Golf carts have become a popular means of transportation in various communities, golf courses, and recreational spaces. As an owner, you may be curious about whether it’s wise to leave your golf cart plugged in all the time.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits and possible disadvantages of continuously charging your golf cart. This information will help you make an informed choice about how to best maintain your golf cart's battery.

Navigating the Golf Cart Charging Dilemma

Many golf cart owners are puzzled about whether to keep their carts plugged in, especially given the differing advice from various manufacturers.

Club Car recommends that you leave the golf cart plugged in during long-term storage, whereas E-Z-GO suggests keeping the charger unplugged. Yamaha has a different stance, advising that you fully discharge the batteries before unplugging them.

With these conflicting recommendations, it's important to establish the best practices for charging your golf cart.

Reasons to Keep Golf Cart Batteries Plugged In

When considering whether to leave your battery-powered golf cart plugged in continuously, there are several key factors to keep in mind.

Firstly, batteries naturally undergo slow self-discharge, known as "standby loss," even when they’re not in use. This discharge rate can vary based on battery type and storage conditions; for example, traditional lead-acid batteries may lose about 10-15% of their charge each month.

Conversely, allowing the battery to regularly deplete until it’s fully discharged can significantly shorten its lifespan. This practice, known as deep discharge cycling, puts unnecessary stress on the battery and can result in "capacity fade."

Maintaining a charged battery ensures it's ready for use whenever you need it. If the battery is only charged right before usage, there’s a risk it might not be fully charged when needed. This is especially concerning during winter months when golf carts may go unused for long periods. Without continuous charging, battery cells can gradually lose their charge, negatively impacting overall performance.

Considering these points, the general recommendation is to keep your golf cart plugged in at all times.

Reasons to Avoid Keeping Your Golf Cart Plugged In

As golf cart owners, it's tempting to leave our carts plugged in for constant readiness. However, there are several important reasons why this practice may not be the best choice. Prolonged charging can lead to negative consequences.

First, it can damage the battery. Keeping the battery at full charge for extended periods accelerates wear and tear, resulting in more frequent replacements. Continuous charging can cause "cell polarization," which deteriorates the battery cells and reduces their overall capacity.

Additionally, leaving your cart plugged in can lead to circuit breakers tripping, indicating a failure in the battery's auto shut-off feature. This keeps the charger supplying power continuously, which can result in overcharging and further harm to the battery.

Furthermore, constant plugging can also impact the charger itself, reducing its efficiency and prolonging the time it takes to charge the battery.

If you need to keep the cart plugged in for long periods, it’s advisable to unplug it occasionally to give the battery a break.

In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to have your golf cart always plugged in, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks for both the battery and the charger. Unplugging the cart periodically can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of both components.

Is There a Better Way to Maintain Golf Cart Batteries?

As previously mentioned, one key reason to keep your golf cart battery plugged in is its self-discharge rate. Lead-acid batteries typically experience an average self-discharge rate of 10-15% per month. Fortunately, a newer technology gaining traction in the market is lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their significantly lower self-discharge rate compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. On average, lithium batteries have a self-discharge rate of only around 1-3% per month. This means they can retain their charge for longer periods without needing frequent recharging, making them a compelling option for golf cart owners.

Below is a comparison of the self-discharge rates of lead-acid and lithium batteries from LiTime Laboratory, clearly demonstrating the stability of lithium batteries.

Beyond their lower self-discharge rate, lithium batteries come with several additional benefits, including a longer lifespan, lighter weight, and quicker charging times. While the initial investment for lithium batteries is higher than that for lead-acid batteries, their long-term cost-effectiveness and superior performance make them an appealing choice for those looking to upgrade their golf cart’s battery system.

Considering these advantages, transitioning to lithium batteries can be a wise decision for anyone seeking better maintenance for their golf cart battery, especially during extended periods of non-use. With less frequent recharging needed and improved overall performance, lithium batteries offer a compelling alternative for golf cart owners looking to enhance their battery management.

The LiTime 48V 60Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery has been meticulously designed to seamlessly fit a range of golf carts, including Club Car, EZGO, ICON, and Yamaha models. Unlike previous versions, this new battery eliminates the need for extra modifications or adapters, ensuring a trouble-free replacement experience for customers.

In addition to its seamless compatibility, the improved lithium golf cart batteries offer several outstanding features:

• Direct Replacement for Traditional Lead Acid Golf Cart Batteries: Effortlessly compatible with Club Car, EZGO, ICON, and Yamaha golf cart models, ensuring easy installation and integration.
• Top Quality Cells: Utilizes EV grade-A LiFePO4 cells for superior stress resistance and heat dissipation, lasting over 10 years with 4000+ cycles at 100% DOD.
• Advanced BMS Protection: 120A Battery Management System safeguards against over-current, over-charging, over-discharging, short circuits, and overheating.
• High Energy Capacity: Provides 3072Wh of energy with low consumption (71.68Wh/km), enabling approximately 34 miles of driving range on a full charge.
• Lightweight and Compact: 77% lighter and 52% smaller than traditional lead-acid batteries, eliminating wiring and voltage-balance issues.
• Expandable Capacity: Capable of forming a 51.2V 240Ah battery system to deliver up to 12.28kWh of energy.

If your old golf cart battery shows signs of needing replacement, consider the LiTime 48V 60Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery for its advanced features and easy integration.

Benefits of a Lithium Golf Cart Battery Charger

Using a lithium golf cart battery charger, often referred to as a smart charger, offers numerous advantages for maintaining and extending the lifespan of lithium batteries. These chargers are specifically designed to meet the unique charging needs of lithium batteries, ensuring optimal performance and durability.

One of the primary benefits of a lithium golf cart battery charger is its ability to provide precise and controlled charging. Equipped with advanced algorithms and monitoring systems, smart chargers deliver the appropriate charge level, preventing overcharging and undercharging—both of which can significantly affect the battery's health and lifespan.

Additionally, lithium battery chargers often feature temperature monitoring and voltage regulation, enhancing the safety and efficiency of the charging process. These features help protect the battery from damage due to extreme temperatures and voltage fluctuations, ensuring it is charged in a way that maximizes longevity and performance.

Moreover, smart chargers for lithium batteries are designed to be energy-efficient, which can lead to reduced energy consumption during charging. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also results in cost savings over time.

For instance, the LiTime lithium battery charger includes protections against over-temperature, output short-circuit, and output over-voltage/under-voltage. With these built-in safeguards, it is safe to leave the charger plugged in overnight; however, it’s still advisable to unplug it once the battery is fully charged and store it properly when not in use.

Conclusion

Upgrading to a golf cart battery with a lower self-discharge rate, such as a lithium battery, can eliminate the frustrating issues often experienced during battery charging. By opting for a battery with enhanced features like reduced self-discharge, golf cart owners can enjoy a more reliable and efficient power source, ultimately enhancing their overall experience on the course.