How to Choose Your Golf Cart Batteries
Determine if Your Golf Cart is Gas or Electric
- Gas will require on starting battery like a car.
- Electric will usually require numerous batteries depending on the overall voltage (36V or 48V).
Validate the Combined Voltage of Your Golf Cart Make/Model (Typically 36V or 48V)
- Lead acid batteries are available in 6,8 or 12 volts which means that you'll need between four and six batteries in order to power an electric golf cart.
- The average golf cart requires four to six batteries, sometimes 8.
- Check the owner's manual if you do not know voltage. Or, calculate by counting the number of cells or caps on one of your current batteries (3, 4 or 6). Multiply that number by 2 to determine your battery voltage. Then, multiply that by the number of batteries found in your cart to determine the voltage.
Determine the Desired Amperage Based on Use and Distance Between Charges.
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The higher the capacity (Amp Hour, Ah) rating, the longer your battery will last on the course, and in-between charges.
Validate Dimensions
- Most golf carts take a standard-sized GC2 group size, but some may have spacers or need a taller/unique footprint.
Consider AGM
Why Consider
AGM in Deep Cycle Applications?
2X
More cycle life with faster recharge capabilities than traditional batteries.
20X
More vibration resistant than traditional batteries.
- Spill-proof design eliminates electrolyte/acid leaks.
- Recombinant technology eliminates the need for watering and venting systems.
- Works well in cold temperatures.
The Difference Between Amps and Volts
Calculate Voltage by Physical Inspection
Voltage helps determine the number and type of batteries you need for your cart. But when gauging the battery's overall performance, you'll want to pay attention to the battery's amperage. Amperage measures a battery's power capacity, which tells you how much power your battery will put out while it is in use. The higher the battery's amperage, the longer your battery will last.
Number of Caps x 2 = Battery Voltage
6 Volts
8 Volts
12 Volts
Voltage Options for Golf Cart Batteries
Golf car batteries are available in 6, 8 or 12 volts, which means that you'll need between three and twelve batteries in order to power an electric golf cart.
| Single Batteries | 36 Volts | 48 Volts | 72 Volts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Volts | 6 Batteries | 8 Batteries | 12 Batteries |
| 8 Volts | Not applicable- | 6 Batteries | 9 Batteries |
| 12 Volts | 2 Batteries | 4 Batteries | 6 Batteries |
Types of Golf Cart Batteries
Finding the Perfect Golf Cart Battery is Important
Whether you're cruising the neighborhood, managing large properties, or hitting the greens, your cart's efficiency and reliability begin with its battery. With Flooded, AGM, and Lithium-Ion as the big three contenders, each offers unique advantages tailored to diverse needs. Are you seeking longevity, minimal maintenance, or consistent peak performance? Your choice matters. Check out the details with the cards below to ensure your cart is powered to perfection.
Flooded (Wet)
- More affordable.
- Require regular maintenance in order to keep them functioning properly.
- Have lead plates inside them along with an electrolyte liquid made of a mixture of water and sulfuric acid - the electrolyte solution inside them needs regular topping off with distilled water.
- Numerous capacities/RC (for run times).
AGM
- 100% sealed and completely spill-proof.
- Maintenance free - No need to add distilled water to the batteries.
- Higher reserve capacity.
- Last longer through more recharges (Cycles).
- Charges faster and holds a charge better than flooded.
- Perform better extreme temperatures.
Lithium-Ion
- Up to 25% more range with at least 2 batteries in parallel.
- Full power throughout discharge.
- Lighter weight than standard lead-acid alternatives.
- 4-6x faster charge time.
- Lower cost over product lifetime.
The Top 6 Golf Cart Batteries
Let's Break it Down
Simplify your search with our handpicked top 5, representing the best of performance, durability, and reliability for any golf cart application. Check out our best in power and efficiency.
Duracell Ultra 6V AGM Group GC2 Deep Cycle
Provides 480 minutes of reserve capacity, offering premium performance.
High Performance
Duracell Ultra BCI Group GC2 6V 235AH Flooded Deep Cycle
Conventional, high-quality lead battery, providing 125 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps.
Longer Run Time
Duracell Ultra BCI Group GC2 6V 230AH Deep Cycle
Provides 115 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps keeping your golf cart on the course longer.
Longer Run Time
Duracell Ultra BCI Group GC2 6V 215AH Flooded Deep Cycle
An affordable high-quality replacement lead battery, providing 110 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps.
Value for the Money
Duracell Ultra BCI Group GC8 8V 165AH Flooded Deep Cycle
An affordable high-quality replacement lead battery providing 85 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps.
Value for the Money
Duracell Ultra 12V Deep Cycle BCI Group GC12 150Ah Flooded Battery
An affordable high reserve capacity replacement lead battery providing 70 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps.
Need to get your golf cart battery tested?
Batteries Plus Tests Golf Cart Batteries Free!
Care & Maintenance
Golf Cart Battery Care & Maintenance
Make sure that it’s regularly charged. Allowing the charge to drop too low may shorten its lifespan significantly. A good rule of thumb is to charge your battery every time it drops to 50% of its total capacity.
Avoid overcharging. A standard charger requires that you monitor your battery’s charging process and disconnect once your battery reaches ideal charge. Another option is to use an automatic charger that will switch itself off to prevent overcharging.
If your golf cart uses flooded batteries, maintain the electrolyte solution inside it by topping it off with distilled or deionized water. Make it a habit to check your battery’s levels about once a month.
A little bit of cleanup goes a long way. Harmful corrosion can build up on your battery’s terminals, and that can damage the battery, sometimes irreparably. If you notice a buildup of white, green or blue material, you can clean it off using a mixture of baking soda and water and a wire battery terminal brush. Maintain clean battery terminals with anti-corrosion spray or by covering them with terminal protectors.
4 Ways to Tell if Your Golf Cart Battery is Bad
The Batteries take a long time to charge.
Your golf cart loses power quicker than it used to.
Your golf cart doesn't accelerate as quickly as it used to.
Take a look - leaking or bulging batteries should be replaced immediately.
Choosing A Charger
A Few Things to Consider
When choosing a golf cart battery charger, it's crucial that you select one that is compatible with both the voltage and chemistry of your batteries.
That means if you have six 8-volt batteries in your cart, you'll need a 48-volt charger.
Likewise, the charger you select must be compatible with the chemistry of the batteries that you're using, which will be either flooded, AGM or lithium-ion.
From the Blog
FAQs
Each golf cart battery we sell comes with a 12-month replacement warranty.
The length of time a golf cart battery lasts depends on a number of factors: How often do you drive? How long is each trip? What's the terrain like? How often are the batteries charged? What kind of weight is the cart carrying? All that said, an average, well-maintained golf cart battery should last about five years.
Technically, yes. But we don't recommend replacing only one battery in your golf cart as you'll likely encounter issues with both performance and safety. As they age, batteries lose electrical capacity. Combining old and new batteries creates an imbalance in maximum capacity, which means your cart won't receive as much power. That leads to decreased performance and possible failure of your cart's accessories. Over time, this discrepancy can also cause excess heat, which leads to battery damage and ultimately failure.