Most golf carts left the factory with flooded lead-acid batteries. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are now the most popular upgrade. We sell both, so here is a straight comparison to help you choose.
Weight
A 48V lead-acid pack is six 8V or four 12V batteries, and together they weigh several hundred pounds. A single lithium battery is much lighter. Bedrock's 48V 105Ah Compact weighs 95.9 lbs. Less weight means less strain on the cart and its tires.
Maintenance
Flooded lead-acid batteries need regular watering, terminal cleaning and equalizing charges. Sealed lithium batteries don't need watering. Bedrock's batteries are IP67-rated and monitored by a battery management system (BMS) you can check over Bluetooth.
Cycle life
Bedrock rates its LiFePO4 batteries for up to 6,000 cycles. Lead-acid golf cart batteries typically last far fewer cycles, depending on how deeply they are discharged and how well they are maintained.
Power and range
Lead-acid voltage sags as the batteries discharge, so carts slow down as the charge drops. Lithium holds a flatter voltage curve, so the cart keeps its speed until the battery is nearly empty. Range depends on amp-hours. Here are Bedrock's published estimates:
| 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.
Charging
Lithium needs a lithium charger. Lead-acid chargers can damage lithium batteries, which is why every Bedrock kit and Allied Commercial package includes one. Bedrock specifies charging between 32°F and 131°F. For colder climates, ask about Bedrock's heated batteries.
Upfront cost vs lifetime cost
Lithium costs more upfront than a new lead-acid pack. Many owners make that back over time through longer service life, no watering or replacement packs, and a long warranty (10 years transferable on Bedrock kits).
When lead-acid still makes sense
A new lead-acid set costs less upfront, drops into the same tray and works with the charger your cart already has. It can be the right choice for a cart that sees light use, a fleet on a fixed replacement schedule, or an owner who is happy to keep up with watering. Shop 6V, 8V or 12V batteries, or choose sealed AGM to skip the watering.
Ready to switch?
Find your cart in the Fitment Guide, or shop by voltage: 36V, 48V, 72V.
Which lithium brand?
We carry lithium from Bedrock, Allied, ECO, BOLT, EPOCH, Dakota Lithium, Vatrer, MODZ, Lithium Rhino, BigBattery and Trojan, with warranties from 8 to 12 years (ECO's listings state a limited lifetime warranty). Compare them on our brand pages, and see how long golf cart batteries last.
By the numbers
Interstate Batteries makes both lead-acid and lithium golf cart batteries and publishes this comparison for a 48V cart:
| Flooded lead-acid | AGM | LiFePO4 (lithium) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries in a 48V cart | 8 x 6V | 8 x 6V | 1 |
| Weight (48V) | About 495 lbs | About 530 lbs | About 95 lbs |
| Usable capacity | 50% | 50% | 100% |
| Miles per charge | Up to 30 | Up to 30 | Up to 50 |
| Cycle life | 400-500 | 500+ | More than 2,500 |
| Lifespan | 4-5 years | 5+ years | 10+ years |
| Maintenance-free | No | Yes | Yes |
Source: Interstate Batteries' lithium golf cart battery comparison. Interstate's lithium weight is approximate, for a 100Ah battery.
When lead-acid still makes sense
- You're selling the cart soon, or it sees only occasional use.
- You need the lowest upfront cost and your current charger is in good shape.
- The cart is a fleet or rental unit already set up for lead-acid charging and maintenance.
If that's you, see our lead-acid battery sets, and replace the whole set at once.
What changes when you switch
You'll swap the charger for a lithium one (included in every conversion kit we sell), add a state-of-charge meter, and usually add a 12V converter for lights and accessories. The conversion guide walks through every step, with install videos for Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha and ICON carts.
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.
- How long golf cart batteries last
- Charger guide
Lithium golf cart battery videos
Official videos from the brands we carry. They load only when you press play.
Pay over time
Split eligible orders into 4 payments with Klarna or Afterpay, or pay monthly with Affirm. Plans usually start around $50. You confirm the terms at checkout.