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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert Golf Cart to Lithium Battery

David Lee
David Lee
—
13/08/2024

There’s no denying that golf is a favorite pastime in the US, with over 120 million Americans over the age of 5 having “played golf (on-course or off-course), followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast” in 2023. 

In the new The R&A and Sports Marketing Survey, it was reported that golfers worldwide (both club members and non-club independent golfers) playing nine or 18 holes are now 66.6 million.

“Golf is enjoying a real boom in popularity at the moment and we are seeing substantial increases in participation in many parts of the world, particularly in the last two years when the sport could be played safely outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said R&A chief development officer Phil Anderton. 

From helping individuals stay fit to fostering new friends, the benefits of this sport are plenty. However, to enjoy those perks, you must have the right equipment—golf clubs, balls, bags, apparel, and, of course, a golf cart. 

Usually, golf carts run on lead-acid batteries, but did you know they can perform better? That’s if they use golf cart lithium batteries. These dynamic batteries offer better range, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to convert a golf cart to a lithium battery from having a lead-acid battery, including the potential hurdles and rules for safety across the process. Let’s jump right in!

Should You Upgrade to Lithium Golf Cart Batteries?

While the United Nations Environment Programme shared that lead-acid batteries are the most widely used in the automotive and industrial sectors, there’s a type of battery that’s beginning to seize the spotlight: lithium batteries. 

A lithium golf cart battery is a revolutionary choice because of the following advantages: 

1. Weight reduction

A lithium golf cart battery isn’t as heavy as the lead-acid type. With the overall weight of your golf cart reduced, you can enhance your cart’s performance and handling.

For example, a lighter golf cart allows for quicker acceleration and easier maneuverability, especially on hilly terrains or tight corners. This reduction in weight also puts less strain on the motor and other components, potentially extending their lifespan.

Additionally, a lighter cart can improve energy efficiency, meaning your battery doesn’t have to work as hard to power the vehicle, leading to longer run times between charges.

A LiTime GC2 lithium golf cart battery weights only 21lbs, which is 70% lighter than lead acid golf cart battery.

light weight lithium golf cart battery

LiTime 48V 30Ah GC2 Lithium Golf Cart Battery

2. Quick charging

Everyone will chase a smartphone equipped with fast charging features. In the same way, golf cart batteries are too. Lithium batteries can charge faster, eliminating downtime and enabling golfers for more continuous use.

3. Longer cycle life

In addition, you may even charge and discharge these batteries several times before a golf cart battery replacement, pulling you away from the high costs.

The average lifespan of lead acid battery is 3-5 years, while lithium battery, with 4000+ life cycles has the lifespan up to 10+ years.

longer cycle life lithium golf cart battery

LiTime 48V 60Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery

4. More upbeat energy density

This gives it more power without harming the environment, allowing for a more expanded range and unmatched efficiency.

If you consider yourself an avid golfer who places performance, extended range, and less maintenance on top of your priorities while in-game, now is the perfect time to upgrade.

How to Choose the Right Lithium Battery for Your Golf Cart

how to choose the right battery for your golf cart

Now that you know the benefits of a lithium golf cart battery over lead-acid, you might be wondering…

How do you choose the right lithium battery for your golf carts?

We know switching batteries is a hard choice. So here are some of the major factors you need to consider before making the switch:

1. Voltage

The first important factor is the voltage. This is a no-brainer. Voltage is your first priority even if you’re choosing another type of battery, not just lithium batteries.

When choosing a lithium battery, make sure it is compatible with the voltage required by your golf cart. Typically, the voltage requirement is either 36 or 48 volts.

Messing up your golf cart is the last thing you want to happen. For instance, installing a 36V lithium battery on a golf cart designed to operate on 48V will cause it to underperform.

2. Capacity

The capacity of a lithium golf cart battery pertains to the amount of energy it is capable of storing, usually measured in kilowatt-hours.

Opt for a battery capacity that matches your energy consumption requisites. Choosing a battery with the wrong capacity causes the cart to experience a shorter runtime.

3. Dimensions

Aside from features on power, choosing the right battery size is also crucial, especially if the space is limited. Ensure your lithium golf cart battery fits in the space. You don’t want to go through time-consuming and costly modifications just because your battery can’t fit.

LiTime 48V 30Ah GC2 lithium battery is built with the most common GC2 golf cart battery size which can be replaced directly.


4. Battery Management System (BMS)

The BMS is regarded as the brain of your golf cart battery system. It’s the technology that manages a battery pack, comprising battery cells.

Without a BMS monitoring and regulating the temperature, your golf cart might overheat when you drive it under the sun’s scorching heat.

lithium golf cart with BMS

5. Battery Type

The type of your battery is also a vital factor. Two of today’s most highly recommended lithium battery types are LiFePO4 (LFP) and NMC. Let’s take a closer look.

  • LiFePO4 (LFP) - Batteries that utilize lithium iron phosphate as their cathode with their anode being a graphitic carbon electrode featuring a metallic backing. LiTime LiFePO4 lithium batteries are a great choice, an energy storage solution that champions safety and reliability.
  • NMC - These batteries use a cathode crafted from the fusion of cobalt and nickel manganese. They are an ideal choice for golf cart users looking to strike a balance between longevity, performance, and safety.

6. Weight

Similar to the dimensions, weight is also a factor to consider. One of the effects of buying a lithium golf cart battery that’s too heavy is straining the suspension and drivetrain of the cart.

7. Compatibility

You must also make sure your lithium battery matches your existing power system. Purchasing an incompatible battery will also compromise your cart’s performance.

8. Warranty

With a warranty, you are confident the store where you bought your battery will take action in case of mishaps. At LiTime, we offer a warranty policy ranging from two to five years depending on the product you choose. 

Preparing for the Conversion

Before you can convert a golf cart to lithium batteries, you must prepare the following tools and equipment:

  • Your lithium battery 
  • Charger
  • Battery mounting brackets or trays
  • Battery cables and connectors
  • Fuse and circuit breaker
  • Insulation and heat shrink tubing
  • Basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, and strippers)
  • Multimeter
  • Battery terminal puller
  • Drill and bits
  • Crimping tool

For safety, you must also not forget to wear protective gear and disconnect the battery before the start of the conversion process.

Step-by-Step Guide: Golf Cart Lithium Battery Conversion

Ready to switch? Here are simple steps to convert your golf cart’s lead-acid battery to a lithium one.

Step 1: Removing the old lead-acid batteries

First, every support and retaining bracket must be disconnected. Your wrench shall help you disconnect the cables. Once this is done, the old lead-acid batteries may already be removed. Sometimes, a battery puller is needed as lead-acid batteries are heavy.

You might also need to clean the battery tray if necessary. Inspect the cables for any sign of corrosion. You don’t want to suffer from short circuits, acid spillage, and other kinds of damage only because you did this step wrong.

Step 2: Installing the lithium battery pack

Then, it’s time to install your brand-new battery. First, put them on the tray, ensuring the weight is distributed equally and its cables are within your reach. You won’t struggle with its weight as lithium batteries are normally about 50 percent lighter than your old lead-acid. Afterward, you may now secure your new batteries using your screws and brackets.

Step 3: Connecting battery cables and wiring

You’ll now link the new lithium battery to your cart’s existing electrical system. For example, you’ll need to ensure both the positive and negative terminals are properly connected unless you want to encounter a short circuit.

Lastly, verify that every connection matches the specifications of the manufacturer. This will guarantee safety throughout the switch.

Step 4: Charger compatibility and installation

Safe operations are also anchored upon the compatibility and installation of the battery charger.

Your new battery’s voltage must match the specifications of its charger. Incompatibility leads to overcharging, overheating, and even failure, resulting in battery damage and lessened lifespan.

Here’s a helpful tutorial on charging your newly installed golf cart battery.


Cost Considerations for Lithium Golf Cart Battery Conversion

The cost of converting your golf cart to lithium batteries varies depending on the battery size, capacity, and brand.

Generally, lithium batteries are more expensive upfront than lead-acid batteries, but the long-term savings in terms of replacement costs and increased efficiency can offset the initial investment.

Power up with LiTime Golf Cart Lithium Batteries

The perks of going for a golf cart battery replacement in favor of lithium batteries are plenty, from being lighter to offering better performance. After all, you wouldn’t choose to settle for less if golf is your passion.

However, you can’t enjoy these benefits if you do the golf cart lithium conversion wrong. This guide is helpful, but we encourage you to consult with professionals to make sure you won’t miss a point.

If you’re ready to change the way you drive your golf cart, equip it with lithium batteries from our brand, LiTime. We are the leading provider of top-notch and sustainable battery solutions that guarantee the best performance and minimize environmental footprint.

Find golf cart battery options without breaking the bank. Power up your carts with golf cart lithium batteries from LiTime!

David Lee
David Lee
David Lee is a renewable energy consultant with global experience in off-grid systems and battery applications, especially in golf carts. A graduate of the University of Sydney, he shares insights on sustainability through his writing.

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