The use of lithium-ion batteries in golf cars is on the rise—why? There are several advantages of these over conventional golf car batteries. While traditionally known for being used in cell phone batteries, lithium-ion batteries are making their way into more and more golf cars, and here’s why.
Longer Life
Traditional golf car batteries have an average of 500 charge cycles, while lithium batteries can reach up to 5,000. Essentially, it takes a lot to wear them out. A lead-acid golf car battery can last 3-4 years when properly maintained, but that’s still less than 50% of the average life of a lithium battery. Lithium batteries are estimated to last 8-10 years.
Practically Maintenance-Free
Lithium-ion batteries require much less maintenance than traditional golf car batteries. There’s no water in them, so in addition to no risk of leaks, you don’t have to check or refill the fluid. You also don’t have to worry about cleaning or removing rust, because lithium batteries don’t corrode like conventional batteries. There is no chance for battery acid leakage on your floor or hazardous build-up of fumes when recharging a lithium car. They’re essentially maintenance free!
Lighter Weight
Lead-acid golf car batteries are big and heavy, and while they don’t take up a lot of physical space, they can significantly weigh on your car. This means it requires more power to get your golf car going and keep it going, which wears your battery out faster. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are much lighter weight. Your golf car will move more quickly and smoothly without consuming as much power.
Not only are they lighter weight, but they’re smaller too—if you ever need to replace yours or it requires maintenance, it’s easy to access and easy to move around.
No Acid Spillage
Conventional golf car batteries are acid-based, and their plates are immersed in sulfuric acid and electrolytes—this interaction results in the energy that gets your golf car around. Fluid in the battery can become saturated with acid, which can be dangerous if there’s any spillage. This is a pretty common occurrence in golf cars, especially if they’re used a lot! Lithium batteries don’t use any sulfuric acid, so there’s zero risk of leaks.
High Power
Despite their smaller size, lithium golf car batteries are more powerful than the lead-acid batteries found in most golf cars. They discharge energy faster than any other battery on the market. The performance of your golf car does not diminish during the day with lithium as the battery pack has continuous power output. This is why they’re popular for cell phones, and why they’re now growing in popularity in golf cars.
This should come as no surprise, what with the maintenance-free and the longer lifespan, but lithium batteries are typically much more expensive than conventional golf car batteries. However, do the math and the upfront cost is more than offset by the lack of maintenance and not having to replace the batteries every 3-4 years as in a traditional golf car.
Essentially, there are advantages and disadvantages to every kind of battery, so weigh your options and decide which kind is right for you and your budget! If you need help deciding, or you’ve decided and you’re ready to find your perfect golf car, contact Diamond Golf Cars today.