Types of Golf Cart Batteries Explained

Investing in good-quality golf cart batteries is an essential part of extending the life of your cart. Usually, golf cart owners have various questions about the functionality of their cart. At the center of these questions are the different types of golf cart batteries and their usage.

Batteries come in different categories and vary based on energy needs. Listed below are the different types of golf cart batteries and the best batteries will depend on your specific needs.

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries are one of the most common battery types found in a golf cart. These batteries use thick plates, large separators, and high-density paste material. Usually, flooded lead-acid batteries are not sealed and do not recombine the gases to liquids internally. 

These batteries have an electrolyte that is free to roam around in the battery encasement. When charged, the battery acid and lead plates work to store electricity.

Benefits

Lasts Longer with Timely Maintenance 

These batteries require maintenance in the form of filling them with water and last longer with regular care.

Easy to Troubleshoot 

Flooded lead-acid batteries are easy to troubleshoot with a simple procedure. Here's our video on how to load test your batteries:

AGM Lead Acid Batteries

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are designed differently than the traditional flooded battery, with a fiberglass separator to keep the electrolyte in place and absorb the battery acid. AGM has a low internal resistance and can deliver high currents when needed, and offers a long life span, even when deep cycled.

Benefits

Spill-Proof 

Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries that freely flood their electrolytes, AGM batteries have fiberglass mats that prevent this.

Long Lifespan 

AGM batteries have a longer lifespan and can serve for a more extended period when they perform the same task. AGM charges up to five times faster than the flooded battery.

Durable

The AGM batteries were initially designed for use in military aircraft, which means they have a sturdy design that accounts for power, reliability, safety, and weight.

Gel Lead Acid Batteries

Gel batteries are similar to AGM, but they use a thick paste instead of a fiberglass mat. The significant difference between Gel and AGM batteries is the charge rate. AGM batteries can handle higher charge as well as discharge rates compared to gel batteries. 

Gel batteries contain a silica type gel that the battery electrolyte is suspended. This thick paste-like material permits electrons to run between plates but will not leak from the battery if the case is broken.

Benefits

Maintenance Free 

Because the batteries are designed with gel instead of liquid, there is nearly no maintenance required to keep the battery working correctly.

No leaks  

Get batteries are sealed in a plastic encasement with a valve that removes extra pressure.

Longer Lifespan in Extreme Weather - Gel batteries prevent electrolytes from being evaporated in high temperatures or frozen in low temperatures, which keeps the battery in high performance even in extreme weather.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

A lithium-ion battery has become popular in recent years. It is an advanced battery technology that uses lithium-ion as a primary component of its electrochemistry. Lithium batteries are renowned for their longevity. These batteries have been the top choice for rechargeable batteries for nearly two decades as they can last about 5000 charge cycles.

Benefits

High Energy Density 

High energy density is one of the significant advantages of lithium-ion batteries. With electronic equipment needing to operate longer between charges while still consuming power, there is always a need for batteries with a significantly higher energy density.

Low Self-Discharge Rate 

One problem with many rechargeable batteries is the self-discharge rate. Lithium batteries can sit without use for a long time and still power up when needed.

Low Maintenance 

Lithium-ion batteries do not need watering like lead-acid counterparts, reducing the maintenance cost.

Final Thoughts

By choosing the right golf cart battery based on the way you use your cart, you can ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. An ideal golf cart battery will cut down on your maintenance cost and guarantee your cart starts every time you want to use it.

Need advice on which battery type is a perfect match for your golf cart? Ask the experts at Golf Cart Garage!

Updated May 4, 2022 by Golf Cart Garage