How Long Will an Electric Golf Cart Go on a Full Battery Charge? How Long Does it Take to Charge?
Last Updated: December 28, 2021
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Golf cart batteries are powerful deep cycle cells designed to supply a consistent amount of power or to be deeply discharged. They are highly versatile power sources that are used across a multitude of industries for a variety of applications.
How Long Does a Golf Cart Battery Take to Charge? #
The length of time it take a golf cart battery to charge depends on the depth of discharge (DOD), which is how discharged or used the battery is, as well as the quality of the charger and the battery itself.
Batteries charge faster when they are plugged into a heavy-duty charger and are either new or in good condition and have a low DOD. A new battery with less than 30 percent charge left, on a heavy-duty charger, can reach a full charge in one to three hours. Chargers with less output take more time to bring the battery to a full charge. If the batteries are a few years old, with a higher DOD (say, 80 percent) using a charger with a small power output can take upwards of ten hours. Using a heavy-duty charger for older batteries drastically reduces charge times.
How Long Will a Cart Last Fully Charged? #
Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times. The load the cart is carrying, terrain it is navigating, the weather, and the condition of the battery also impact the amount of time a full charge lasts. However, if you are not getting at least 45 minutes worth of ride time from your battery, it is probably time to get a new one.
How Much Does an Electric Golf Cart Battery Cost? #
The cost of an electric golf cart battery is based on the voltage of the battery, brand of the battery, and whether you purchase a single battery or a pack. What follows is a general pricing guide to provide an idea of what you can expect to pay for your golf cart battery.
- A single golf cart battery has an average cost between $50 and $400, depending on the brand of the unit and the features it offers.
- Premium brand batteries that offer additional features have an average cost between $300 and $400.
- Battery packs (multiple batteries) have an average cost between $800 and $1,500, but may cost as much as $2,000.
The best way to get the most for your dollar is to check the cart's manual and see what the proper voltage is. That way, you get the right power at the right price.
Getting the Most Out of Your Golf Cart Battery #
Frequently replacing the batteries in your golf cart can get expensive over time, as can constantly recharging them. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to ensure you get the most from your golf cart battery.
To start, let's look at charging. Overcharging a golf cart battery is an easy way to damage it and reduce its overall lifespan. The best thing to do is use an automatic charger that turns itself off when finished. When a manual charger must be used, it is imperative that you remember to turn it off. It is recommended that you charge a golf cart battery every day that you use it, as lead-acid batteries do not last as long if they are completely discharged.
It is also important that you keep your battery well maintained, checking the water level and looking for any corrosion. Be sure to switch off your lights, radio, or other accessories to prevent battery drain, as even the smallest light bulb can lead to fully discharging the battery. To maximize battery life, try to avoid driving up steep hills or overloading the cart with extra weight.
Following these steps should get you more life from your golf cart battery and more distance between charges. However, when it is time for your battery to be replaced, don't drag out the process. Once the existing battery has run its course, recycle the unit and purchase a new one.