March 2019 March2019 | Page 5

feature article mar 2019 LITHIUM BATTERIES YES OR NO W hy use lithium- ion battery in golf cart? Many people know that lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in cell phones, but it’s not common for golf carts. However, some golf cart owners convert golf cart batteries into lithium-ion batteries. This is why many people become curious whether or not it’s a better idea to do so. It’s important to answer such questions because this isn’t just about the convenience of converting to another battery, but the safety of lithium-ion as a golf cart battery. Although it’s not easy to find the exact answer because some information is too complex to explain, we will provide you with the best possible answer that is easy for you to understand. To help you further, here are the pros and cons of using lithi- um-ion battery in a golf cart. PROS 1. Longer Life Traditional golf cart batteries have an average of 500 charge cy- cles; however, lithium-ion batteries can reach up to 5,000 charge cycles. This means that it takes time and enormous energy before it gets depleted. Wet golf cart batteries can last for many years when maintained properly. Despite that, their lives are usually only 50% of the average life of a lithium battery. 2. Lighter Most golf cart batteries are big and heavy, and they don’t take up too much space, but also add to the weight of a golf cart. Such a heavy load requires more power, and this brings additional work to the battery. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are much lighter than traditional golf batteries. This makes the golf cart move quicker and smoother without the need to consume too much power, and the battery is much smaller. MARCH 2019 5