How Long To Charge Golf Cart Batteries To Keep Them In Excellent Running Condition

Actually, it depends on a few factors. But in general, you need to charge golf cart batteries for 8 to 14 hours maximum if it gets fully discharged. If golf cart batteries are partially discharged, the charging time will be 3 to 8 hours depending on the amount of charge released.

As golf cart battery life can drain to zero out of the blue, you must charge it fully after every use. But the question is how long to charge golf cart batteries.

However, you must not keep them in the charging process for an extended period. An excessive amount of charge could affect the average lifespan of the battery. Moreover, cart owners must rely on a heavy-duty charger to make golf carts up and run sooner than expected.

On that note, let’s check out some important factors regarding golf cart batteries and learn how to keep them well-maintained.

How Long to Charge Golf Cart Batteries

How Long to Charge Golf Cart Batteries

Considering the battery size, charger type, battery quality, condition, and age, level of discharge, it can take around 3 to 8 hours to fully charge it. In some cases, it may take more time to reach full capacity.

To be more exact, if the golf cart battery voltage drains to 0%, you should at least wait for one hour to take the battery life to 50%. Within the next two hours, the cart’s battery would reach more or less 80%.

And for the rest 20%, a golf cart owner should wait for at least three hours. Whether it’s a club car or an EZGO one, if the quality of the charger is good for a decent power supply, the charging time is relatively the same.

Being a battery-powered vehicle, a golf cart is usually made of a lead-acid battery. Also, lithium-ion golf cart batteries are quite popular nowadays. They get recharged faster than lead-acid batteries.

However, in both cases, you should recharge them regularly to enjoy an uninterrupted ride on the golf course.

But it’s important to know how much battery percentage you are left with. So, you should count the amp output.

Unfortunately, most golf cart batteries don’t come with a voltage meter. Therefore, automatic chargers could seal the deal by showing the exact battery charge percentage.

What Are the Factors That Affect the Charging Time?

Being constructed with deep cycle batteries, golf carts depend on several factors in terms of charging time.

For example, three major factors to affect the battery’s lifespan are- the quality of the charger and battery, depth of discharge, and charger cycles.

Now, let’s break down these three major factors to learn more.

Quality of Charger and Battery

To be honest, both the charger and the battery quality matter when it comes to determining the charging time of the cart batteries.

First, let’s talk about the battery. Older batteries tend to take more charging time compared to a relatively new battery pack. Also, it should be well-made by a good manufacturer, not cheap junk that can affect the amp output.

In the same light, you should completely charge it before the next ride. But make sure to avoid overcharging issues as much as possible to maintain great efficiency.

Similarly, undercharging can also severely damage the battery owned.

So, always recharge them when it releases at least 50% of the battery voltage, but not more than that. And never run to recharge if you have still an 85% charge left.

Moving forward to the charger, the right charger will reduce the charging time to a notable extent. To figure out the charger quality, have a cautious look at the voltage of the golf cart. It must correspond to the battery volt for most chargers.

For example, a 48-volt charger would quickly recharge a 48V golf cart. Otherwise, the charging time would be prolonged.

Depth of Discharge

Secondly, the battery’s depth of discharge is highly important. The more the level of discharge is, the longer it will take to be fully charged.

However, the second factor also depends on how long you have used the cart on the golf course. If it’s fully discharged, you should fully charge it as well. In that case, a heavy-duty charger with great efficiency would come in handy.

More importantly, you should always opt for a recharge when the depth of discharge is 50%. If your battery percentage constantly runs down that limit, the overall lifespan of the battery would be highly affected.

Charger Cycles

Charger Cycles

Most chargers have three charging cycles- bulk, absorption, and float. The first one recharges the battery pack at the highest speed ever delivering bulk energy.

The second phase, however, makes sure the battery can provide a constant power supply.

And the third cycle slowly fills the battery to keep them topped off.

To put it more clearly, suppose you have a 10 amp charger. Now, the three factors influence the charging process differently.

For example, the bulk phase might recharge at a 10 amp hours rate while the rest two phases will fill the battery at 5 amp hours and 2 amp hours charging rate, respectively.

Resultantly, the bulk phase would recharge the golf cart battery for 7 hours. Then the absorption cycle begins for 5 hours. Lastly, the float phase would recharge for 2.5 hours more and that’s how the battery will be fully recharged.

Aside from the three factors above, the battery type also matters whether it’s a lead-acid one or not. If yes, they can hold the charge for pretty long. But if not, then you should not keep it idle for too long.

Some Telling Tips to Maximize Your Battery Life

Here comes a few simple yet effective tips to increase your battery life and performance.

  • You should recharge them, be it lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion, once every 1-3 months even if they are not in use.
  • Follow the depth of discharge carefully. Never let it be fully discharged. Between 50%-80% discharge level is good enough for a recharge.
  • Always look for a good charger with extended capacity for regular charging. It’s better to recharge the battery slowly but constantly. That alone can maximize the battery life up to 400%.
  • In the same light, an automatic charger is highly suggested as it disconnects the battery from the power supply once it’s fully charged. Thus, you can avoid overcharging issues.
  • For regular maintenance of the golf cart batteries and to keep the battery active, you should use distilled water. Because regular water affects the acid plate inside with the ions and electrolytes. Moreover, check the water level regularly and fill it up if needed.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Golf Cart Battery?

Well, it depends on several factors. Overall, a well-built battery can last around 7-9 years if properly taken care of. But regular overcharge or undercharge can make it last even less than 3 years.

You can check the expected lifespan from the cart’s performance. Also, older batteries take longer to completely charge. On that note, a newer battery should replace the older battery to increase the lifespan of the golf cart.

Final Words

As a golf cart owner, if you want to get the best from your cell, you must treat the battery well. Otherwise, it might lead to premature battery death.

However, be it older batteries or newer ones, you should recharge them appropriately. Besides, cleaning them with baking soda and water helps increase their capacity.

And regarding how long to charge golf cart batteries, you should figure it out primarily based on the depth of discharge. Although the build quality of the battery and charger also matters.

Hopefully, your next ride on a golf cart will be a pleasant one with the help of the charging tips above.

Happy riding!

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