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DISTANCE, WORRY-FREE, OR LOW COST

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Choosing The Right Battery For Your Situation

When selecting a set of batteries for your golf car, there are a lot of terms to understand, such as amp-hour ratings, capacity at hourly rates, minutes of discharge, and more. It’s a lot to take in and comprehend, and even when you do, it isn’t easily understood how these terms apply to your particular application.

 

Now that deep-cycle batteries are available in three basic chemistries, Lithium-Ion, AGM, and Flooded Lead Acid (FLA), battery selection can be easier by matching the battery type to your real-world needs.  

 

DISTANCE

 

Resorts, retirement centers, and gated communities are growing larger and expanding over vast landscapes. So, having a golf car battery with enough capacity to go longer distances on a single charge is becoming more important in these communities. While all three battery chemistries can do the job, Lithium-ion batteries typically have the advantage of having greater capacity on a single charge at a reduced weight (albeit at a much higher cost per watt-hour). Going farther and longer in your golf car has its advantages. Lithium-ion batteries such as U.S. Battery’s ESSENTIAL Li™ Lithium-ion batteries have longer run times, charge faster, and are safe to use on virtually any make and model of golf car.

 

WORRY-FREE

 

Some golf car owners want to get in their vehicles and go without worrying about weekly or monthly maintenance schedules. Some owners don’t like having to access the batteries or changing them if something goes wrong. AGM batteries offer that kind of worry-free operation and are especially great for those vehicles where accessing the battery compartments is tricky or too tight to reach. Matching the correct voltage and capacity to your golf car’s needs with an AGM chemistry deep-cycle battery will give you lots of worry-free operation.

 

LOW COST

 

There are also frugal golf car owners that want the least expensive battery in their golf car, or at least the most cost-effective battery they can get. These owners don’t want to or do not have the means, to spend lots of money on the latest Lithium or AGM chemistry batteries, which typically cost more initially. Fortunately, Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries are still the most cost-effective type of chemistry per watt-hour. If you’re willing to maintain them on a routine schedule, they can also last a long time before their life expectancy runs out.

 

While this type of battery selection showcases the advantages of each chemistry, keep in mind that any battery type can work in these situations if carefully selected. But looking at battery selection in these three basic applications can, at the least, give you a good starting point in choosing an optimized battery for your particular application. In the end, it’s still important to talk to your golf car specialist or battery dealer, who can also help you decide which battery is right for you.

 

 

Essential Li™ GC2

U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. Introduces Its New ESSENTIAL Li Lithium-Ion Deep-Cycle Golf Car Battery At The 2023 PGA Show

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With nearly 100 years of battery design, development, and innovation experience, U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. introduces its all-new ESSENTIAL Li™ line of Lithium-Ion deep-cycle batteries. ESSENTIAL Li™ will include 24-volt and 48-volt GC2 models designed with golf car applications in mind, and built to deliver the safety and reliability customers have come to trust with U.S. Battery products. “We didn’t want to be first to market and launch a lithium product simply because it was a new and popular chemistry,” says Zachary Cox, U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. VP of Operations. “Our focus was to ensure we took the time to develop a product line we are proud to stand behind.”

ESSENTIAL Li™ Features Include:

  • A sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and optimizes battery operation.
  • CAN communication capability to allow for machine integration.
  • Long life and maintenance-free operation.
  • Integrated heat sink and enhanced fault detection.
  • Scalable to be used in parallel for increased capacity.
  • Long runtime and fast charging to maximize machine uptime.
  • IP67-rated heavy-duty battery case with built-in carrying handles.

ESSENTIAL Li™ batteries are engineered using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry, which is widely considered the safest and most robust option currently available. This chemistry enables U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. to deliver a reliable, maintenance-free, deep-cycle battery that easily integrates into many golf cars. With increased capacity and longer runtimes, golf cars can drive further on a single charge. ESSENTIAL Li™ deep-cycle batteries also reach full charge in less time, substantially reducing vehicle downtime and overall operating costs when combined with zero maintenance.

Attendees of the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, can see this new battery and learn about its advanced features by visiting the U.S. Battery booth #2825 during the show. The booth will also showcase an Advanced EV Advent HD FXA vehicle equipped with ESSENTIAL Li™ deep-cycle batteries.  Additional models of ESSENTIAL Li™ deep-cycle batteries are coming soon, all designed to provide the same dependable power U.S. Battery Mfg. Co. has been delivering to its customers since 1926.

U.S. 145 XC2 with XC2 logo

Let’s Make It In America

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In his State of the Union address, President Biden called for an end to relying on foreign supply chains and stated, “Let’s make it in America.” The Battery Council International (BCI) agrees, and according to Roger Miksad, executive vice president of the council, the U.S. lead battery manufacturing, and recycling industry is ready to meet the challenges.

Miksad stated that the U.S. lead and battery industry is proud of its existing domestic infrastructure that meets more than 90% of the domestic lead battery demand. According to the BCI, the U.S. supply chain employs nearly 25,000 people generating $26.3 Billion in economic contribution to the country’s economy.

With environmental issues also at the forefront of the President’s agenda, the BCI reminds Americans that in the U.S., lead batteries are manufactured utilizing a closed-loop system. In this system, the industry collects more than 130-million used batteries each year and recycles them to make new batteries that contain 80% recycled materials.

“Lead batteries are essential to building energy independence,” said Miksad. “They employ the most sustainable battery technology to aid in both mitigating climate change and securing energy independence for our country. Nearly every new electric vehicle contains a 12-volt lead battery to power critical safety functions. They enable low-carbon start-stop technology that keeps 5.3 million tons of greenhouse gases from the environment annually.”

According to the BCI, lead batteries are the most sustainable battery technology that aids in building energy independence and annually keeps 5.3-million tons of greenhouse gases out of the environment. “They provide renewable energy storage capabilities for commercial wind and solar farms,” says Miksad. “As well as in residential and community-based installations to capture energy generated by the wind and sun.”

The BCI and battery manufacturers like U.S. Battery are constantly looking to improve battery technology. Through continued investment in research and development with the U.S. National Laboratories system, the battery industry is pursuing next-generation battery technology and energy storage solutions that will be built by U.S. workers across the nation.

White golf club car.

Replacement Batteries For Club Car Golf Carts

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Club Car golf carts have been around for nearly 60-years, producing a variety of battery-powered golf cars, utility, and personal use vehicles. As most owners of these vehicles know, proper battery maintenance is key to longevity and reliability, but eventually, the batteries will need to be replaced. 

 

When it comes time to get a new set of deep-cycle batteries for your Club Car, it’s important to make sure you select the right ones for your particular application, and most importantly, the type of use it will see. Club Car’s battery specifications are different for the various model vehicles they produce. Most utilize a 48-volt electric engine but depending on the model, have different amperage and power requirements.

 

As an example, Club Car DS and Precedent models (2in1, 2Plus2, Cargo, Professional), XF (2in1, 2Plus2) and XF Cargo models take six BCI Group Size GC8 eight-volt batteries. Choosing the right one depends on if you use the vehicle daily or if it says in storage at your vacation home. For each of these types of scenarios, there are different battery ratings to choose from that might better match your usage needs. U.S. Battery’s US 8VGC XC2 (with a 20-hour rate of 170) is a great choice for those who want a longer-lasting battery for this application. The US 8VGCE XC2 (with a 20-hour rate of 155) offers less overall runtime for applications where the vehicle won’t be used daily, offering a more cost-effective solution.

 

Club Car Precedent Champion models also use a 48-volt system but utilize four BCI Group Size GC12, 12-volt batteries. U.S. Battery’s 12VRX XC2 (20-hour rate of 155) provides a great compromise between daily and occasional use. 

 

Proper Maintenance Makes The Difference 

 

To get the most performance from your new battery, you must develop a regular maintenance schedule that consists of:

 

1. Checking and replenishing the electrolyte levels. Installing a BWT or Flow-Rite single-point-watering kit can make this an easy and quick process.

2. Performing an equalization charge

3. Checking and Cleaning battery terminals and connections

4. Performing an opportunity charge when possible

 

For a full list of proper Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance procedures please see our page or download our Care & Maintenance brochure.

 

U.S. Battery Deep Cycle batteries are handcrafted in the U.S.A. The batteries also feature our exclusive XC2 formulation that gives them the highest initial capacity, fastest cycle-up time to full-rated capacity, improved recharge-ability, and the highest total energy delivered than any battery in their class. For a complete list of Flooded Lead-Acid or AGM batteries for golf cars and utility vehicles visit U.S. Battery’s Golf and Utility Vehicle Battery page to see all of the models, sizes, and specifications available to fit your particular vehicle.

U.S. 145 XC2 with XC2 logo

Initial Capacity vs Rated and Peak Capacity for Deep-Cycle Batteries

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Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide continuous power over an extended period of time and are then recharged in preparation for the next discharge/recharge cycle.  For many industrial and consumer applications where energy storage is critical, flooded lead-acid batteries provide premium performance at an unrivaled cost.  Consumers, however, may not be aware that flooded lead-acid deep cycle batteries are designed to reach their rated and/or peak capacity after a conditioning period of capacity ‘cycle-up’.  This cycle-up period consists of a series of discharge/recharge cycles in normal operation during which the available battery capacity increases with each cycle.  This conditioning cycle-up period is designed to provide the optimum in cycle life vs. cost for this type of battery and application.  The number of cycles required to achieve rated and/or peak capacity depends on many factors, including but not limited to battery design, recharge method, depth of discharge, temperature, etc.

Most deep cycle battery manufacturers provide a ‘Capacity Development Curve’ that describes the relationship of initial capacity and the number of cycles required to achieve rated and/or peak capacity for this type of battery.  The test procedures used to determine battery capacity ratings and capacity development relationships are specified in Battery Council International procedure BCIS-05 BCI Specifications for Electric Vehicle Batteries (Rev. 2010-15).  Per BCIS-05: “Long-life deep cycle EV batteries typically exhibit 75-80% of rated capacity on initial discharge, full rated capacity within the first 100 cycles, and >100% of rating at peak capacity.”

To achieve optimum cycle life vs. battery acquisition cost, most battery manufacturers recommend sizing the battery’s capacity to ~50% depth of discharge (DOD).  This not only optimizes the cycle life of the battery vs. cost but also provides a ‘reserve’ capacity in situations where additional runtime is needed beyond normal requirements.  Since flooded lead-acid deep cycle batteries can continue to deliver useable capacity down to ~50% of rated capacity, this recommendation also allows utilization of the total number of cycles available from the battery.  For these reasons, the fact that this type of battery does not deliver full rated capacity ‘out-of-box’ is not usually an issue and can easily be managed through proper battery sizing and choice of battery type and manufacturer.

Battery manufacturers do recognize that fleets operating battery-powered machinery such as aerial platform lifts, floor cleaning machines, pallet jacks, and golf carts desire the highest possible capacity over the life of the battery.  Accordingly, they are constantly improving battery designs and charging methods to achieve the highest possible initial capacity and the fastest possible cycle-up without compromising overall cycle life.

 

 

Charging station logo

U.S. Dept. Of Energy Supports Study For Lead Battery EV Charging Stations In Missouri

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Funding provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program is supporting plans and research investigating advanced lead battery energy storage alongside EV charging points in gas stations in the state of Missouri.

According to the Battery Council International, the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) is in charge of the feasibility study and is preparing to try the lead-acid battery charging stations in at least two locations. “This project aims to demonstrate how advanced lead battery energy storage, linked to EV charging stations, can help manage electricity demand fluctuations and store electricity when it is less costly, before supplying it at a time when electric car drivers need to charge their vehicles,” says CBI Director Dr. Alistair Davidson. “It highlights the important role lead batteries can play in assisting governments around the world to roll-out charging infrastructure and meet energy needs.”

The CBI reports that detailed plans will identify potential funding sources to fully develop each site, which can then be used as a model for future lead battery-supported EV charging stations across the state. CBI aims to establish demonstration sites in the fall of 2019.

U.S. Battery’s 12VRX XC2

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US Battery’s 12VRX XC2 is a popular choice for 12-volt deep cycle batteries used in a variety of applications. Originally designed for the 48-volt EZGO RXV vehicles without watering systems, the 12VRX has become popular in many other 48-volt and 72-volt golf cars in addition to equipment in applications such as aerial work platforms, recreational vehicles, and floor cleaning machines.

US Battery developed the 12VRX as a substitute to the popular 12VXC battery in order to address the difficulty of manually watering the rear battery on RXV golf cars. The cell vents on the 12VRX are configured horizontally on the battery as opposed to the chevron or “V” shaped spacing of the 12VXC. This allows the battery to be manually watered in equipment where space is limited or where batteries are partially covered. In addition to being easier to water, the 12VRX also differs from the 12VXC in how it is lifted. The 12VRX contains lifting tabs on top of the battery that eliminates the need for the handles located on the ends of the 12VXC. This saves almost a full inch in length, allowing the 12VRX to be installed in tight compartments where the 12VXC does not fit.

While the 12VRX is only compatible with Battery Watering Technologies (BWT) watering systems, the 12VXC is compatible with both Flowrite and BWT watering systems. For RXV golf cars with existing watering systems, US Battery offers a third 12-volt deep cycle battery called the 12VXZ. This battery is designed to fit in the RXV vehicles and still be compatible with the OEM Flowrite watering kits. Of all three batteries, the 12VRX is the most universal in regards to fitment.

U.S. Battery’s 12VRX offers unique advantages for a variety of applications. Advantages include providing high capacity (155 Amp Hours at the 20-hour rate), the ability to reach peak capacity in fewer cycles than other batteries in its class, and the ability to provide the most total energy throughout the life of the battery. This premium battery is part of the company’s Endurance Plus™ line of batteries, designed to provide high value and optimum performance. U.S. Battery products are manufactured and assembled by hand in the U.S.A. See U.S. Battery’s full line of 12-volt deep cycle batteries here https://usbattery.com/products/12-volt-batteries/

 

 

 

Your Batterty Powered Golf Car May Be Great For The Environment

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The Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries In Your Golf Car Provide Renewable “Green” Energy

For several decades, golf cars have extended beyond the golf course and have been the main mode of daily transportation in resort and retirement communities to ease traffic congestion and reduce noise. With an increasing global interest focused on reducing emissions, utilizing renewable energy sources, and protecting the environment, various industries are taking a second look at the old battery-powered golf car.

The advantages of the electric golf car stem from those that use flooded lead-acid batteries. At first, this seems contrary to the purpose, but a closer look at what is happening with this segment of the battery industry reveals a much greener and sustainable method of power.

Cost Effectiveness

According to Fred Wehmeyer, U.S. Battery Vice President/Engineering, in most cases, flooded lead-acid batteries remain as the most cost-effective method for powering golf cars and small electric vehicles over the long-term. Some would argue that Lithium-ion batteries provide a better solution. Although Lithium battery packs may provide longer cycle life, comparing actual amp-hour capacity and battery pack energy (kilowatt-hours) often shows that the flooded lead-acid battery pack provides the most cost-effective solution at an overall purchase cost and operational cost per kilowatt-hours.

Renewable And Sustainable Advantages

One of the biggest benefits to utilizing golf cars with flooded lead-acid batteries is that the batteries are recycled at a rate of 97 to 99 percent, with the recycled lead going back into new golf car batteries in a closed-loop system. According to the Battery Council International, lead recyclers undergo some of the most restrictive emissions regulations. The process of recycling lead combined with tough emissions standards has produced new methods of recycling with reduced emissions that are far below EPA regulations. The BCI reports that contamination in the air has dropped by 99 percent since 1980. In addition, a recent study released by the BCI suggests that the U.S. lead battery industry enables more than 95,000 jobs for American workers and contributed more than $28 billion in total economic output to the national economy in 2016.*

It’s easy to see why many industries have continued to utilize flooded lead-acid batteries to power everything from fleets of golf cars, aerial lifts, cleaning machines and more. In addition to reducing annual operating costs, industries and individuals embracing battery power are also doing their part to help the economy and the environment.

For more information and maintenance tips on batteries for your electric vehicle, visit www.usbattery.com.

*Lead Battery Industry Provides Billions in Economic Benefit, Provides Gateway to Middle Class – Battery Council International February 1, 2018

Illinois Doctor Uses U.S. Battery 12-Volt Deep-Cycle Batteries To Covert His BMW To Electric

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With only a 12-mile commute to his office, Dr. Karl Klontz thought it would be environmentally responsible to convert his 1994 BMW 318i from gas to electric power, which would also coincide with his solar energy lifestyle. “As a hobby, I work with solar power, going abroad annually to install solar arrays at schools, clinics, and hospitals in developing nations at no cost to the recipients,” says Klontz. “I decided to make the car electric as I’d already installed small solar arrays on my house to power the lights and appliances.”

Klontz electric motor Klontz realized he used his vehicle on a daily basis and that it consumes the most energy out of all his possessions. “I figured my car was a candidate, so I converted it to electric in order to commute to my job 12 miles away each day,” said Klontz. The conversion of his BMW to electric wasn’t easy, but he managed to gather up the components and put it all together to make it work. “The trickiest parts were finding the proper alignment and bracing for connecting the electric motor to the drivetrain, and the arrangement of the electric components,” said Klontz. “I worked slowly over two years to complete the project in my free time.”

The vehicle is powered by nine U.S. Battery US12V XC2 deep-cycle batteries wired in series that make up a 108-volt system. “I’ve heard from a number of sources in electric car conversion circles, that U.S. Battery products were very reliable providers of energy for jobs such as the one I undertook,” said Klontz. He checked into using Lithium-ion batteries, but the cost was prohibitive. Nonetheless, Klontz’s conversion works fine for his daily driving routine.

“The system has lasted roughly two years with approximately 1,400 charge/discharge US Batterys in Klontz conversioncycles,” says Klontz. “With the car in its fifth year of running, I’ve logged nearly 20,000 miles on the vehicle.” Klontz is well versed in making flooded lead-acid batteries last and adds a maintenance routine to keep the batteries in top condition. “I rely on a number of strategies to keep the batteries running as long as possible,” says Klontz. “I try not to discharge them too deeply on any drive. I recharge them immediately after making each trip, particularly in cold weather. I check their fluid levels regularly. I keep the terminals clean, and I check their individual cell specific gravity at the first sign of any voltage lowering.”

Since Klontz recharges the batteries using the solar array in his home, the cost to operate his car dropped to almost nothing, and his carbon footprint is greatly reduced. Overall, the conversion and its advantages showcase what’s possible and Klontz is happy with what he’s accomplished. “If I were to convert another car to all-electric, I’d choose a lighter model,” said Klontz. Lighter models, however, come with less overall structural protection for the driver, and the BMW has proven to be an exceptionally rigorous vehicle in terms of suspension, brakes, and other underlying features.”