Range is the question we hear most. The honest answer is that it depends on the battery's capacity and on how the cart is used. Here's how to estimate it.
Amp-hours and kilowatt-hours
Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how much current a battery can deliver for an hour. Multiply by the voltage to get energy in watt-hours: a 51.2V 105Ah lithium battery stores about 5,400 Wh (5.4 kWh). Energy is the better way to compare packs of different voltages.
Lead-acid and lithium ratings are not equal. Lead-acid batteries lose capacity quickly if they are regularly drained deep, and their voltage sags as they discharge. Lithium can use most of its rated capacity and holds its voltage until it is nearly empty, so a lithium pack usually goes further than a lead-acid pack with a similar amp-hour number.
Published range estimates
Bedrock publishes range estimates for every battery it sells:
| Bedrock battery | Energy | Weight | 2-seat | 4-seat | 6-seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36V 105Ah | 4.032 kWh | 80.5 lbs | 20-35 mi | 15-25 mi | N/A |
| 48V 65Ah | 3.072 kWh | 62.8 lbs | 15-25 mi | 10-20 mi | Not recommended |
| 48V 105Ah (Compact / Slim) | 5.38 kWh | 95.9 / 98.1 lbs | 30-45 mi | 20-35 mi | 20-30 mi |
| 48V 150Ah | 7.68 kWh | 133.4 lbs | 50-70 mi | 40-60 mi | 30-50 mi |
| 72V 105Ah | 7.73 kWh | 141.1 lbs | 40-60 mi | 35-50 mi | 35-45 mi |
Range estimates and weights are published by Bedrock Battery. Bedrock says actual range varies with terrain, load, speed and cart setup.
What cuts your range
- Weight: more seats and passengers, cargo and accessories.
- Lift kits and big tires: taller, heavier tires take more energy to turn.
- Hills and soft ground: climbing and grass use far more than flat pavement.
- Speed: high-speed motors and controllers draw more current.
- Cold: batteries deliver less in cold weather.
Rules of thumb
- Light use, 2 seats, flat ground: 60-65Ah lithium can be enough.
- Most 2- and 4-seat carts: 105Ah is the popular middle.
- Lifted carts, 6-seaters, hills, street use: 150-160Ah, or a 72V system.
Each product page lists the manufacturer's range estimate where they publish one. Compare kits for your cart in the Fitment Guide.
A worked example
Bedrock's 48V 105Ah stores 5.38 kWh and its 48V 150Ah stores 7.68 kWh, about 43% more energy. Bedrock's 2-seat range estimates rise from 30-45 miles to 50-70 miles, and its 4-seat estimates from 20-35 to 40-60 miles. The bigger battery also weighs 133.4 lbs against 95.9 lbs, which is still a fraction of a lead-acid pack.
Lead-acid amp-hours aren't the same
Interstate rates lead-acid at about 50% usable capacity, because regular deep discharges shorten its life, and lithium at 100%. So a lead-acid set needs roughly twice the rated amp-hours to deliver the same usable energy. Interstate's comparison lists up to 30 miles per charge for its 48V lead-acid packs and up to 50 for its lithium battery.
Typical range by size on our listings
| 48V lithium size | Typical estimate | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 60-65Ah | About 15-25 miles | 2 seats, flat ground, short trips |
| 100-105Ah | About 30-45 miles | Most 2- and 4-seat carts |
| 150-168Ah | About 50-70 miles | Lifted carts, 6 seats, hills, street use |
Ranges are the manufacturers' estimates for 2-seat carts on our listings (Bedrock's figures above; BOLT, ECO and others list similar tiers). Each listing shows its own estimate.
Getting more range from the battery you have
- Keep tires at the pressure on the sidewall or in your cart's manual.
- Take out cargo you don't need and switch off accessories you aren't using.
- Charge after use with the correct charger, and keep connections clean and tight.
- Watch the SOC meter or app rather than guessing from speed.
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.
- 36V vs 48V
- 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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