The 6 Best Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

In the last few years, there’s been a noticeable shift as individuals increasingly opt for lithium batteries over traditional lead-acid alternatives for their golf carts. The strides in battery technology have been remarkable, outpacing and outclassing the old.

Undoubtedly, lithium batteries have a notable edge in almost all aspects. Yet, it could be a daunting task determining precisely what factors to consider when purchasing one. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the advantages of using lithium batteries and highlight crucial considerations during your buying journey. Furthermore, we’ll showcase some top-notch lithium batteries presently making waves in the market.

What Benefits do Lithium Batteries Offer for Golf Carts?

• Steady power supply: Lithium batteries provide consistent power, retaining their strength even when discharged to less than 5%. Consequently, the performance doesn’t suffer even when the battery level is low.
• Light in weight: Being 50-60% lighter than their lead-acid counterparts, lithium batteries are much easier to handle and install. This lightness also enhances the weight-to-performance ratio of your golf cart, facilitating greater speed with less exertion. Indeed, even top-notch golf carts could benefit from shedding a few pounds.
• Rapid charging: A notable advantage of lithium batteries is their quick charging ability. They can reach a full charge within a mere one to three hours. In contrast, lead-acid batteries could require more than 8 hours for a complete charge. (Learn more about Golf Cart Battery Charging)
• Zero maintenance: Lithium batteries are maintenance-free, eliminating the need for water refills or cleaning of acid residues. Simply charge them, and they’re all set.
• Highly safe: Lithium batteries, especially those using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), are inherently safe. To further enhance their safety profile, Battery Management Systems (BMS) are employed to monitor heat levels, thereby preventing risks associated with overheating and overcharging.
• Extended lifespan: Lithium batteries boast a lifespan up to ten times longer than that of lead-acid batteries. (Learn more about How to Maximize Golf Cart Battery Life)
• Prolonged shelf life: Lithium batteries experience very low self-discharge rates, which means they retain their charge for longer periods when not in use.
• Environmentally friendly: With their quick charging times and fewer hazardous constituents, lithium batteries hold a significant environmental advantage over lead-acid batteries, making them the most eco-friendly choice for powering golf carts.

Best Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

Premier LiFePO4 Batteries for Your Golf Cart

MANLY Battery’s LiFePO4 batteries for golf carts stand out as an excellent selection owing to their impressive performance, robustness, and value for money. These batteries have been designed to cater to the various requirements of golf cart applications, and they have proven their worth in such environments. When your golf cart is powered by MANLY’s lithium batteries, you can expect the finest tech, coupled with extraordinary performance. Let’s take a look at the best LiFePO4 batteries for golf carts. (Explore our top golf cart batteries here.)

• 48V 40Ah LiFePO4 Battery
• 48V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
• 48V 150AH LiFePO4 Battery
• 51.2 150Ah LiFePO4 Battery
• 60V 20Ah Lithium Battery
• 72V 50Ah LiFePO4 Battery

48V 40Ah LiFePO4 Battery

Experience the superiority of MANLY Lithium 48v 40ah Golf Cart Battery, now available online. Make the smart switch to our 48V lithium golf cart batteries that offer a charging speed five times quicker than conventional lead-acid variants. With only a quarter of the weight and a robust 10-year warranty, this battery provides an unparalleled advantage. Crafted using our renowned lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, this battery eliminates the need for upkeep or watering and offers flexible installation options in any direction.

Features:

• 10 years warranty
• Experience extended playtime with double the running duration
• Enhance your golf cart or electric golf cart experience with 5x longer battery life
• Experience unmatched lifetime value with our exceptional products
• Charge 5x faster than lead acid for quick power-ups
• Shed 300 lbs or more from your cart, improving maneuverability
• Enhance golf cart handling for a better driving experience
  
  
  
  
  

48V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery

Experience the power of the MANLY Lithium 48v 100Ah Golf Cart Battery. Say goodbye to regular maintenance and watering, and hello to effortless installation. It boasts a lifespan five times longer than average and comes with a solid 10-year warranty. This standalone 48V lithium battery lets you enjoy extended playtimes with double the runtime for your golf cart or electric vehicle. Lasting four times longer, it delivers outstanding value over its lifespan.

Features:

• Reduce wear and tear for longer battery lifespan.
• Experience lower maintenance costs compared to other batteries.
• Install it in any orientation for convenient placement.
• Charge 5x faster than lead acid batteries for quicker power-ups.
• Enjoy greater freedom both on and off the green.
• Cut 300 lbs or more from your cart, improving performance and efficiency.
  
  
  
  
  
  

48V 150Ah LiFePO4 Battery

MANLY Lithium 48v 150Ah Golf Cart Battery promises a hassle-free experience with no need for maintenance or watering, and simple installation procedures. Offering an impressive durability of five times longer than average, it also boasts a 10-year warranty for your peace of mind. The robust and dependable Manly battery delivers double the operational time for your golf cart or electric vehicle, extending its longevity four times over and ensuring remarkable value over its lifespan.

Features: 

• Minimize wear and tear, ensuring a longer battery lifespan.
• Reduce maintenance expenses for more cost-effective operation.
• Enjoy flexible installation options with the ability to mount it in any orientation.
• Experience rapid charging, up to 5 times faster than lead acid batteries.
• Embrace enhanced freedom on and off the green.
• Shed 300 lbs or more from your cart, optimizing performance and efficiency.
  
  
  
  

51.2V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery

Discover the benefits of the MANLY Lithium 51.2V Golf Cart Battery, designed to last 4 times longer than the average battery. Remarkably lightweight, this battery weighs only a quarter of a typical lead-acid golf cart battery.

An impressive 10-year warranty accompanies this powerful and reliable lithium battery. Plus, you can forget about the tedious maintenance and watering tasks associated with traditional batteries.

Equipped with advanced automotive technology, the Manly Lithium line of batteries boasts high power capacity. It can tackle even the toughest golf carts and ensures reliable deep-cycle performance.  Choose Manly Lithium 51.2V Golf Cart Battery for a more extended, maintenance-free, and worry-free golfing experience.

Features:

• Benefit from a reliable 10-year warranty
• Experience reduced wear and tear over time
• Enjoy a battery lifespan that lasts 4 times longer
• Lower your maintenance costs for added savings
• Cut the weight of your cart by 300 lbs or more
• Say goodbye to maintenance and watering tasks
• Charge your battery up to 5 times faster than lead acid
• Unlock exceptional lifetime value with our batteries
  
  
  
  

60V 20Ah Lithium Battery

Upgrade your golf cart with exceptional performance from MANLY Battery’s 60V lithium battery. Our hot-selling 60V 20Ah Lithium Battery comes with a 10-year warranty and customized service. Experience extended run time and reduced maintenance costs for your golf cart.

Features:

• Enjoy the peace of mind with our reliable 10-year warranty.
• Minimize wear and tear with our long-lasting battery.
• Extend your battery lifespan up to 4 times longer.
• Save on maintenance costs with our low-maintenance solution.
• Shed 300 lbs or more from your cart for improved performance.
• Eliminate maintenance and watering tasks for convenience.
• Charge your battery up to 5 times faster than lead acid.
• Unlock exceptional lifetime value with our top-quality batteries.
  
  
  
  
  

72V 50Ah LiFePO4 Battery

Introducing the 72V 50Ah LiFePo4 lithium battery, a high-functioning energy storage solution perfect for various applications. It offers consistent and trustworthy power, making it a top choice for golf carts, solar power setups, and other high-demand situations.

With a long-lasting life cycle of around 2000 charges, this battery provides a power source you can rely on. With a standard voltage of 72V and a 50Ah capacity, this battery can hold an impressive 3600 Wh of energy.

Features:

• Trust in our dependable 10-year warranty for worry-free ownership.
• Experience less wear and tear with our durable battery solution.
• Benefit from a battery lifespan that outlasts others by 4 times.
• Reduce maintenance costs and save money in the long run.
• Lighten your cart by cutting 300 lbs or more for enhanced performance.
• Bid farewell to tedious maintenance and watering tasks.
• Charge your battery up to 5 times faster than traditional lead acid.
• Discover the exceptional lifetime value our batteries provide.
  
  

Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Lithium Battery for Your Golf Cart

Before you finalize your purchase, ensure that you are choosing a battery that best meets your needs by considering the following factors.

• Battery Life: Battery life, measured in Ah (ampere-hours), defines the total power a battery can deliver in a single charge cycle. Simply put, it determines the duration the battery will work before needing to recharge. Almost all lithium batteries can comfortably support you through 18 holes of golf. High-capacity batteries, with approximately 100 Ah, can even last for up to 36 holes.
• Electrical Power: Electrical power, or voltage, is essentially the amount of energy stored in your lithium battery. For lithium golf cart batteries, 24v is a fairly typical voltage level.
• Size: Before purchasing a new battery, it’s crucial to compare the dimensions of your golf cart’s battery holder. If your chosen battery is larger than the holder, securing it can become a major challenge. By cross-checking the dimensions of your holder with the battery’s size, you can ensure your new lithium battery will fit perfectly.
• Most lithium batteries have dimensions around (W)160mm x (L)250mm x (H)200mm. High-capacity batteries are often slightly larger. Nevertheless, lithium batteries are generally compact and can fit into most modern golf carts with ease.
• Weight: The majority of lithium batteries fall in the weight range of 10 to 20 kg – significantly lighter than the average lead-acid battery. By opting for a lithium battery, you can considerably improve your golf cart’s weight-to-performance ratio. However, be mindful that high-capacity lithium batteries tend to weigh slightly more.
• Life Cycle: The charge cycle life signifies the total number of charge cycles a lithium golf cart battery can undergo before its performance diminishes. When shopping for a lithium battery, look for a minimum lifespan of 1500 cycles. This means if you play a round of golf daily, these batteries can last for 4-5 years. Some high-quality lithium batteries offer a cycle lifespan of up to 8000 cycles and can function optimally for as long as 10 years.

Dive deeper into understanding golf cart lithium batteries. Click here for more in-depth information.

Transitioning from Lead to Lithium

Plenty of golf carts are equipped with lead batteries. This implies that a conversion kit might be necessary to modify the cart’s voltage and accommodate a new battery when transitioning to lithium. Given the size differences between lithium and lead batteries, this factor should also be considered during the swap, possibly requiring the purchase of battery spacers. If you’re considering an upgrade to lithium, a 48v lithium battery is likely to be a smooth drop-in solution, though it tends to be more costly than batteries with lower voltages. (Interested in more insights? Check out “Lithium vs Lead acid” for further details.)

1. Easy Upgrade to Lithium Power for Your Electric Golf Cart

Yes, upgrading your electric golf cart to a lithium battery setup is definitely possible. Our lithium batteries are designed to easily replace traditional lead-acid batteries, meaning the switch is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You may need a few additional components and some simple programming adjustments, but generally, this changeover is both manageable and cost-effective.

2. What Does Switching to Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Involve?

Converting your golf cart to a lithium battery system involves replacing the old lead-acid batteries with lithium ones that match your golf cart’s voltage needs. For a successful upgrade, you’ll need to acquire specific parts like a power box, charger, wiring harnesses, and connectors tailored to your golf cart’s model.

Our batteries are often chosen for these conversions due to their compatibility and ease of transition.

While the upfront cost of lithium batteries might be higher than lead-acid batteries, they provide excellent long-term value. The advantages of switching to lithium include features like Bluetooth monitoring, reduced weight, and increased capacity. These benefits make lithium batteries a worthwhile investment in the long run, despite the initial cost.

Elevate Your Golf Game with 48V Lithium Batteries

1. Unleashing the Potential of 48V Lithium Batteries in Golf Carts

48 volt lithium golf cart batteries are game-changers, offering unmatched benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries. They bring more power, efficient performance, and are significantly lighter, making them an ideal choice for golf carts.

These lithium batteries charge five times faster than their counterparts and provide consistent energy output without any drop in voltage, ensuring your golf cart is always ready to go.

Furthermore, their compact size means they fit easily in your golf cart, saving space and eliminating the need for any tray modifications.

2. Extended Range for More Golf Fun

One of the standout advantages of 48 volt lithium golf cart batteries is the notable increase in driving range. When you switch to these batteries, your golf cart can achieve a driving range of up to 40-45 miles, significantly more than what lead-acid batteries offer.

This extended range means more time on the course and less concern about running out of power during your game.

3. Superior Performance on the Course

Our 48 volt lithium batteries don’t just increase your cart’s range; they also enhance its overall performance. With a substantial 500A discharge from a single battery, these units boost your cart’s speed and acceleration, offering a smoother, more responsive ride.

Connecting two batteries in parallel can further enhance your 48V system’s discharge current, multiplying your cart’s capabilities and ensuring top-notch performance wherever you go.

4. Lighter Batteries, Enhanced Efficiency

The weight of a golf cart’s battery plays a crucial role in its efficiency. Our 48 volt lithium golf cart batteries are much lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries, up to 70% lighter, in fact. This reduction in weight means your golf cart will not only perform better but also experience less wear and tear over time.

5. Hassle-Free Installation

One of the most convenient features of our 48 volt lithium golf cart batteries is their drop-in readiness. They are designed to fit easily into standard golf cart battery compartments, which means no modifications are needed. Just place the battery in, connect it, and your golf cart is ready to hit the course with renewed power and efficiency.

When to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries

1. Identifying the Right Time for a Battery Upgrade

Being aware of when to upgrade your golf cart batteries is crucial. If your batteries are wearing out, not holding a charge as they used to, or need excessive maintenance, it’s time for a change.

You can check the battery’s condition with a full charge and discharge test. If the range after a full charge is less than before, it’s a sign you might need new batteries.

2. Signs of Battery Wear and Tear

If your golf cart’s lead-acid batteries show signs of corrosion on the terminals or swelling in the cases, they might be reaching the end of their useful life.

These signs can hinder your golf cart’s performance, causing it to move slower and not travel as far. Also, if you see any signs of acid leakage, it’s definitely time for new batteries.

Switching to lithium batteries can significantly improve your golf cart’s performance. Replacing old lead-acid batteries with modern lithium ones will enhance energy efficiency and overall functionality.

3. Deteriorating Battery Capacity

If your golf cart is slowing down, not driving as far, or taking longer to charge, it might be due to decreasing battery capacity. Visible damage like corrosion, cracks, or bulges is a clear indicator that your lead-acid batteries need replacing.

Struggling to power up hills or maintain energy on longer rides signals the need for an upgrade. Lithium golf cart batteries offer superior discharge rates, giving your vehicle the boost it needs.

4. Excessive Battery Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your golf cart batteries functioning well. If you find yourself constantly dealing with overcharging issues, or if your batteries show signs of leaking acid, bulging, or surface corrosion, it’s time for a replacement.

5. Upgrading for Enhanced Performance

If you’re not satisfied with your golf cart’s performance, consider switching to a lithium battery. Signs of underperformance include reduced speed, shorter range between charges, and difficulty in uphill travel. If the physical condition of your current battery is deteriorating, it’s time to upgrade.

Replacing your existing batteries with lithium ones can transform your golf cart, providing a smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable ride.

Golf Cart Lithium Batteries: How Many Do You Really Need?

Electric golf carts typically need four, six, or eight batteries, based on their electrical drive system, which is generally either 36 volts (V) or 48V. The type of batteries required can be 6V, 8V, or 12V. The specific number depends on your golf cart’s drive system size.

Knowing the number of batteries your cart requires is crucial for understanding maintenance costs and the cart’s power capacity.

1. Determining the Battery Count for Your Golf Cart

To figure out the number of batteries your golf cart requires, inspect the battery compartment. Look for the cells or holes in the compartment; they usually range from three to six per battery. Each cell represents 2V. Simply multiply the number of cells by two to get your golf cart’s voltage.

For carts with a 36V or 48V drive system, count the cells to find out the voltage of the needed batteries. Then, choose the right number of batteries that combine to match your cart’s system voltage.

For example, if your battery compartment has three cells (6V per battery) and your cart operates on a 36V system, you’ll need six of those 6V batteries. Conversely, if your cart is a 48V system using 6V batteries, you’ll need eight 6V batteries.

2. Calculating Battery Needs for a 48V Lithium Golf Cart

When it comes to a 48V lithium golf cart battery, the number of batteries you need depends on the desired travel range. Generally, you might need anywhere from two to six batteries. Each battery can typically provide 15 to 20 miles, but this varies based on the golf cart model, average speed, and the terrain you drive on.

Assess your driving habits and how often you use the golf cart to determine the ideal number of additional batteries. This ensures you maximize the efficiency and enjoyment of your golf cart. Remember, since these are already 48-volt batteries, you’ll only need to connect them in parallel to double the capacity of each battery.

Powering Up Lithium Batteries

Charging lithium batteries typically offers a higher safety margin than their lead counterparts. They frequently come equipped with safety features such as surge protection, intelligent charging, and protection against overcharging, which allow you to leave them charging overnight with peace of mind. A number of these batteries can even be powered up without being detached from the cart. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to verify whether these features are included in the specific battery model you intend to purchase.

1. Understanding Lithium Battery Charging Basics

Charging lithium golf cart batteries might seem challenging, but it’s quite straightforward with the right know-how. It’s crucial to charge these batteries properly to keep them working well for a long time. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive and need careful handling during charging.

Always ensure that the charging voltage matches the level recommended by the battery’s manufacturer. Charging beyond or below this level can harm your batteries—overcharging can damage the cells, and undercharging shortens their lifespan. Keep a close eye on the voltage during the entire charging process.

It’s important to use a charger specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries. Mixing charging technologies, like using chargers meant for nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or lead-acid batteries, can be harmful to lithium-ion batteries.

Regular and correct charging, following the manufacturer’s guidelines, will keep your lithium golf cart batteries running smoothly and safely for many years.

2. Safety First: Charging Lithium Batteries Safely

Safety is a top priority when it comes to charging lithium golf cart batteries. Here are key safety tips:

• Avoid Overcharging and Undercharging: This can permanently damage your batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct charging voltage.
• Use the Right Charger: Always use a charger specifically made for lithium-ion batteries. Using chargers for other types of batteries can be dangerous.
• Monitor the Charging Process: Keep an eye on the charging process, especially the voltage levels, to prevent any mishaps.
• Handle with Care: Lithium batteries are sensitive. Handle them gently and follow all safety guidelines to ensure longevity and safe operation.

By following these precautions, you can charge your lithium golf cart batteries safely and efficiently, ensuring a longer life and better performance.

The Importance of Lithium Batteries for Golf Carts

Lithium golf cart batteries have become a necessity due to their superior power output and rapid recharge capabilities compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Another great benefit of these batteries is their longer lifespan, which means less frequent replacements. When it comes to powering golf carts, lead-acid batteries simply don’t measure up to the performance of their lithium counterparts.

Conclusion:

Having conducted a detailed review of various lithium golf cart batteries, it’s clear that certain benefits elevate them above their less costly counterparts. These include their high storage capacity, wide voltage range, and extended lifespan. Moreover, they offer heightened safety features, efficiency, and are available in sizes that fit most carts. They’re not only reasonably priced but also come with low-maintenance requirements. Further enhancing their appeal are positive user reviews, attentive customer service, trustworthy warranties, and reputable certifications.