For decades, electric golf cars contained deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries. Today, lithium batteries are being used in a lot of electronic devices including electric vehicles. Although you can get around the golf course in any golf cart, make sure the vehicle is powerful enough to do the job. And this is where you can use lithium-ion batteries. These powerhouses are cost-effective and easier to maintain than their lead-acid counterparts. Given below are some of the advantages of these units.
1. Carrying Capacity
A golf cart powered by a lithium-ion battery enjoys a higher weight-to-performance ratio. The thing is that they weigh 50% less than conventional batteries. Due to the lighter weight, the vehicle can achieve much higher speeds. So, it won’t feel sluggish at all.
The weight-to-performance ratio allows the vehicle to carry two adults as well as the required equipment. Since these batteries can maintain their voltage output, the cart will deliver the same level of performance.
On the other hand, the lead-acid battery tends to lose performance once you have consumed 70% of the rated capacity. This has a negative impact on the carrying capacity of the unit.
2. No Maintenance
Another primary advantage of these units is that you don’t need to take any special maintenance steps. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries have to be checked and topped up on a regular basis.
Ultimately, this can help save a lot of labor hours. Plus, there will be no need to buy maintenance products. There will be no problem of chemical spills and the cart will keep performing non-stop.
3. Battery Charging Speed
Batteries take plenty of time to charge. In the meantime, you can’t use the cart as it will be out of power. A golf cart must maintain speed and power regardless of the course terrain. This is what you can achieve using a lithium-ion battery-powered vehicle.
A lead-acid battery, on the other hand, will slow down the cart due to a drop in voltage. Apart from this, these units take up to 8 hours to fully recharge. But the lithium counterparts may be fully recharged to 80% capacity in just 60 minutes.
Besides, a partially-charged lead-acid battery may face sulfation damage. As a result, their lifespan is significantly reduced.
4. Eco-Friendly
Lithium-ion batteries are good for the environment as they don’t take a lot of time to recharge. So, they don’t consume a lot of power. Another good thing is that they contain no hazardous material, unlike lead-acid counterparts.
5. Battery Lifespan
Lithium-ion batteries tend to stand the test of time as they offer much more charge cycles. On average, they can be charged up to 5,000 times. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries offer as many as 1,000 cycles.
While lithium batteries come with a higher upfront cost, they pay for themselves with the passage of time. For instance, you can save a lot of money on energy bills, repairs, and maintenance costs.
In short, these are just some of the primary advantages of lithium-ion batteries over lead-acid batteries.
