To a non-golfer all golf clubs may look the same. But an experienced sportsman knows the importance of choosing superior equipment. There are drivers, putters, irons, woods, and many other types of golf clubs. Each has a specific strength and serves a different purpose. That’s why a discerning golfer won’t buy any old set of golf clubs. And the same is true when choosing the best batteries for your golf cart!
When it comes to golf cart batteries there are a few different types, each with their own list of strengths and weaknesses. Like golf clubs, there are varying levels of quality when it comes to golf cart batteries. Some may only last a season while others may outlive the golf cart itself..
So, what type of battery will last the longest, charge the quickest, and make your drive to the range as smooth as possible? Discerning customers want to know. Keep reading to learn more and discover which battery type wins the title of “Best Golf Cart Battery”!
The Three Most Common Choices
Potential buyers will notice that there are three types of golf cart batteries most often available: lead acid, AGM, and lithium LiFePO4 batteries. One of these battery types leads the pack in quality, long-term cost and performance. Here’s a little information about each:
Lead acid has been around for over a century and is the most common type of deep cycle battery. They’re also the most affordable. These batteries get their power from a chemical reaction that occurs due to lead and sulfuric acid. They’re often referred to as “wet” batteries because of their water and acid mixture. One of the downsides to lead acid is the need to refill and monitor the battery. Without careful maintenance, the acid will begin to corrode. Not to mention, their constant need for replacement.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are a variation of lead acid batteries and are generally seen as an improvement over traditional lead acid batteries. They have a self-contained system that eliminates the need to refill the water. They are, however, sensitive to overcharging and need to be carefully monitored to avoid issues or a dead battery.
Lithium LiFePO4 batteries are the “new kid on the block”. They were invented in the mid 90’s and are made of lithium iron phosphate. This combination turns out to be more efficient than both types and in several ways. They typically last 4-6x longer than lead acid batteries and have a built-in battery monitoring system (BMS) that protects batteries from overcharging and any potential voltage issues. These top quality batteries can easily last 10+ years.
Lithium: The Best Golf Cart Battery?
There are several factors to consider when determining the best golf cart batteries. A potential buyer will want to look at performance, longevity, ease of use, long-term value, and more. Let’s get started!
Performance
Lithium batteries offer more power than lead acid and AGM from the get-go. Our 48v LiFePO4 battery and 36v battery weigh substantially less than their lead acid counterpart. Roughly 50% less. (You can use our 36V batteries for 72V systems as well, by the way.) This means higher speeds and more power to handle hills and rough terrain. Another perk is that they don’t suffer from voltage sag like their lead-based rivals. They won’t start petering out right when you need more power.
One of the reasons we think lithium batteries are the best golf cart batteries on the market is because they don’t lose strength as they lose charge. Lead acid batteries start to put out lesser power when they reach about 50% of their charge. Not so with lithium! They will keep going at full strength all day long.
Longevity
Here’s another category where lithium LiFePO4 batteries outshine the competition! Lead acid batteries gradually lose their max capacity with time and use. Several months down the road, your lead battery’s maximum charge will only be a portion of what it was earlier. Lithium batteries don’t have this problem.
Lead also lags behind lithium when it comes to discharging when not in use. Lead batteries tend to lose charge at a rate of about 30% per month. With lithium, it’s only 2%! Lithium batteries also prove to be the best golf cart batteries in the long-run. Lead acid batteries generally last about 400 cycles or recharges. Many rate AGM batteries at 500 cycles. In contrast, lithium lasts around 5,000 partial cycles. The difference is staggering.
Ease Of Use
Lithium batteries are also the best golf cart batteries because they require no maintenance and you can simply plug ‘em in and play. Standard lead acid batteries need to have water added or else they’ll start corroding. Corrosion not only harms the battery, but can also be a hassle to clean up. It’s also possible to over-water a lead acid battery.
AGM batteries avoid this problem by using a self-contained system. Like the standard lead batteries, though, they weigh a lot. Lithium batteries, by contrast, weigh around 50% less than lead-based ones. This makes them much easier to handle, and it also gives the golf cart more capacity for passengers and gear.
Standard batteries don’t provide a way to check their power levels. The only indicators are the tell-tale signs such as lower performance. Our lithium batteries solve that problem. A Bluetooth connection allows you to see just how much juice you have left via your smartphone. Not to mention voltage, current, discharge, and many other important factors. Shorter recharge times also make lithium batteries the best golf cart batteries available. They recharge 4x-6x faster than lead batteries!
Time is money, they say, and lithium batteries give you back that valuable time.
Long-Term Value
Speaking of money, the one way in which lead acid or AGM may seem to edge out lithium is the price-tag. But that’s only the initial cost. Lead acid and AGM batteries are cheaper up front, but again they only last around 400-500 partial cycles compared to lithium’s 5,000. With their shorter lifespan and higher maintenance, they’ll likely cost much more in the long run.
Despite a higher initial price, lithium batteries make up the cost over the months (and even years!) of use that you’ll gain. So ready to hit the links with lithium? Let our 48v or 36V LiFePO4 batteries power your golf cart adventures. We only use Grade A cells and our batteries come with a sophisticated battery management system. Experience the driving range on a whole nother level!
