How To Select The Right Golf Car Battery
By Fred Wehmeyer, Senior Vice President/Engineering U.S. Battery Manufacturing
Every golf car fleet manager knows that flooded lead acid batteries used for powering their fleet will eventually need to be replaced. Purchasing new batteries can be expensive so it’s important to do the research and select batteries with the longest cycle life and the lowest cost per cycle over their lifetime. Finding the “best” set of batteries however, requires more than just comparing the ratings on the labels and prices.
To find the best battery for your application(s), start by determining the correct size, voltage and ampere hour (AH) capacity required for your specific golf car. For older cars, increase the AH capacity by ~20 percent to allow an added margin for efficiency. Check the battery manufacturer’s rating charts to determine which battery provides the proper voltage, AH capacity, and/or runtime that matches your application. If you’re comparing batteries from different manufacturers, it’s important to carefully check the information to be sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples.
Battery cycle life ratings are often based on selective data from the manufacturer. Typically, cycle life ratings are determined by the depth of discharge (DOD), the percentage of AH capacity discharged from the battery on each discharge. As an example, a battery with an 80 percent DOD has only 20 percent of its capacity left. Most battery manufacturers recommend a 50 percent DOD for optimum cycle life vs runtime, but cycle life can be quoted at a wide variety of DOD ratings. This can result in what appears to show a longer cycle life for one battery type over another but may not be an accurate comparison. When comparing cycle life ratings, make sure they are rated using the same DOD. This will give you a good point to start.
Because test methods, temperatures, charging algorithms, and charging methods all affect cycle life, relying on printed ratings shouldn’t be your only point of reference. Generally speaking, less expensive batteries may have fewer or lighter internal components (lead plates and plate construction) and may have shorter cycle life in the same application due to greater DOD. Batteries with more or heavier plates will typically have longer cycle life but will also cost more initially. So a less expensive battery might be a better choice for someone with a golf car that is used occasionally or won’t be driven for long periods between charges. However, for fleets with golf cars that see heavy cycling, a higher capacity battery would benefit them by providing longer run times and lower DOD resulting in longer cycle life.
All that being said, when comparing battery brands to determine which one will be best, be sure to understand the differences between your application and standard test conditions. Manufacturers test batteries in laboratory environments that are intended to simulate actual conditions encountered in a variety of applications. These conditions may not perfectly duplicate those in your application, but by understanding the differences, the best comparison can be made. If possible, take notes on use patterns, charging practices, and battery maintenance frequency and compare with the battery manufacturers’ recommendations. Ultimately you may find that one brand stands out from the others and offers you the best performance-per-dollar in your application.
For more information on battery life cycle ratings and to find information on U.S. Battery products, visit the company’s website at www.usbattery.com.
