While the batteries used in golf carts will last for many years if looked after correctly, they will eventually need to be replaced when the time comes.
But how do you know which are the best golf cart batteries to get?
Like any other rechargeable battery, those you use in a golf cart will, over time, not function as well, primarily after they’ve been recharged frequently. These batteries are made using certain chemicals and, like any other battery, will only have a limited lifespan.
If they are often used, they will not function as well as they were new. As soon as you notice deterioration in the effectiveness of the batteries in a golf cart, you should arrange to have them replaced.
To help you decide which are the best golf cart batteries to buy, we provide some information you will find helpful.
5 Features You Must Consider When Buying A Golf Cart Battery
With such a wide selection of golf cart batteries to choose from, deciding which is your best option can prove challenging. However, if you keep the following features in mind, you’ll be able to find the batteries that will best suit your requirements.
Voltage
The first thing you need to look at is what the golf cart’s voltage is. These days golf carts are either 36 or 48 volts. So what this means is that for a 36-volt golf cart, you’ll need to install six x 6-volt batteries. A 48-volt golf cart will require six x 8-volt batteries or four x 12-volt batteries.
The easiest way to tell the batteries’ voltage in a golf cart is by the number of cells or holes. An 8-volt battery has four cells or holes, whilst a 6-volt battery will have three, and a 12-volt battery has 6.
However, please note it isn’t recommended that you change from 6 or 8-volt batteries in a golf cart to 12-volt ones. This is because the 6-volt and 8-volt batteries have a higher Ah rating. Plus, the 8-volt batteries will have more lead plates in them.
Dimensions
When it comes to golf cart batteries, you will find that they do vary in size. The 12-volt batteries are much longer, whereas the 8-volt and 6-volt batteries tend to be taller.
This is important to note as the space in which the batteries sit may not have sufficient space to allow you to change to a different voltage battery.
Generally, 12-volt golf cart batteries measure 12.96 x 7.13 x 11.13 inches; as for 8-volt batteries, these measure 10.27 x 7.10 x 11.14 inches. As for 6-volt batteries, this measures in at 10.30 x 7.13 x 11.15 inches.
You also need to know where the terminals are located, as you don’t want to stretch the cables over the top to connect them to the cart’s power unit.
Battery Type: SLA, AGM, or Lithium
These days you’ll find that the cost and lifespan of these three types of batteries do vary somewhat. Again it is best if you replace your current batteries with precisely the same kind.
Pros & cons of lithium batteries
PROS
✔️ Lightweight
✔️ The cost to maintain is lower
✔️ Longer lifespan
CONS
❌ Require a special charger
❌ Need to change the wiring in the golf cart
❌ Up to 2 to 5 times more expensive
Pros & cons of SLA batteries
PROS
✔️ Cheap price
✔️ Easily rechargeable
✔️ High power output
CONS
❌ Very heavy
❌ Tend to be larger because the power density of voltage batteries is low
Pros & cons of AGM batteries
PROS
✔️ Spill-proof
✔️ Vibration and shock-resistant
✔️ Low self-discharge rate
✔️ Require no maintenance
CONS
❌ Are expensive to buy
❌ Sensitive to overcharging and high voltages
❌ Need a charger that is specifically for AGM batteries
Capacity (Ah) & Price
Each of the different batteries available for use in golf carts comes with a different Ah rating (capacity):
- 6-volt batteries have a rating of between 225 and 250 Ah.
- 8-volt batteries, these have a rating of between 165 and 170 Ah.
- 12-volt batteries, these come with a rating of between 100 and 155 Ah.
As well as looking at the battery’s capacity, it would be best to consider how much the batteries would cost. You may be surprised to find that batteries that come with a higher Ah rating aren’t worth the additional cost.
To work out which batteries would be best to buy, just work out the cost per Amp Hour. To do this, you simply take the price of the battery and divide this by the battery Ah rating.
So, for example, if one 8-volt battery you are buying costs $140 and has an Ah rating of 170. To find out how much the battery will cost per Amp hour, you divide 140 x 170. This gives you a final figure of $0.823.
Charger
The battery charger needs to match the golf cart batteries’ voltage. If it doesn’t, you can cause quite a lot of damage to the batteries, and they will need to be replaced a lot quicker.
Some golf cart batteries use a different algorithm to charge them. If the wrong kind of charge is applied, this can cause the batteries to boil over. In such cases as this, it is best to invest in a DPI charger.
Please note that both Lithium and AGM batteries require a special charger with lithium and AGM mode. This ensures that the batteries don’t get damaged when being charged.
Also, you need to look closely at the connection that you will be plugging into the cart. It is crucial to make sure that you buy a charger that comes with a plug that will fit neatly into the golf cart’s charging point. Plus, as already mentioned, don’t forget that charging lithium and AGM batteries needs a special charger.
As long as you keep the above in mind, finding suitable batteries to use in a golf cart shouldn’t prove difficult. Now let us look at some of the best 6, 8, and 12-volt batteries for use in golf carts these days.
Best 8-Volt Golf Cart Batteries
As you will find, there is a wide selection of 8-volt batteries now available for use in golf carts. But these are two of the best that we would recommend you think about investing in.
Trojan T875 Battery
This 8-volt battery is ideal for golf carts that already use this size battery.
This battery measures 10.27 x 7.10 x 11.14 inches and comes with an Ah rating of 170. It is a deep-cycle wet lead-acid battery. It does weigh more than some other batteries, coming in at 63 lbs. Also, it is essential to note that you need to invest in a special charger to recharge these batteries.
Pros
- Extremely durable due to the rugged case
- It comes with a 12-month free replacement warranty
- Great customer service
- Multi-functional – can be used not only in golf carts but also in RV’s
- Highly recommended by users on most golf cart forums
- Famous for its extended lifespan from 8 – 10 + years
Cons
- Sometimes there may be a build-up of acid on the batteries cables
Who Should Buy This Battery?
You should buy these batteries if you know that the golf carts require regular recharging, as these last longer and come at an affordable price.
Check Price at AmazonDuracell GC8 Battery
When it comes to golf cart batteries, you probably don’t think of Duracell producing such products. However, they are very popular with many these days.
This battery measures 10.25 x 7.125 x 11.125 inches and has a slightly lower Ah rating compared to the previous one of 165. Plus, as it is also a lead-acid battery, it weighs quite a bit at 68 lbs. Again, you will also need to invest in the right kind of charger to recharge these batteries once installed in the golf cart.
Pros
- Require less recharging and watering
- Protected against vibration and terminal corrosion
- Very durable
Cons
- Must be positioned to prevent acid from leaking out
- These do not hold their charge as long as other similar batteries
Who Should Buy This Battery?
Suppose you own several golf carts used frequently and won’t run out of power any time soon. Then you should consider investing in these as they can run for 6.58 hours (395 minutes) at 25 amps, providing those using them with more than enough time to finish 18 holes.
Best 6-Volt Golf Cart Batteries
As with the 8-volt golf cart batteries, you will find several different makes of 6-volt ones to choose from. But we take a look at a few that we think may best suit your needs.
Trojan T-105 Plus Battery
This wet lead-acid battery measures 10.375 x 7.125 x 10.875 inches and is heavy as you would expect with such batteries. Each one of these batteries weighs in at 55 lbs.
You will need to make sure that if you are buying these batteries, you have the right kind of charger to recharge them when necessary. Trojan recommends that you use a smart 3-stage charger. This will allow for a charge rate of between 10 and 13% of the battery’s capacity.
As with all 6-volt batteries, these come with a higher capacity compared to 8 or 12-volt ones. The actual Ah rating of this particular battery is 225.
Pros
- Have a long lifespan
- Require very little maintenance
- It can be used in a variety of different vehicles
- Very dependable
Cons
- You will require a smart/automatic charger
Who Should Buy It?
If you are looking for batteries that will provide a reliable power source to a golf cart, these are the ones for you. The thicker plates help it to deliver less peak current as well as can withstand frequent discharges.
Check Price at AmazonVMaxTanks 6 Volt Battery
These AGM batteries are a lot smaller but do weigh more than the above-mentioned 6-volt battery. These particular batteries measure 9.5 x 7.3 x 11 inches and weigh 72 lbs. However, they, like the Trojan T-105 Plus, have a capacity rating of 225Ah.
But as these use AGM technology, there are certain advantages to using such batteries in golf carts. Also, as with lead-acid batteries, these require you to use a special charger with AGM mode to recharge them.
Pros
- Are maintenance-free
- Will discharge electricity slowly
- Are vibration resistant
Cons
- Cost more because of the higher manufacturing costs
- Can be sensitive to overcharging
Who Should Buy It?
If you want golf cart batteries that require little or no maintenance, these from VMAXTanks are ideal. They require no maintenance, as there isn’t any need to top them up with water. Plus, these batteries can provide for up to 500 minutes before they need recharging.
Check Price at AmazonLife GPL-4CT Marine AGM Battery
Lifeline GPL-4CT is made using AGM technology to cope with being used in all kinds of weather.
This particular battery measures 10.26 x 7.06 x 9.92 inches and weighs a lot less than the above-mentioned AGM battery at 66 lbs.
But even though it weighs less, it has a capacity rating of 220 Ah to provide your engines with endless power. No worry about running out of power anymore.
It’s expensive but totally worth the investment for your golf cart.
Pros
- Made in USA!
- Are leak and spill-proof
- It comes with a 12-month free replacement warranty
Cons
- Need to be careful that they don’t get overcharged
- Should be kept out of direct sunlight as heat sensitive
Best 12-Volt Golf Cart Batteries
Again there is an extensive selection of 12-volt batteries now available that can be used to provide power to golf carts. Below are 3 of the best we think you may want to consider buying.
VMAX Xtr12-155 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
VMAX Xtr12-155 AGM deep cycle batteries are among the best as they have a lifespan of between 8 and 10 years before they need replacing.
Each of these batteries measures 12.9 x 6.9 x 10.8 inches and weighs 91lbs. Unlike the 6-volt and 8-volt batteries discussed above, this one only has a capacity rating of 155Ah. So, of course, they will need recharging a lot quicker as they only can provide power for 325 minutes at 25 amps.
Pros
- Reliable and durable
- Have a long lifespan
- Faster charge delivery and superior deep cycle capabilities
- Come with a 12-month free replacement warranty
Cons
- May find that they are not compatible with all golf carts
- Need to check often to ensure that there is no corrosion
Who Should Buy It?
People looking for batteries for golf carts that provide power when needed the most, say when traveling uphill, then this is the perfect choice for them.
Check Price at AmazonAmpere TimeAP-100 LiFePO4 12V 100Ah
This lithium-phosphate battery from Ampere is among the lightest ones that can be used in golf carts. It weighs only 24.25 lbs, so your golf cart will have plus about 200 pounds lighter than installing 4 lead-acid/AGM batteries.
It is essential that the capacity rating of this battery is a lot lower compared to some others coming in at just 100Ah. However, it can provide the necessary amount of power a golf cart needs. These Ampere Time AP-100 still have a 60% charge after 18 holes of golf.
It is recommended that you should buy a smart charger supporting LiFePO4 battery charging.
Pros
- Have high charge rates
- Provides 2,000-5,000 cycles
- Are vibration resistant
- Can hold the voltage at around 12.8-13.8V
Cons
- Not able to charge at low temperatures
- Requires a battery maintenance system
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for batteries for golf carts that can hold 12.8 volts for an extended period of time should consider this one. It can maintain this type of capacity for up to 95% of the capacity usage.
Check Price at AmazonCHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12v 100Ah
Another lithium battery is suitable for use in a wide range of different golf carts.
This particular battery from CHINS measures 12.95 x 6.77 x 8.43 inches and weighs in at 23.80 lbs. But like the previous lithium batteries you can use in golf carts, this one comes with a capacity rating of only 100Ah.
Pros
- Much lighter than AGM battery, with only 24.2 pounds
- Higher charging rate
- Voltage remains constant
- No maintenance required
Cons
- Are expensive to buy
- Not able to charge them at low temperatures, need a smart charger with Lithium mode
- Must replace like for like
Who Should Buy It?
It is ideal for anyone who wants to use them in golf carts and RV’s, camper vans, or, say, a houseboat. This is because their discharge rate remains constant for much longer.
Check Price at Amazon
If you keep in mind the information provided above, finding the best golf cart batteries to meet your needs shouldn’t prove difficult.
