Electric golf cart batteries are available in two major voltage strengths: 36 and 48-volt golf cart batteries. The strength of your batteries is determined by the type and model of cart you have.
Keeping the battery voltage in mind when shopping for electric golf carts is essential. Each of the two alternatives has its own pros and cons. Depending on your preferences, one may be better for you than the other.
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What is Voltage?
When comparing a 36V vs. 48V golf cart, you must understand voltage.
Voltage is the potential difference in charge between two points in an electric field.
However, that is the technical definition. When shopping for electric vehicles, remember the greater the voltage, the greater the current running through the batteries.
If you are wondering whether the cart you are looking at uses 36 or 48-volt golf cart batteries, there are several ways to find out.
Among the easiest is to ask the person helping you with the purchase. You can also calculate the voltage by counting the number of holes in each battery.
Multiply this number by 2 to determine the voltage of a single battery. Then multiply the voltage you get by the total number of batteries in your cart to select the voltage of the cart.
For example, if one battery has four holes, you multiply that number by two and get 8. If your cart has six such batteries, you will multiply 4 and 6 to discover that your cart uses 48-volt golf cart batteries.
36-Volt Golf Cart Batteries
Carts with 36-volt golf cart batteries are more affordable, making replacing the batteries more manageable.
A 36V battery for golf cart applications can provide a longer shelf life and better performance.
The best 36v golf cart batteries are designed with high-grade materials and top-of-the-line technology to ensure they last as long as possible.
36V golf cart batteries offer enough strength to make driving around a golf course enjoyable and usually allow carts to reach up to 12mph speed.
You can also upgrade to create a faster cart for more speed.
However, remember that these batteries will always offer less power than their 48-volt alternatives. They are also less efficient, so you must recharge them more often. The lower power means that carts with these batteries are inappropriate for off-road usage.
48-Volt Golf Cart Batteries
48-volt batteries are an excellent option for people using their golf carts for off-roading activities because they offer more power than 36-volt alternatives.
48-V batteries are also more effective since they use less amperage and last longer. You also won’t have to worry about making frequent pit stops to recharge. These carts also have a higher resale value so that you can recoup more of your investment should you ever decide to sell your cart.
However, these batteries require a more significant investment upfront. Not only are carts with 48-volt batteries more expensive to purchase, but they are also more expensive to replace. Therefore, 36-volt batteries are the better option if you are on a budget.
48-Volt Golf Cart Battery Diagram
You can download the Trojan GC2 48V Lithium-Ion Battery Guide for standard, modified, high-speed, and other golf cars to help you set up 48V batteries with the correct wiring and best practices for optimal performance.
The standard setup is based on one or two people per golf cart and for flat to low-grade terrain.
However, if you plan to have over three people in your golf cart or drive in hilly terrain, we recommend using the performance setup, which will provide more power and enable the cart to maintain better speeds up hills.
The modified setup is designed for use when you need more torque or power than what a standard configuration provides.
This setup requires after-market upgrades such as a higher-capacity alternator, heavier gauge wiring, and an electrical system.
For high-speed applications, the guide recommends a high-speed setup that requires a high-voltage battery with thicker wiring and an upgraded electrical system to ensure maximum performance and reliability.
The guide also provides instructions for customizing your 48V battery installation according to the requirements of your golf cart.
In addition, it will help you understand how to wire in additional components, such as lights, audio systems, and other accessories.
Remember always to follow the instructions in the GC2 48V Lithium Batteries Guide for safe and reliable performance. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) batteries are reliable and long-lasting.
Properly maintaining your lithium battery pack is also essential for optimal performance and a longer lifespan.
With the proper care and attention, your 48V battery setup will provide your golf car with many years of reliable power.
You can also view the E-Z-GO 36-volt wiring diagram here.
Choosing the Right Golf Cart 36V vs. 48V Battery System
Your unique needs influence the choice between 36-volt and 48-volt golf lead-acid cart batteries, including golf cart brands. Most golf carts are equipped with lead-acid batteries straight from the factory.
Whether you have a Club Car, a Star EV golf cart, or a battery setup on an E-Z-GO golf cart, the power systems are unique for each model.
36-volt batteries are ideal for basic golf carts that need a reliable battery system to get around the course.
48-volt batteries offer higher performance, allowing for more powerful hill climbing, faster acceleration, and improved torque over their 36-volt counterparts.
48-volt battery systems provide extended run times compared to 36-volt models.
When deciding which model is best for your cart, consider the critical power needs of your specific golf cart model and the terrain you plan on navigating most regularly.
Knowing what conditions your golf cart will need to endure can help narrow the choice between 36-volt and 48-volt systems.
At Carts & Parts, we understand the importance of having the right battery power for your golf cart. As a result, we are a proud distributor of Trojan Batteries.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best 36-volt or 48-volt system for your golf cart to ensure you get the most out of your on-course experience or paved golf cart community.
Contact us today at (937) 459-8891 for more information about our 36-volt and 48-volt systems selection. Of course, we also carry 6-volts and everything in between.
What do you have inside your battery compartment?
