36v vs. 48v Lithium Ion Golf Cart Battery Pack – Which One Is The Better Option?

36v vs. 48v Lithium Ion Golf Cart Battery Pack – Which One Is The Better Option?

Voltage is a primary consideration when comparing batteries for a golf cart. The two standard options are the 36v and 48v options. Making a choice can get tricky if you are an amatuer with no knowledge of voltage and amperage. Worry not!

Right here, in this article, we break it down for you. We also compare 36 volt and 48 volt golf cart batteries to help you pick the best for you.

Volts and Amps
If you’ve already consulted a golf cart battery manufacturer, you must have heard the terms “voltage” and “amperage” being floated around. To start with voltage is a measure of the power output of the battery pack. Higher the voltage, higher is the current supplied to the motor.

Why does the voltage matter? Because more power means that your electric vehicle will be better able to handle challenging terrains. Not just that, it boosts the average speed.

The amperage, on the other hand, is a measure of the total time the battery will operate before needing a recharge or running out of power. Thus, more amperage will allow you to cover more miles.

36 Volts vs. 48 Volts
Golf batteries are built to different configurations consisting of 6V, 8V and 12V batteries.

A typical 36 volt battery has either six 6 volt batteries or three 12 volt batteries. Similarly, a 48 volt battery may be designed in the following combinations: six 8 volt batteries, eight 6 volt batteries and four 12 volt batteries.
Coming to the main question – which one is the better choice? It boils down to where and for what purpose you are going to use the cart. Here are a few factors that can help you decide.
Terrain and Power Output
The terrain comes into play primarily because of the difference in power output of both the batteries. Obviously, a 36 volt battery puts out less power than its 48v counterpart.

Golf courses could either be flat or could feature inclines. Navigating a hilly course, moving off-road or across the fairway, demands more power. Here a 48 v battery with its higher amps and volts would be a better bet. 36v battery packs have just the right amount of power to traverse straight, narrow paths. To add, a 48 volt battery will definitely cover more miles on a single charge than a 36 volt.

Pricing
A 36 volt golf cart battery sits on the cheaper end of the price scale. Hence, it is the more affordable option between the two. A 48-volt may be expensive but the capacity and features justify the cost.

However, considering it in the long-term, one must also factor in the expenses towards battery replacements. This includes the cost of the individual cells (the prices of 6V, 8V and 12V batteries differ) and the number of cells in each battery pack.

Finally, the brand influences the cost too!

48 volt batteries are more efficient and have a longer life, while the 36 volt batteries are cost effective. In the end, batteries can always be upgraded under the after-sales services offered by the brand.