Deep-cycle Batteries – Golf Cart Battery
Golf carts run with electric motor which is powered by golf cart batteries called deep-cycle batteries. Although they look similar to normal car batteries, deep-cycle batteries serve a completely different purpose. While both are lead-acid based, deep-cycle batteries provide a steady current over a long period of time, whereas car batteries provide a very large current over a short period of time. This is because golf carts, like other electric vehicles, derive all their power from their batteries.
Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged down as much as 80% time after time, and have much thicker plates. The major difference between a true deep cycle battery and others is that the plates are SOLID Lead plates – not sponge. This gives less surface area, thus less “instant” power like starting batteries need. Although these can be cycled down to 20% charge, the best lifespan and cost method is to keep the average cycle at about 50% discharge.
Unfortunately, it is often impossible to tell what you are really buying in some of the discount stores or places that specialize in automotive batteries. The golf car battery is quite popular for small systems and RV’s. The problem is that “golf car” refers to a size of battery (commonly called GC-2, or T-105), not the type or construction – so the quality and construction of a golf car battery can vary considerably – ranging from the cheap off brand with thin plates up the true deep cycle brands, such as Leoch, Crown, Deka, Trojan, etc. In general, you get what you pay for.
A lack of knowledge about basic golf cart battery maintenance can lead to all kinds of problems. However, if you do a little maintenance your Golf Cart batteries will last for many years.
Source: www.leoch.com
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