Golf carts can be a golfer’s best friend when navigating through the greens. However, it’s not the only time such vehicles are used. Today, you see them on college campuses, work sites, and private residences. Nevertheless, golf carts do rely on a battery that is charged regularly to stay in motion. If the battery dies, it goes nowhere.
These golf carts are powered by battery banks. We’ll go over two of the best golf cart battery chargers available on the market. While they may look similar on paper, some stark differences can influence your final decision.
Why Should You Choose a Golf Cart Battery Charger?
Golf carts typically operate on battery systems of either 36V or 48V, composed of multiple batteries connected in series. Traditionally, these systems use 6V or 8V batteries, with 12V batteries being less common. For instance, a 36V system might consist of six 6V batteries, while a 48V system could use six 8V batteries.
When selecting a battery charger, it's crucial to choose one that matches your golf cart's voltage and battery type. Using an incompatible charger can lead to inefficient charging or even damage to the batteries. Therefore, always ensure that the charger's specifications align with your golf cart's battery configuration.
A battery charger should have excellent safety features that protect your battery from overcharging and reverse polarity. It should ensure your battery stays charged while maintaining its overall health. A battery charger with multi-stage charging may be best suited for your golf cart compared to a standard trickle charger. This includes the following: bulk, absorption, and float stages.
The Best Golf Cart Battery Chargers
The following list contains the two best golf cart battery chargers we believe can fit your needs, preferences, and budget. Before you choose, double-check which battery you have. This way, it’ll be a no-brainer which charger fits you best.
PowerPlus 36V 18 AMP On-Board Battery Charger and Maintainer
First on the list is the PowerPlus 36V 18 AMP On-Board Battery Charger and Maintainer. It happens to be quite rugged in design since it's rated IP68 for resistance to weather, shock, and vibration. It’s tough as nails when it comes to the environment and moving and shaking if you’re riding your golf cart on some uneven terrain.
Nonetheless, its compact design is low-maintenance and lightweight, meaning you can store it in a small space once you’re finished using it. You can mount it on your cart or keep it in a safe space where you know you can find it should the need ever arise.
Simply put, it’s a great option that will power your 36V golf cart, whether you use it year-round or seasonally. For the latter, this can keep your battery maintained for a long period. You won’t have to worry about a dead battery when the weather gets warmer and it’s time to take it out for a ride. This is one of the 36-volt golf cart chargers that will not disappoint.
Key features:
- Weather, shock, and vibration-proof design
- Output voltage current range of > 10 AMPs
- Compatible with Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
PowerPlus 48V 15 AMP Battery Charger and Maintainer
What if your golf cart is either a newer model or demands more power? That’s where this version of the PowerPlus battery charger and maintainer comes in. It’s the proper charger that's compatible with 48V battery banks but requires more precision and power when it comes to staying functional. For high-performance golf carts, there may be no other golf cart battery charger on the market that can rival this, especially when it has smart charging technology that will keep track of your battery’s charging status (thanks to LED indicators built in) and progression of charging stages—such as bulk, absorption, and float stages—for extended battery life.
It is another great option for off-season battery charging and maintenance. Since it’s got a tough weather-resistant housing, you can let it go to work during the cooler months of the year. By springtime, your golf cart is ready to go with a full battery, and there will be maximum fun and less worry about dead batteries. It can also be an excellent battery system for those golf carts that have some extra add-ons like a sound system, custom wheels, and lights. Simply put, more electrical demands are fulfilled with higher-powered batteries. It could use a charger and maintainer like this to make sure the battery remains healthy and operational for a long time.
Key features:
- Fit for powerful 48V battery banks
- IP68 rated for weather, shock, and vibration resistance
- Compatible with Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
What Are the Benefits of Battery Chargers from Battery Tender?
Why are both options above from Battery Tender? It comes down to some of these excellent benefits. Here are just a few of the major ones to know about these high-quality chargers:
- No More Overcharging: One thing about Battery Tender chargers is that no overcharging ever occurs. Once those batteries reach 100 percent, their chargers switch to maintain the battery’s charge, meaning you won’t have to worry about the consequences of overcharging, such as battery corrosion, loss of electrolytes, and other issues.
- Preserves Battery Health: Multi-stage charging via the chargers from Battery Tender can make it so that the health of the battery is preserved while extending its lifespan. The stages start with bulk mode, where the battery reaches 80 percent rapidly. At that point, it switches to absorption mode, where the charging process slows down since it’s close to capacity. Finally, float mode is where the battery hits full capacity and stays that way while preventing excess current from flowing into the battery.
- It Saves You Time: Of course, it can save you time charging your batteries. On the other hand, it saves you time stressing out about a dead one. Either way, using a Battery Tender charger can give you more time to use your golf cart the way you want it. It's smart chargers like this that will go above and beyond a regular charger.
- Safe for Long-Term Storage: For those who use golf carts seasonally, the ideal thing to do is store them for the long term. As such, you’re going to need a battery charger and maintainer that will ensure the battery does not discharge or degrade during storage periods. You can easily winterize your golf cart by simply putting our reliable battery chargers to good use.
Additional Considerations Before Purchasing a Golf Cart Charger
Finally, you’ll want to look over some additional considerations before choosing a golf cart charger. You’ll want to make sure you choose the right one according to your battery’s needs, the type it is, and more. Here’s a look at the following:
- Battery Bank Voltage: Double-check your battery bank voltage. If it’s three 12V batteries (36V), you’ll need a 36V charger. If it’s four 12V, a 48V charger is what you’ll need for a proper charge.
- Battery Type Compatibility: Golf carts can operate on either lead-acid batteries (AGM, flooded, and gel) or lithium batteries. Again, double-check what types you have before settling on the best option.
- Charging Location: Golf carts that are stored may need a charger that has built-in weather resistance. Whether it’s in a semi-enclosed space like a garage or outdoors, you’ll want a charger that can handle what nature throws your way.
- On-Board vs. Portable: You may choose this consideration based on whichever is easier for you. You may mount the charger on board as a permanent charging setup. Otherwise, it can be portable and easy to store whenever possible.
Keep Your Golf Cart Battery Charged with the Right Charger
The top two options from Battery Tender listed above are perhaps your best solutions for ensuring your golf cart stays charged for the long term. Whether it’s for everyday or seasonal use, your battery deserves the tender love and care it needs. Choosing a golf cart battery charger that best fits your setup is what you need, and Battery Tender has you covered. Find one that best suits you, and your golf cart will always be ready to go.
