If you’re in the market for a new golf car, you may wonder which is right for you: gas or electric power? Once you’ve decided between gas and electric, you need to determine which voltage is best for you: 48-volt vs. 72-volt.
While both types of golf car can elevate your game of golf, it’s important to determine which golf car fits your budget or lifestyle best.
Why Does Voltage Matter?
Before we explain the pros and cons of 48-volt vs. 72-volt golf cars, it’s important to know why voltage matters.
From a technical standpoint, voltage is the potential difference in charge between two points in an electrical field. The greater the voltage, the greater the current—this means the higher the voltage of the battery, the longer the run time.
What Voltage Is My Golf Car?
It’s important to know what voltage your golf car is in order to understand its potential, performance, and power.
Here’s how to determine the voltage of your golf car:
- Lift up your golf car seat and locate the battery compartment.
- Count the number of holes on the battery.
- Multiply the number of holes by two to determine the golf car battery voltage. Each hole is equal to two volts.
- Multiply the golf car battery voltage by the number of golf cart batteries.
A 48-volt golf car, for example, will have 4 holes x 2 volts = 8-volt battery
8-volt battery x 6 total batteries = 48-volt system
A 72-volt golf car, on the other hand, may have 6 holes x 12 volts = 72-volts.
So…48-Volt or 72-Volt?
Although both a 48-volt and 72-volt golf car make great hunting vehicles and offer an elevated experience on the golf course, one is superior to the other. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both vehicles.
Pros of a 48-Volt Golf Car
- Easily converts into a hunting vehicle or off-road buggy.
- Replacement batteries cost less compared to a 72-volt cart.
- Has higher resale value than a 36-volt golf car.
Cons of a 48-Volt Golf Car
- Less run time (range) than a 72-volt golf car.
- Batteries can be expensive to replace.
- Replacement motors are typically on the more expensive side.
Pros of a 72-Volt Golf Car
- Recharge fast with a high-capacity 1500w charger.
- Regenerative braking allows for a longer drive with the family.
- Much longer run time than a 48-volt system.
- More torque with power and efficiency.
- Rabbit switch provides energy-saving speed control.
Cons of a 72-Volt Golf Car
- Replacement batteries are more expensive.
- More batteries to maintain regularly
While 72-volt golf cars boast unmatched power, range, and efficiency, the parts and general upkeep can drain your wallet. If you’re looking for a ride that has enough power but is less expensive, the 48-volt may be all that you need.
If you’re okay with investing in your next golf car, however, the 72-volt just might be your next ride.
Whatever option you decide, Diamond Golf Cars is here to help you make your next decision. Contact us today!