4 Types of Street Legal Electric Golf Cart Batteries

May. 5 2022 Miscellaneous By E3 Vehicles

100% Electric Golf Carts are on the rise! Popular in beach towns, commercial properties such as large business complexes, malls, event venues, and more. Why? Because, electric or battery-powered electric golf carts are fastly replacing loud and expensive gas-powered golf carts!

The technology behind golf cart batteries continues to improve as the vehicle is making its way off the golf courses and into the beach towns, resorts, parks, and other recreational areas.



Today, there are various types of electric golf cart batteries to choose from. Choosing the right battery will help you get the most out of your Street-Legal Golf cart, also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) or Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV). No matter the battery type you choose, you will need to ensure you have a repair and maintenance plan for your golf cart. So If you live in Southern California and need to purchase new batteries or are looking for a top-rated mechanic check out www.e3vehicles.com or call/text: 310-386-3679.



Let’s dig into some golf cart batteries review:

Types of Steet Legal Electric Golf Cart Batteries

There are four types of street legal EV golf cart batteries, each with benefits and drawbacks. 


Flooded (Deep) Lead-Acid Batteries

The traditional electric golf-cart battery consists of lead plates suspended in sulfuric acid. The resultant chemical reaction allows energy to be stored in the battery. 

Most golf carts on streets today are powered by this relatively large battery. While many major electric golf cart manufacturers are working on building lithium batteries, traditional deep-cycle lead-acid batteries continue to be the #1 choice and still work well for the majority of golf cart applications, including on- and off-roading. 

TIP: You must check your battery water levels consistently

Pros: 

  • Low cost

  • Good performance at low and high temperatures

  • Suitable for all purposes 

Cons: 

  • Heaviest in weight, which can reduce driving range and increases charging time

  • Demands maintenance 


AGM Lead-Acid Batteries

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a sealed version of traditional lead-acid batteries. These have lead plates between electrolyte-saturated fiberglass mats. Because the batteries come sealed, you don’t need to refill the fluid in them. 

Although they work similarly to deep lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries are less popular because they cost more. But, it’s all about your decision to want to maintain or be more hands off.

TIP: Still recommend annual maintenance

Pros:

  • Leak-free

  • Positive tolerance

  • Requires less maintenance than its traditional variation  

Cons:

  • Expensive with offering additional charge-time or power output benefits


Gel Lead Acid Batteries

A lead-acid gel battery is similar to its wet versions, with an electrolyte surrounding negative and positive electrodes. However, the electrolyte is in a gel form because of silica. This structure provides enhanced resistance to the inclination and vibration of the vehicle. 

This is a great option if you're looking for a maintenance-free lead-acid battery for your EV golf cart. 

Pros:

  • Maintenance-free

  • Excellent deep cycle performance

Cons: 

  • Susceptible to temperature fluctuations

  • More expensive than lead-acid batteries


Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium golf cart batteries are on the rise and the main focus of growth in the world of golf cart batteries. This type of street legal electric golf cart battery costs are much higher than lead-acid batteries, but they offer major advancements and better performance.

These batteries are half the weight of lead-acid batteries, thus shaving off two-thirds of the battery weight. So, your street legal golf cart can drive at higher speeds with less effort.

TIP: Be careful purchasing this system as many are 3rd party providers. Most golf cart manufacturers are currently working on perfecting the lithium golf cart to fit their electronic systems

Pros:

  • Lightweight 

  • Maintenance-free

  • 10X longer lifetime than lead-acid batteries

  • Steady current output

  • Eco-friendly 

  • Recharges faster 

Cons:

  • Expensive


Final Verdict: Winner

Lithium-ion batteries! Street legal electric golf carts are often associated with recreation, leisure, and relaxation. So, you want to enjoy quality time without any issues, like low battery, cleaning, and maintenance, slow speed, etc. Within the next 2-3 years Lithium-ion will be the premier choice! At a slightly higher cost, this type of golf cart battery gives the outstanding performance you expect from your EV. 


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