Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a country club member and golf cart owner, I have had first-hand experiences with replacing golf cart batteries. Golf cart owners, at some point or another, will be required to install new batteries. This is particularly the case if the cart is kept for around 5 years or more. Conversely, lithium-ion batteries can last between 10 and 20 years; therefore, they may not be required to be replaced at any point. As a country club member or resident of a golf cart community, you’re going to want to take good care of your battery bank. Never assume that batteries require zero maintenance. However, without proper maintenance or at the five-year mark, you’ll be required to swap the batteries. This can be done yourself or swapped by a professional at a service center. So, how much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?
Why Do Golf Cart Batteries Require Replacement
There are two primary reasons why golf cart batteries require being replaced. The first is the age of the battery, and the second is the failure to follow a regular maintenance schedule. Understand the details of both reasons.
Aging Lead-Acid Batteries
You will get the best performance on new batteries compared to aging batteries. Without question, you will see a shorter battery life as far as the ability to hold a charge is concerned as the batteries age. A shorter battery life makes it challenging to get around the golf course or cruise the neighborhood and still make it back home for charging.
Additionally, as the batteries age, they are more prone to acid leaks. Acid leaks are a clear sign that the batteries require replacement. I never look forward to replacing my batteries as they age, but it is a necessity if your electric cart is powered with lead acid battery banks.
Improperly Maintained Golf Cart Batteries
I currently own a Club Car golf cart that is used regularly on golf courses and within my community. Fortunately, I am able to get a long run on a single charge because of both the age and the fact that the battery bank is well cared for.
36-volt and 48-volt lead acid batteries have specific needs, which include adding distilled water, tightening battery cables, and removing battery corrosion if it forms. One of the biggest reasons that batteries fail earlier than their expected lifespan is their failure to maintain proper water levels. With that said, as a golf cart owner, you need to perform monthly maintenance on electric golf carts for a longer lifespan. Unfortunately, frequent replacements will become extremely costly.
Understanding Battery Replacement Costs
When it comes to cart battery costs, it fluctuates based on the manufacturer. New golf cart batteries are expensive, which is why they must receive proper care. No matter if you are swapping six 6-volt batteries in 36-volt carts or six 8-volt batteries in 48-volt carts, it is essential to understand the different prices. Explore the charts below to better understand battery replacement cost pricing based on the manufacturer.
| Brand | Type | Estimated Cost for 6 Volt Golf Cart Battery |
| Trojan | Lead Acid T-105 | $220.00 Per Battery ($1,320.00 for 6) |
| DieHard | Lead Acid GC2 | $200.00 Per Battery ($1,200.00 for 6) |
| Crown | Lead Acid CR-220 | $200.00 Per Battery ($1,200.00 for 6) |
| US Battery | Lead Acid 2200 XC2 | $150.00 Per Battery ($900.00 for 6) |
| Brand | Type | Estimated Cost for 8 Volt Golf Cart Battery |
| Trojan | Lead Acid T-875 | $240.00 Per Battery ($1,440 for 6) |
| DieHard | Lead Acid (GC8V) | $210.00 Per Battery ($1,260 for 6) |
| Crown | Lead Acid CR-150 | $250.00 Per Battery ($1,500 for 6) |
| US Battery | Lead Acid US8VGC-XC2 | $175.00 Per Battery (1,050 for 6) |
Choosing The Right Battery Brand
As you can see from the charts above, the cost per battery is highly dependent on the battery manufacturer. Additionally, 6-volt batteries are lower in cost when compared to 8-volt batteries. Remember to pick the right batteries because you cannot mix 6 volts with 8 volts. It should be noted that the pricing is based on purchasing the batteries from a battery supplier. The costs listed above are not what you will pay when utilizing a golf cart service center.
As a golf cart owner, I prefer to buy high-quality batteries. Despite a higher upfront cost, I prefer Trojan lead acid batteries and, in particular, the T-105. The next best option is Crown batteries.
Remember, the cost of golf cart batteries is directly associated with quality. For this reason, it is not a bad idea to consider extra costs when upgrading.
FAQ’s
What Costs More: Replacing The Batteries Yourself Or At A Service Center?
When comparing the cost of replacing batteries on your own versus a service center, you can expect to pay more when having a professional at a service center change the battery bank.
The overall cost at a service center incorporates labor. The short answer is that you can expect to pay around $300 to $400 dollars more when paying for your lead acid batteries to be replaced versus doing it yourself. Lastly, the cost of batteries may be slightly elevated as a margin of profit for the service center.
Are There Risks Involved With Changing Golf Cart Batteries At Home?
No matter if the lead-acid golf cart batteries or lithium-ion batteries are swapped at home or at a service center, there is risk involved. Improper wiring done by a golf cart owner or service technician can lead to excessive current flow. With excessive current flow, you’re at risk of damaging fuses, wiring, and electrical components.
My brother-in-law recently rented a golf cart from a local service and sales center. The cart was fitted with a new battery pack prior to the rental. Unfortunately, the wiring was incorrect after we looked into the battery compartment, and the motor failed. Fortunately, he was not charged for the rental.
How Do You Dispose Of An Old Lead Acid Battery?
When replacing deep cycle batteries at home, you will encounter a battery core charge. The core charge is added to the new battery purchase. The reason for the core charge is to prevent the batteries from going into the trash. Instead, useable components are stripped of the old batteries by the manufacturer.
Importantly, when the cores are returned to the place of the new battery purchase, the cost core charge fee is refunded. I often return my cores when I purchase a new set of batteries to avoid an extra trip.
Is It Worth Upgrading To A Cart With Lithium Batteries?
The question is often asked if it’s worth upgrading from a cart fitted with lead acid batteries to a cart with lithium-ion batteries. While yes, lithium carts require less maintenance and the battery has a longer lifespan, they are much higher in cost.
At this point, I suggest staying with a lead acid cart despite needing to replace the batteries every 3-5 years and paying thousands of dollars more for a lithium cart. It is based on waiting until the pricing on lithium-ion batteries drops.
Should The Battery Cables Be Changed?
I highly recommend changing the battery cables when new batteries are installed. In the event the old cables had corrosion or showed signs of wear and tear, you don’t want to transfer them to the new cart. New cables will help prevent unexpected issues. For this reason, request that the shop installs new cables. If you’re changing them at home, buy new cables.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Golf Cart Batteries Answered
Remember, if you’re having a shop swap your electric golf cart batteries, you can expect to tack on an extra $300-$400. I highly recommend choosing high-quality batteries compared to cheap batteries despite the higher pricing. Additionally, ensure proper battery maintenance is performed by following a monthly schedule. I put a note in my phone as a monthly reminder. The reminder is to ensure that my Club Car batteries are kept in excellent condition. Lastly, be conscious of the fact that the battery’s life after charging will be reduced as it ages. This will help you determine when it’s time to replace the battery bank.
