Golf carts run on a battery pack wired in series, and the total voltage of that pack (36V, 48V or 72V) has to match the cart's motor, controller and charger. Here's what the difference means for you.
How to tell which one you have
| Batteries in the cart | Pack voltage |
|---|---|
| Six 6V | 36V |
| Eight 6V | 48V |
| Six 8V | 48V |
| Four 12V | 48V |
| One lithium battery | Read its label (38.4V = 36V class, 51.2V = 48V class, 73.6V = 72V class) |
The charger label and the cart's data plate usually state the voltage too.
What changes with voltage
For the same power, a higher voltage pack pushes less current through the cables, motor and controller, which means less heat and less voltage drop. That's why most newer carts are 48V and why 48V carts generally feel stronger on hills than older 36V carts. Speed and torque, though, are set by the whole drive system, not the battery alone.
Lithium labels: 38.4V, 51.2V and 73.6V
Lithium iron phosphate cells are 3.2V each, so lithium packs are labelled by their nominal voltage: 12 cells make 38.4V (replaces 36V), 16 cells make 51.2V (replaces 48V) and 23 cells make 73.6V (72V class). A fully charged lead-acid pack also sits above its nominal voltage, so these lithium packs are drop-in matches for 36V and 48V carts.
Should I upgrade from 36V to 48V?
It can be done, but it isn't just a battery swap. The controller, solenoid, and often the motor and wiring have to be rated for the higher voltage, and you'll need a new charger. Many owners of 36V carts get most of the benefit they're after simply by converting to 36V lithium: the cart sheds hundreds of pounds and holds its speed as the battery drains. If you're considering a voltage change, ask us first.
72V kits
We carry 72V lithium kits for some carts (including the EZGO TXT, RXV, Yamaha Drive and Club Car Precedent from Bedrock). These are performance upgrades for carts set up for 72V. Check that the controller and accessories are rated for it.
Shop by voltage
- 36V lithium golf cart batteries
- 48V lithium golf cart batteries
- 72V lithium golf cart batteries
- Lead-acid sets for 36V and 48V carts
Which carts are 36V and which are 48V?
| Cart | Voltage |
|---|---|
| Club Car DS | 36V or 48V, depending on the cart (count the batteries) |
| Club Car Precedent, Onward, Tempo | 48V |
| EZGO TXT | 36V, or 48V on the TXT48 |
| EZGO RXV | 48V |
| Yamaha G1-G16 | 36V |
| Yamaha G19-G22, Drive (G29), Drive2 | 48V |
| ICON, Evolution, Denago | 48V on the models we stock |
When in doubt, count the batteries: carts get modified, and the label on the pack is what matters.
36V lithium options
A 36V lithium battery is a big upgrade for an older cart. Examples we carry: Bedrock's 36V 105Ah (4.032 kWh, 80.5 lbs, 200A continuous) for the Club Car DS, EZGO TXT and Yamaha G1-G16, the Lithium Rhino 36V 105Ah (81 lbs, 200A continuous) and MODZ's 36V 60Ah Nano (69 lbs, 200A). Bedrock estimates 20-35 miles for its 36V 105Ah on a 2-seat cart.
48V lithium options
48V has the widest choice, from 60-65Ah batteries for light use up to 150-168Ah for 6-seaters and lifted carts. See all 48V lithium batteries or compare kits for your model in the Fitment Guide.
12V accessories at each voltage
Whatever the voltage, a lithium cart needs a 12V converter matched to it for lights and accessories: Bedrock's 36V converter, Bedrock's 48V / 72V converter, Allied's 36V/48V converter or Allied's 72V converter.
Related guides
- The complete lithium conversion guide: steps, make-by-make notes, costs and install videos.
- Fitment Guide: every battery we sell by make, model and year.
- Range and amp-hours
- How to choose a battery
Need a hand? Use the Fitment Guide to see every battery we sell for your cart, or send us your cart's make, model, year and serial number and we'll confirm the right battery before you order.
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