Selecting the best 48V Lithium-Ion Battery for Your Equipment
Many golf car owners are considering transitioning from AGM or Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries to a new 48-volt Lithium-ion option. There is a lot of discussion about which 48V Lithium-ion battery is the best option. With two 48-volt deep-cycle batteries in its line-up, U.S. Battery Manufacturing’s US 48VGC2 and US 48V105 are excellent options that can provide plenty of power and capacity, depending on your application and power needs.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll look at the pivotal differences between these two exciting products. Each battery delivers long-lasting, maintenance-free operation, and both boast unique features and benefits worth examining in depth.
Powering Through the Greens: 48V Lithium-ion Battery Performance Showdown
The backbone of any electric-powered golf car is its battery, the life force that drives every wheel turn and every swing around the course.
Size and Construction
Capacity and Cost
When it comes to Amp-Hour capacity (Ah) and cost per Kilowatt Hour (KWh), both batteries excel with the help of a state-of-the-art Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors the State of Charge and delivers advanced cell balancing and fault protection for optimum performance.
The US 48VGC2 has a 30Ah capacity and is more adaptable to scaling-up capacity depending on the number of batteries connected in parallel. For example, connecting three US 48VGC2s can increase capacity to 90 Ah with 300A continuous power. When connected in this way, the BMS in each battery will help evenly spread the power demands across the entire pack for improved life and performance. Up to eight (8) US 48VGC2 batteries can be connected in parallel, if space allows, delivering a capacity of 240Ah.
While these batteries are known for reliability, should any issue arise from a low charge in one of the batteries in parallel, the BMS will allow continued vehicle operation as the battery shuts down with its built-in protection mode.
With lower initial costs per battery, the US 48VGC2 makes a great entry point for golf car owners and golf courses who want a low-cost option when transitioning to Lithium-Ion. This design would also benefit owners of golf cars that travel shorter distances and require them to purchase as few as two 
batteries to power their vehicle.
By comparison, the US 48V105 has a 105 Ah capacity that excels for general-purpose and high-use situations where the vehicle travels a long distance on a single charge. When comparing KWh costs to the GC2 battery, the US 48V105 offers a lower cost per kWh due to its higher capacity. If additional capacity is needed, up to two (2) US 48V105 can be connected in parallel to double the power.
Despite its larger size, the US 48V105 is an excellent option for golf cars and utility vehicles that see longer and more constant use, such as making deliveries, warehouse stocking, etc.
When it comes to Amp-Hour capacity (Ah) and cost per Kilowatt Hour (KWh), both batteries excel with the help of a state-of-the-art Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors the State of Charge and delivers advanced cell balancing and fault protection for optimum performance.
The US 48VGC2 has a 30Ah capacity and is more adaptable to scaling-up capacity depending on the number of batteries connected in parallel. For example, connecting three US 48VGC2s can increase capacity to 90 Ah with 300A continuous power. When connected in this way, the BMS in each battery will help evenly spread the power demands across the entire pack for improved life and performance. Up to eight (8) US 48VGC2 batteries can be connected in parallel, if space allows, delivering a capacity of 240Ah.
While these batteries are known for reliability, should any issue arise from a low charge in one of the batteries in parallel, the BMS will allow continued vehicle operation as the battery shuts down with its built-in protection mode.
With lower initial costs per battery, the US 48VGC2 makes a great entry point for golf car owners and golf courses who want a low-cost option when transitioning to Lithium-Ion. This design would also benefit owners of golf cars that travel shorter distances and require them to purchase as few as two batteries to power their vehicle.
By comparison, the US 48V105 has a 105 Ah capacity that excels for general-purpose and high-use situations where the vehicle travels a long distance on a single charge. When comparing KWh costs to the GC2 battery, the US 48V105 offers a lower cost per kWh due to its higher capacity. If additional capacity is needed, up to two (2) US 48V105 can be connected in parallel to double the power.
Despite its larger size, the US 48V105 is an excellent option for golf cars and utility vehicles that see longer and more constant use, such as making deliveries, warehouse stocking, etc.
Installation
In many instances, the choice of golf car batteries can depend on the space available in your model car. The more compact size of the US 48VGC2 makes it more versatile and is standard for most golf cars. The standard size means there will be no fitment issues installing it in your vehicle, and no additional hardware is necessary. Its lightweight (32.2 lbs/14.6 kg) also allows for quicker, easier installations. More wiring is required, however, due to the increased number of batteries needed.
The US 48V105 has some limitations due to its size and may require additional mounting hardware. The larger footprint and weight of the 105 may also make installation more difficult for customers; however, only needing one battery to power their vehicle may appeal to some.
The US 48VGC2 and US 48V105 both have integrated automotive-grade CANbus connections. These ports allow the batteries to communicate with equipment or the optional Remote Display. 
With the Remote Display, you can be sure that you’re getting the most accurate information about your battery pack in real time. No more having to manually check the LED indicators on your battery to get an idea of its charge—the Essential Li® Remote Display is here to make your life simpler and more efficient. The display also features an integrated button to wake or power down the batteries.
The Final Putt:
When it comes to the 48V GC2 and the 48V 105Ah lithium-ion golf car batteries, it’s not about one-size-fits-all but rather about finding the right fit for your needs. The GC2 offers a more adaptable, affordable, accessible introduction to lithium-ion technology, perfect for light use or those dipping their toes into the Lithium battery waters. The 105Ah, with its increased power, makes a convincing case for those looking to drive further.
Making an informed decision involves looking past the technical jargon and, instead, considering how each option aligns with your power demands and budget. In the world of golf cars, as in any field, the choice between performance and economy is not a binary one. Each option offers advantages and will deliver the readability that U.S. Battery products are known for.
While these are only examples of the optimum use for these 48-volt batteries, it’s always best to consult your battery dealer for more information and to make a better choice based on your application.