Battery Options & Care
Battery advice
Aside from the standard Trojan & Willard 6V, 8V & 12V Deep-Cycle lead-acid batteries for our electric cars, Golf Car Associates also offers the Trojan sealed T875-AGM Motive battery for a longer lifespan and no maintenance, as well as game-changing Lithium Ion batteries, the 48V Trojan GC2, which uses the existing charger and can be run in multiple configurations, as well as the RoyPow LiFePO4 105AH as an aftermarket battery (mainly installed into older and preowned cars as it currently affects the Yamaha warranty on new cars).
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Lithium Batteries
In stockThe efficiency, power output and ease of maintenance of the Lithium-ion battery makes it a popular choice for modern electric golf carts. We supply & fit the Trojan GC2 48V lithium-ion battery, which uses the same charger as the T-875, as well as the RoyPow LiFePO4 48V 105AH as an aftermarket battery (mainly installed into older and preowned cars as it currently affects the Yamaha warranty on new cars).
- Long-term benefits of lithium batteries outweigh the higher expense.
- Requiring fewer batteries means less weight (Fitted Li-ion batteries weigh 25% of a lead acid set).
- Lead acid batteries can lose around 33% of their charge in 30 days, while lithium only lose around 3% – this can be important if your cart sits dormant for an extended period.
- Lithium batteries operate at a fully-charged level of power delivery until they completely lose their charge – no loss of torque or power.
- It takes a lead battery around 8 hours to fully charge, while lithium batteries can be fully charged in about 3-4 hours, saving electricity.
- Lithium batteries will also last much longer than lead batteries because they can handle far more charging cycles over their lifetime (5x more).
- Partially charging a lead acid battery may result in damaging the cells while lithium batteries can handle quick, short charges without damage.
Get in touch to find out more.
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Maintaining lead-acid batteries
In stockGolf cart battery life (in years) depends largely on how well you look after the batteries and how often they are run down and re-charged (charge cycles). There are five simple steps to good battery care.
Note: Generally the below advice does not apply to the Trojan sealed T875-AGM, which must just be left plugged in when not in use.
- The golf cart batteries should be fully charged when idle – so always leave the charger plugged in whenever the car is not in use. The charger will not overcharge – it switches itself on and off. If you leave them half charged they will form a “sulphation memory” and not be able to accept charge beyond that point. Ideally leave the charger on and plugged into the car but flick the Tow/Run toggle to “Tow”.
- Keep the golf cart batteries clean – the dirt that settles on top quickly becomes conductive and if they are left to accumulate a layer of grit they start losing current through the dirt. This confuses the charging cycle and drains the batteries, eventually resulting in their early collapse.
- Check and maintain the golf cart battery water levels regularly – don’t use the golf car or charge it if any one of the battery cells is dry. (The plates, which look like cardboard strips standing vertically, must be covered by about 12mm of battery water when the car is standing on a flat surface but THERE MUST BE AN AIR GAP – don’t overfill). Buy high quality deionized or distilled battery water from a reputable car battery dealer.
- Never run the golf cart until the batteries are completely flat. This significantly shortens their useful life and risks blowing the controller.
- The car and charger should be in a well ventilated indoor area while charging
If you follow these instructions the golf cart batteries can last up to 5 years or more. They can also be destroyed in 6 months if they are abused. Typically, heavily used golf carts in golf course fleets have a battery life of about 3 years (+- 1000 charge cycles). Batteries are expensive.
Golf cart battery life (how far will the car go on a charge):- Yamaha has a 48V system, the highest voltage in golf cars. The powerful 48V Yamaha with a 2.6 kW motor will comfortably cope with two rounds of golf on a charge if you have to play two rounds in one day. It will do at least 25km on tar on a charge if necessary. However, please treat the batteries gently for the first ten or so charge cycles. (i.e. one round of golf is fine but don’t ever drive until the batteries are flattened significantly before charging).
DANGER: Golf cart batteries generate hydrogen gas while being charged. Always allow some ventilation while charging. Do not smoke or create sparks while looking at the batteries. They can explode with devastating consequences.
Contact details
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AddressGolf Car Associates
- Unit A4 The Palisades Business Park
39 Kelly Road
Jet Park
Boksburg, Johannesburg
1459
Opening hours- Visit us
Phone- Office 011 397 6671
- Fax 086 615 8280
- Dean 083 701 5332
Email usSend enquiryConnect - Unit A4 The Palisades Business Park
Authorised Dealer
Yamaha Golf Cars
Yamaha Golf Cars
Utility
Ferris Mowers
Zero Turns - TRIPLE deck/side discharge
Snapper Mowers
Batteries Golf Cart Batteries
Contact us
Give us a call, come into the showroom, or fill out the enquiry form below to send an enquiry or ask for a quote. Your submission will be dealt with promptly. Please double check your e-mail address.
Enquiry form
Contact details
-
AddressGolf Car Associates
- Unit A4 The Palisades Business Park
39 Kelly Road
Jet Park
Boksburg, Johannesburg
1459
Opening hours- Visit us
Phone- Office 011 397 6671
- Fax 086 615 8280
- Dean 083 701 5332
Email usSend enquiryConnect - Unit A4 The Palisades Business Park
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