What Should I Know Before Upgrading My Golf Cart to Lithium Batteries?

You want the power of lithium batteries in your golf cart, but you are worried about the upgrade process. There is so much conflicting information online about charging and safety.

Yes, you can replace lead-acid with lithium using a drop-in unit. You will need a specific lithium charger and should unplug it when full. The main challenge is the initial cost, but choosing the right Ah rating ensures great performance.

A customer called me just last week, completely confused by different advice he read on a forum. He was about to give up on upgrading. I walked him through these exact five questions, and by the end of our call, he was confident and ready to switch.

Can I replace a lead-acid battery with lithium-ion in a golf cart?

This is the first question everyone asks. Many people think it will be a difficult and technical job that requires major changes to their cart.

Yes, you can absolutely replace your old lead-acid batteries with a single lithium-ion battery. Our batteries are designed as "drop-in replacements," which means they are built to fit in the same battery tray with minimal effort.

What "Drop-in Replacement" Really Means

We designed the process to be as simple as possible. You don’t need to be an expert mechanic. The steps are straightforward.

• Step 1: Disconnect and Remove: First, you disconnect all the cables from your old lead-acid batteries. Then you take all the heavy batteries out of the cart.
• Step 2: Place The New Battery: Next, you place the single, much lighter Junda lithium battery into the empty tray.
• Step 3: Connect Two Cables: You only need to connect two cables to the new battery: the main positive and the main negative. That’s it.
• Step 4: Secure The Battery: Finally, you use the included brackets to secure the battery so it doesn’t move. The whole job usually takes less than an hour.

Do I need a special charger for lithium golf cart batteries?

This is a very important point for the safety and lifespan of your new battery. You cannot cut corners on the charger.

Yes, you must use a battery charger that is specifically made for lithium batteries. An old lead-acid charger will damage the lithium battery over time and is a serious safety risk.

Why You Can’t Use a Lead-Acid Charger

Lead-acid and lithium batteries require completely different charging methods¹, which we call algorithms. A lead-acid charger has a "float" or "trickle" stage that is designed to keep the battery topped off. This stage will damage a lithium battery.

Here is a simple breakdown of the difference.

Using the right charger ensures your battery charges quickly, safely, and lasts for its full expected lifespan. All our batteries come with the correct charger.

Should I leave my lithium battery golf cart plugged in all the time?

This question comes from old habits. With lead-acid batteries, many people were told to keep them on a trickle charger all the time. This is not the case for lithium.

No, you should not leave your lithium battery golf cart plugged in all the time. Once the battery is fully charged, the best practice is to disconnect the charger.

![Golf cart plugged into a wall charger at night with a 100% battery overlay and “Unplug Now” message, promoting good lithium charging practice.](https://jundabattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/golf-cart-batteries-19.webp”Golf Cart Lithium Battery Full Charge – Unplug Now Reminder")

How the BMS Protects Your Battery

Every one of our batteries contains a computer inside called a Battery Management System², or BMS. The BMS is the brain of the battery. One of its most important jobs is to prevent overcharging. When the battery reaches 100% charge, the BMS will automatically stop accepting any more power from the charger. So, while the BMS does protect the battery, it is still best to unplug it.

Best Practices for Long-Term Storage

If you plan to store your golf cart for the winter or for several months, you should not leave the battery fully charged or fully empty. For long-term storage³, the ideal state of charge is between 50% and 80%. Charge it up, use it for a little while, and then store the cart in a dry place.

What are the problems with lithium batteries in golf carts?

It is smart to look at the potential downsides before making a big purchase. While the benefits are huge, we should be honest about the challenges.

The main problems are the higher upfront cost⁴ and the requirement for a specific charger. Some very cheap lithium batteries can also have poor-quality safety systems (BMS), which is why choosing a reputable supplier is so important.

The Upfront Cost

There is no denying that a lithium battery costs more to buy than a set of lead-acid batteries. But you have to think about the total cost over time. A lithium battery lasts up to 10 times longer. You would have to buy new lead-acid batteries many times in the lifespan of one lithium battery. So, in the long run, lithium is actually cheaper.

The Importance of a Quality BMS

Nearly all potential performance issues, like the battery shutting off unexpectedly, come down to a low-quality BMS⁵. A cheap battery from an unknown brand may cut corners on this critical safety computer. A sophisticated BMS, like the one we use, manages the battery perfectly to give you reliable power. This "problem" is avoided by investing in a quality product from a company that stands behind it.

Is 100Ah lithium enough for a golf cart?

When you see "Ah," it means Amp Hours. This number tells you the capacity of the battery, like the size of a gas tank. Choosing the right Ah is key.

Yes, for the vast majority of users, a 100Ah lithium battery is more than enough for a golf cart. This capacity will typically deliver a range of 30 to 40 miles on a single charge.

Who Should Choose a 100Ah Battery?

A 100Ah battery provides excellent range and peace of mind for almost any situation. We recommend this size or larger for people who:

• Regularly play 36 holes of golf in a single day.
• Have a "lifted" cart with large, off-road tires.
• Have a 4-seater or 6-seater cart and often carry passengers.
• Live in a very hilly community and drive the cart daily.
• Use their cart for maintenance or utility work.

If you only use your cart for short, casual trips or a single 18-hole round on a flat course, you might be fine with a smaller battery, like a 60Ah or 75Ah model. But 100Ah is a fantastic, all-around choice.

Conclusion

Upgrading to lithium is a smart move that makes your cart better in every way. Knowing the facts about installation, charging, and capacity makes the process simple and ensures you get a great result.