The golf cart battery industry is in a state of flux. On one hand we have golf cart manufacturers and retailers that realize lithium-ion batteries are better for golf cart performance and longevity than lead acid batteries. On the other hand are consumers who resist the high upfront cost of lithium golf cart batteries, and consequently still rely on inferior lead-acid battery options. A November, 2015 report that analyzes the golf cart battery market estimates the demand for golf cart batteries will increase roughly four percent between 2014 and 2019. The report estimates lead-acid batteries will account for roughly 79 percent of the golf cart battery market by 2019—mainly because of lithium’s upfront cost—but retailers and suppliers tell a different story. CARRYING CAPACITY Equipping a lithium-ion battery into a golf cart enables the cart to significantly increase its weight-to-performance ratio. Lithium golf cart batteries are half the size of a traditional lead-acid battery, which shaves off two-thirds of the battery weight a golf cart would normally operate with. The lighter weight means the golf cart can reach higher speeds with less effort and carry more weight without feeling sluggish to the occupants. The weight-to-performance ratio difference lets the lithium-powered cart carry an additional two average-sized adults and their equipment before reaching carrying capacity. Because lithium batteries maintain the same voltage outputs regardless of the battery’s charge, the cart continues to perform after its lead-acid counterpart has fallen behind the pack. In comparison, lead acid and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries lose voltage output and performance after 70-75 percent of the rated battery capacity is used, which negatively affects carrying capacity and compounds the issue as the day wears on. BATTERY CHARGING SPEED Regardless if you’re using a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery, any electric car or golf cart faces the same flaw: they have to be charged. Charging takes time, and unless you happen to have a second cart at your disposal, that time can put you out of the game for a while. A good golf cart needs to maintain consistent power and speed on any course terrain. Lithium-ion batteries can manage this without a problem, but a lead-acid battery will slow the cart down as its voltage dips. Plus after the charge has dissipated, it takes an average lead-acid battery roughly eight hours to recharge back to full. Whereas, lithium-ion golf cart batteries can be recharged up to 80 percent capacity in about an hour, and reach full charge in less than three hours. Plus, partially-charged lead-acid batteries sustain sulfation damage, which results in significantly reduced life. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries have no adverse reaction to being less than fully charged, so it’s okay to give the golf cart a pit-stop charge during lunch. GOLF CART BATTERY COMPATIBILITY Golf carts designed for lead-acid batteries can see a significant performance boost by swapping the lead-acid battery to a lithium-ion battery. However, this second wind can come at an instillation cost. Many lead-acid equipped golf carts need a retro-fit kit to operate with a lithium-ion battery, and if the cart manufacturer doesn’t have a kit, then the cart will need modifications to operate with a lithium battery. The easiest way to tell if a cart is going to need modifications or a simple retro-fit kit is the battery voltage. Compare a lithium-ion battery and a lead-acid battery side-by-side, and if the battery voltage and amp-hour capacity are the same, then the battery can be plugged directly into the golf cart. However, lithium-ion battery’s smaller size and design often means the golf cart might needs alterations to its battery mount, charger and cable connecters. BATTERY CYCLE LIFE Lithium batteries last significantly longer than lead-acid batteries because the lithium chemistry increases the number of charge cycles. An average lithium-ion battery can cycle between 2,000 and 5,000 times; whereas, an average lead-acid battery can last roughly 500 to 1,000 cycles. Although lithium batteries have a high upfront cost, compared to frequent lead-acid battery replacements, a lithium battery pays for itself over its lifetime. GolfCartMax is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality batteries currently available. We are currently offering Lithium battery conversion for all used golf carts. Please get in touch with us to learn about how we can help your team achieve its energy needs in a safe, reliable and efficient way.

One of the most popular golf carts today are lifted golf carts. Golf Carts lift kits essentially raise the height of your cart, featuring larger tires to the cart. It has several advantages over regular carts, ranging from added strength and off-road maneuvering to an increased level of attractiveness. LIFT GOLF CART ADVANTAGES Increased Clearance As your cart is taller, it essentially has an added clearance to the underside of the cart. This is mainly an advantage if you use your cart for off-roading purposes. This is because, with a lift, you don’t need to worry about rocks, trees, stumps, and other similar obstacles damaging your cart as your drive over them. Higher Speed A lifted golf car usually means larger tires. These tires offer a higher level of speed than regular tires do. The difference in speed varies from a few miles per hour to 20 mph. Speed may not be necessarily beneficial from a safety standpoint, but it allows you to drive faster. Getting In & Out Since the cart is raised with a lift kit, it’s much easier to get in and out of the cart. More Power Many people use their golf carts to transport heavy items across distances that walking could not cover. Some larger campuses also use golf carts to transport people over distances, particularly those who have trouble walking. If you need your golf cart for heavy demands, the lift kit provides you with more power and reduces the risk of damage to the cart. The difference between non-lifted and lifted golf carts is that they built the first to a standard height. Lifted golf carts are more helpful if you use your golf cart for off-roading purposes. It reduces the risk of damage to the front of your cart while driving over rocks, trees, stumps, and other similar obstacles. A golf cart lift also provides better visibility when driving down hills or up steep ones since you don’t need to worry about anything obstructing your line of sight. However, suppose your golf course sees more challenging terrain that requires you to lift the front tires of your cart off obstacles. In that case, any of our lifted golf carts from ICON EV, ROYAL EV, or BINTELLI EV, 100% are a fantastic investment for you. Visit or contact us at any of our stores in Miami, FL, or Key Largo, FL to help you make your decision. We are here for you.