Understanding Golf Cart Voltage Systems for a Smarter Ride

The voltage system is like the heart of your golf cart's electrical system. It decides how powerful your cart is, how fast it can go, and how long it can run before needing a charge. Most golf carts use 36-volt, 48-volt, or 72-volt systems.

Picking the right one means matching the cart's power to what you need. We will explain the parts, compare the systems, and help you choose. Keep reading to learn about what powers your cart and find the best voltage for you.

Key Takeaways

Voltage controls your cart's speed, power for hills, and driving distance.
48-volt systems are the most popular choice because they work well for most people.
Lithium batteries make any voltage system work better and last longer.

The Main Parts of Your Golf Cart's Electrical System

Four main parts work together in your golf cart's electrical system. The batteries store the power. They are connected in a line so their voltages add up. For example, six 8-volt batteries make a 48-volt system.

This allows the cart to start and stop smoothly. The motor uses electricity to turn the wheels, and its role becomes clearer when viewed through common golf cart terminology.

The controller is like the brain. It manages how much power goes from the batteries to the motor. This gives you smooth starts and stops. The motor uses the electricity to turn the wheels and move the cart. The charger is made to safely refill your specific battery pack.

Batteries: Store the power (lead-acid or lithium).
Controller: Manages the power flow.
Motor: Turns electricity into movement.
Charger: Refills the batteries.

Looking at 36V, 48V, and 72V Systems

The three common systems are 36V, 48V, and 72V. A 36-volt system is often the cheapest. It uses six 6-volt batteries. It has enough power for flat ground and short trips. Its top speed is usually 12-14 miles per hour. You see this on older carts or basic new ones.

A 48-volt system is the most common today. It uses six 8-volt or four 12-volt batteries and delivers the mix of speed and strength most people expect.

If you want a cart already built around this balance of power, many 48-volt golf cart options come ready for neighborhoods, resorts, and daily use. You get speeds of 19-22 mph and much better power for going up hills. This is the best system for most people. It works for neighborhoods, hilly golf courses, and carrying friends.

A 72-volt system is used when higher power output is needed, such as in modified carts or carts equipped with larger tires. These carts can exceed 25 mph and may share certain characteristics with LSV and NEV classifications.

How Voltage Changes How Your Cart Drives

The voltage number tells you how the cart will perform. Speed is the easiest thing to notice. A higher voltage lets the motor spin faster, so the cart goes faster. Going from 36V to 48V can make your cart about 40% faster.

Torque is the power to start moving and climb hills. Higher voltage gives more torque. This makes the cart feel strong and easy to drive, especially on hills. Higher voltage systems are also more efficient. They can send power using less electrical current.

Using less current means less energy is lost as heat. This makes the whole system work better. This is very true with lithium batteries (1). Your driving distance depends on speed, power, and efficiency. If you use the extra power of a 48V cart for speed and hills, you will use the battery faster than a slower 36V cart.

This reduction in current means less energy is lost as heat in the wires and components, making the entire system more efficient. This is especially true when paired with modern lithium batteries.

Finally, range is a balance of speed, torque, and efficiency. While a 48V system is more efficient, if you consistently use its extra power for high speeds or steep hills, you may use the battery's energy faster than you would with a more sedate 36V cart.

The Move to Lithium Batteries

The battery type is very important. Old lead-acid batteries are still around. But lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are much better (2). They last much longer, often five times longer than lead-acid. They also keep their power steady until they are almost empty.

Perhaps the biggest advantage is the increased range. A lithium battery can often deliver two to three times the driving distance of a lead-acid battery of similar size. They also require no maintenance, charge much faster, and are significantly lighter.

Lithium batteries last longer, charge faster, and dramatically increase range. Their lighter weight also boosts overall performance, especially on hills. For owners who want this upgraded feel right out of the box, choosing a lithium golf cart can unlock the extra torque and consistency lithium is known for.

This weight reduction can further improve performance and efficiency. When considering a new cart or an upgrade, the choice of lithium technology is a crucial decision that enhances the benefits of any voltage system.

The biggest benefit is more range. A lithium battery can often go two to three times farther than a similar lead-acid battery. They charge faster, need no maintenance, and are lighter. This lighter weight also helps performance. Choosing lithium makes any voltage system work better.

Last longer and give steady power.
Go much farther on a single charge.
Charge faster with no maintenance.

Checking Your Battery's Charge Level

It's important to know how much power is left in your batteries. You can check this by measuring the voltage. After a full charge and the cart sits for a while, the voltage is highest. For a 48V system, a reading over 50 volts means a full battery.

As you drive, the voltage goes down. A reading near 48 volts means you have about half a charge left. Do not let your batteries get too low. This can damage them. For lead-acid batteries, recharge before the power gets too low. A simple voltmeter helps you check your battery and avoid getting stuck.

Picking the Best System for You

The right system depends on how you will use your cart. If you only drive on flat ground, like a golf course, a 36-volt system may be enough. It is also the cheapest option.

If your driving includes hills or frequent trips with passengers, a 48-volt setup is typically the sweet spot. For those who need even more strength, especially for large families or community transport, stepping up to a 6-seater golf cart offers more room without sacrificing the power needed for varied terrain.

For those who need even more strength, especially for large families or community transport, stepping up to a 6-seater golf cart offers more room without sacrificing the power needed for varied terrain, especially when paired with the stability advantages found in a forward-facing golf cart design.

Making a Good Investment for the Future

The golf cart industry is changing. Most new carts now use 48-volt systems because they work well for most uses. More and more people are choosing lithium batteries every year. They are better and a good value over time.

When you buy a cart, think about these trends. Choosing a 48V system with lithium batteries is a smart choice. It gives you the best mix of speed, range, and reliability you can get today. This means you won't need to upgrade soon and you will enjoy your cart more.

FAQs

What does voltage mean for my golf cart?

Voltage is like the power level of your golf cart. It controls how fast your cart can go and how strong it is when going up hills. Most golf carts use 36, 48, or 72 volts.

A higher voltage means more power and speed. Think of voltage like the size of an engine in a car. The bigger the voltage number, the more powerful your cart will be. It also affects how far you can drive before you need to charge the batteries again.

Which voltage system is best for most people?

A 48-volt system is best for most people. It gives you good speed (19-22 mph) and enough power to go up hills. It works great in neighborhoods and on golf courses. Most new carts use this system. A 48-volt cart is not too expensive but still very powerful.

It can carry several people easily and handle different types of ground. Whether you drive on flat land or small hills, a 48-volt system will work well. It is the most popular choice because it fits what most cart owners need.

How many batteries does my golf cart need?

It depends on your voltage system. A 36-volt cart needs six 6-volt batteries. A 48-volt cart uses six 8-volt batteries or four 12-volt batteries. The batteries connect together to make the total voltage.

When batteries are connected in a line, their voltages add up. This is how you get the total power for your cart. The batteries work as a team to give your cart the energy it needs. You must use the right number and type of batteries for your system to work correctly and safely.

Are lithium batteries better than regular batteries?

Yes, lithium batteries are much better. They last about five times longer than old lead-acid batteries. They can take you two to three times farther on one charge. They also charge faster and need no care. Lithium batteries stay light, which helps your cart run better.

You never have to add water or clean them like old batteries. They keep giving full power until they are almost empty. Even though lithium batteries cost more at first, they save you money over time because they last so long and work so well.

How fast can different voltage systems go?

A 36-volt cart goes about 12-14 miles per hour. A 48-volt cart can reach 19-22 mph. A 72-volt cart can go over 25 mph. Higher voltage means faster speed. The motor in your cart spins faster when it gets more voltage.

Going from a 36-volt system to a 48-volt system can make your cart about 40% faster. If speed is important to you, choose a higher voltage system. But remember that going faster also uses your battery power more quickly than driving slowly.

Will a higher voltage system go farther?

Not always. Higher voltage is more efficient, but if you use the extra power for speed and hills, you use the battery faster. A 48-volt cart driven carefully can go very far. A 36-volt cart used slowly may also go far.

How far you can drive depends on how you use your cart. If you speed around and climb steep hills all the time, you will drain the battery faster. But if you drive at medium speeds on flat ground, a higher voltage system can actually go farther because it wastes less energy.

How do I know when my battery needs charging?

You can check with a voltmeter. For a 48-volt system, over 50 volts means full. Around 48 volts means half charged. Don't let it get too low or you can hurt the battery. Charge it before it gets very low. A voltmeter is a simple tool that shows you how much power is left. You measure the voltage after your cart has been sitting for a while, not right after driving.

Checking your battery level helps you plan when to charge and stops you from getting stuck with a dead battery.

What voltage do I need for hilly areas?

You need at least a 48-volt system for hills. The higher voltage gives you more power to climb. A 36-volt cart may struggle on steep hills. A 48-volt cart makes hill driving easy and safe. Hills need something called torque, which is the power to push the cart upward.

Higher voltage systems create more torque, so your cart can climb without slowing down or working too hard. If you live in a place with many hills or steep roads, do not buy a 36-volt cart. You will be much happier with a 48-volt system.

What is a 72-volt system used for?

A 72-volt system is for carts that need the most power. People use them for modified carts with big tires. They can go very fast, over 25 mph. But they use battery power quickly, so they may not go as far.

These systems are for people who want the strongest and fastest cart possible. You might see them on lifted carts or carts used for special purposes. Most regular cart owners do not need this much power. A 72-volt system costs more and is harder to maintain than a 48-volt system.

Should I upgrade my old cart's voltage?

It depends on what you need. If your cart is too slow or can't handle hills, upgrading to 48 volts helps a lot. Adding lithium batteries makes an even bigger difference. Think about how you use your cart and if the upgrade cost is worth it.

Upgrading your voltage system is a big project that costs money. You will need new batteries, a new controller, and maybe a new motor and charger. But if your current cart does not meet your needs, the upgrade can make it feel like a brand new cart with much better performance.

Wrapping Up Voltage Systems

Knowing about golf cart voltage helps you choose wisely. It turns a simple cart into one that is fun and capable. The right voltage, especially with lithium batteries, means your cart can handle hills, has good speed, and can go the distance.

We offer carts with electrical systems made for real use. If you want a golf cart with the right power for your adventures, look at our collection to see what is available in Backyard Escapsim.

References

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220105-lithium-batteries-big-unanswered-question
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery