A typical electric golf cart batteries configuration
The most important system in an electric golf cart is the golf cart batteries which provide the power to move the cart along. All electric golf carts will have a certain number of batteries depending on the voltage of the batteries and whether a 24V, 36V or 48V power system is utilized.
There are several different voltages of golf cart batteries that are used to power electric golf carts, the most common in use, are 6V, 8V and 12V batteries. So a 36V electric golf cart may have six 6V batteries, and the most modern 48V electric carts may be powered by four 12V deep cycle batteries.
The golf cart battery packs are usually installed under the golf cart seat, which can be removed to provide easy access to the batteries for charging and maintenance.
Golf Cart Battery Charging
Proper charging is needed to ensure a long life and range for the golf cart battery packs. The batteries should be run down to at least half their charge before being recharged, so that their capacity is maintained over time after multiple recharges. Cart batteries need to be charged with the correct type of golf cart battery charger, following the correct procedures so that they continue to provide an acceptable driving range and good performance under normal driving conditions. If the batteries no longer hold their charge and don’t give an acceptable range then they will have to be replaced.
Battery Maintenance
Golf cart batteries require regular maintenance if they are to provide an acceptable range when in use. When you use your electric golf cart the cart batteries use up the water in them and this needs to be replenished with distilled water periodically. It is recommended to check the water levels at least once a week to make sure that the leaded plates are covered. The battery water level is usually checked and filled through several caps on the top of the battery that just screw off and on. Golf cart battery watering kits are available that automatically keep the water at the correct level and your batteries at their operating peak.
When checking the battery water take the opportunity to examine the golf cart battery cables and terminals to make sure that they are connected tightly to each battery. Also look for any corrosion around the battery terminals and cable connections, which will look like white or green crystals or flakes. This can be carefully cleaned off with a steel brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. The battery connections should be clean and shiny to maintain a good connection, otherwise your cart will not get the power it needs to operate.
Battery Replacement
When replacing your golf cart batteries it is important to know the voltage specifications of the batteries installed in your cart. Choosing batteries that are of the wrong specification can cause damage to the cart’s electrical system, or even a fire.
To replace all the batteries, work on each battery in turn, disconnecting the negative terminal first and then the positive one. When the old battery has been removed and the new battery is in place, reconnect in the reverse order with the positive terminal connected first.
Used Electric Golf Cart Batteries
When buying electric used golf carts for sale it is important to thoroughly check the condition of the golf cart’s battery packs to ensure that they are in good condition. Examine the battery terminals and cables for any corrosion which will indicate problems and also try to charge the batteries. Ensuring the batteries are in good order will help avoid expensive bills further down the road.
