Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Golf Cart Batteries: Differences and Care Tips

6 min read

The main difference between lithium and lead-acid golf cart batteries is how much care they need. Flooded lead-acid batteries need regular watering with distilled water, terminal cleaning and a full charge before storage. Lithium batteries are sealed, need no watering, and rely on a built-in battery management system, but they still need the right charger, sensible temperatures and a quick visual check now and then. The sections below explain how each type works and how to look after it, using guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the EPA and battery maker Trojan Battery.

How lithium and lead-acid batteries differ

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center describes the two chemistries this way:

  • Lithium-ion batteries have high energy per unit of mass and volume, a high power-to-weight ratio, high energy efficiency, good high-temperature performance, long life and low self-discharge.
  • Lead-acid batteries can be designed for high power and are safe, recyclable and reliable. Their drawbacks are low specific energy (less stored energy for their weight), poor cold-temperature performance and a shorter calendar and cycle life.

The EPA adds that lithium batteries can be smaller and lighter than other battery types while holding the same amount of energy, which is why they show up in so many portable products and electric vehicles.

Flooded lead-acid batteries are the older technology. Trojan Battery notes they have been used for energy storage for more than 150 years and are still used in golf carts, UTVs, boats, RVs and industrial equipment.

Battery chemistry is not always obvious from the outside, so check the owner’s manual or the label on the battery itself before following any care routine. The steps for one type can damage the other.

Caring for flooded lead-acid golf cart batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries contain liquid electrolyte, an acid solution, and they lose water every time they charge. Trojan Battery explains that this water loss is normal: gassing during charging mixes the electrolyte and helps the battery reach a full charge, but it also lowers the water level. Most lead-acid care comes down to watering, cleaning and safe handling.

Watering

  • Water after charging, not before. The best time to add water is at the end of the charge cycle, because electrolyte levels are highest when the battery is fully charged. The one exception: if the plates are exposed, add just enough water to cover them, then charge.
  • Fill to the right level. For standard deep-cycle batteries, Trojan’s guidance is to top off to 1/8 inch below the bottom of the vent well once fully charged. The electrolyte should never drop below the top of the plates.
  • Use distilled water. De-ionized water is acceptable, but distilled is preferred. Avoid mineral-rich water.
  • Never add acid. Add water only.
  • Don’t overfill. Overwatering dilutes the electrolyte and can cause acid to overflow, especially if it is done before charging.
  • Check new batteries monthly. Checking regularly after installation shows how often your batteries need water. A brand-new battery may have a low electrolyte level, so charge it first and then top off if needed.

Cleaning and inspection

  • Keep batteries clean and dry, and make sure all vent caps are tight.
  • If you see acid residue or corrosion on the terminals, clean it with a solution of baking soda and water.
  • A protective spray or petroleum jelly on the terminals helps reduce corrosion.
  • Check that cable connections are properly tightened. Trojan warns that connections that are too tight or too loose can cause post breakage, meltdown or fire.

Safety when handling lead-acid batteries

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles.
  • If acid touches your skin or eyes, flush with water immediately.
  • Keep flames, sparks and metal objects away from the batteries.
  • Charge in a well-ventilated area.
  • Don’t lay tools or other objects on top of the batteries, which can cause a short circuit.

Storage and cold weather

Trojan’s storage guidance is simple: batteries should be fully charged before and during storage, never stored discharged, kept in a cool, dry place and recharged before going back into service.

Charge level also matters in winter. According to Trojan, a flooded battery can only freeze if it is left partly or fully discharged. The electrolyte in a fully charged battery freezes at about -92°F, but at a 40 percent state of charge it can freeze at around 16°F. Keeping a parked cart’s batteries charged is the main defense against freeze damage.

Caring for lithium golf cart batteries

Lithium batteries skip most of the routine chores above. Trojan Battery’s lithium FAQ defines “maintenance free” as no watering, no equalize or maintenance charges, and no frequent terminal cleaning. It still recommends a regular visual inspection.

The battery management system

A lithium battery pack is made of many small cells connected together. The battery management system (BMS) keeps those cells charging and discharging correctly. Trojan explains that lithium-ion cells are more sensitive to overcharge and undercharge than many other chemistries, so the BMS monitors charging and discharging to keep the battery operating safely. Trojan’s own golf cart packs use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells.

Charging and temperature

Temperature limits are built into many lithium packs. Trojan’s packs, for example, temporarily stop charging above 113°F or below 32°F and limit charging current below 68°F, then resume automatically once the temperature is back in range. Limits vary by manufacturer, so check the user’s guide for your battery.

General lithium-ion safety advice from the Seattle Fire Department also applies:

  • Use the charger and cables that came with the vehicle or battery.
  • Don’t leave lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in hot vehicles.
  • Stop using a battery that shows swelling, physical damage or malfunctions.
  • Stop using it if you notice an odor, a change in color, excess heat, a change in shape, leaking or odd noises.

Terminals and storage

Lithium batteries are sealed and don’t speed up corrosion. Water, salt mist and similar conditions can still corrode copper cable lugs, cables or non-stainless hardware, so inspect the terminals regularly and clean them as needed.

For storage, Trojan recommends a clean, cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight. Its packs have a storage mode that cuts the small power draw of the BMS and allows storage of up to six months when the battery goes into storage with more than a quarter of its charge. Temperatures above 77°F or below 32°F can shorten that storage time.

Recycling and disposal

Both chemistries should stay out of the trash. The Department of Energy lists lead-acid batteries as recyclable, and Trojan describes them the same way. For lithium-ion batteries, the EPA says they should not go in household garbage or recycling bins, because batteries crushed or damaged in collection trucks or sorting equipment can create a fire hazard. For medium and large lithium-ion batteries, the EPA recommends contacting the manufacturer, dealer or company that installed the battery for management options, and following the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.

Where to get help with golf cart batteries

Battery and charging problems are among the services listed on the Sports Center Golf Cars service department page, and replacement batteries are listed on its parts and accessories page. To see which carts are currently listed at the Crossville and Alcoa, TN stores, browse the golf cart inventory.

Frequently asked questions

Do lithium golf cart batteries need water?

No. Lithium batteries are sealed. Trojan Battery’s definition of “maintenance free” for its lithium packs includes no watering, no equalize charges and no frequent terminal cleaning, though it still recommends regular visual inspections.

When should I add water to lead-acid golf cart batteries?

After a full charge. The only time to add water before charging is when the plates are exposed, and then only enough to cover them. Top off to the correct level once charging is complete.

Can I use tap water in golf cart batteries?

Trojan recommends distilled water. De-ionized water is acceptable, but mineral-rich water should be avoided.

Can golf cart batteries freeze?

A flooded lead-acid battery can freeze only when it is partly or fully discharged. Fully charged electrolyte freezes at about -92°F, while a battery at a 40 percent state of charge can freeze at around 16°F.

How do I get rid of an old lithium golf cart battery?

Don’t put it in the trash or a curbside recycling bin. The EPA recommends contacting the battery’s manufacturer, the dealer or the company that installed it for management options.

Have a question about a specific cart or battery? Use the Get My Quote button on any page, or visit the Locations page for store addresses and contact details.