Golf carts are great for players who want to whip out their Callaway Mavrik Irons and navigate around the course more speedily. But to ensure this vehicle performs flawlessly, it needs to be paired with the right battery. If you’re searching for a great golf cart battery but don’t have a clue where to start, then you’re in luck. Below is a list of some of the best golf cart batteries in the market, alongside tips on how to find and maintain high-quality batteries. Let’s go!
What Makes a Good Golf Cart Battery
A golf cart battery’s quality will mostly depend on its manufacturer. From affordable, deep-cycle batteries to those with faster recharge rates and tremendous power, you’ll find all sorts of assortments on your quest to buy the best one for your cart.
So what should you watch out for if you want the best golf batteries? Start with the factors listed below:
Price
For most people, price is a significant factor when choosing and buying golf cart batteries. No vehicle battery comes cheap. If you really want a good one for your electric golf cart, you had better be prepared to take out a good amount of cash.
Now there are two things to remember concerning golf cart battery prices. First, you should never ever buy used batteries. Even if it’s in a great condition, chances are it will not last very long. Plus, used batteries are more likely to come with defects.
Second and more importantly, you should not skimp on golf cart batteries. After all, your cart will rely heavily on it as a power source, particularly if you own an electric golf cart. Besides, there are lots of cost-friendly batteries out in the market that will suit your needs. It all comes down to you to pick the best one for your golf cart.
Type
There are four types of golf cart batteries currently available in the market, namely:
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
- Gel Lead Acid Batteries
- AGM Lead Acid Batteries
Each of these batteries come with its respective strengths and weaknesses. For example, lithium-ion batteries offer more benefits than flooded lead acid ones, but it’s also more expensive and rarer. Meanwhile, AGM lead acid batteries enjoy a longer lifespan and a higher power output at the expense of capacity. And while gel lead batteries are resistant to extreme vibration and discharging, it’s still prone to overheating.
Using any of these batteries can be great for your golf cart. Just make sure you weigh its advantages and disadvantages first.
Voltage
Another specs you should take note of when looking for golf cart batteries is its voltage. Most electric golf carts are powered by 6-, 8-, or 12-volt golf cart batteries, which either have a 36- or 48-volt electrical drive system.
You need to know your battery’s voltage capacity before buying one. Luckily, it only takes four steps:
- Locate your golf cart’s battery compartment (it’s usually underneath the seat).
- Count the number of holes on the battery.
- Multiply the number of holes by 2 to get the battery’s voltage capacity.
- Multiply the battery’s voltage capacity with the total number of golf cart batteries.
For example, if your golf cart has six batteries and each battery has three holes, then its battery will have a capacity of 6 volts and your cart will have a36-volt electrical drive system.
Power Requirement
Power requirement mainly involves a golf cart battery’s Cranking Amps (CA) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). A cranking amp is the energy required by the battery to start a vehicle at normal temperatures. The cold cranking amp is the power needed to turn your golf cart on at zero temperatures.
If you live in cold-climate areas, or are playing golf during the winter season, then you need to watch out for your golf cart battery’s CCA. A vehicle battery’s starting power deteriorates as it ages, so better go for replacements with high starting capacity. It should also have CCA ratings equal or better than the original battery. Otherwise, your golf cart won’t be able to turn on during the cold months.
Warranties
Great battery warranties won’t just give you a replacement in case the product is defective; it will also come with several fantastic benefits. So browse various golf cart battery brands and take a look at the various warranty terms and conditions each offers.
Now while it is recommended to consider warranties that offer long periods of free replacement, you shouldn’t always go for it. Many battery warranties may offer prolonged replacement periods at cheaper prices, but their coverage may not be as extensive as their shorter-lived counterparts. When it comes to warranties, always prioritize quality over quantity.
Others
Aside from the five listed above, you need to check the golf cart battery’s power capacity (i.e., its Ampere Hour or Ah), its connections and terminals, and its model, among others. Make sure these specs are compatible with your golf cart to ensure its optimized and prolonged performance.
Additionally, most golf cart batteries may look pretty much the same, but they definitely come with varying features. If the battery currently powering up your golf cart meets your expectations, it’s recommended that you stick with it until you find a better one. The best way to do this is by inspecting your present golf cart battery and jotting down the specs displayed on it.
Outro
Best Golf Cart Batteries to Consider
Now that you’re up to speed with what to look for in a golf cart battery, you can proceed with checking out some of the best golf cart batteries available today. Start with the five below:
Trojan T-125 6V 240Ah Flooded Lead Acid GC2 Deep Cycle Battery
Durable, reliable, and decked with state-of-the art technology, the Trojan T-125 6V 240Ah Flooded Lead Acid GC2 Deep Cycle Battery will ensure your golf cart delivers consistent performance at the course.
This golf cart battery can be lifted and handled easily enough, even in tight spots. It also features dual marine terminals to enable you to hook it up to your preferred electronic gears. To minimize (if not prevent) possible acid leakage, it comes with large vent caps. What’s more, it enjoys the lowest cost per amp hour among other golf cart batteries on the market. As an added bonus, this battery has a nice maroon case to keep it well protected.
Product Specifications: Brand: Trojan | Volts: 6 V | Chemistry: Flooded | Battery Size: Group GC2 | 5 Hour Rate Ah: 195 Ah | 10 Hour Rate Ah: 221 Ah | 20 Hour Rate Ah: 240 Ah | Capacity Minutes at 25 Amps: 488 min | Length: 10.30 in | Width: 7.13 in | Height: 11.15 in
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CHINS 12V 100AH Lithium Battery, Built-in 100A BMS, 2000+ Cycles
In case you want to switch to a lithium-ion battery, you should take a look at the CHINS 12V 100AH Lithium Battery. With its 1,280-W power output, built-in 100A BMS, and 2000-cycle capabilities, it’s perfect for your bellowed electric golf cart.
Compared to lead acid golf cart batteries, this product is capable of running up to 2,000 cycles. It’s considerably lighter as well, while simultaneously delivering the same capacity. And since it doesn’t have to deal with memory effects, this CHINS deep cycle lithium-ion battery can be used immediately after charging.
Additionally, the CHINS 12V 100AH Lithium Battery comes with a built-in battery management system. This protects it from overcharging, over-discharging, and other electrical problems. As an added bonus, it prevents the product from overheating, too.
The CHINS 12V 100AH Lithium Battery can be connected both in series and in parallel with each other. However, up to four batteries can only be connected to ensure optimized performance.
Product Specifications: Brand: CHINS | Volts: 12.8 V | Chemistry: Lithium Ion | Battery Size: 12.8V 100AH PLUS | Length: 12.99 in | Width: 6.81 in | Height: 23.81 in
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MB&TLS Golf Cart Battery US2200 XC2 6-Volt
But if you want a truly heavy-duty golf cart battery, then better opt for the MB&TLS Golf Cart Battery US2200 XC2 6-Volt. With its strong outer casing and power output, it can outmatch even the feature-heavy Trojan batteries in terms of durability and performance.
This golf cart battery comes with hand-welded busbars to improve durability even further, dissipate high voltage power off it, and efficiently distribute power within the cart. As a result, it can complete 1,000 cycles at 50% depth of discharge. Aside from these, the battery has a capacity of 232 Ah, which is significantly more than what the competition can offer.
Moreover, the MB&TLS Golf Cart Battery US2200 XC2 6-Volt is sold at more affordable prices, allowing you to get a much better deal. However, one set contains only four batteries. Since most electric golf carts need six batteries to run, you’ll need to buy two sets. In other words, you’ll end up with two spare batteries to worry about.
Product Specifications: Brand: Momentum Battery & Lift Truck Solutions | Volts: 6 V | Chemistry: Lead Acid | Length: 11 in | Width: 8 in | Height: 12 in
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WindyNation 100 amp-Hour 100AH 12V 12 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid Battery
For golf cart owners who rely on off-grid power sources (i.e., solar systems, RV power, etc.), the WindyNation 100 amp-Hour 100AH 12V 12 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Sealed Lead Acid Battery could be a suitable choice. Its amp-hour capacity, heavy duty plates, and low discharge rate arguably makes it one of the best golf batteries money can buy.
This product consists of up to 99.995% pure virgin lead, resulting in more power capacity, low discharge rate, and longer float life. Its sealed and maintenance-free design also makes it perfect for golf carts, and it minimizes the possibility of acid leakage occurring.
But more importantly, this battery can be recharged using off-grid power sources. So whether your home relies on solar energy or you’re currently staging in an RV, you can easily power up the WindyNation battery without a hitch.
Product Specifications: Brand: WindyNation | Volts: 12 V | Chemistry: Sealed Lead Acid | Battery Size: 1 pc 100 amp-hour | 10 Hour Rate Ah: 100 Ah | 20 Hour Rate Ah: 106 Ah | Length: 13 in | Width: 6.8 in | Height: 8.7 in
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Mighty Max ML35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35AH Rechargeable Gel Type Battery
Finally, the Mighty Max ML35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35AH Rechargeable Gel Type Battery will deliver power to your golf cart like no other. With its high starting power, true deep cycle features, and relative versatility, this product can power up any vehicle.
One of its most defining features is its compatibility with many golf carts. The Mighty Max ML35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35AH Rechargeable Gel Type Battery can be installed to several well-known golf cart brands without any issues afterward, and it can also be used to power up other vehicles and large appliances.
Another great thing about this battery is its high Cold Cranking Amps. This battery has a high starting power, allowing it to ignite your golf cart engine even at colder temperatures. To top it off, it can be mounted in a golf cart in any position, and it can resist vibrations and shocks to ensure long-lasting performance.
Product Specifications: Brand: Mighty Max | Volts: 12 V | Chemistry: Gel Lead Acid | Length: 7.68 in | Width: 5.16 in | Height: 7.13 in
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Get the Best Golf Cart Batteries for Your Cart
Like looking for good golf drivers, finding the right golf battery can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. By reading the guide above, you’ll be able to make short work of this task, leaving you with the best golf cart batteries money can buy.