Lithium or lead-acid: what to know about golf cart batteries

The two main battery types, what each asks of the owner, and what to ask a seller.

Electric carts are typically sold with either a flooded lead-acid pack or a lithium pack. The cart can look identical; the ownership experience is not.

Lead-acid

A mature and widely understood technology. Flooded packs need their water level checked and topped up with distilled water, and terminals kept clean. They are heavier and are generally less tolerant of being left flat.

Lithium

Lighter, with no watering routine, and usually paired with a matched charger and battery management system. Upfront cost is generally higher. Make sure the charger supplied is the one made for that pack.

Ask the seller

• Battery type, voltage and capacity in amp-hours or kilowatt-hours.
• Age and condition of the pack on any pre-owned cart.
• What the charger is, and whether it is included.
• What warranty, if any, applies to the battery. Get it in writing.