How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

By Mr Sam On Aug 23, 2023

Golf carts provide convenient transportation for golfers, resorts, college campuses, and more. But like any vehicle, eventually the batteries need replacing. This article will cover everything you need to know about golf cart battery lifespan.

If you ever face issues like gas golf cart battery wont stay charged, you can find solutions in this post.

Introduction

Golf cart batteries come in two main types – lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the traditional option, while lithium batteries are a newer technology. Golf cart batteries can power anything from an individual privately-owned golf cart to large fleets of rental carts at courses and events.

Several factors impact how long a golf cart battery lasts before needing replacement. These include:

Battery type – newer lithium batteries last longer
Frequency of use – batteries in private carts used less often last longer
Charging habits – overcharging shortens battery life
Maintenance – proper maintenance extends lifespan
Driving conditions – hills and extremes of temperature shorten battery life

Keep reading to learn how long different golf cart batteries typically last, signs that a replacement is needed, maintenance tips, and the advantages of upgrading to lithium batteries.

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

On average, lead-acid golf cart batteries last 2-5 years with regular use. However, lithium-ion batteries can last a whopping 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Lead-acid batteries – These traditional batteries last about 2-5 years on average with regular use before needing replacement. They require more frequent maintenance as well.
Lithium batteries – The newer lithium-ion batteries used in some modern golf carts can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with proper charging and maintenance habits. This is 3 to 5 times longer than lead-acid batteries.
Private cart batteries – Golf carts owned by individuals and used for personal transportation tend to get slightly longer battery life of 6-10 years since they are often driven less frequently than rental/fleet carts.
Fleet and rental cart batteries – Golf carts used as rentals or in fleets see more heavy usage – up to 2-3 rounds of golf per day. As a result, their batteries are typically replaced more often, every 4-6 years.

What Impacts Golf Cart Battery Lifespan?

Several variables affect how many years you can expect to get out of your golf cart batteries:

Battery type – As mentioned above, lithium batteries last significantly longer, while lead-acid have a shorter 2-5 year lifespan.
Usage frequency – Golf carts used more heavily like rentals and fleet vehicles have shorter battery lifespans than privately owned carts.
Charging habits – Overcharging or undercharging golf cart batteries can shorten their lifespan. Optimal charging is important.
Maintenance – Properly maintaining batteries with water refills, cleaning corrosion, inspections etc. maximizes lifespan.
Driving conditions – Using the cart on hilly courses or in very hot or cold weather can strain batteries and shorten their usable life.

Signs Your Golf Cart Battery Needs Replacing

Watch for these signs that your golf cart batteries may be nearing the end of their lifespan:

Slow charging times – If your batteries take significantly longer to charge than they used to – say 10+ hours – the batteries are likely worn out.
Loss of power/range – Inability to drive the normal distance before recharging is an indicator of diminished battery capacity.
Decreased acceleration – Slow or sluggish acceleration can mean the batteries are struggling to deliver power.
Leaking/bulging batteries – Cracked cases, bulging sides, or leaking acid signal battery damage and the need for immediate replacement.
Corrosion on terminals – Corrosion also indicates damaged batteries that should be swapped out.

When Should You Replace Golf Cart Batteries?

Replace batteries immediately if you notice cracks, leaks, bulging or other visible damage. Damaged batteries can fail completely and also leak dangerous acids.
If your golf cart gradually loses power and acceleration, or charge times increase significantly, replacement is needed.
Ideally, replace batteries proactively before they leave you stranded or cause damage from leaks.
For lead-acid batteries, replacement every 4-6 years is typical. Upgrade to lithium batteries and get 10-20 years from each set.

Maintaining Batteries to Maximize Lifespan

Proper maintenance is key to maximize the years you’ll get from any golf cart battery. Here are some golf cart battery maintenance tips:

Charge properly – Charge batteries fully without overcharging. Follow manufacturer guidelines for optimal charging time. Overcharging reduces battery life.
Avoid full discharges – Don’t drain batteries completely dead. Keep them 20-50% charged when not in use. Fully discharging shortens battery life.
Store in moderate temperatures – Avoid temperature extremes that could damage batteries. Store golf carts in a garage or similar area.
Clean corrosion – Clean any corrosion that builds up on battery terminals to avoid further damage.
Conduct regular inspections – Inspect batteries monthly for any signs of damage, bulging, leaks, or corrosion.

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Tips

Only charge batteries for the recommended time, usually 8-10 hours for lead-acid. Overcharging damages batteries.
Keep batteries at least 20% charged and don’t let them discharge below this. Fully discharging damages batteries.
Store golf carts in a warm garage or storage area during cold winter months.
Check and refill water levels monthly for flooded lead-acid batteries to replace lost water.
Test battery voltage every couple months to identify any issues before failure.

Lead-Acid vs Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

The two main golf cart battery types have quite different characteristics:

Lead-Acid Batteries

Pros:

Lower upfront cost

Cons:

Require more frequent maintenance
Shorter lifespan of 2-5 years
Heavier weight than lithium batteries

Lithium Batteries

Pros:

Long 10-20 year lifespan
Require minimal maintenance
Lightweight

Cons:

More expensive upfront cost

Lithium batteries have a clear advantage in lifespan, maintenance needs, and weight. But lead-acid batteries cost less initially.

When to Upgrade to Lithium Golf Cart Batteries

Upgrading to lithium golf cart batteries makes the most sense in these situations:

When your lead-acid batteries need frequent replacing every few years
If you need extended driving range and power from your batteries
To reduce required maintenance since lithium batteries are sealed
To save weight and space in your golf cart
To get a long lasting battery that won’t need replacement for 10-20 years

Cost of Upgrading to Lithium Batteries

Upgrading a golf cart from lead-acid to lithium batteries involves some upfront investment. However, the extended lifespan means you save in the long run.

Individual replacement lithium batteries range from $600-$2000 each.
Complete lithium golf cart battery conversion kits with multiple batteries and parts cost $2000-$6000.

While a significant initial investment, upgrading to lithium batteries pays off over their long lifespan of up to 20 years. You save time and hassle from fewer battery replacements and maintenance as well.

Conclusion

To summarize, lead-acid golf cart batteries typically last 2-5 years, while lithium-ion batteries can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Watch for signs like slow charging, decreased power and acceleration, and visible damage/leaks to know when your batteries need replacing. Maintain your batteries well with proper charging, storage, and regular inspections to maximize lifespan. And consider upgrading to lithium batteries to gain longer lifespan, extended range and power, decreased maintenance, and reduced weight.