The number of batteries in a golf cart depends entirely on the cart’s voltage system, which typically ranges from 36 volts to 48 volts. Most modern carts use 48 volts, which usually requires four 12-volt batteries or six 8-volt batteries.
Choosing the right batteries and setting up the system correctly is vital for getting the best performance and range from your golf cart. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the different golf cart battery types, golf cart battery size, voltage requirements, and the best ways to arrange them.
Deciphering Golf Cart Voltage and Battery Count
The core of determining how many batteries in a golf cart you need rests on its required voltage. Golf carts use a system where individual batteries, usually 6, 8, or 12 volts each, are wired together in series to achieve the total operating voltage.
Common Golf Cart Voltages
Most electric golf carts run on one of three main voltages: 36V, 48V, or sometimes 72V (less common in standard carts).
- 36 Volts (36V): Older or smaller utility carts often use 36V systems.
- 48 Volts (48V): This is the standard for most modern personal and commercial carts today. It offers a good balance of power and efficiency.
- 72 Volts (72V): High-performance or specialized industrial carts might use 72V for extra torque and speed.
Calculating the Required Number of Batteries
Once you know the required voltage, you can figure out the battery count based on the 12v vs 8v golf cart batteries you plan to use.
Formula: Total Required Voltage ÷ Individual Battery Voltage = Number of Batteries
Example for a 48V System:
| Battery Type | Individual Voltage | Calculation | Number of Batteries Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Volt Batteries | 12V | 48V ÷ 12V | 4 Batteries |
| 8-Volt Batteries | 8V | 48V ÷ 8V | 6 Batteries |
This basic math shows why you often see four large batteries or six smaller batteries in a 48V setup. The total number changes based on the voltage rating of the individual deep cycle golf cart batteries you purchase.
Exploring Golf Cart Battery Types
Not all batteries are made the same. When shopping, you will encounter various golf cart battery types. The differences affect cost, maintenance, and performance.
Flooded Lead-Acid (Wet Cell) Batteries
These are the traditional type. They require regular watering because the electrolyte (acid and water mix) evaporates during charging.
- Pros: Lowest initial cost, reliable when maintained.
- Cons: Require frequent maintenance (checking water levels), can spill acid, shorter golf cart battery lifespan if neglected.
Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries (AGM and Gel)
These are maintenance-free options because they are sealed. They are safer and cleaner than wet cells.
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): The electrolyte is absorbed in fiberglass mats between the plates. They charge faster and handle vibration well.
- Gel Cell: The electrolyte is suspended in a silica gel. They handle deep discharges better but are very sensitive to overcharging.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries
Lithium is the premium choice today. They are significantly different from lead-acid batteries.
- Pros: Much lighter weight, much longer golf cart battery lifespan (often 5–10 years), hold a charge better, require no maintenance, and offer consistent power output.
- Cons: Highest upfront cost, require a specific charger that matches their chemistry.
When selecting the best golf cart batteries, consider your usage. If you play daily and want peak performance without maintenance, lithium is best. If you are budget-conscious and don’t mind checking water levels, flooded lead-acid might work.
Physical Size and Capacity: The Importance of Golf Cart Battery Size
Simply having the right voltage isn’t enough. The physical size and capacity must match your cart’s battery tray and power needs.
Battery Sizing Terminology
When looking at golf cart battery size, you will see several ratings:
- Voltage (V): We covered this; it determines the total system voltage (e.g., 12V, 8V).
- Amp-Hours (Ah): This measures the battery’s capacity—how long it can deliver a certain amount of current. Higher Ah means longer run time between charges.
- Reserve Capacity (RC): This measures how long the battery can sustain a specific load (usually 25 amps) before dropping below a usable voltage. This relates directly to your range.
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): More important for starting gasoline engines, but less critical for electric carts unless they have demanding accessories.
Standard Battery Group Sizes
Batteries come in standard “Group Sizes.” You must match the new battery’s group size to the existing tray dimensions for a safe and secure fit. Common sizes for 6V and 8V golf batteries include:
- Golf Cart Group Size GC2 (L16): Very common for 6V and 8V golf batteries. These are often tall and narrow.
- Group 48/H6/H7: Sometimes used for 12V batteries in modern setups.
Always measure your existing battery tray dimensions (Length, Width, Height) before ordering new batteries. Mixing different golf cart battery sizes within the same bank is strongly discouraged, as it leads to uneven charging and premature failure of the weakest battery.
How Golf Cart Battery Configuration Works (Wiring)
The way you arrange and connect the batteries is called the golf cart battery configuration. This involves wiring them in series to increase voltage or in parallel to increase capacity (Ah).
Wiring in Series for Voltage (Mandatory)
To reach the required total voltage (e.g., 48V), you must wire batteries in series.
- Series Wiring Rule: Connect the positive (+) terminal of one battery to the negative (-) terminal of the next battery.
- This process adds the individual voltages together (e.g., four 12V batteries in series equal 48V).
Wiring in Parallel for Capacity (Optional)
If you need longer run times but cannot increase the voltage (because your controller is fixed at 48V), you can wire banks of batteries in parallel.
- Parallel Wiring Rule: Connect all positive (+) terminals together and all negative (-) terminals together.
- This keeps the voltage the same but multiplies the Amp-Hours. For example, two 12V 100Ah batteries wired in parallel give you 12V at 200Ah.
Common 48V Configurations
For a standard 48V system, here is how the wiring looks depending on the battery type used:
| Configuration | Battery Type | Voltage Per Battery | Number of Batteries | Wiring Method | Total Ah (If All Are 100Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12V | 12V | 4 | Series | 100Ah |
| High Capacity | 8V | 8V | 6 | Series | 100Ah |
| High Capacity/Series Parallel Mix | 12V | 12V | 8 (Two parallel banks of 4) | Series then Parallel | 200Ah |
Important Note on Mixing: If you use a combination of series and parallel wiring (like the 8-battery 12V setup above), all batteries in the parallel banks must be identical—same brand, same age, and same Ah rating. Mixing battery ages or types ruins the performance balance.
Maintaining and Charging Golf Cart Batteries
Proper care directly influences golf cart battery lifespan. Whether you have lead-acid or lithium, charging golf cart batteries correctly is essential.
Lead-Acid Charging Best Practices
- Use the Right Charger: Always use a charger rated specifically for your battery type (flooded, AGM, or Gel) and the correct system voltage (e.g., 48V).
- Charge Fully After Every Use: Never leave lead-acid batteries deeply discharged for long periods. Charge them as soon as you finish driving.
- Equalization Charge: Flooded batteries need an occasional equalization charge, which uses slightly higher voltage to remove sulfates that build up on the plates. Consult your battery manual before doing this.
- Watering (For Wet Cells): Only add distilled water after the battery is fully charged, and only enough to cover the plates.
Lithium Battery Charging
Lithium batteries require a Battery Management System (BMS) to protect them. They charge faster than lead-acid and generally do not require specialized maintenance charges. However, they should not be charged in freezing temperatures.
Factors Affecting Golf Cart Battery Lifespan
The lifespan of your batteries varies wildly based on type, usage, and care.
- Lead-Acid (Flooded): Typically lasts 3 to 5 years with diligent maintenance.
- AGM/Gel: Might last 4 to 6 years, as they handle vibration better.
- Lithium (LiFePO4): Often rated for 10 years or 3,000 to 5,000 charge cycles.
Key Lifespan Killers:
- Depth of Discharge (DOD): Deeply discharging lead-acid batteries (below 50% State of Charge) drastically shortens their life. Lithium can handle deeper discharge cycles.
- Heat: Excessive heat speeds up corrosion and electrolyte loss in lead-acid batteries.
- Inconsistent Charging: Allowing batteries to sit partially charged or fully discharged for weeks is damaging.
Choosing the Right Brand and Budget
The market offers numerous golf cart battery brands, and quality varies significantly. Investing in reputable brands usually pays off in longevity and consistent performance.
Popular Lead-Acid Brands:
- Trojan
- Crown
- US Battery
These companies specialize in heavy-duty, deep cycle golf cart batteries built for repeated cycling.
Popular Lithium Brands:
- Ionic
- BigBattery
- Sokode
Lithium battery costs are high initially, but when you factor in the extended lifespan (often double or triple that of lead-acid), the cost per year of use can become very competitive.
Converting Voltage Systems (Upgrading)
Many older carts came stock with 36V systems. Drivers often want to upgrade to 48V for better speed and range. This is possible but involves replacing several key components:
- Batteries: You must purchase the new set of batteries (e.g., six 8V batteries instead of six 6V batteries).
- Controller: The speed controller must be rated for the higher voltage. A 36V controller will burn out on 48V.
- Motor (Sometimes): If you need significantly more power or speed, the motor might also need replacement, though many stock motors can handle a modest voltage bump if paired with a compatible controller.
This transition directly impacts how many batteries in a golf cart you have, as the configuration changes entirely.
Summary of Battery Choices
The decision between 12V versus 8V batteries in a 48V setup often comes down to physical space and desired capacity versus ease of replacement.
| Feature | 12V Batteries (4 Required for 48V) | 8V Batteries (6 Required for 48V) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Fewer batteries (4) | More batteries (6) |
| Wiring | Simpler series connection. | More connections needed. |
| Capacity (Ah) | Often results in lower total Ah capacity for the same physical footprint, unless parallel banks are used. | Often allows for higher total Ah capacity in the same space by using more cells. |
| Replacement Cost | Generally higher per unit, but fewer total units needed. | Generally lower per unit, but more units needed. |
Most enthusiasts agree that choosing the configuration your cart was originally designed for is the safest bet to maintain optimal component compatibility.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I mix old and new batteries in my golf cart?
A: No, you should never mix old and new batteries, even if they are the same golf cart battery types. Old batteries have less capacity and will drag down the performance of the new ones. The new batteries will try to overcharge the old ones, leading to premature failure of both sets. Always replace the entire bank at once.
Q: What is the difference between deep cycle and starting batteries?
A: Deep cycle golf cart batteries are designed to provide a slow, steady stream of power over a long period and can be repeatedly discharged and recharged deeply. Starting batteries (like those in cars) are designed to deliver a very large burst of current quickly for a short time and should not be deeply discharged. Golf carts require deep cycle batteries.
Q: Why does my 48V cart need six batteries instead of four?
A: If your 48V cart uses six batteries, it is almost certainly using 8v golf cart batteries. Six 8V batteries wired in series (8V x 6 = 48V) give you the necessary voltage while often providing superior Amp-Hour capacity compared to a four-battery 12V configuration.
Q: How often should I check the water level in my flooded batteries?
A: Check the water level every 2 to 4 weeks, or more frequently during very hot weather or heavy use. Always use distilled water, never tap water.
Q: Do I need a specific charger for lithium batteries?
A: Yes. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries require a charger specifically designed for their chemistry. Using a lead-acid charger, especially an older flooded-cell charger, can damage the internal Battery Management System (BMS) of the lithium pack. Always confirm the charger matches the golf cart battery brands and type you are using.