Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf carts are widely used across the country, not only by golfers but by non-golfers as well. A golf cart is a means of transportation for golfers in addition to many within golf cart-friendly communities. However, it is important to understand that two different types of batteries power electric golf carts. The first is lead-acid batteries, and the second is lithium-ion batteries. I own a golf cart with lead acid batteries and use it to play golf up to four times per week. As a golf cart owner, knowing how long golf cart batteries last on one charge is important. Let’s dive in so you know how long golf cart batteries last on a full charge.
How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last On One Charge
Look, the run time of a single charge is highly dependent on the age of the batteries in addition to the condition of the batteries. Electric golf cart batteries cannot be installed and are never maintained. Regular maintenance is required to increase the life span and the battery’s longevity during a round of golf. I perform routine maintenance on each lead-acid battery in my Club Car. For this reason, I expect a longer a longer run time on one charge.
Lead-Acid Batteries
After the charge time is completed, you can expect ten hours of run time on lead-acid batteries while golfing. However, the ten hours of run time is not pushing the peddle and never letting go. The lead acid battery will run for two rounds because the driver is not continuously pushing the accelerator.
As a golfer, I am constantly in and out of the driver’s seat as I approach the tee box, fairway, or green. For this reason, the cart is often left sitting without pulling a charge from the batteries. This is the reason why you will get ten hours of run time out of lead-acid batteries on a golf course.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries will allow a golfer a couple of hours longer run time than lead-acid batteries. So, you can expect the cart to run on a golf course for up to 12 hours. However, the additional two hours is not a factor when playing golf. For the most part, 18 holes can be finished in 4 hours or up to 4 and a half hours. Multiply that by two and you’re only at 9 hours of required run time to complete two 18-hole rounds.
So, with that said, lithium-ion batteries are more efficient, but they are not required to play two rounds of golf in one day on a single charge. If you’re in the market for new batteries or a new cart keep this in mind.
How Many Rounds of Golf Can You Play On A Golf Cart
When considering the run time on a single charge, you can expect the golf cart batteries to last for two rounds. Importantly, the charge will be low upon completion of the second round. Here are factors that impact the number of rounds played on a single charge.
Battery Manufacturer Quality
Without question, the single day life span of the batteries is highly impacted brand of batteries installed. A fleet cart, widely used at golf courses, uses a reputable brand regarding the battery type installed. The most notable battery types include Trojan Battery, Crown Battery, And Duracell.
Conversely, as an owner of a private golf cart compared to renting a cart from the course, choosing a high quality battery brand is critical when it comes to performance. A personally owned battery powered golf cart must utilize the best batteries on the market because of the constant strain of stopping and starting. I fitted my golf cart with Trojan batteries. Despite their age, the batteries are three years old and can still run with enough charge to complete two rounds of golf in a single day. However, they have been well-maintained since they were installed.
Terrain Of The Golf Course
Terrain greatly impacts the number of hours a golf cart can run on a single charge. My golf cart is rarely required to climb steep hills because I live in a flat coastal region. However, the terrain varies based on location. I have played in the Rocky Mountains, where I was required to make long runs up fairways at a significant incline. Without question, driving uphill will put a strain on the batteries, causing them to lose charge at a faster rate.
If you’re playing golf in elevated areas, I suggest monitoring the charge on the batteries. You don’t want to become stranded during a round of golf. This is important when it comes to golf cart etiquette.
Maintenance Performed On The Batteries
Another factor in determining the number of rounds you can play on a golf cart is impacted by battery maintenance and the age of the battery. To maintain the quality of the battery, each must be cared for by following a process. Additionally, the average lifespan of the batteries is prolonged when proper maintenance has been performed.
As a golf cart owner, don’t assume you can plug it into the power source and have it function as intended round after round. Lead-acid batteries contain water banks that must be routinely checked. Low fluid levels will lead to increased internal corrosion and a shorter lifespan. The water must be topped off monthly and with the correct type of water. Only distilled water should be used in lead-acid batteries. Never use tap water.
In addition to water levels, the connection point of the battery cables. With regular use, the cables become loose from vibration. A loose connection heats and destroys terminals. For this reason, it is essential to tighten the connections on a routine basis. All battery terminals should be snugged at least once per month. Unfortunately, the nuts holding the cables back off when you least expect it.
Lastly, monitor your battery gauge. If you see the power levels dropping rapidly, I suggest bringing the cart in for service. My cart did not include a gauge that showed the range of the charge. For this reason, I installed a battery gauge. I recommend the OBDMONSTER because the battery meter is compatible with 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, 60V, 72V, batteries including lithium battery and lead-acid batteries.
Lifespan of a Golf Cart Battery
No question about it; you’ll get years of use out of your batteries with proper care. However, there is a difference in lifespan between lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Golf cart owners should understand the difference in lifespan when comparing the two.
Lead-Acid Battery Lifespan
The lifespan of a lead-acid battery is without question impacted by maintenance. I have seen lead batteries go bad after one year because of the failure to perform water level checks and tighten terminals.
However, the average lifespan of a lead-acid battery is between four and six years. In most cases, swapping lead batteries in a golf cart will range between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars. I have no issue using lead batteries in my golf cart because I am dedicated to routine maintenance.
Lithium-Ion Battery Lifespan
Lithium batteries have a much longer lifespan when compared to lead-acid batteries. The average lifespan of this type of battery is a minimum of ten years and a maximum of 20 years. While the lifespan is more than doubled, this comes at a cost. A lithium battery is, on average, is two to three times more expensive compared to the cost of replacing lead-acid batteries.
Deciding to purchase a lithium-ion battery-powered golf cart compared to a lead-acid battery-powered golf cart is challenging. Undoubtedly, you’re investing more money upfront; however, the amount of maintenance is reduced, and the lifespan is increased. I recommend waiting until the cost of lithium batteries goes down before purchasing a golf cart powered by lithium-ion.
A Number Of Factors Determine Golf Cart Run Time On Single Charge
So, when it comes to how long do golf cart batteries last on one charge, it is highly impacted by dedication to maintenance and the age of the batteries. However, on average, a lead-acid golf cart will run for 10 hours, and a lithium-ion golf cart for up to 12 hours. For this reason, two rounds of golf can be played with either battery option on a single charge. It is always important to keep an eye on the battery gauge. In the event you’re running low, call it a day and head home before you get stranded on the golf course.
