A 100Ah lithium battery in a golf cart typically lasts 5–8 hours under moderate use (25–35 km/h) or delivers 80–120 km per charge, depending on terrain, payload, and speed. For example, a 72V 100Ah LiFePO4 pack (7.2 kWh) sustains 90 km in flat terrain but drops to 60 km with hills or 4 passengers. Pro Tip: Always derate capacity by 20% for aging and temperature effects below 10°C.
Top Picks for Best Lithium Golf Cart Battery
What factors affect a 100Ah battery’s runtime in golf carts?
Key variables include terrain incline, payload weight, and driving patterns. Steeper hills increase energy draw by 30–50% versus flat ground.
Wholesale lithium golf cart batteries with 10-year life? Check here.
Golf cart batteries follow Peukert’s Law—higher current reduces effective capacity. A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery delivering 50A lasts ~2hrs (100Ah/50A=2h), but at 100A loads, runtime halves to ~1h due to internal resistance. Practically speaking, a 4-passenger cart climbing 15% grades may deplete 72V 100Ah packs in 45 minutes. Transitional factors like ambient temperature also matter: below 0°C, lithium batteries lose 15–25% capacity. Pro Tip: Use battery heaters in cold climates to maintain efficiency.
| Factor | Impact on Runtime | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Hills (10% grade) | -40% | Use regenerative braking |
| 4 passengers | -35% | Limit speed to 20 km/h |
| Headwinds (20 km/h) | -25% | Install aerodynamic covers |
How does voltage (60V vs. 72V) impact 100Ah battery range?
Higher voltage systems improve energy efficiency and torque. A 72V 100Ah pack stores 20% more energy (7.2kWh) than 60V systems (6kWh), extending range proportionally.
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
But why doesn’t doubling voltage double the range? Because golf cart motors and controllers have fixed efficiency curves. A 72V system running at 50A draws 3.6kW (72V×50A), while a 60V system at 60A uses 3.6kW (60V×60A)—same power, different current loads. However, 72V systems reduce I²R losses by 44% compared to 60V, adding ~15% real-world range. For example, Redway’s 72V carts achieve 110 km vs. 95 km for 60V models with identical 100Ah batteries. Transitionally, controller programming matters: some 72V units allow “Eco modes” that cap speed at 20 km/h to stretch range by 30%.
| Parameter | 60V 100Ah | 72V 100Ah |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 6 kWh | 7.2 kWh |
| Typical Range | 70–100 km | 90–130 km |
| Peak Torque | 120 Nm | 150 Nm |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
Why Buy ICON EV Golf Carts Through Costco
FAQs
No—impedance mismatches cause unbalanced loads. Replace all cells simultaneously to prevent premature failure.
How often should I charge my golf cart battery?
After each use, even partial discharges. Lithium batteries prefer shallow cycles (30–80% SOC) for longevity.
