Are Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Worth It?
Since it is electric, after all, the battery you use in your golf cart is critical. The standard for decades has been to use a deep cycle lead-acid battery for golf cars. These are reliable and affordable. However, in the last couple of years, there has been a big change. Many golf cart manufacturers are switching to lithium batteries. This includes top golf car manufacturers like E-Z-GO. What are the advantages of a lithium battery? Should you switch to lithium? Read below to learn more.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LITHIUM GOLF CART BATTERIES?
There are many great things about switching to a lithium battery for your electric golf cart. For example, one important benefit of lithium is that they don't lose power over time. You have full, 100% power from it until it is drained. This is different than a lead-acid battery, which tends to “slow down” over time and use.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST FEATURES OF A LITHIUM BATTERY:
- They weigh much less than traditional lead-acid batteries
- You can use 100% of the charge
- Lithium batteries charge much faster than lead-acid
- They have a longer usable life
- Lithium has ZERO maintenance
When you look at these benefits and features, try to understand how it applies to real life:
- Less weight, sometimes by several hundred pounds, means less work and wear and tear on your golf carts tires, shocks, and batteries.
- Faster charging means less energy cost. A lithium can be fully charged in just 2-3 hours, compared to 8-10 hours for lead-acid.
- Longer life means less replacements. Lithium can last twice as long as acid batteries.
- ZERO maintenance means no more wasting time checking water levels and stocking up on distilled water jugs. Literally, plug them in and off you go!
So, even though going with a lithium battery is more expensive upfront, it seems like they can save you money over time.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO SWITCHING TO A LITHIUM BATTERY?
While there are many benefits to switching to lithium, there are some downsides that should be considered. For starters, lithium batteries are much more expensive than a traditional lead-acid battery upfront. Additionally, lithium batteries are not recyclable, whereas acid batteries are 99% recyclable.
Additionally, some reports suggest that lithium does not stack up when actually tested in real world settings (instead of in controlled labs). Golf Course Industry Magazine did an in depth comparison and found that lead-acid battery packs could provide twice the runtime for 1/5th the cost. Granted, this was done in 2017 when lithium batteries first started to become an option for golf carts.
READ ABOUT LEAD-ACID BATTERY MAINTENANCE RIGHT HERE!
SHOULD I SWITCH TO LITHIUM GOLF CART BATTERIES?
If your lead-acid batteries are due for a replacement, Electric Golf Car Company would likely recommend you consider replacing them with lithium. In spite of the cost, we feel that the benefits make the switch worth it, in both the long and short term.
While many manufacturers are switching to lithium, there are still options for buying a new golf cart with lead-acid batteries. These lead-acid cars can run several thousand dollars less than their lithium counterparts. So if out-of-pocket expense is a major factor, then lithium may not be for you.
Whatever you choose, Electric Golf Car Company is here to help you! We want you to be happy with your golf cart, and will get you the one that meets all your needs!
Electric Golf Car Company is Northern California's premier custom golf car service center! NOW is a great time to invest in your own custom golf car, so be sure to check out our gallery or come by our show room.
To learn more keep checking back with Electric Golf Car Company's Golf Car Guru! And follow us on social media for all the latest news, articles, and available golf cars!
Electric Golf Cart Maintenance Sacramento | Lithium Golf Cart Batteries