The 36V vs 48V golf cart debate is less relevant today than ever, as most brands have done away with the 36-volt lead-acid technology in favor of the more efficient 48-volt lithium battery style. But maybe you’re weighing your options anyway and want to find out which is better between a 48V vs 36V golf cart. You’ve come to the right place!
The short answer is that a 48-volt golf cart is superior in just about every way. It goes faster and gets you much further on a single charge. It performs way better on hills with higher torque.
Anyone who’s looking into electric golf carts for sale should go with a 48-volt configuration, if not a 72-volt golf cart for even more oomph! Learn more below, or take the next step toward creating your custom golf cart at Backyard Escapism.
36V vs 48V Golf Cart (Fast Facts)
|
Feature |
36V Golf Cart |
48V Golf Cart |
|
Typical Top Speed |
12-15 mph |
19-25 mph |
|
Range per Charge |
15-25 miles (lead-acid) |
35-70+ miles (lithium) |
|
Hill Performance |
Struggles under load |
Higher torque, handles inclines |
|
Battery Configuration |
Six 6V or three 12V |
Four 12V, six 8V, or single lithium pack |
|
Availability |
Largely discontinued |
Current industry standard |
|
Best For |
Flat terrain, light use |
Daily driving, neighborhoods, varied terrain |
What is Voltage and Why Does it Matter?
You need to have a solid understanding of voltage to get a good sense of the gap between a 36V vs 48V golf cart. It speaks to the electric pressure pushing current through the motor of your golf cart.
In the simplest of terms, higher voltage = more pressure. That translates to more torque and speed without having to pull as much amperage from the battery pack.
So not only do bigger batteries make golf carts go faster, but they don’t strain them as much. The wiring stays cooler while the controller takes less stress. More energy reaches the wheels instead of being wasted as heat.
The 48V vs 36V golf cart comparison in a nutshell works out to a 33% difference. It means faster acceleration, better performance in tough terrain, and longer range between charges.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a 36-Volt Golf Cart
There are more drawbacks than benefits of a 36-volt golf cart, which is why these are becoming few and far between these days. It was the go-to system for powering golf carts for decades, though.
Benefits
- Lower cost: You can find a used 36V golf cart for way less than a comparable 48V model. You get what you pay for, though.
- Simplest battery setup: Three 12V batteries wired in series. It’s easy to find replacements locally, and you don’t need a specialized charger.
- Fine for flat, short routes: You can still use a 36-volt golf cart on flat courses or quick round trips under 10 miles.
Drawbacks
- Less power: You’re getting less torque at the motor, so expect your golf cart to fall behind the pack - especially on hills, with extra passengers, or in headwinds.
- Shorter range: You’d think a smaller battery runs more efficiently, but that’s not the case. You typically only get 15-25 miles per charge.
- Below LSV speed threshold: You typically cannot take a 36V golf cart on the open road - not legally, at least. They top out at 15 MPH in most cases.
- Declining availability: The industry has moved toward 48V and higher because it’s just better. You may find that it’s hard to get your hands on replacement batteries a few years from now.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a 48-Volt Golf Cart
This is the sweet spot for almost any electric golf cart on the market these days. More powerful and efficient than a 36V battery, but not as expensive as a 72V battery.
Benefits
- More power and range: You get higher torque and unlock longer journeys with a lithium pack. These can easily push past 70 miles per charge!
- Street-legal capability: Obviously not the case across the board, but any street-legal golf cart will typically be powered by at least 48V batteries. These carts can exceed 25 MPH.
- Greater efficiency: high voltage at a lower amperage means less loss in the wiring and connectors.
- Full industry support: Every new 48-volt golf cart ships with current-generation controllers, chargers, and motors. Better parts availability, dealer support, and resale value.
Drawbacks
- More expensive: 48V batteries are costlier upfront and over time. But you get what you pay for. This is worth investing in. You’ll wish you did if you cut corners now and go with a 36-volt golf cart!
48V vs 36V Golf Cart: Side-by-Side Comparison
The choice between a 36V vs 48V golf cart is honestly a no-brainer. The only situation in which it makes sense to go with a 36-volt golf cart is if you have a super tight budget (like, under $6,000) and know somebody selling their old golf cart.
In every other circumstance, though, a 48-volt golf cart is the way to go. It’s better in terms of power, efficiency, availability, and longevity. What more could you ask for?
Power and Efficiency
You may not notice much of a difference between a 36V vs 48V golf cart on flat ground. But it becomes painfully obvious just how much weaker a 36-volt golf cart is when you try traversing hills or head out on grass, gravel, or any other tough terrain.
The 48-volt golf cart can conquer any setting without slowing down. It’s super powerful, and it’ll stay powerful for as many as 70 miles per charge. That’s 3x what a 36-volt golf cart lasts!
Cost Considerations
Yeah, a used 36-volt golf cart is more affordable than a 48-volt golf cart. Go figure. But you’re usually purchasing something super dated. It not only looks old, but can become more of a hassle to maintain than it’s worth (more on that in a moment).
We think the 48-volt golf cart is the better value for your money. You get maximum enjoyment and fewer headaches along the way. It’ll last you decades to come. The batteries on our golf carts, for example, are backed by an 8-year warranty.
Maintenance and Longevity
Older lead-acid batteries are a nightmare. They need regular watering, terminal cleaning, and periodic equalization charges. The pack degrades fast if you skip any of this. Expect to replace the batteries every 3-5 years even in the best-case scenario.
On the other hand, a 48-volt battery-powered golf cart is pretty much maintenance-free as long as you follow proper charging protocols. They can last over a decade, so you’ll spend less on replacement batteries in the long run! Plus, the replacement parts and support you need are far more accessible for a 48V golf cart.
Build the Best Golf Cart For YOUR Needs at Backyard Escapism
The choice is clear. A 48-volt golf cart is the way to go, and there’s no better way to get one than right here at Backyard Escapism. We make it easy to build the cart of your dreams from three battery tiers:
- 105Ah - 40 miles per charge
- 150Ah - 55 miles per charge
- 206Ah - 70+ miles per charge
You get to customize every other detail as well, from color to seating configuration. Every model is street-legal and packed with awesome features like CarPlay, Bluetooth, LED lighting, backup cameras, and more.
Whether you want a 4-seater golf cart or 6-seater golf cart, take the next step today!