Key Benefits of Lithium over Lead-Acid for Golf Carts: 24V, 36V, 48V, 72V
Lithium batteries are pollution-free and eliminate the risk of electrolyte leakage, which commonly occurs with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) in lead-acid batteries. Such leakage produces a strong odor and can irritate skin and eyes, making lithium batteries safer for the environment and children.
Compared to lead-acid batteries with the same capacity, lithium batteries are about one-third smaller. They can be deeply discharged, allowing golf carts to travel longer distances on a single charge.
Moreover, lithium batteries have a longer lifespan. Merchants typically provide a 5-year warranty, but in practice, these batteries can last over 10 years. In contrast, lead-acid batteries often show reduced performance after just 3 years.
Lithium batteries also require zero maintenance. Simply charge them when needed, and they remain ready for use.
Typical Use Cases (Golf Carts, Utility Vehicles, etc.)
Toy Golf Carts: This 24V lithium battery powers a toy golf cart effectively, supporting both the vehicle and child’s weight with ease.
For adult golf carts, two 24V lithium batteries connected in series provide a 48V powertrain. This setup maximizes performance while keeping the system compact and efficient.
Lithium Battery Technology: Common Lithium Chemistries (LiFePO4 vs Others)
Common lithium chemistries include lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), ternary lithium (NMC/NCA), and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO). Among these, LiFePO₄ is widely used in golf carts, power tools, and energy storage systems due to its high safety, long lifespan, and thermal stability.
NMC (nickel-cobalt-manganese) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) batteries offer higher energy density, commonly used in electric vehicles, but they are slightly less safe and have shorter cycle life than LiFePO₄. LCO (lithium cobalt oxide) mainly powers portable devices and is unsuitable for high-current applications due to its short lifespan.
| Chemical System | Energy Density | Safety | Cycle Life | Cost | Typical Applications |
| LiFePO₄ | Medium | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Low | Golf carts, energy storage, power tools |
| NMC | High | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Medium | Electric vehicles, power batteries |
| NCA | Very High | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Higher | Tesla and other high-performance EVs |
| LCO | Very High | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | High | Mobile phones, laptops, consumer electronics |
Overall, LiFePO₄ batteries provide durability, safety, and cost efficiency, making them ideal for golf cart and energy storage applications.
Basic Voltage & Configuration Explained
The popular golf cart electric system is 48V. You can use two 24V lithium batteries in series to create a 48V lithium battery pack.
Because golf carts require high current, the battery discharge rate is critical. LiFePO₄ cells often support 1C to 5C discharge, making them ideal for uphill climbs, acceleration, and other high-load operations. When choosing a 24V lithium battery, ensure it supports at least 100A continuous current and up to 300A for short bursts.
Choosing the Right 24 Volt Lithium Golf Cart Battery
How to Match Your Cart’s Requirements (Voltage, Amp Hours)
For a 24V toy golf cart, one 24V battery suffices. For a 48V golf cart, connect two 24V batteries in series.
24V Golf Cart Lithium Battery Brands
Trojan: An established battery brand producing standard GC2 lithium batteries for 24V golf carts, connected in series like lead-acid systems.
Olelon: Offers GC2 24V lithium batteries with BMS control and balancer, supporting up to 102V and 2100Ah when combined in series.
VTCBATT: Produces 24V lithium batteries optimized for golf carts, with improved BMS current and temperature control, delivering reliable energy storage and long-term performance.
Battery Series Connection Method
- Tips for sizing and capacity planning
Current popular capacity is 105Ah, enabling 40–53 miles per charge depending on load, terrain, and efficiency.
Replacing Lead-Acid with Lithium: Installation Method
- Place the 24V lithium battery in the same position as the old lead-acid battery. Fix it securely as you would with a lead-acid battery.
- Connect two 24V batteries in series to create a 48V system.
- Connect the positive and negative terminals to the controller, marking connections to avoid errors.
Golf cart battery connection diagram.
Future Trends
Golf cart powertrains increasingly adopt integrated large-capacity lithium batteries, such as 24V, 48V, 72V, and 105Ah LiFePO₄. These all-in-one batteries simplify installation and reduce maintenance.
Traditional lead-acid setups require multiple 6V or 8V cells connected in series, increasing complexity and maintenance. In contrast, integrated lithium batteries combine matched cells with a BMS, providing:
- ✅ Plug & Play: Easy installation with minimal errors.
- ✅ Higher Safety: Prevents overcharge or over-discharge from mismatched cells.
- ✅ Stable Performance: Supports high-power discharge consistently.
- ✅ Lower Maintenance Costs: No need to monitor multiple cells individually.
With improved lithium battery manufacturing and reduced costs, all-in-one solutions are the future of golf cart batteries.
VTCBATT offers 36V, 48V, 72V, and 96V all-in-one batteries with brackets, accessories, and a 5-year warranty.
Battery Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
Store and use batteries at 20–25°C whenever possible.
Avoid deep discharges; keep charge above 20% for Li-ion batteries.
Use the manufacturer-recommended charger to prevent overcharging or undercharging.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Recharge every 3–6 months if unused.
Limit frequent fast charging to extend battery life and maintain performance.
