In-detail comparison of lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle - choose the best

Golf carts, also known as motor-driven golf carts and steam-driven golf carts, are environmentally friendly passenger vehicles specially designed and developed for golf courses. Golf carts are generally electric, powered by vehicle power supply, mainly driven by the charging and discharging of the battery. The golf cart batteries require high capacity, high energy density, low self-discharge rate, safe and reliable use, and so on. In addition to the use of fuel, the most common power source for golf carts is deep cycle lead-acid batteries..

In recent years, with the popularity of lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries have gradually replaced lead-acid batteries and become an ideal power supply choice for golf carts. Deciding on which type of battery to use between the lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle can be an cogitative process. This article is designed to provide you all the information on both battery types in detail, so as to help you choose the best battery for your golf cart between lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle.

1.Are golf cart batteries the same as RV batteries?

No, golf cart batteries are not the same as RV batteries, and while golf cart batteries mostly use deep cycle batteries and can be used in electric RVs, there are several differences between the two. For example, the recommended voltage for a golf cart battery is 6V, while the recommended voltage for an RV battery is 12V.  Also, RV batteries require more capacity than golf cart batteries. In any case, lithium-ion batteries are the best choice for the power source of these two power tools.

2.What is the best battery for a golf cart?

The batteries used in golf carts are generally divided into three types: maintenance-free valve regulated lead-acid battery, flooded lead-acid battery that requires maintenance, and lithium battery. Most of the single cells are 6V and 8V, and there are also 12V cells. A 36V/48V or even higher voltage power supply system is formed by connecting multiple single cells in series. Leading experts recommend using a 6V lithium-ion battery to power your golf cart. Lithium-ion batteries can power your golf cart for longer durations and are not as heavy as other battery types such as the lead-acid battery. You wouldn’t want to use a golf cart that is too heavy - it’ll drain its charge quickly, making it inefficient for prolonged use after a single charge.

3.Frequently asked questions of lithium golf cart batteries

① How long does a lithium-ion battery last in a golf cart?

A lithium-ion battery can last up to 10 years (or more) in your golf cart. It all depends on how you take care of your golf cart's lithium-ion battery. Several factors can contribute to a longer lifespan, such as how you use your battery, charging habits, custom features on your golf cart, etc. The comparison of cycle life between lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle shows that lithium-ion golf cart batteries can last longer than deep cycle batteries by at least four years.

② How many lithium-ion batteries do I need for a 48v golf cart?

You’ll need eight 6V lithium-ion batteries to power your 48V golf cart. The eight batteries should be connected in a series as doing so will increase the voltage to 48V.

③ Can you replace your regular golf cart batteries with lithium-ion batteries?

Yes, you can replace your regular golf cart batteries with best lithium batteries. It is recommended to do so because the latter is advantageous compared to the former. When comparing lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle - lithium batteries are way lighter and pack more power. In addition, lithium batteries have a longer service life and charge faster. The most important thing is to ensure that you’ve connected them correctly (in a series).

4.Can you use regular deep cycle batteries in golf carts?

Yes, you can use regular deep cycle batteries in golf carts. However, you’ll need to modify the golf cart to accept 12V batteries. When comparing lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cyc regular batteries, it would be best to consider using lithium golf cart batteries. It’ll be more beneficial to you, as you’ll soon find out by reading this article.

5.All you need to know about deep cycle golf cart batteries

① Will 12-volt deep cycle batteries work in golf carts?

Technically yes - 12V deep cycle batteries will work in golf carts. However, you’ll need to modify the golf cart to accept a 12V battery assuming that your golf cart runs using a 6V.

② How long will deep cycle batteries last in a golf cart?

Deep cycle batteries can last up to six years in a golf cart. However, how you handle your deep cycle battery will dictate a lot on how long it will last.

6.Are lithium-ion batteries deep cycle?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries are deep cycles. Deep cycle batteries are those with higher cycle times. With an average of one charge and discharge per day, the lithium-ion battery can be cycled up to 4000 times before the DOD drops to 80%.

7.Which is better: lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle?

When faced with the choice between lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle, it is important to understand the differences and advantages and disadvantages of the two, because it will help you make an informed decision.

① Are lithium batteries better than deep cycle?

Comparison of lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle shows that lithium batteries are better than regular lead-acid deep cycle. lithium-ion batteries for golf carts will last for at least 10 years, while regular deep cycle batteries will last for six years. In addition to that, lithium golf cart batteries can power your golf cart for longer distances compared to regular deep cycle batteries. Also, lithium golf batteries can fast charge, meaning downtime durations will be reduced, unlike regular deep cycle batteries which require at least six hours to of charging time.

② Can a lithium battery replace a deep cycle battery?

Yes, a lithium battery can replace a regular deep cycle battery in golf carts. The best part about using lithium batteries to replace a deep cycle battery is the wider operating temperature range, between -20-60°C, making their low-temperature performance better than conventional deep-cycle batteries. However, it is important to note that extreme temperatures can have a severe negative impact on the performance of any battery, so it is recommended to use it reasonably within the operating temperature of a Li-ion battery. In addition to that, lithium batteries are lightweight and pack more power.

③ How much does it cost to convert a golf cart to lithium battery?

It will cost you roughly $2,000 or more to convert your golf cart to lithium-ion. Here’s the breakdown of the cost: An average 6V 100Ah lithium-ion battery costs around $160. Remember, you’ll need eight 6V batteries which costs $1,280. You’ll also need to add a battery management system which costs $300. You’ll, yet again, need to buy a lithium-ion battery for golf carts which costs around $350. In total, you’ll spend $1,280 + $300 + $350 = $1,930.

8.Final thoughts

Which one is better, lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle? There are many differences between the two and it is best to choose the most suitable one. Although golf cart batteries mostly use deep cycle batteries, similar to RV batteries, the specific requirements for the batteries are different. When comparing lithium golf cart batteries vs deep cycle, you’ll find out that the former is way better than the latter. Lithium golf cart batteries are way lighter compared to regular deep cycle batteries.

They also have a longer lifespan - lithium golf cart batteries can last for 10 years while regular deep cycle batteries can last for six years. It is possible to convert your 6V golf cart to run using 12V batteries. It is also possible to convert your golf cart to lithium batteries. However, the conversion process will cost you roughly $2,000 (or more) to acquire the necessary equipment. Replacing your regular deep cycle golf cart batteries with the lithium batteries will have numerous benefits.

Related article: AGM vs flooded battery, deep cycle vs regular battery