Golf Cart & Caddy Batteries

Golf Cart Batteries: Traditional and Lithium Options

Golf carts run on battery banks made up of multiple individual batteries wired in series. The total system voltage depends on your cart model — most run on 36V or 48V, while higher-performance and newer models often use 72V or 76V systems. You can get there with traditional flooded or sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, maintenance-free gel cell batteries, or a single drop-in lithium (LiFePO4) conversion kit that replaces the entire bank at once.

For golfers who prefer to stay with proven lead-acid chemistry, Battery Mart carries Deka gel and SLA batteries in the Group GC2 (6V) and GC8 (8V) formats that have powered golf carts for decades. These are American-made, sealed, and maintenance-free — no watering, no acid spills, and no mess. If you want the benefits of a deep-cycle battery that handles repeated charge and discharge cycles without complaint, Deka's gel line is a reliable starting point.

For those ready to go lithium, we carry complete LiFePO4 conversion kits in 36V, 48V, 72V, and 76V configurations from Ionic Lithium, Lithium Rhino, Dakota Lithium, and Power Sonic. These kits are designed to drop into the same battery tray as your current lead-acid setup, which means installation is typically straightforward. Lithium batteries weigh dramatically less than a comparable lead-acid pack, charge faster, and deliver more usable capacity per charge.

Golf Caddy Batteries

Electric golf caddies and walk-behind trolleys run on a single 12V battery, most commonly in a Group U1 form factor. These batteries take a lot of abuse — repeated shallow cycling over 9 or 18 holes, outdoor storage, and vibration from bumpy fairways. Battery Mart stocks Group U1 golf caddy batteries in both AGM and LiFePO4 chemistries from Power Sonic, Deka, and Dakota Lithium.

If your trolley feels sluggish partway through a round or simply won't hold a charge the way it used to, a fresh caddy battery is usually an inexpensive fix. Lithium U1 options from Dakota Lithium are a popular upgrade for golfers who want lighter weight and longer runtime per charge — especially useful if you're walking 36 holes in a day.

Lead Acid vs. Lithium: Which Is Right for You?

Both battery types have a place in this category, and the right choice depends on your budget, how often you use your cart, and how long you plan to keep it.

• Sealed Lead Acid and Gel batteries have a lower upfront cost and work reliably in most standard golf cart applications. Expect a service life of roughly 3 to 5 years with proper charging habits. They're heavier than lithium alternatives, but they're also time-tested and widely compatible.
• LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries carry a higher initial price but offer significantly longer service life, often 7 to 10 years or more depending on usage. They charge faster, weigh far less than a comparable lead-acid pack, and deliver consistent voltage throughout the discharge cycle — meaning your cart won't slow down as the battery drains. Most LiFePO4 batteries also require zero maintenance.

If you run a cart frequently — daily on a course, regularly around a community or resort — the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan of lithium often make it the better value over time. For light or seasonal use, a quality gel or SLA battery is a sensible, cost-effective choice.

Brands We Carry

Deka is made in the USA by East Penn Manufacturing and has long been a gold standard in deep cycle and golf cart batteries. Their Dominator line of gel batteries is built for demanding deep cycle applications and comes in Group U1, 22NF, GC2, and GC8 sizes.

Dakota Lithium offers an industry-leading 11-year warranty across their LiFePO4 lineup, making them a standout choice for golfers who want long-term peace of mind. Their batteries are available in Group U1 format for caddies as well as 36V and 48V golf cart configurations.

Ionic Lithium builds GC2-format LiFePO4 batteries with integrated Bluetooth monitoring, so you can check your battery's state of charge, voltage, and health from a smartphone app. They're available as single batteries or in 2-pack, 3-pack, and 4-pack bundles for 36V and 48V cart systems.

Lithium Rhino specializes in plug-and-play conversion kits, with options spanning 36V, 48V, and 76V systems in a range of capacities. Their self-heated 48V kit is worth considering if your cart sees use in colder weather — the built-in heating element keeps the battery performing properly even in low temperatures.

Power Sonic brings their marine and deep cycle expertise to the golf cart market with both high-voltage Bluetooth-enabled lithium packs and an AGM sealed lead acid option for golf caddies.

Shopping with Confidence

Battery Mart has been supplying replacement batteries since 1984, and we stand behind every product we sell. If you have questions about compatibility before you buy, our customer service team is happy to help — reach us through our Contact Us page. And if something isn't right after your purchase, our straightforward return policy makes it easy to get it resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many batteries does a golf cart need?

It depends on your cart's voltage system and the batteries you're using. A 36V system can be made up of six 6V batteries, three 12V batteries, or in a lithium setup, a single 36V pack. A 48V system typically uses six 8V batteries, four 12V batteries, or a single 48V lithium kit. Check the label on your existing batteries to confirm your system voltage before ordering.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

Quality sealed lead acid and gel batteries generally last 3 to 5 years with regular use and proper charging. LiFePO4 lithium batteries typically last 7 to 10 years or longer. Both battery types benefit from consistent charging habits — avoid leaving your batteries fully discharged for extended periods.

Can I upgrade my golf cart from lead acid to lithium?

Yes, and it's one of the most popular upgrades for golf cart owners right now. Most lithium conversion kits are designed to fit in the same battery tray as your existing lead-acid batteries, making installation manageable for DIY installers. You'll want to confirm the kit's voltage matches your cart's system (36V, 48V, or 72V/76V) and verify that your onboard charger is compatible with lithium chemistry. Many golfers find the upgrade pays for itself over time through reduced maintenance and a longer service life.

What size battery does an electric golf caddy use?

Most electric golf caddies and motorized trolleys use a 12V Group U1 battery. Some models accept a 12V Group 22NF battery, which is a similar size with slightly higher capacity. Check your trolley's owner's manual or the label on your current battery to confirm the group size before ordering.

Do you carry multi-battery bundles?

Yes. For customers replacing multiple batteries at once, we carry 2-pack, 3-pack, and 4-pack bundles from Ionic Lithium for both 36V and 48V systems, as well as 2-pack bundles for 12V gel batteries. Bundles are a convenient way to ensure you get matched batteries from the same production run.

What's the difference between gel and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries?

Both are sealed, maintenance-free batteries that don't require water topping off. The main difference is in how the electrolyte is suspended. Gel batteries use a silica-based gel that makes them more resistant to vibration and less prone to damage from deep discharge. SLA (AGM) batteries use a fiberglass mat and are often more tolerant of high current draws. For golf cart applications, gel batteries are a popular choice because of their deep cycle performance and durability over many charge cycles.