Everything You Need to Know About Lithium Golf Cart Battery Conversion
Interested in switching or upgrading to golf cart lithium batteries? Learn all you need to know about lithium golf cart battery conversion here.
Are you done with managing lead-acid batteries for your golf cart all the time? Then read up, converting to lithium golf cart batteries will increase performance and expand range, while decreasing the amount of time that you spend worrying about your batteries.
Let's explore what changing out those lead acid batteries can do for that golfing experience of yours! When you convert your golf cart from a lead acid to lithium battery there are so many advantages like enhanced performance as well as increased longevity in terms of how far it can take you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Upgrading to lithium golf cart batteries offers improved performance, longer range and reduced maintenance.
- It is important to upgrade when lead-acid batteries display signs of corrosion or capacity diminishes.
- Lithium golf cart battery conversion provides long term benefits despite the initial expense. Proper care and check ups can extend its lifespan.
Why Upgrade to Lithium Golf Cart Batteries
Switch from lead-acid to lithium batteries and you will notice a dramatic difference in your golf cart. These new types of batteries offer greater performance, an extended range compared with their older predecessors, as well as less maintenance requirements.
Stop struggling needlessly with those old acid cells. Exploit the advantages that come along with using lithium technology instead!
Safety is another factor to consider when making this changeover. Lithium golf carts are suitable for indoor storage while not leaching any dangerous chemicals into the air – giving owners peace of mind knowing they can view all relevant data on how much charge remains at any time too.
Forget about tending laboriously after lead-acid models and enjoy convenient charging capabilities that come hand in hand with these more modern power sources!
Related: Read about the dangers of battery acid found in Flooded Lead Acid batteries.
Converting Lead Acid to Lithium Golf Cart Batteries
A golf cart battery lithium conversion substitutes lead-acid batteries with lithium ones that are compatible and suitable for the voltage required by the golf cart. A power box, charger, wiring harnesses and connectors peculiar to your particular make of a golf cart must be bought in order to undertake this upgrade.
Our battery is among popular models used for such conversions, which makes them relatively smooth processes.
Although the initial cost of lithium replacement batteries can seem high, they offer exceptional lifetime value. Plus there are various advantages associated with using these types of batteries including features like Bluetooth monitoring, lighter weight and more capacity making it an outstanding long term investment despite initial expenses incurred.
When to upgrade your golf cart to lithium batteries
It is essential to be aware of the ideal time for upgrading your golf cart batteries. If they are degraded, losing their capacity or require a lot of upkeep, it's an appropriate moment to substitute them.
A full charge and discharge test can measure if the battery life fits in with what was expected from its range capabilities. Also, when after being completely charged there is diminished mileage then perhaps this means that these batteries need replacing too.
Batteries are damaged
The old lead acid batteries in your golf cart may be near the end of their lifespan if visual indicators, such as corrosion on terminals and swelling of battery cases, are present.
This can decrease the efficiency of your vehicle, making it sluggish and reduce the driving distance of the vehicle. And any signs that dangerous battery acid has leaked will also indicate the need to change your batteries.
Upgrading your golf cart to lithium batteries could revive your golf cart's capabilities drastically. Old lead acid ones should be exchanged for these modern alternatives so that you experience maximum benefits with improved energy efficiency over time.
Battery Capacity is diminishing
The performance of your golf cart may suffer from a reduced battery capacity, resulting in slow acceleration, short driving range and lengthy charging times. Corrosion, cracks or even bulges can also occur if the lead acid batteries are not replaced soon enough.
If it's difficult to climb an incline and there is inadequate power output for long journeys, then you need to consider investing in lithium golf cart batteries as they will provide an optimum discharge rates greater than those currently installed on your vehicle.
Too much battery maintenance
Maintaining golf cart batteries properly is essential for their long-term operation. Overcharging a lead acid battery can cause corrosion, cracking or bulging and must be avoided.
If you're noticing that your battery takes longer to charge than usual, runs out of power quickly or displays signs such as acid leaking from it, a bulge in its casing or corrosion on its surface, then these may indicate that replacement is necessary.
You want better battery performance
If the golf cart battery performance is not up to par, then consider switching it out with a lithium-based one. Various signs of underperformance may be observed.
Such as decreased speed, shorter travel range between charges and struggles when going uphill. Physical deterioration like corrosion or bulging could indicate that the current battery needs replacing.
By upgrading your golf cart to lithium batteries, it will be as if you are driving an entirely new golf cart!
Choosing the Right Lithium Battery for Your Golf Cart
Finding the right lithium battery for a golf cart is important to ensure proper voltage and size compatibility.
Enduro Power Batteries offers quality lithium batteries at an affordable price, perfect as a power source for your cart. Overall value is determined by evaluating cost versus performance in order to get the most bang-for-your-buck when deciding on capacity of the new battery should be done before conversion occurs.
Matching Voltage Requirements
When seeking a lithium golf cart battery conversion, it is critical that the voltage of your device and the battery voltage are well-matched. Although some golf carts operate on 24V or 36V, the standard golf cart requires 48 volts to operate.
While this voltage can be achieved by connecting several smaller batteries in series, it is best to match the voltage requirements of your golf cart with those of your replacement batteries.
At Enduro Power Batteries, we offer a 48v lithium battery that is the best battery specifically designed to replace your old batteries in one battery pack. No need to wire multiple 6 or 12 volt batteries in series to achieve 48 volts.
SHOP OUR GOLF CART LITHIUM BATTERIES FOR GOLFING APPLICATIONS
Properly Sized Batteries - Battery Capacity
Once you have decided what voltage batteries you require for your golf cart, you will need to be sure you know how much battery capacity you want in order to operate your vehicle.
To select the ideal replacement lithium battery, you should consider your golf cart's daily usage and current draw. Multiplying these two figures will give a good indication of what capacity is needed for satisfactory use during the conversion process.
With this data on hand, choosing an appropriately sized replacement battery can guarantee improved results after installation has been completed.
Because you are likely removing several old lead acid batteries and the efficiency and capacity in lithium batteries is so much greater than in their lead acid battery counterparrts, you can likely increase the battery capacity of your entire battery pack by connecting multiple batteries in parallel.
Once you match your vehicle required voltage with your new battery, you can decide how many amp hours of battery capacity you would like to install.
Our Enduro Power Battery 48v lithium golf cart batteries come with 50 amp hours capacity. If you were to install two of these batteries in parallel, then you’d have 100 amp hours of total battery capacity. Add another battery and you’ll have 150 amp hours capacity, and so forth.
"Drop In" Ready Battery Sizing
Not all batteries have the same dimensions. And so when converting your old batteries to new batteries you will want to ensure that the new lithium batteries are the same general size as the old ones.
This means that they are “drop in ready.” In other words, you can simply drop the new batteries in the battery tray compartment and simply connect the wires without needing to modify the compartment at all.
On the other hand, if you try to replace your old batteries with new batteries that are significantly larger or smaller then you will have issues properly securing them.
Enduro Power Battery offers drop-in ready lithium batteries for your golf cart battery upgrade so the only thing you need to do is to consider how many of our Endurance Rated batteries you want to install to get the best performance from your golf cart.
Preparing Your Golf Cart for Conversion
When it comes to converting your golf cart to lithium batteries, it's essential that the proper steps are taken. This includes disconnecting the main cables for both the positive and negative connections and any cables while also verifying compatibility of existing batteries.
To make sure everything goes as planned when switching out for a new battery, one should follow these instructions carefully or reach out to an expert if uncertain about anything involved in this process.
If done correctly with preparation beforehand, then you will be set up for success with your upgraded lithium powered vehicle!
Evaluating Current Batteries
If you are not entirely sold on the idea of upgrading your golf cart battery pack to lithium batteries, you will want to check the status of your existing batteries.
To check the status of your batteries, use a multimeter to measure their voltage individually in the battery rack. You can also charge it up completely and then connect it with a 48V discharging device or go for resistance testing or hydrometer techniques.
Identifying if you need lithium batteries is significant for a successful transition process. Hence, evaluating your present power supply should be taken into account.
But if you’ve already done your research, you know that a lithium battery offers far superior performance and our specific 48v golf cart battery is the best battery on the market at the best price and value.
Checking Compatibility
Ensuring compatibility between the golf cart and lithium batteries is of utmost importance when converting to a lithium battery system. Check that your golf cart's voltage and amperage requirements can be met with a lithium battery before making any changes.
As discussed above, it is vital to know whether your golf cart operates on 24 volts, 36 volts or 48 volts to ensure that you have the most compatible battery upgrade.
For added safety, it is best practice to get advice from an expert or contact the vehicle manufacturer for information on whether their model is suitable for such conversion. Otherwise, serious damage could occur due to improper fitting of incompatible components.
Conversion Process: Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to take advantage of the many benefits that come with lithium batteries, it is important to carefully convert your golf cart. Evaluate existing power sources, make sure they are compatible and then move on to installing a new battery before setting up a charging system.
If this process seems overwhelming, hire an electrician for help completing the job properly. But most customers are able to replace their lead acid battery with one of our lithium batteries relatively easily with the whole process taking only an hour or so.
By following these steps closely one can successfully switch their golf carts over from traditional energy sources to reliable lithium technology!
Installing the Lithium Battery
To successfully convert to a lithium battery for optimal golf cart performance, power must be disconnected and the old lead-acid batteries removed. Disconnect the main cable from the negative battery terminal, or terminals if multiple batteries are connected in series or parallel.
After disconnecting the negative cables, disconnect the positive cables.
Look for visual signs of rust or corrosion and be sure to clean the battery tray before installing the new lithium one. Once installed correctly, the main cables from its terminals can then reconnected powering up your vehicle again.
Before removing the old batteries you will also need to remove the mounting straps that keep the battery in place.
Wiring and Connections
In order to successfully convert your golf cart battery system from the lead acid type to lithium, it is necessary that all wiring and connections are properly installed. The main positive and negative cable connectors should be separated first in the step described above.
Then inspect both cables for visual signs of corrosion or damage before replacing them if needed. Clean the cables, or replace them or the terminal connecters if needed before you install the new lithium battery.
If purchasing multiple lithium batteries, be sure to know whether you are connecting them in series or parallel, depending on whether you want to increase the battery pack voltage to the proper vehicle voltage or want to increase the overall battery’s capacity.
Connecting in Parallel: If you purchase one of our batteries that is the same voltage as your golf cart (ex: 48v golf cart power system that you install one or more 48 volt lithium batteries) then you can add multiple batteries connected in parallel to increase the battery’s capacity in amp hours.
For example, if you have the room for 3 of our 48V 50 Ah lithium batteries, then you can increase the total capacity of the battery pack to 150 Ah (3 batteries x 50 Ah each).
Connecting in Series: If for some reason you decide to purchase multiple lithium batteries that are smaller than your vehicle’s power system, such as multiple 12v batteries you intend to fit into a 36v or 48 v golf cart, then you will need to connect these batteries in series.
For example, you can connect 4 x 12v lithium batteries together in series to achieve 48 volts (4 x 12V = 48v). The battery bank will have the same capacity as what is stated on each battery (ex: 12V 100 Ah) but you will achieve the higher voltage required by your golf cart.
Related: Learn more about how to connect batteries in series and parallel.
Connecting the main cables
To complete this step in the conversion process, a positive cable must run from the lithium battery pack's primary connection up to the keyswitch as well as another red/yellow colored wire connecting between those two components.
It helps to take a photo before you disconnect the old batteries because you can just reconnect the new batteries in the same manner using the existing cables.
Remember, always connect the positive cables first, followed by the negative ones. Once the new battery or batteries are in place, reconnect the mounting straps to secure the battery in the golf cart.
Setting Up the Charging System
For the optimal performance and longevity of your lithium golf cart battery, make sure you are using a compatible charger for LiFePO4 batteries. Opting in for an automatic model that turns off once fully charged will avoid overcharging risks.
You will also want to have a proper battery charger that is sized to the same voltage as each battery in your battery pack.
For example: If you have 2 x 48v lithium batteries connected in parallel you will want to purchase a 48v battery charger. On the other hand, if you have connected 4 x 12v lithium batteries to match your golf cart’s 48 volt system, you will want to use a 12v battery charger.
It is essential to set up the charging system correctly by following instructions from the manufacturer's website including voltage parameters which can be found there too. Charge it in well-ventilated areas.
Cost Considerations for Lithium Golf Cart Battery Conversion
A golf cart can be converted to use lithium batteries, which costs between $1,000 and $3,500+ depending on battery type as well as labor expenses and parts that could potentially be reused from the old system.
Although this might seem pricey initially, it pays off in the long run with extended life of your lithium golf cart battery thanks to faster charging times and fewer replacements compared to traditional batteries.
Plus a lithium battery is maintenance-free and, unlike lead acid batteries, can be run down to virtually zero capacity (depth of discharge) without damaging the battery. And weight is always a factor. When you install lithium batteries in place of lead acid batteries you will reduce the weight by at least half.
Take into account all these factors when deciding whether or not you should undertake a conversion – assessing things like pricing for components including lithium-ion ones plus possible savings is essential before making any decisions about switching out your current cart's power source.
Battery and Component Costs
The price of batteries and components for a conversion to lithium can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousands dollars, particularly with lithium-ion versions.
To get the highest quality at the best rate when upgrading your golf cart's battery system, it is worth doing some research and shopping around comparison prices of different types of lithium cells available.
Our Enduro Power Batteries are best in class that offer exceptional value over the life of the battery and come with a 10 year warranty to back up the quality of our design.
Labor Expenses
When converting a golf cart to lithium batteries, labor expenses can be substantial. Depending on the complexity of the work and technician expertise, prices may range as high as $100-$150 per hour.
To keep costs down, one could take on this job themselves or find assistance from an informed acquaintance instead of employing a professional service provider.
The installation process still requires basic mechanical knowledge and some understanding of how batteries work. Enlisting someone who knows what they are doing would help tremendously with ensuring battery conversion success while saving money along the way!
Savings Opportunities Over Time
The use of lithium batteries in a golf cart could be an economically rewarding choice due to their extended battery life, more rapid charging times and fewer replacements. Cost reductions are possible with the lighter weight that comes from using this type of battery for your golf cart’s energy needs.
Despite the higher upfront costs associated with a lithium golf cart battery conversion, it can yield substantial long-term savings which makes investing in such conversion worthwhile.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Lithium Golf Cart Battery
To ensure the best performance from your lithium golf cart batteries, they need minimal upkeep. An essential step is to charge them completely after each use as this improves their capacity and lifespan while also keeping up power and performance levels.
Related: Consider investing in a trickle charger to keep your batteries topped off.
Storing these batteries in a cool dry space when not in use will help boost those same areas of usage for even better results over time.
By looking after your battery properly with regular maintenance such as charging it fully and placing it securely in an appropriate environment you can benefit immensely – longer range, improved strength outputs plus reduced repair costs all come into play.
A diligent attitude towards caring for your battery should result in lasting peak performances that guarantee satisfaction no matter how often you hit the golf course on four wheels!
Summary
To reap the benefits of a longer range, improved performance and lessened maintenance with your golf cart, converting from lead acid to a lithium golf cart battery is highly recommended.
Through understanding the conversion process as well as selecting an appropriate battery for your needs, upgrading to lithium should be straightforward.
Don't let aging lead-acid batteries limit what your cart can do. Make the switch now and experience it yourself!
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