Power Up Your Ride: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Maintaining Golf Cart Batteries

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 4/7/2025

Keeping your golf cart running smoothly starts with having the right battery. Whether you're cruising the course or using your cart for everyday tasks, selecting a reliable battery and maintaining it properly can make all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to know about golf cart batteries, from types and brands to essential maintenance tips and when to replace them.

Understanding Golf Cart Batteries

Golf carts can be powered by gas or electricity, and each type requires different batteries:

• Gas-Powered Golf Carts: Use a single 12-volt starting battery, similar to a car battery.
• Electric Golf Carts: Depend on multiple deep-cycle batteries, typically 6V, 8V, or 12V, connected in series to create a total system voltage (usually 36V or 48V).

How to Determine Your Cart's Voltage:

Check the number of cells per battery (each cell = 2 volts) and multiply by the number of batteries. For example, a battery with six cells (6 x 2V = 12V) in a system of four batteries creates 48 volts.

Types of Golf Cart Batteries

Choosing the right battery type impacts performance, maintenance, and longevity. Here are the three main options:

• Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries: Affordable but require regular maintenance, including watering and cleaning.
• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: Sealed, maintenance-free, and more vibration-resistant than flooded batteries.
• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lightweight, maintenance-free, offer longer life spans, and charge faster, but have a higher upfront cost.

Best Golf Cart Battery Brands in 2025

If you're looking for a reliable golf cart battery, these brands are known for their performance and durability:

1. Duracell Ultra

A well-known name in batteries, Duracell Ultra offers high-quality deep-cycle batteries designed for golf carts. Their batteries are engineered for longer run times, strong cycle life, and consistent performance, making them a reliable choice for golf cart owners.

2. Trojan Battery Company

With nearly 100 years of experience, Trojan Battery is one of the most trusted names in deep-cycle batteries. Their flooded lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion batteries are known for longevity, reliability, and high performance in golf carts.

3. RELiON Battery

RELiON's lithium-ion batteries offer superior longevity, lighter weight, and maintenance-free operation, making them an excellent choice for golf carts.

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance Tips

To extend the life of your golf cart battery and ensure peak performance, follow these key maintenance tips:

• Charge Properly: Fully charge batteries after each use and avoid discharging them below 50% to prevent damage.
• Keep Batteries Clean: Remove corrosion with a baking soda and water solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
• Check Water Levels: For flooded lead-acid batteries, regularly top off with distilled water, ensuring plates are submerged but not overfilled.
• Store Correctly: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place and charge them before long-term storage to prevent capacity loss.
• Inspect Connections: Tighten battery terminals regularly to prevent power loss and ensure efficient performance.

When to Replace Your Golf Cart Battery

Golf cart batteries typically last between 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Signs it may be time for a replacement include:

• Reduced Performance: Your cart doesn't travel as far or loses power quickly.
• Slow Charging: The battery takes longer to charge or never reaches full capacity.
• Physical Damage: Swelling, leaks, or corrosion on the battery indicate it's time for a replacement.

Keep Your Cart Rolling with Confidence

From cruising the golf course to zipping around the neighborhood, your golf cart deserves a battery that delivers dependable power day after day. By choosing the right type, sticking with trusted brands like Trojan, RELiON, and Duracell Ultra, and following smart maintenance practices, you'll keep your cart running strong for years to come.

Need help finding the perfect battery? Your local Batteries Plus carries a wide selection of high-quality golf cart batteries, and our experts are here to help you choose the right one for your needs. Many of our locations even offer free battery testing and installation to make the process quick and hassle-free.