It Okay to Leave the Golf Cart Plugged In?

The answer is NO. And why is that? Because batteries are supposed to be charged between two discharge sessions. Meaning you should charge a battery only after one cycle of discharge is complete. When you leave the cart plugged in all the time, you’re messing with the lifespan of the battery.

Is It Okay to Use Car Batteries to Jumpstart A Golf Cart?

The possibility of your car battery exploding or getting damaged is quite high in this case. Also, using your car batteries for jumpstarting your golf cart might also cause electrical damage to the latter, which takes a lot of money to resolve.

Conclusion

Now you know how important it is to not only choose the right batteries but also to maintain them. I have discussed at great length all that is important when it comes to buying a new battery for your precious golf cart. Many factors indeed have to be taken into account. Otherwise, you end up jeopardizing the lifespan of the batteries and your expensive cart.

Things like the voltage, weight, configuration, type, etc. of the battery determine its performance level as well as the lifespan. So choose wisely in order to make such a huge investment, like buying a golf cart and batteries, a worthy one. Don’t go about wasting money on cheap batteries and incorrect chargers.