Battery-powered golf carts are cheaper and more eco-friendly than their gas-powered counterparts. However, their batteries have a limited number of recharge cycles, meaning that they lose their total capacity and performance with time.
When the worst happens, you should replace your golf cart batteries to keep your ride in top-notch performance. That is where we come in to help you secure the best golf cart batteries.
In this guide, we have outlined the top-rated golf cart batteries.
We based our selection on the batteries with:
- The highest capacity
- Best voltage
- A high number of recharge cycles
- Durable construction
- Best charging speed
- Best manufacturer warranties
Golfible Picks:
Best Overall: Chins Lifepo4 Battery 12v 100ah Lithium Battery (click to see)
Best For Off-Road Applications: ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery (click to see)
Best Budget: Ml35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35ah Rechargeable Gel (click to see)
Maintenance-Free Option: Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA DEEP Cycle VRLA Battery (click to see)
Most Durable SLA Battery: Interstate Batteries 12V 55Ah Deep Cycle Battery (DCM0055) (click to see)
Most Reliable Battery: Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery (click to see)
Highest Capacity: Trojan T-1275 12V 150Ah Flooded Lead Acid GC12 Deep Cycle Battery (click to see)
Best Golf Cart Battery Reviews
Keep reading to learn about their features and benefits. You’ll also find a buyer’s guide to give you the much-needed inspiration to buy the best battery.
Our top-rated golf cart batteries include:
Chins Lifepo4 Battery 12v 100ah Lithium Battery
Best Overall
Rating: 9.5 /10
Pros
- Higher capacity of 100Ah
- Long-Lasting battery
- Wide applications
Cons
- Expensive option
Key Specs
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 10.8 kilograms
- Battery type: lithium-ion
- Number of cycles: 2000+
- Warranty:10 years
Product Description
The CHINS LiFePO4 Battery might be your go-to option if you are looking for a high performance and powerful golf cart battery to serve you for an extended period.
The 12v battery offers 100Ah capacity (it can supply 100 amperes in one hour or 10 amperes in 10 hours) to let you drive over a long-range before calling for a recharge.
It supports more than 2000 cycles, assuring you of more battery life than its 500 cycles lead-acid counterparts.
In our testing, we found that the LiFePO4 battery was particularly easy to install due to its lightweight nature.
Another notable attribute of this battery is that it won’t burn when overcharged, over-discharged, or exposed to excess current. Thanks to the integrated battery management system.
Our testing revealed that besides the golf cart, LiFePO4 Battery can be used in UPS backup, electric vehicles, 12v routers, travel trailers, air pumps, and fish finders, among other applications.
📢 Need To Know: The inbuilt high-temperature cut-off inhibits the charging in temperatures exceeding 122 °F (50 °C) to ensure the battery’s longevity.
ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery
Best For Off-Road Applications
Rating: 9.1 /10
Pros
- Inexpensive option
- Low maintenance needs
- Rugged construction, given the absorbed glass mat technology
Cons
- Maintaining the battery water levels may be cumbersome
Key Specs
- Capacity: 33Ah
- Voltage: 12v/ 1200 watts
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Battery type: Lead-acid battery
- Run time:10 hours
Product Description:
ExpertPowers 12V, 33Ah lead-acid battery can make a great option for golfers looking for an ultra-tough yet affordable battery for their golf carts.
It is built to overcome vibrations, spills, and impact from tough terrains. Thumbs up to the Absorbed Glass Mat construction technology.
In our testing, we found that the Absorbed Glass Mat design of the battery allowed for efficient operation even when exposed to extreme temperatures, with a temperature range of -40°F to 120°F.
The battery is easy to install, given its lightweight and spill-free design.
Using the battery for the first time? Follow the instructions in the manufacturer manual to fix your batteries properly.
💡 Golfible Tip: Make sure you maintain healthy water levels in your battery to elongate its service life and keep the battery in a top-notch performance.
Ml35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35ah Rechargeable Gel
Best Budget
Rating: 8.7 /10
Pros
- Pocket-friendly option
- Low or zero maintenance costs
- Easy to install
- Works excellent in areas with fluctuating temperatures
Cons
- It offers a relatively low battery capacity
Key Specs
- Capacity: 35Ah
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Weight: 10.5 kilograms
- Battery type: Sealed lead acid
- Type: Deep cycle GEL battery
- Warranty: One year
Product Description
The Ml35-12 Gel – 12 Volt 35Ah battery by Mighty Max may make a great battery for golfers living in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
This is because these batteries feature a wide temperature range, which allows them to operate in areas with temperature extremes.
Additionally, the Ml35-12 Gel-12 volts battery is a deep cycle battery, meaning that it can withstand vibrations while ensuring conductivity regardless of any impact or its ambient temperatures.
Being a GEL-activated battery, Ml35-12 Gel requires no maintenance in the long run.
Our testing showed that the battery not only offers an option to add electrolytes for extended capacity but also helps to prolong its service life.
Installing the battery is hassle-free, given its spill-proof and lightweight designs.
📋 Keep in mind: Besides the golf carts, the Ml35-12 Gel-12 volts battery is compatible with many other devices, including medical mobility appliances, garage doors, UPS systems, electric gates, etc.
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA DEEP Cycle VRLA Battery
Maintenance-Free Option
Rating: 8.8 /10
Pros
- Low maintenance needs
- Best for off-road applications
- Has high capacity
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Sheds no light on battery cycles
Key Specs
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Battery type: Sealed lead acid
- Warranty:1 year warranty
Product Description:
The 12V 100Ah solar wind SLA battery by Universal Power Group features an absorbent glass mat (AGM) design.
That means that the battery can generate sufficient power to support the power demands of your golf cart.
Additionally, the AGM implies that the battery is rugged enough to withstand impact and vibrations. It further means that the battery is sealed to make it non-spillable.
In our testing, we found that the battery’s durability was exceptional, with zero or minor mechanical damages, even when used on rough terrain, making it essentially maintenance-free.
It generates up to 100 amperes per hour to let you drive over a long range.
The battery is highly reliable given its rugged design and 1-year manufacturer warranty to cover system failures.
Interstate Batteries 12V 55Ah Deep Cycle Battery (DCM0055)
Most Durable SLA Battery
Rating: 9.3 /10
Pros
- Wide range of applications
- Spill and maintenance-free
- Easy to install
- Has a standard capacity
- Durable battery
Cons
- Lacks information on the number of cycles
- Relatively more expensive than other SLA batteries
Key Specs
- Capacity: 55Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Battery type: sealed lead acid
- Warranty:1 year
Product Description:
Another deep cycle AGM, SLA battery on our list is the DCM0055 12v, 55Ah battery by interstate batteries.
Like any other AGM battery, the battery is spill and maintenance-free, making it an economical addition to your golf cart.
Our testing showed that installing the battery in golf carts is hassle-free, thanks to its spill-free and lightweight design.
Purchasing the 12v, 55Ah battery is riskless, given the 12-month manufacturer warranty.
Besides the golf carts, the battery is compatible with many other devices, including wheelchairs, scooters, leisure lifts, and other electrical appliances.
Ampere Time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Most Reliable Battery
Rating: 9.3 /10
Pros
- Has built-in battery management system
- Long-lasting batteries
- Easy to install
- Powerful battery given the 12v
- It offers a long driving range given the 100Ah capacity
Cons
- Expensive option
Key Specs
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 24.25 pounds
- Battery type: Lithium-Phosphate
- Number of cycles: 4000+ cycles
- Battery life: Up to 10 years
Product Description
The Ampere time LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery is certified by Underwriter Laboratories, meaning that its production adheres to the set standards for safety and performance.
It offers 4000+ cycles, which promise a more durable battery. Anecdotal reports from past users indicate that the battery can serve you up to 10 years.
Installing the battery is easy, given its lightweight and spill-free designs.
LiFePO4 battery utilizes Automotive Grade LiFePO4 Cells, promising you more energy density, power, and performance than its lead-acid counterparts.
Our testing revealed that the battery can be used not only in golf carts but also as a reliable power source for recreational vehicles, camping, motor homes, and various other electrical applications.
The inbuilt battery management system secures the battery from excess current, overcharge, over-discharge, or short circuits.
📋 Keep in mind: The battery involves a higher initial cost. But, the higher price is nothing compared to the 10 years of service.
Trojan T-1275 12V 150Ah Flooded Lead Acid GC12 Deep Cycle Battery
Highest Capacity
Rating: 9.0 /10
Pros
- Durable battery
- It has a high battery capacity
- Charges quickly
Cons
- Very expensive option
Key Specs
- Capacity: 150Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Battery Type: Sealed Lead Acid
- Float life: up to 10-12 years
- Warranty: 2 years
Product Description
The Trojan T-1275 12v, 150Ah might be an excellent choice for golfers looking for powerful and durable batteries to upgrade their golf carts.
It is a deep cycle battery, meaning that it can supply 150A for many hours before running out.
The Trojan T-1275 charges quickly with the recommended charger.
The battery works efficiently with many electrical devices, including golf carts, recreational vehicles, marinas, etc.
In our testing, we found that the batteries, although high-performing, presented a challenge during installation due to their weight, which is heavier than most lead-acid batteries.
Buyers Guide: Considerations to Make When Looking for the Best Golf Cart Battery
Now that you understand the different golf cart batteries, their features, and their functions, the next step is to check the different factors you need to consider when buying to make the best purchase.
Below are the various considerations you need to focus on:
Voltage
Golf cart batteries come in 6v, 8v, and 12v options. Make sure you pick a battery whose voltage matches the recommended voltage in your golf cart.
📢 Need To Know: A golf cart battery may contain four to six interconnected batteries. If one of these batteries goes bad, it is recommended to replace all the batteries or otherwise cause an imbalance in the current produced by the batteries.
Additionally, all the replacement batteries should be the same, including their voltage, capacity, cycles, type, etc., for better performance.
Capacity
The battery’s capacity is measured in amperes per hour (Ah). And, the higher the amperes per hour (Ah), the longer the driving range.
For instance, a 150Ah battery will give you a longer range than a 100Ah battery on a single charge.
We highly advocate for higher-capacity batteries if you drive your golf cart over long ranges like hunting.
Charging Cycles
Generally, all rechargeable batteries lose their capacity and performance in their useful life, rendering them useless as they cannot hold power anymore.
Specialists use the term ‘charging cycles’ to estimate the battery’s useful life before it becomes useless.
📢 Need To Know: A cycle happens when you discharge a battery that has fully been charged before.
We advocate for batteries with higher charging cycles as they have a longer useful life than the ones with fewer cycles.
For instance, a battery with 4,000 charging cycles can last longer than a battery with 1,000 cycles.
Weight
When choosing a battery for your golf cart, ensure that you don’t go for the heaviest batteries, as they may weigh down your golf cart.
We recommend you go for lightweight batteries with the recommended voltage and capacity to avoid compromising performance.
Construction
We highly advocate for batteries with rugged construction as they can protect the battery from cracking, especially when you use the golf cart on rough terrains, to elongate its service life.
New or Used
If you are low on a budget, you may be tempted to go for a used battery.
While the used batteries may help out, the chances are that their performance might have declined by the time you purchase them and may only serve for a short time.
For this reason, we advocate for brand-new batteries with untapped capacity and voltage to give you uninterrupted performance for the longest time.
Price
Like in any other industry, the most reliable battery manufacturers offer high-quality products at a high price to cover the cost of marketing, research, and production.
However, not all highly-priced batteries are of high quality. Some rogue manufacturers may decide to charge high prices for a compromised battery quality.
For that reason, we recommend you seek the insights of past users before investing in batteries from a particular brand.
💡 Golfible Tip: You can get such insights on manufacturer websites and social media pages for specific golf battery brands.
Battery Type
Golf cart batteries come in lithium-ion and deep cycle Lead Acid options.
The lithium-ion batteries come at a higher price than SLA batteries. However, they take less time to charge than their lead-acid counterparts.
Lithium-ion batteries also provide 100% of their rated capacity, making them a better option than their SLA batteries. They also don’t require regular maintenance.
On the other hand, SLA batteries have a relatively higher tolerance to power and temperature fluctuations than lithium-ion batteries during charging.
You can extend their capacity by adding electrolytes.
Knowing the differences between the two types, we leave it to you to pick your preferred choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Batteries
Which Golf Cart Battery Lasts Longest?
The lithium-ion batteries last longer than sealed lead-acid batteries because they have 10 times more cycles than sealed lead-acid batteries.
Having fewer charging cycles means that lead-acid batteries require more frequent replacement than their lithium counterparts.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Golf Cart Batteries?
The cost of replacing a battery may go as low as $800 and as high as $2,000, depending on the brand, type, voltage, amperage, and state (new or used) of the battery.
Can You Replace Just One Battery on a Golf Cart?
Technically, you can replace the bad battery in your golf cart to keep it going. However, experts discourage this action as it can cause an imbalance in the current produced by the batteries and damage their cells.
It’s highly recommended that you change all the batteries with identical batteries to enjoy improved golf cart performance for an extended period.
