Can You Use 12-Volt Batteries in a 36-Volt Golf Cart

Can You Use 12-Volt Car Batteries in a 36-Volt Golf Cart?

Today, we embark on a fascinating exploration of whether it is possible to use 12-volt batteries in a 36-volt golf cart. While the idea may seem plausible, there are crucial considerations to ponder before making such a decision.

Introduction

Greetings, fellow golf cart enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a fascinating exploration of whether it is possible to use 12-volt car batteries in a 36-volt golf cart. While the idea may seem plausible, there are crucial considerations to ponder before making such a decision. Join us as we delve into the world of golf cart batteries and uncover the optimal solution for powering your golfing adventures.

Battery Configuration

To create a 36-volt system, you would need to wire three 12-volt batteries in series. This entails connecting the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the next battery, and continuing this pattern until you have a series circuit with three batteries. This configuration allows the individual battery voltages to add up, resulting in a 36-volt power supply for your golf cart.

12, 36, 48-volt system

Battery Type Considerations

While using standard car batteries, which are typically rated at 12 volts, may seem like a viable option, they are not designed for deep-cycle applications like golf carts. Car batteries excel at providing high surges of current for short periods, such as starting a car engine. However, they are ill-equipped for the repeated deep discharging that golf cart batteries commonly undergo. Consequently, using car batteries in a golf cart may lead to reduced performance and a shortened lifespan for the batteries .

The Power of Deep-Cycle Batteries

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is highly recommended to use deep-cycle batteries explicitly designed for golf cart applications. Deep-cycle batteries are specifically engineered to handle sustained current draws and frequent deep discharging, making them the ideal choice for powering golf carts. Available in various voltages, including 6, 8, and 12 volts, deep-cycle batteries can be wired in series to provide the required 36-volt power for your cart.

Benefits of Deep-Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries offer a range of advantages over car batteries. They have better capacity retention, improved cycling ability, and increased durability. These features allow them to handle the demands of golf cart usage more effectively, providing consistent power output and longevity. Additionally, deep-cycle batteries are available in different chemistries, such as flooded lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), and lithium-ion, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Consider your specific requirements and budget when selecting the right deep-cycle battery for your golf cart.

Video:  12 volt battery install on 36 volt golf cart

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to use 12-volt batteries in a 36-volt golf cart, it is not recommended. Car batteries are not designed for deep-cycle applications and may not provide the necessary performance and longevity required for optimal golf cart operation. Investing in deep-cycle batteries specifically designed for golf carts ensures better performance, longer battery life, and a more enjoyable golfing experience.

Remember, the right choice of batteries will empower your golf cart to conquer the fairways with ease, providing the reliable power needed to navigate the course in style. So, choose wisely and enjoy your golfing adventures to the fullest!

Continue reading: 

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4.  How to Test Golf Cart Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide

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6. The Average Cost to Replace Golf Cart Batteries

7.  Golf Cart Batteries for Sale in 2024

8.  Everything You Need to Know About 36 Volt Golf Cart Battery

2 comments

Zachary

Zachary

Thank you for pointing that out. Yes, this article might indeed mislead readers. Therefore, I will change the title to ’Can You Use 12-Volt Car Batteries in a 36-Volt Golf Cart

Thank you for pointing that out. Yes, this article might indeed mislead readers. Therefore, I will change the title to ’Can You Use 12-Volt Car Batteries in a 36-Volt Golf Cart

Jesse king

Jesse king

You are confusing everyone with this article about as it appears that you assume all 12 volt batteries are car batteries, when in fact I have six 12 volt (DEEP CYCLE LITHIUM 100AH BATTERIES) two sets of three each wired in series and then paralleled and an onboard lithium charger and while I have not tested ho many miles I can ride it but I do know that I can ride it around the neighborhood every day for about 3 weeks whereas the extremely old technology of the Trojan flooded acid batteries with brand new batteries I could only get about two weeks out of them for about 6 months and after that they started deteriorating more and more over time and I never discharged them more than 50 percent the as I do the lithium because I have a radio that uses power for memory and an automatic magnetic phone charger that needs constant power and if risk letting them discharge past 50 percent then those things could potentially damage the batteries especially the flooded batteries since it will aid building sulfates on the plates and those companies selling those sulfate removing chargers try and sell you a charger that promises you the moon but literally doesn’t do anything except charge old worn out batteries the same as the charger that you only paid about $100 for instead of $300 that you paid for the charger that has those little words on that says something like sulfates remover or battery reconditioning, but you are probably a battery salesman that still wants to continuing making that %100 percent profit selling old technology flooded acid batteries and then telling that to get the best out then they really need a new automatic watering system at a %200 profit, and the lithium batteries you do sell are $700 too expensive because I can get the same amount of capacity for about $400 and double the capacity for $800

You are confusing everyone with this article about as it appears that you assume all 12 volt batteries are car batteries, when in fact I have six 12 volt (DEEP CYCLE LITHIUM 100AH BATTERIES) two sets of three each wired in series and then paralleled and an onboard lithium charger and while I have not tested ho many miles I can ride it but I do know that I can ride it around the neighborhood every day for about 3 weeks whereas the extremely old technology of the Trojan flooded acid batteries with brand new batteries I could only get about two weeks out of them for about 6 months and after that they started deteriorating more and more over time and I never discharged them more than 50 percent the as I do the lithium because I have a radio that uses power for memory and an automatic magnetic phone charger that needs constant power and if risk letting them discharge past 50 percent then those things could potentially damage the batteries especially the flooded batteries since it will aid building sulfates on the plates and those companies selling those sulfate removing chargers try and sell you a charger that promises you the moon but literally doesn’t do anything except charge old worn out batteries the same as the charger that you only paid about $100 for instead of $300 that you paid for the charger that has those little words on that says something like sulfates remover or battery reconditioning, but you are probably a battery salesman that still wants to continuing making that %100 percent profit selling old technology flooded acid batteries and then telling that to get the best out then they really need a new automatic watering system at a %200 profit, and the lithium batteries you do sell are $700 too expensive because I can get the same amount of capacity for about $400 and double the capacity for $800

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