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Posted: 5/11/2024 6:21:06 PM EDT
Picked up a 2020 EZ-Go TXT on the cheap but it needs batteries. Do I replace the lead-acid or “upgrade” to lithium (along with charger)?
Why or why not?  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 6:24:07 PM EDT
[#1]
lithium
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Posted: 5/11/2024 6:24:54 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By coldair: lithium Why or why not Sir. |
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MA, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 6:25:40 PM EDT
[#3]
Lead acid is the killer of golf carts, rots the frames out from the outgassing of sulfuric acid.
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Posted: 5/11/2024 6:45:40 PM EDT
[#4]
well I just pulled my third set of lead acid batteries out in 5 years.
lead acid batteries are messy always leaking acid fumes up they are heavy you have to keep water in them and here in Florida that is a weekly thing when you give them hard throttle their voltage falls off quickly their range is a lot less they are only warrantied for 2 years |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:00:06 PM EDT
[#5]
From the pricing I did LiFePO4 batteries are about 4-5 times more expensive, and you need a different (again expensive) charger to use with them. I didn't think the trade off was worth it, so I went with good old lead-acid.
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:00:41 PM EDT
[#6]
Trojan is the leader in golf cart batteries
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:03:46 PM EDT
[#7]
Lithium.
NO maintenance NO distilled water More expensive but supposed to be 3 times the life of lead. Almost 300 lbs lighter than 6 - 8v lead batteries I believe ours (48v) came with a 7yr warranty (?) |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:06:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MethaneMover]
[#8]
Unless you use it on the links put in new, high quality batteries then sell it and buy gasoline. They're infinitely better at everything off course.
Been there, done that- gasoline is the king for a GP golf cart |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:10:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Whether its lead or lithium. The answer is how they are maintained.
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:21:38 PM EDT
[#10]
Trade it in for a gasser?
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:23:46 PM EDT
[#11]
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:25:58 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By rbb2: Trade it in for a gasser? I was searching for gas powered initially. I got this for a good enough deal from a friend that I could put multiple sets of batteries in it and still be money ahead. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:26:45 PM EDT
[#13]
I don't drive mine that much and batteries rarely require water. Some get at least 5 years out of them. I believe the guy I bought my cart from only spent $480 on 36V batteries at Costco. I think lithiums are $3k, no?
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:26:48 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By xciapup: Whether its lead or lithium. The answer is how they are maintained. Maintenance won’t be an issue. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:34:00 PM EDT
[#15]
Lead acid is a dying market for golf carts. Lithium is taking over at an increasing rate every year. Low maintenance and much better overall performance.
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:37:47 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Unless you use it on the links put in new, high quality batteries then sell it and buy gasoline. They're infinitely better at everything off course. Been there, done that- gasoline is the king for a GP golf cart Yeah, no. EV carts have much better acceleration and top speed with very low maintenance. Boomers are afraid of range, but you can get up to 80 miles per charge on a 210AH lithium. |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:43:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dirtyboy]
[#17]
I know several that have gone Lithium, they all love it. Cart weighs much less and has more power, rides better too. Should last much longer also.
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:45:55 PM EDT
[#18]
Definitely lithium. Lighter and you get twice the useable Ah. More expensive but it pencils out to be cheaper in the long run.
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:50:24 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Yeah, no. EV carts have much better acceleration and top speed with very low maintenance. Boomers are afraid of range, but you can get up to 80 miles per charge on a 210AH lithium. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: Unless you use it on the links put in new, high quality batteries then sell it and buy gasoline. They're infinitely better at everything off course. Been there, done that- gasoline is the king for a GP golf cart Yeah, no. EV carts have much better acceleration and top speed with very low maintenance. Boomers are afraid of range, but you can get up to 80 miles per charge on a 210AH lithium. OP got his for a steal so I understand the allure- thats how I tried the electric cart too. In the end, you'll want gasoline. Unless, like I said above, there are hard reasons that you can't. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:53:08 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: If you want a golf cart for high acceleration or top speeds then I agree, electric wins. But that's not what I'd consider to be a General Purpose cart, either. As for maintenance I don't see how you could make that comparison without including the charge hours (won't run without it) and then it gets silly in favor of gasoline. OP got his for a steal so I understand the allure- thats how I tried the electric cart too. In the end, you'll want gasoline. Unless, like I said above, there are hard reasons that you can't. Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 7:58:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MethaneMover]
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: If you want a golf cart for high acceleration or top speeds then I agree, electric wins. But that's not what I'd consider to be a General Purpose cart, either. As for maintenance I don't see how you could make that comparison without including the charge hours (won't run without it) and then it gets silly in favor of gasoline. OP got his for a steal so I understand the allure- thats how I tried the electric cart too. In the end, you'll want gasoline. Unless, like I said above, there are hard reasons that you can't. Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. Also- golf cart maintenance? The fuck? Does an annual 2qt oil change wrinkle your panties? |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 8:38:23 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By QwikKotaTx: I don't drive mine that much and batteries rarely require water. Some get at least 5 years out of them. I believe the guy I bought my cart from only spent $480 on 36V batteries at Costco. I think lithiums are $3k, no? You can get them for significantly cheaper than they were a few years ago which was the last time I researched them, but a 48V set is still going to be 800-1200 for the amp hour rating I would be looking for. Not a small cost by any means but still less than I recall. |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 8:45:58 PM EDT
[#23]
Lithium for longevity and even power output. Less mess.
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 8:53:58 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MethaneMover: Downtime is downtime. Don't do it and then show me how your cart works. Also- golf cart maintenance? The fuck? Does an annual 2qt oil change wrinkle your panties? Okay boomer. |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 9:06:12 PM EDT
[#25]
I got about 5 years from my last set of lead acid batteries and replaced them recently with the same (36v cart), for about $800. A friend has lithiums in his (it is a stretch cart) and they have been nothing but trouble. I’m not sure what’s wrong but I’ve helped his kids push the cart home several times already. Anecdotal but I’m hesitant on lithiums based on his experience (which could be something other than battery related).
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Posted: 5/11/2024 9:13:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nottooslow]
[#26]
I went with lithium.
more expensive but way lighter (300#) and 30 mile range vs 8 with the old lead acid ones. Also, charging time is shorter. Still take a few hours though, but not 6-8. |
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Posted: 5/11/2024 9:24:20 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nottooslow: I went with lithium. more expensive but way lighter (300#) and 30 mile range vs 8 with the old lead acid ones. Also, charging time is shorter. Still take a few hours though, but not 6-8. Shortened charge time is another positive imo. Cart is a 48V setup so looking at 6 8v’s as opposed to 4 12’s but still researching pros and cons of both |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 9:31:26 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SERVED_USMC: Shortened charge time is another positive imo. Cart is a 48V setup so looking at 6 8v’s as opposed to 4 12’s but still researching pros and cons of both We went with 1 - 48v lithium |
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MD, USA
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Posted: 5/11/2024 9:57:02 PM EDT
[#29]
Do they have a battery management system that comes with them?
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Posted: 5/11/2024 10:38:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JDennis]
[#30]
I don't know, mine has a Kawasaki 400D engine. The one that comes in their smaller Mule side by side
 Lithium is well worth the upgrade if you plan to keep the Buggy. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 2:15:58 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: If you want a golf cart for high acceleration or top speeds then I agree, electric wins. But that's not what I'd consider to be a General Purpose cart, either. As for maintenance I don't see how you could make that comparison without including the charge hours (won't run without it) and then it gets silly in favor of gasoline. OP got his for a steal so I understand the allure- thats how I tried the electric cart too. In the end, you'll want gasoline. Unless, like I said above, there are hard reasons that you can't. Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. My kids do easily, I’m looking for a gas one now. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 2:35:42 AM EDT
[#32]
We have lead batteries but I'm going with a lithium power cell. Pros Better range, performance, Battery life and no drop in power. Easier maintenance, charging. Cons cost. Ours lasted 4 years. They would of probably lasted longer but I fucked up and let the water run down in the cells. Looking at Eco lithium. My son in law has a cart with the eco lithium power cell and it has good performance and troubles free.
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Posted: 5/12/2024 2:50:29 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ranxerox911: Do they have a battery management system that comes with them? The nicer the pack, the better the BMS People get in trouble chaining a bunch of cheap small packs together for AH instead of running a single large one. The little ones don't always play well together. Some do, but not all |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 2:52:11 AM EDT
[#34]
I've got an older TXT that I swapped to Lithium. Was originally 36V and I went up to 48V with batteries from bigbattery.com. I also switched out to a Navitas controller and an AC motor. It'll lift the front tires if I turn up the acceleration and my highest registered top speed is 55mph. Just about rolled the damn thing at that speed. Turned down to safe acceleration and 20mph max most of the time.
I don't do anything with it but run around my little lake community in the summer, so it was all a huge waste of time and money, but it makes me giggle. If I were you, I'd go to lithium because it's lighter and in many cases cheaper. Downsides are instead of getting weak as they go dead, you just have to stop. You've got to keep an eye on the voltage. And they occasionally catch on fire and burn your house down. Check out BigBattery and RoyPow. Or if you're into DIY, there are lots of forums where you can find instructions on how to build your own cell out of used Tesla and Nissan Leaf batteries.   |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 3:00:41 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mstennes: My kids do easily, I’m looking for a gas one now. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mstennes: Originally Posted By Supra_MK3: Originally Posted By MethaneMover: If you want a golf cart for high acceleration or top speeds then I agree, electric wins. But that's not what I'd consider to be a General Purpose cart, either. As for maintenance I don't see how you could make that comparison without including the charge hours (won't run without it) and then it gets silly in favor of gasoline. OP got his for a steal so I understand the allure- thats how I tried the electric cart too. In the end, you'll want gasoline. Unless, like I said above, there are hard reasons that you can't. Plugging in a cart when it isn't in use is hardly maintenance. There are very few people that are going to drain a lithium battery in a single day. But okay. My kids do easily, I’m looking for a gas one now. I have a gas and electric, electric wins no contest 60ah lithium battery = 30 miles. 120ah lithium battery = 60 miles. 210ah lithium battery = 80 miles. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 7:57:31 AM EDT
[#36]
Lithium. All the reasons mentioned above PLUS if you just leave it charged for a week doing other stuff, travel whatever, and leave it unplugged when you come home it is STILL CHARGED. Lead acid doesn't do that. I left my new lithium for 2 months unplugged and it was good to go when I returned. Lead acid requires a trickle charge etc.
Plus PITA putting distilled water in lead/acid batteries. Also the cost isn't THAT prohibitive. 6 x $150 for lead acid = $900. Realistically other charges etc $1000. To last 5-7 years or so will take at least two sets so $2000. Lithium upgrade (do it yourself) about $2500. Should last as long as the 2 lead acid lifetime. BTW if you are not on a golf course as mentioned above gas is a better choice. I don't have that option as my club mandated electric only which I approve. Quieter and less stinky. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 8:03:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Admiral_Crunch]
[#37]
I bought my cart about 3 years ago. I paid extra for lithium, and I have never regretted that decision for a second.
Totally zero maintenance. Just charge and go. The batteries should last a lot longer than lead. Lithium is better in every way except initial cost. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 8:05:50 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheLookingGlass: From the pricing I did LiFePO4 batteries are about 4-5 times more expensive, and you need a different (again expensive) charger to use with them. I didn't think the trade off was worth it, so I went with good old lead-acid. LiFePO Batteries have come way down in price |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 8:06:07 AM EDT
[#39]
I went through two sets of Trojan lead-acid batteries in my EZ Go until I finally had enough. I got the lithium upgrade. Seems like a good choice at this point.
Basically it worked out to the cost 2x as much, but last at least 2x as long with no maintenance, no water, no dangerous acid, higher performance and way less weight. Seemed like a solid deal. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 10:33:49 AM EDT
[#40]
I don't have to leave my lead acid cart plugged in. Even the one time my charger broke for a month it still had 75% range left. I only check the water level about once a year. I don't use it but maybe weekly to drive to the tennis courts or pool. About 1/2 mile round trip.
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 10:44:06 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mstennes: My kids do easily, I’m looking for a gas one now. Your kids drive over 30 miles in a day in a golf cart? That is impressive and not the norm. What brand and batteries do you have? |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:20:15 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SERVED_USMC]
[#42]
Thanks for the info so far fellas.
I got lucky. I cleaned the corrosion of the battery posts when I got it home and found that the power cable for the charger had corroded through at the connector on the post. So there was zero charge getting to the batteries hence why he assumed the batteries were shot. I left it on the charger all night and the batteries took a full charge. I drove it a few miles around the lake multiple times and it is still holding a charge! I’ll still be replacing the batteries but it looks like I have some time to research what I want to go with. I feel like I stole it for the price now. ETA: This thing does about 26-27mph. It’s gonna really rip if I go lithium.
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:29:26 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SERVED_USMC: Thanks for the info so far fellas. I got lucky. I cleaned the corrosion of the battery posts when I got it home and found that the power cable for the charger had corroded through at the connector on the post. So there was zero charge getting to the batteries hence why he assumed the batteries were shot. I left it on the charger all night and the batteries took a full charge. I drove it a few miles around the lake multiple times and it is still holding a charge! I’ll still be replacing the batteries but it looks like I have some time to research what I want to go with. I feel like I stole it for the price now. ETA: This thing does about 26-27mph. It’s gonna really rip if I go lithium. I saw a video where a guy bought a BMW I3 with the REX for a lot cheaper than it was worth because it wasn't running on the battery. The guy drove to check it out, brought a friend and a trailer just in case. Made the deal with the guy, double checked "are you SURE you want to let it for for this price?" and the guy agreed. Signed the paperwork and it was done. Then the buyer got into it, removed a couple covers and cleaned some corrosion off of a connector, and BAM. The damn thing worked perfectly fine after that. The seller was a bit surprised but didn't fuss. Buyer loaded it up on the trailer and had a functional car for about half of its value. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:44:10 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Your kids drive over 30 miles in a day in a golf cart? That is impressive and not the norm. What brand and batteries do you have? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Supra_MK3: Originally Posted By mstennes: My kids do easily, I’m looking for a gas one now. Your kids drive over 30 miles in a day in a golf cart? That is impressive and not the norm. What brand and batteries do you have? Duracell, and yes lithium would be a excellent upgrade. Kids and grand kids have it going from sun up to sun down here. They run around the ranch and around town, it gets more use than the side by sides. I think for a GP cart in my situation gas is better as it can sit for mo this and still be ready at a moments notice and go all day. I also don’t have to make sure it’s plugged in at night and if it does stop it’s a flat or needs gas, not a tow home. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:46:54 AM EDT
[Last Edit: networkguru]
[#45]
natural gas engine with a Phill ?
 Honda Civic GX Natural Gas with Phill the home refueling at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto show LAAS |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:49:11 AM EDT
[#46]
I've managed multiple golf cart fleets in country clubs.....Lithium; no question about it.
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USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:54:40 AM EDT
[#47]
I don't think any of these rednecks around here have anything aside from ....shade tree two strokes
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:54:48 AM EDT
[#48]
Ive had nothing but fucking headaches and problems with lithium batteries in an industrial environment. In both cases of lithium "upgrades" (over $30k) we scrapped the problematic lithium crap and went back to troublefree operation with lead acid batteries.
Also worth noting... lead acid batteries wont go into runaway meltdown mode and burn your fucking house down. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 11:56:17 AM EDT
[#49]
EV THREAD!
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Posted: 5/12/2024 1:09:34 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clubmanager1: I've managed multiple golf cart fleets in country clubs.....Lithium; no question about it. @clubmanager1 36v or 48v carts? How many batteries in each setup? Some people in this thread have mentioned going with one 48v and I’ve read other things saying 6 8V setup is the way to go. |
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