LITHIUM-ION VS. LEAD ACID - golf carts

The golf cart battery industry is currently experiencing significant changes. Golf cart manufacturers and retailers have recognized that lithium-ion batteries outperform lead-acid batteries in terms of performance and longevity. However, many consumers are hesitant to invest in the higher upfront cost of lithium golf cart batteries, leading to a continued reliance on the less effective lead-acid battery options.

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A recent report from early October analyzes the golf cart battery market and estimates a demand increase of approximately four percent between 2023 and 2028. According to this report, lead-acid batteries are expected to comprise about 79 percent of the golf cart battery market, mainly due to lithium’s higher upfront costs. However, retailers and suppliers are telling a different story about the benefits of lithium batteries.

CARRYING CAPACITY

By equipping a golf cart with a lithium-ion battery, the weight-to-performance ratio of the cart can be significantly improved. Lithium golf cart batteries are about half the size of traditional lead-acid batteries, reducing the cart's battery weight by two-thirds. This reduced weight allows the golf cart to achieve higher speeds with less effort and carry more without feeling sluggish.

This enhanced weight-to-performance ratio enables lithium-powered carts to carry an additional two average-sized adults and their equipment before reaching full capacity. In contrast, lead-acid batteries begin to lose voltage output and performance once 70-75 percent of their rated capacity is used, negatively affecting carrying capacity and exacerbating the issue as time progresses.

BATTERY CHARGING SPEED

Regardless of whether you are using a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery, both electric vehicles and golf carts must contend with the necessity of recharging, which takes time. Unless you have a second cart available, this charging period can leave you out of action for a while.

A dependable golf cart should deliver consistent power and speed on any course terrain. Lithium-ion batteries excel in this area, while lead-acid batteries may reduce the cart's speed as their voltage diminishes. Moreover, it typically takes around eight hours for a standard lead-acid battery to recharge fully. In contrast, lithium-ion golf cart batteries can be charged up to 80 percent capacity in about one hour and reach full charge in less than three hours.

Additionally, partially charged lead-acid batteries can incur sulfation damage, leading to a significant reduction in lifespan. Conversely, lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from negative effects when not fully charged, allowing for "pit-stop" charging during breaks.

GOLF CART BATTERY COMPATIBILITY

By converting golf carts designed for lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion variants, buyers can expect a substantial performance enhancement. However, this upgrade may incur installation fees, as many lead-acid equipped carts require retrofit kits to utilize lithium-ion batteries. If the cart's manufacturer does not provide a kit, modifications will be necessary to enable compatibility with lithium batteries.

To determine whether a cart will need modifications or a simple retrofit kit, examine the battery voltage. When comparing a lithium-ion battery with a lead-acid battery side by side, if their voltage and amp-hour capacities match, the battery can likely be directly installed into the golf cart. Nonetheless, the smaller size and unique design of lithium-ion batteries may still require alterations to the cart's battery mount, charger, and cable connections.

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BATTERY CYCLE LIFE

Lithium batteries typically outlast lead-acid batteries due to their advanced chemistry, resulting in a greater number of charging cycles. A standard lithium-ion battery can cycle between 2,000 to 5,000 times, whereas a conventional lead-acid battery lasts around 500 to 1,000 cycles. Although lithium batteries impose a higher upfront investment, their longer life span can make them more economical over time compared to frequent lead-acid replacements.

GolfCartMax is committed to providing the highest quality batteries available for our customers. We currently offer lithium battery conversions for all used golf carts. Please get in touch with us to explore how we can assist your team in achieving its energy needs in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.