Whether you use them on the course or simply to get around the neighborhood, your golf carts need to be ready to ride. Picking the right battery is a deciding factor in that. But one thing to keep in mind is that while lead-acid batteries may be less expensive upfront, they’re not worth it in the long run. Here’s a breakdown of lead-acid vs. lithium-ion golf cart batteries and why lithium-ion golf cart batteries are your best value for your golf cart.
A Real Charge
How long does it take to charge the battery in your cart? If it’s more than an hour, your battery isn’t just wasting electricity—it’s wasting your time. Lead-acid batteries, on average, can take up to eight hours to charge, while lithium-ion batteries take less than half that time and are mostly charged in that first hour. Time is a scarce resource, and you don’t have to waste time waiting for your carts to charge so that you or your customers can hit the links. Lithium-ion batteries, unlike lead-acid ones, also have the benefit of staying in good shape even if they’re not fully charged. Undercharged lead-acid batteries tend to take longer to charge each time you let them drop too low.
Heavy-Duty, Without Being Too Heavy
Lead-acid batteries are significantly heavier— lead is in the name, after all. This puts more drag on the vehicle, causing it to expend more of the charge on getting around. It also tends to slow the cart down when you’re scaling hills. Overall, this means slower speeds and less range. Lithium-ion batteries weigh much less than lead-acid ones, which means less strain on the battery and engine and greater range and top speeds overall. That also means carts can handle more passengers and weight.
Taking Care of Battery Business
Lead-acid batteries tend to require more maintenance. You have to keep the leads clean and the top of the battery dry and free from corrosion. This can be done with baking soda and a brush, but who has the time? Certain lead-acid batteries also need to be filled, but not overfilled, with distilled water, protected from overcharging, and kept charged through constant use. Lithium-ion batteries, however, require none of the messy maintenance when compared to lead-acid.
Live Long and Prosper
When considering lead-acid vs. lithium-ion, Li-On golf cart batteries last much longer than traditional batteries. They have an increased number of charge cycles and can last four or even five times as long as lead-acid batteries. Instead of replacing your lead-acid batteries every 2 – 4 years, you can buy a set of lithium-ion batteries once and with proper use; see lifespans of 10 – 20 years.
The choice is clear—lithium-ion golf cart batteries are the smart choice when it comes to power, consistency, speed, weight, and more. Invest in one lithium-ion battery versus a half-dozen lead-acid batteries, and you’ll be set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LiFePO4 batteries last?
A quality LiFePO4 battery can commonly deliver 4,000 or more charge cycles, often roughly 10 years or longer under the right conditions. Depth of discharge, temperature, charge settings, storage habits, and the BMS all affect the result.
How many years is 4,000 cycles?
One full cycle per day is about 11 years. Three cycles per week is more than 25 years on paper, though calendar aging becomes the limit first.
What happens at the end of a LiFePO4 battery's life?
It does not suddenly stop. It loses capacity gradually. A battery rated for 4,000 cycles may be specified to keep around 80% of its original capacity at that point.
Does temperature affect LiFePO4 battery life?
Yes. High heat speeds aging, and charging below freezing can damage cells unless the battery has low-temperature protection or self-heating.
How long does a lithium battery last in an RV?
Many years, when charging sources are configured correctly and the battery is protected from freezing charge conditions. Annual cycles are often fewer than in a daily solar system, but conditions vary more.
How should I store a lithium battery?
Store it at a partial state of charge in a clean, dry, moderate-temperature location. Disconnect parasitic loads and check it periodically per the manufacturer's guidance.
