A low-end golf cart battery can always make your golf cart slow. We don’t know if you’ve done your homework on the recent upgrades golf cart batteries are coming with.
Recently, giants like Trojan, Schauer, Vital-All Terrain, Genric Gyll, and Mighty Max have come with mind-boggling upgrades in their batteries.
Fast charging, durable outer shell, compactness, you name it, some of the best golf cart batteries are in the city now.
Want to get some idea on them? We’ve done the research for you.
Comparison Table
Preview | Product | Model Number | Rating | |
Lot of 6 Trojan T-875 8V Golf cart batteries | T-875 | |||
Schauer 48 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger | JAP1548yam | |||
Vital All-Terrain 48V 3-Pin Battery Charge Charger | 48V 3-Pin | |||
12V 100Ah GYLL Lithium LiFePo4 7000 Deep Cycle + BMS Battery | Gyll 12V 100Ah | |||
Mighty Max Battery 12V 100Ah SLA Battery | 100Ah SLA Battery |
5 Best Golf Cart Batteries Review
We’ve done the homework on these batteries and categorized them according to their overall performance and features. Check the reviews below to know more.
1. Trojan T-875 8V Golf Cart Battery
Starting off our list with this awesome golf cart battery from Trojan. They’ve come into the business with all guns blazing, and they’ve practically shaken up the market. You can expect top-quality batteries from Trojan.
This model, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser among the batteries for golf carts.
Trojan golf cart batteries are in a class of their own, and the T-875 comes equipped with the T2 technology that makes them superior to the cheaper options.
It comes in a six-pack set, and you’ll need them if you’re going to be using them with a high-power-consuming golf cart.
Some cheaper batteries don’t come with a protective outer covering. But this one from Trojan has a durable outer shell that keeps the battery protected.
You can use this battery in multiple cases too. Whether you want a pack of batteries for your RV, solar panels, or golf carts, these ones from Trojan won’t disappoint.
If durability is an issue for you, then rest assured that this one might surprise you. The rugged outer shell for the batteries protects the inner parts quite well. So, you don’t have to worry about it blowing up by being dropped.
Pros
- It can be used for multiple machines
- The outer case protects the batteries
- Comes in a six-pack set
- 8V offers an extended run time
Cons
- A bit on the pricier side
2. Schauer 48V Golf Cart Battery Charger
Here we have a battery charger from Schauer. Unlike most cheaper options, this one can successfully offer great performance. And you’re about to find out why!
Schauer has been in the game for a while now, and they’re pretty well-known thanks to their chargers. You can juice up the golf cart batteries in a jiffy with this one if that’s what you’re looking for.
Although it’s a bit on the heavier side, you can expect that from a charger of such a caliber. You can charge up 48-volt golf cart batteries quite easily with this one.
The metal and plastic build gives it enough durability to last a long time.
It can juice up batteries of Yamaha golf carts pretty swiftly. The “Intelligent” charger works like a charm and stops charging when the battery is full.
If you’re someone who wants to keep their battery chargers low-key, then this could be a sweet purchase. The blacked-out color helps give it a low-profile look. And you can charge the batteries with the 2-pin connector too.
Pros
- It’s an intelligent automatic charger
- Charges the six batteries quickly
- Easy instructions are included for simple use cases
- Compact and portable battery charger
Cons
- Needs to be used regularly or might degrade
3. Vital All-Terrain 48V Battery Charger
In third place, we have this fantastic battery charger from Vital All-Terrain. They aren’t that new in the business, but they do have a pretty big following. And, it’s for a good reason too.
This one can juice up golf cart batteries quite fast so that you can take your cart out without worries. The three-pin connector will gladly help power your battery with 48 Volts.
If you’re using Yamaha golf carts, you can use this for the batteries as they work perfectly in sync. Vital All-Terrain has a pretty sweet track record in making quality products, and this one is no different.
A lot of people worry about overcharging their golf cart batteries. But the Trickle Charge feature of this one saves the batteries from being overcharged.
This technology charges the batteries faster up to a certain capacity and then charges slowly to avoid overcharging.
If you’re able to secure a unit of this powerful charger, you wouldn’t have to worry about your golf cart batteries.
They will be well maintained, and you can expect a longer overall run time too.
Pros
- It’s a powerful battery charger
- The 48V charger is great for most batteries
- Comes with a top-notch Trickle Charge feature
- Works well with Yamaha golf carts
Cons
- Charging might seem a bit slow
4. Generic GYLL Lithium LiFePo4 Golf Cart Battery
The second last on our list is this fancy-looking Generic golf cart battery. This multifunction battery is capable of powering a lot of machines if you’re well informed. So, let’s get into the details about this one.
This 12V battery is among the very best when it comes to golf cart batteries during these times. Although it’s a bit heavy, weighing in at 22lbs., it’s still pretty decent for what it’s capable of.
You can use this battery for recreational vehicles, and it can also be used as a marine or solar battery too.
And since you’re here for golf cart batteries, let me tell you that it’s giving some serious competition to the bigger companies.
If water resistance is a must for you, then the IP68 rating will please you. The battery has a durable outer shell that is tight, and it doesn’t let water enter into the sensitive parts. This also makes it perfect for submariners.
The best golf cart batteries 12v and the four prismatic cells combine to provide you with an outstanding 99% battery efficiency. This certainly makes it one of the best lithium golf cart batteries.
Lithium is starting to become the norm, and this Generic battery is certainly one of the better ones that you can consider. It’s rated at 1.28kWh, which is pretty impressive for a golf cart battery that you get at such a price.
Pros
- Comes with IP68 water-resistant rating
- Fantastic 99% efficiency of the battery
- Premium battery with 3.2V cells
- It has a durable outer shell
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
5. Mighty Max Battery 12V for Golf Carts
Here’s a banger to finish the list off. Mighty Max Battery is a pretty well-known entity in the golf cart battery world, and this one is one of their best sellers. The rugged look and unique design might catch a few eyes. Let’s move into the details.
When it comes to lead-acid batteries, there are only a handful of batteries that are better than this one. It’s completely UL certified, and it would keep your golf cart running for the amount of time you need.
Rated at 12 volts, this little beast punches quite a lot above its weight. It has a sealed lead acid design, which makes it a bit more durable and less prone to damage.
People who tend to go golfing regularly don’t really appreciate batteries that you need to maintain every now and then. They prefer just to put the battery in place and charge it when it is dry.
So, if you’re one of these people, you will appreciate the no-maintenance aspect of this golf cart battery. Rechargeable, no-maintenance batteries hardly get any better.
Some batteries are pretty notorious for their low discharge rates. Well, the high discharge rate of this battery from the Mighty Max Battery might surprise you. It certainly has compatibility in wider operating temperatures too.
If a longer service life from a golf cart battery is what you’re aspiring for, then this could be a pretty solid deal. You can mount this one in any position, and it would still work like a charm.
The harder outer shell resists certain vibration patterns and shocks too. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief since you can’t damage it permanently by dropping it accidentally.
You can use this one as a solar battery too. And it works fine as a toy battery in some cases. If roaming the golf course at high speed is your concern, this one will get you from point A to point B with ease.
Pros
- Comes with efficient lead-acid technology
- Boasts a durable outer shell
- Not prone to damage by vibrations or shocks
- Can operate in moderate-high and low temperatures with ease
Cons
- Might heat up at extreme temperatures
What to Look Out for When Purchasing a Battery?
With the reviews done, it’s time to move on to the different factors that you should consider before purchasing a golf cart battery. Here are the major ones.
Carrying Capacity
The first thing to consider before buying a golf cart battery is the carrying capacity. You will see golf cart batteries with 8V or 12V systems. Both of these types of golf cart batteries are great if you’re expecting moderate amperage capacity.
Most electric golf carts actually use 6-8V battery packs, and people say that these tend to work more efficiently.
Type of Batteries
You’re going to see a wide variety of batteries when you’re shopping for a golf cart battery. There will be differences in the voltage and amperage. And there will also be differences when it comes to the technology of the batteries.
Some of the most common technologies include Lithium-Ion or Lead Acid batteries. Always make sure to check the batteries if you’re replacing them with a new one. Every battery might not work with every other golf cart.
The amps per hour or the Ah rating of a battery is an important attribute too. If you’ve jotted down the details, you can have a rough estimate of how many holes in the course you can cover on a single charge.
Well, if you’ve read till here, you should already have an idea that you need multiple batteries for the golf cart to run. For example,
6V Batteries
If you’ve gone with a 6V battery, you will require six of these, which will, in turn, give you 36 Volts to take power from.
But the problem with these batteries is that you can’t really ride through the hilly parts.
8V Batteries
You can cruise your way through the more challenging courses with six 8V batteries equipped for your golf cart. They should also give you that extra bit of juice and keep your cart running for a few significant minutes longer.
12V Batteries
Only the most power-hungry golf carts use these batteries. Since the voltage is significantly higher than the other two, you won’t need as many of them to power your golf cart.
No Maintenance
Most modern golf cart batteries won’t need regular maintenance. I mean, who wants to spend time on maintaining a battery instead of going out and riding on the golf course, right?
If you can find yourself a battery that requires no daily maintenance routines, you might have hit the jackpot when it comes to batteries.
Battery Charging Speed
Some golf cart batteries will charge in a few hours, while some others will need you to plug it in overnight. Now mind you, the bigger batteries do need a longer time to juice up fully.
If you want your golf cart battery to juice up faster, you do need to invest in a better charger. A better charger will show and night and day difference if you’ve got a keen eye.
Eco-Friendly
Most people don’t want to bother about this, but they should. Caring about the environment in every way possible is a good thing, and you can contribute to that by purchasing an environmentally friendly golf cart battery.
The batteries on our list won’t release toxins into the environment, so you can check these out if you’re truly concerned.
Weight
Weight is a significant factor to consider when you’re buying a golf cart battery. Most golf carts need 4-8 large batteries to give you that 45-90-minute ride around the golf course.
And if the batteries themselves are heavy, you might slow down unwillingly.
Nobody wants to slow down on a golf course. They want to cruise along to the next hole as fast as possible.
There’s a pretty fine line since the plastic covering of golf carts makes them comparatively lighter, you might actually introduce some mounting weight with heavy batteries. This will allow you to stay close to the ground and not tip over.
But you also need to make sure that you don’t buy a set of batteries that makes it hard to actually ride on the golf course due to the added weight.
Battery Cycle Life
Golf cart batteries tend to last for a couple of years. If you aren’t unlucky enough to buy a cheap knock-off, you can expect around two years of battery cycle life from your golf cart batteries.
The bigger companies usually rate their batteries for around 550-600 cycles on the way to reaching a 50% discharge.
That means it would take them a couple of years to reach the half-life.
But some people keep their equipment well maintained for years. There are even stories of people maintaining their battery packs for around 4-5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When to replace golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries tend to last a long time. One overnight charge will keep the charge for a significant time too.
But once you see that you need to charge the battery up soon rather than later, then you should know that it’s time for a replacement.
2. What is the voltage requirement of my cart?
Most golf carts nowadays are electric carts. They need around 4 to 8 batteries each, and they need to meet the required voltage. The recommended voltage should be around 36V or 48V for the average carts.
3. Why is the battery for the golf cart draining so quickly?
Golf cart batteries usually tend to drain quickly when their times are up. So, if you see that the runtime isn’t holding up too well, you should probably plan on getting a replacement.
4. Is it okay to leave the golf cart plugged in?
It’s absolutely fine to leave the golf cart plugged in. Most battery chargers have automatic intelligent systems now, so you wouldn’t have to deal with overcharging your batteries.
5. Are lithium golf cart batteries compatible?
Lithium batteries are certainly compatible with electric golf carts. But some carts might need a bit of tweaking. For example, some carts with lead-acid systems need a separate kit for the lithium batteries to work seamlessly.
6. Can I overcharge my golf cart battery?
A lot of people fear overcharging their cart batteries. But you can’t stay on duty all day, can you? Using an automatic golf cart battery charger will solve your issues. They will cease charging when the battery is full.
7. How long can I expect a battery to last?
A fully charged golf cart battery will last somewhere between 45-90 minutes.
Final Words
All that being said about the best golf cart batteries, you should keep in mind that even though power is everything, the durability of the battery matters too.
In that case, you’ll have to make sure you can have a bit of both. The Trojan T-875 can be quite a good pick in this case.
But no matter what you pick, we’d suggest you go for a battery that has got an outer shell around it.