2025 Guide to Choosing the Best Lithium Golf Cart Battery
With the continuous development of new energy, now in 2025, lithium batteries are changing people's choice of power when using golf carts. There are many lithium battery models available on the market, among which the more popular models are 36V 100Ah and 48V 100Ah, which have longer driving range, less maintenance costs and higher safety compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
In this article, we will help you choose the best lithium battery for your golf cart. Let's start exploring how to find the right lithium battery for your needs in 2025.
Why Choose Lithium Over Lead-Acid Batteries?
For many golf cart owners or fleets, almost everyone has used lead-acid batteries (including flooded, AGM and gel types). Although they are affordable up front, they have some very obvious disadvantages. For example, the batteries are heavy, require regular maintenance, and have a short lifespan. Therefore, it will cost you more time to maintain them, or even replace them frequently.
Since lithium batteries became popular, everyone has started to upgrade their golf cart batteries, especially lithium iron phosphate batteries, which can effectively solve these problems. Their lightweight design can reduce the burden on the golf cart motor and improve handling. Generally speaking, the service life of lithium batteries can be extended to 5-10 years, while lead-acid batteries are only 3-5 years, which means that if you use lithium iron phosphate batteries, the replacement frequency will be significantly reduced.
In addition, lithium batteries do not require the maintenance of lead-acid batteries, such as regular watering or cleaning of corrosion. Their high energy density ensures continuous power, keeping your golf cart running smoothly even at low power levels.
You can also see the difference between lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries in the table below:
| Feature | Lithium Battery | Lead-Acid Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 77–88 lbs (30% lighter) | 123–125 lbs |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years (3000–5000 cycles) | 3–5 years (500–1000 cycles) |
| Maintenance | Maintenance-free | Watering, corrosion cleaning |
| Performance | Consistent power at low charge | Power drops as charge depletes |
| Charging Speed | 5x faster (4–6 hours) | Slower (8–12 hours) |
For example, the Temgo 48V lithium golf cart battery weighs about 87.1 lbs, while the lead-acid battery weighs 132.27 lbs, which is at least 30% more efficient.
For more information, you can also read the article: Lithium vs. Lead Acid
Key Features to Look for in a Golf Cart Lithium Battery
Choosing the best 36V or 48V lithium battery for your golf cart requires understanding these important factors to help you select a battery that meets your needs:
Capacity (Ah)
Measured in ampere-hours (Ah), capacity determines the battery's ability to store energy, which directly affects how far your cart can travel per charge. For golfers who play 18 holes a day, or drive up to 40-50 miles per session, a higher capacity (such as a 48V 100Ah golf cart battery) will ensure you don't run out of power during a game, and you can get 40-60 miles of range, while a 50Ah battery will only give you 20-30 miles. Therefore, choosing a battery with the capacity you need to travel can effectively avoid range issues.
Voltage（V）
The voltage must match your cart's electrical system (typically a 48V system in modern golf carts) to ensure efficient operation and avoid damage. Mismatches (e.g., using a 36V battery in a 48V system) can reduce cart performance or damage components.
Therefore, before purchasing a lithium battery for your golf cart, confirming voltage compatibility is critical for seamless integration.
Cycle Life
Battery cycle life indicates the number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can withstand before significant capacity loss, which affects your long-term reliability and cost.
Lithium batteries have a cycle life of 3000-5000 times, while lead-acid batteries only have 500-1000 times, which means that lithium batteries require significantly fewer replacements in 5-10 years. The high cycle life of lithium batteries ensures long-term performance and saves costs and hassles.
Need to upgrade to a 4000+ deep cycle lithium battery for your golf cart? You can browse the Temgo shop to select the right golf cart lithium battery for your store's needs.
Weight
Lighter batteries improve the maneuverability and energy efficiency of golf carts, which is critical for golfers who navigate hilly terrain or seek a smoother ride. Lithium batteries weigh 77-88 lbs (for example, Temgo's 48V battery weighs about 87.1 lbs), which is about 30% lighter than lead-acid batteries' 123-125 lbs, reducing motor load and extending driving range by at least 10%.
Safety (Battery Management System)
BMS protects against risks such as overcharging, overheating, and short circuits, solving safety risks for you. For example, thermal runaway, a rare and serious risk that can cause a fire (occurring in only 1% of low-quality batteries), is prevented by a powerful BMS built into lithium batteries. Temgo's smart BMS supports real-time battery status detection through the lithium battery's external display or mobile phone connection Temgo APP, and includes a battery balancing function to ensure that performance remains stable.
Here is a detailed description of the Temgo BMS functions so that you can have a clearer understanding of what safety risks it can solve for you:
| BMS Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Overcharge Protection | Prevents voltage spikes, extending lifespan |
| Cell Balancing | Ensures even charge distribution, boosting range |
| Thermal Monitoring | Detects overheating, reducing fire risk |
| Short-Circuit Protection | Stops electrical faults, enhancing safety |
Long-Term Cost Benefits of Lithium Batteries
Golf cart lithium batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, costing as much as $1,800 to $5,000, compared to $600 to $2,500 for lead-acid batteries.
However, choosing lithium batteries is a much more affordable option in the long run, as they have a longer lifespan, require no maintenance, and are energy efficient. There are some hidden costs, such as charger upgrades ($50 to $270) or professional installation ($100 to $500).
You can also choose a golf cart lithium battery kit from Temgo, we have 36V and 48V for you to purchase.
Using lithium batteries can save you $650 to $1,300 in the long run (5-10 years) (Explore Temgo shop battery deals)
| Battery Type | Initial Cost | Replacements | Maintenance | Additional Costs | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-Acid (FLA) | $800 | $1,600 (2) | $600 | $200 (recycling) | $3,200 |
| Lead-Acid (AGM) | $1,200 | $1,200 (1) | $0 | $150 (recycling) | $2,550 |
| Lithium (LiFePO₄) | $1,800 | $0 | $0 | $100 (charger) | $1,900 |
If you are confused about the price of lithium batteries, you can read: Why Are Lithium Batteries So Expensive
How to Choose the Right Lithium Battery for Your Golf Cart
Evaluating lithium batteries for golf carts, including compatibility, capacity, budget, warranty, and sustainability, can help you make an informed decision:
Check compatibility with your golf cart
First, confirm that the battery matches the voltage and physical size of your golf cart to avoid performance issues or damage. Most modern golf carts use a 48V system, but some older models may require a 36V setup.
A voltage mismatch can reduce the efficiency of your cart or damage its components. Before purchasing a battery, it is recommended to check your cart manual or consult a technician to confirm the voltage (e.g., 48V or 36V) and make sure the battery matches the tray size (usually GC2 or GC8 size). For example, a 48V lithium battery will ensure smooth operation of an EZGO cart, while an improperly sized battery may result in additional costly rewiring.
Evaluate the capacity you need for your usage
Capacity determines how far your cart can travel on a single charge. For a golfer who plays golf 40-50 miles per week, you will need to purchase at least a 100Ah lithium battery to ensure this range, while an occasional golfer (e.g., 20 miles per week) can purchase a 50Ah.
You will also need to consider the route you will use your cart on, for example, hilly terrain or heavy loads (such as additional passengers) will require a higher capacity to maintain performance. A 100Ah battery will be needed to support a full day of play, while a 50Ah battery may need to be charged midday to meet the needs of long-distance play. Evaluate your usage patterns and choose a battery capacity that balances range and cost.
Evaluate budget and long-term value
The initial cost of a lithium battery is $1,800 to $5,000, which is higher than the $600 to $2,500 of a lead-acid battery, but the long-term cost savings are significant due to its long service life of 8 to 10 years and no maintenance.
Lead-acid batteries need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, and maintenance supplies cost $50 to $100 per year. You can reduce your purchase cost through seasonal offers or discounts posted by manufacturers, but avoid buying cheap, low-quality batteries that lack safety features and may fail in 1 to 2 years.
For example, a $2,000 lithium battery will save you $1,200 to $1,800 over 10 years compared to a lead-acid battery, making it an affordable option for golfers who use batteries frequently.
Prioritize warranty and support
A good warranty (5-10 years) ensures reliability and protects your investment, addressing battery failure issues. Lithium batteries typically have longer warranties than lead-acid batteries (1-3 years), reflecting their 2,000-4,000 cycle life. So check the warranty before purchasing to see what coverage is for defects or capacity loss (e.g., 80% capacity after 2,000 cycles). It is also important to have a manufacturer brand that provides you with customer support to help you troubleshoot problems such as error codes or installation difficulties.
Consider the environmental impact of sustainability
Choose batteries with recyclable components to reduce environmental harm. Lead-acid batteries have a disposal fee of $10 to $100 due to the toxic lead they contain. Lithium batteries are recyclable, with a 90% to 95% recyclable material rate, and can reduce CO2 emissions by 20% over 10 years compared to lead-acid batteries.
We also provide you with more detailed suggestions on choosing the most suitable lithium battery for you according to different brands or voltage systems. You can also read related articles:
36V vs 48V Lithium Golf Cart Batteries: Which is Best
How to choose lithium batteries for yamaha golf carts
How to choose lithium batteries for club car golf carts
How to choose lithium batteries for EZGO golf carts
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Lithium Batteries
Installing and maintaining golf cart lithium batteries is simple, no need to worry about complicated setup. Here’s how to ensure optimal performance:
Installation Steps
Safety protection, wear gloves and disconnect the cart from the power supply.
Remove the old battery, for heavy lead-acid batteries (50-100 kg), use a battery remover. Clean the tray to remove corrosion.
Install the lithium battery, use the recommended bracket to secure the battery.
Connect the terminals, according to the golf cart wiring diagram, connect the positive/negative terminals with a torque of 5 Nm.
Check the voltage, use a multimeter to confirm voltage system compatibility. Charge if necessary.
For more detailed installation instructions, you can also read: How To Install a 36V or 48V Lithium Battery In Your Golf Cart
Maintenance Tips
Charge regularly, charge at 20-30% to maximize cycle life.
Cleaning, wipe the terminals monthly to prevent dust accumulation and ensure optimal conductivity.
Temperature management, store indoors, below -10°C or above 50°C.
Damage inspection, check for dents or leaks quarterly.
For more detailed maintenance instructions you can also read: How to Maintain Your Lithium Golf Cart Battery
Common Problems Troubleshooting
If the range drops suddenly, check for loose connections or low charge (less than 20%).
If the battery feels hot, stop using it.
If your battery displays an error code, consult the battery manual for steps such as resetting the system.
How to Convert Your Golf Cart to Lithium Batteries
Replacing Golf Cart Lithium Batteries A 48V conversion kit can improve performance, but can be complicated. Here's a simplified guide:
1. Identify voltage and capacity: Check your golf cart system (e.g., six 8V lead-acid batteries = 48V). A 100Ah lithium battery provides standard range, while a 150Ah lithium battery can extend range.
2. Remove the lead-acid battery: Disconnect the cables, paying attention to the terminal connections. Clean the tray to install the lighter lithium battery.
3. Install the lithium battery: Place Temgo's 48V kit in the tray with the included accessories. The kit works with most golf carts, including Yamaha and EZGO.
4. Set up the parallel busbars: Connect the batteries to the controller and accessories (e.g., charger, meter) using busbars for parallel wiring.
5. Complete the connection: Secure the cables with zip ties and make sure the circuit breaker is on. Temgo kits include a waterproof charging port.
Yamaha golf cart lithium batteries with Temgo 48V 100Ah kit, the range of lead-acid batteries increased by 20% (55 miles vs. 45 miles). The whole process only takes 1-2 hours, easy to DIY. Ready to upgrade? Temgo's conversion kit simplifies the process, come and check it out.
Performance and Range: How Far Can a Lithium Battery
Range depends on capacity, terrain, load, and driving habits. For example, a 48V 100Ah battery will typically have a range of 40-60 miles.
Capacity and range: A 100Ah battery can provide 100 amps for 1 hour, or 10A for 10 hours. With an average current draw of 15A, the estimated range is 6.7 hours (100Ah÷115A = 6.7 hours).
Range estimate: At 20 mph (32 km/h), the range is 40-50 miles (6.7 hours× 20 mph). Hilly terrain may reduce the range to 40 miles, while a flat track can reach 60 miles.
Range at different capacities
| Capacity | Flat Terrain | Hilly Terrain | Heavy Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50Ah | 25 miles | 20 miles | 18 miles |
| 100Ah | 50 miles | 40 miles | 35 miles |
| 150Ah | 75 miles | 60 miles | 55 miles |
Factors that affect range
Terrain: Hilly terrain reduces range by 15-20% due to heavy load on the motor.
Load: Additional passengers reduce range by 5-10%. A 200 kg load reduces the range of a 100Ah battery to 35 miles.
Driving habits: Fast acceleration increases fuel consumption by 10%. Steady driving maintains range.
Weather: Cold weather (below 0°C) reduces battery capacity by 10%.
Other Applications Of Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries power far more than golf carts, their lightweight design, long cycle life and safety features solve many common problems:
RV camping: 12V lithium batteries provide long-term power for appliances on long trips.
Sea trolling: Lithium batteries high energy density allows them to last 40% longer. Temgo IP65-rated batteries withstand vibration and moisture.
Solar energy storage: 3000-4000 cycles ensure reliable off-grid power.
Industrial equipment: Stable power and maintenance-free operation increase efficiency. Temgo battery management system (BMS) prevents downtime.
Conclusion
In 2025, golf cart lithium batteries will provide reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly power, solving common problems such as short driving range, high maintenance costs and short service life. Lithium batteries have high energy density, long cycle life and battery management system to ensure continuous power supply and cost savings.
Temgo's 48V lithium battery is fully protected by intelligent BMS and supports dual real-time monitoring to provide you with a sustainable power solution. Whether upgrading EZGO golf cart lithium batteries or exploring golf cart lithium battery conversion kits, the right battery can enhance your driving experience.
Ready to power your golf cart with high-performance lithium batteries? Visit the Temgo product page to explore 36V and 48V options that fit your needs. Start a longer-lasting, easier driving experience today.
