Are you struggling to choose the right battery for your golf cart? The range of 6, 8, & 12-volt options can be overwhelming. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to decide which one is best suited for your needs. In this blog, we will take a look at the differences between 6, 8, & 12 V golf cart batteries so that you can make an informed decision. We will also look at the pros and cons of each option to help you find the perfect battery for your golf cart. So, let’s get started.
6 Volt Battery Package
A 6-volt golf cart battery is a type of deep cycle battery that is commonly used to power electric golf carts. These batteries are typically lead-acid batteries, and they are designed to provide a consistent and reliable source of power to the golf cart’s electric motor.
To power a golf cart, multiple 6-volt batteries are typically connected in series to create a higher voltage system, such as a 36-volt or 48-volt system, depending on the model of the golf cart. This allows the golf cart to travel longer distances and operate more efficiently.
Pros
- Higher Capacity
- Has a long lifespan and can provide over 500 charge cycles
- DoD provides a greater range at 56amperes
Cons
- Initial cost is greater than others
- Eight packs installation is time consuming
- Extra weight than others
56 Amps Runtime
The 6V golf cart battery provides the most power, it provides the highest charge and is capable of lasting 164 minutes of use.
Depth of Discharge
One of the key features of a 6-volt golf cart battery is its deep cycle design, which means that it is designed to withstand frequent and deep discharges. This is important for golf carts, as they often operate for extended periods of time without being recharged.
With a deeper discharge than 6-V batteries, using 12 volts means charging more often. While this might seem beneficial in the short term, it ultimately leads to shorter battery life overall.
Required Batteries
Using a 6 volt battery means you need 8 batteries to power a 48 volt golf cart. That’s twice as much as using a 12 volt battery. It also means a larger amount of work up front. It also increases the weight of the golf cart.
Price of Each Battery
Using a 6-volt battery is not very affordable. Because it has to use at least 8 batteries, it means you have to pay for 8 batteries. It is almost 20% more expensive than 8 volt batteries.
8-Volt Battery Package
An 8-volt golf cart battery is another type of deep cycle battery that is commonly used to power electric golf carts. Similar to the 6-volt golf cart battery, the 8-volt battery is typically a lead-acid battery and is designed to provide a consistent and reliable source of power to the golf cart’s electric motor.
One of the main advantages of using an 8-volt golf cart battery is that it can provide more power and efficiency than a 6-volt battery. This can be particularly beneficial for larger or more powerful golf carts that require more energy to operate.
Like the 6-volt battery, multiple 8-volt batteries are typically connected in series to create a higher voltage system, such as a 36-volt or 48-volt system, depending on the model of the golf cart.
Pros
- Moderate-capacity
- Durable
- Reliable
- Takes Less Time for Installation
Cons
- Lower range than 6-volt
- More weight for golf cart
- Shorter depth of discharge (80 minutes)
56 Amps Runtime
8V Batteriesare a great middle ground when we talk about range andamperes, offering 56amperes of power that will last for almost of 128 minutes – 36 minutes less than the 6-volts.
Depth of Discharge
8V Batteriesmay run longer, but they tend to have a short life due to their greater discharge percentage. An 8-volt battery typically depletes by 44% in case of 80 minutes run – that’s more than double the exhaustion rate compared with 6-volts.
Required Batteries
If you need 48 volts to power your battery, it pays off to get six 8-V packs. That way, you can get less packs than the 6v option and save time installing them on cart – plus less weight.
Price of Each Battery
Those looking to save money may be tempted by 8-V batteries, which have a low cost than 6-volts. But they will offer a different bang for your buck – while you’ll get more savings on an 8-volt compared to the pricier 6 volts, it still works out at 13% higher than if you were opting for 12-volt packs.
12-Volt Battery Package
A 12-volt golf cart battery is a type of deep cycle battery that is commonly used to power electric golf carts. Unlike the 6-volt and 8-volt batteries, which are typically connected in series to create a higher voltage system, a single 12-volt battery can be used to power certain types of golf carts that require a 12-volt electrical system.
The 12-volt golf cart battery is also typically a lead-acid battery and is designed to provide a consistent and reliable source of power to the golf cart’s electric motor. However, it is important to note that using a single 12-volt battery may not provide the same level of power or efficiency as a higher voltage system.
Pros
- Most Economical Choice
- Provides the lightest weight
- Lightning-fast installation process
- Lowest Price Tag
Cons
- 56amperes range
- Great depth of discharge
- Lower capacity
56 Amps Runtime
Out of our three battery examinations, it’s no surprise that 12 V golf cart batteries offers the least amount at just 56amperes. And with only 110 minutes on offer, you’re getting a full 54 less than 6-volts delivery. Fortunately, we’ve got plenty more options to explore – so let us help you find your ideal powerhouse.
Depth of Discharge
Despite packing a powerful punch of 12 volts, this battery offers a surprisingly limited depth of discharge – just 48%, nearly at the limit required for deep-cycle batteries. An interesting comparison to bear in mind is that its DOD is more than 13% to those of 6-V units.
12-V batteries have to do more work than their 6-volt counterparts, leading to needing regular charge cycles for optimal performance. Unfortunately, this means a shorter lifetime – the deeper you push them, the sooner they’ll need to be replace.
Required Batteries
12-V batteries are a handy solution for powering 48-V golf carts without needing twice as much hardware. You can halve the number of units—just four 12 volts in comparison to eight 6 or 8-volt varieties—and make them lighter on your cart and save hours during installation.
Price of Each Battery
Get ready to save big with 12-volt batteries. Fewer units mean more bang for your buck – up to 37% less than 6 volts and 13% lower than 8 volts – making them the most cost-effective option.
Questions about 6 vs 8 vs 12-V Golf Cart Batteries
The choice of golf cart battery voltage will depend on a few factors, including the size and power of the golf cart, the length of time it will be used, and personal preference.
A 6-volt battery is a common option for smaller or less powerful golf carts, and multiple batteries can be connected in series to create a higher voltage system. This type of battery is typically more affordable than the higher voltage options and can be easier to maintain due to its simpler design.
An 8-volt battery provides more power and efficiency than a 6-volt battery, making it a good choice for larger or more powerful golf carts. It can also help to extend the range of the golf cart, allowing it to travel further on a single charge.
A 12-volt battery is less common in golf carts but may be a good option for certain types of vehicles that require a 12-volt electrical system. While a single 12-volt battery may be more convenient for some golf cart owners, it may not provide the same level of power or efficiency as a higher voltage system.
Golf carts can use both 6-volt and 12-volt batteries, but there are some reasons why 6-volt batteries are commonly used.
First, golf carts require deep cycle batteries, which are designed to provide a steady and consistent source of power over a longer period of time. These batteries are different from the starting batteries used in cars, which are designed to provide a burst of power to start the engine.
Deep cycle batteries are typically heavier and have thicker plates than starting batteries, which makes them better suited for providing sustained power over a longer period of time. 6-volt batteries are often used in golf carts because they are smaller and lighter than 12-volt batteries, while still providing the necessary deep cycle capabilities.
Additionally, connecting multiple 6-volt batteries in series can create a higher voltage system, which is often necessary to power larger or more powerful golf carts. This is because higher voltage systems can provide more power and better efficiency than lower voltage systems.
In most cases, it is possible to use 4 12-volt batteries instead of 6 8-volt batteries on a golf cart. However, there are a few things to consider before making this change.
First, it is important to ensure that the electrical system of the golf cart is compatible with 12-volt batteries. Some golf carts are designed to operate with 6-volt or 8-volt batteries, and using a different voltage battery could cause damage to the electrical components or the motor.
Second, it is important to consider the physical size and weight of the batteries. 12-volt batteries are typically larger and heavier than 8-volt batteries, so they may not fit in the battery compartment or add excessive weight to the vehicle.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the overall voltage of the battery system is sufficient to power the golf cart. Four 12-volt batteries in series will provide a total voltage of 48 volts, which may be too high or too low for some golf carts.
The main difference between a 12-volt battery and a 6-volt battery is their voltage output. A 12-volt battery provides twice the voltage output of a 6-volt battery. This means that a 12-volt battery can deliver more power and provide higher performance than a 6-volt battery.
Another important difference is the physical size and weight of the batteries. Generally, a 12-volt battery will be larger and heavier than a 6-volt battery, due to the greater amount of material required to produce the higher voltage output.
However, when comparing batteries of the same type, such as deep-cycle batteries, there are other differences to consider. For example, a 6-volt deep-cycle battery may have thicker plates than a 12-volt deep-cycle battery of the same size, which can make it better suited for providing sustained power over a longer period of time. Additionally, connecting multiple 6-volt batteries in series can create a higher voltage system, which is often necessary to power larger or more powerful vehicles like golf carts.
Whether an 8-volt battery is better than a 6-volt battery depends on the specific application and the requirements of the device using the battery. In general, an 8-volt battery can provide higher voltage and power output than a 6-volt battery, while still being smaller and lighter than a 12-volt battery.
One advantage of using an 8-volt battery instead of a 6-volt battery in golf carts is that it allows for fewer batteries to be used, which can reduce the overall weight and cost of the battery system. Additionally, an 8-volt battery may provide longer run time and improved performance compared to a 6-volt battery, especially when powering larger or more powerful golf carts.
However, there are some factors to consider when using an 8-volt battery instead of a 6-volt battery. For example, the electrical system of the device using the battery must be designed to handle the higher voltage output of the 8-volt battery. Additionally, the availability and cost of 8-volt batteries may vary depending on the region and market.
6 vs 8 vs 12-V Golf Cart Batteries
When it comes to runtime and power, the 6-V package deliver superior performance. Our review found that these batteries can give you a full 164 minutes of usage at 56amperes – compared to 128 for an 8V battery or just 110 minutes from 12V options. The clear victor here is the 6-volt option.
Once again, 6-V batteries have earned their place at the top of the DOD department charts. After a grueling 80 minutes, they’re still going strong with only 35% discharge – that’s way better than 8 volts and 12 volts, which can barely make it to 44 and 48%.
Opting for 12-volt batteries means you can install fewer packs that come with lighter carts. With less energy needed to move, acceleration will be a breeze – and installation is even easier. Not convinced yet? Well, remember: when it comes to powering up your golf cart, twelve volts really does deliver more bang for its buck.
Golf cart owners increasingly consider 12-volt batteries instead of their multiple-pack counterparts. This choice helps to save money up front, as fewer packs need to be installed – making it a no-brainer in terms of cost saving.
Conclusion
To save money or get the best performance? That’s a question you should consider when picking between golf cart batteries. The findings from our 6 vs. 8 vs. 12-volt battery study showed that 6-volts could provide a superior range with only 56amperes and had the minimum depth of discharge ratio – making it a real winner if topnotch performance is your goal. On the other hand, 12 volts have an unbeatable upfront cost and take less time to install – so these are worth considering too. read more Golf Cart Basics And Guide.
