Can You Use 3 12V Batteries in a 36V Golf Cart?

When it comes to powering a golf cart, the battery setup plays a crucial role in determining both performance and longevity. Many golf cart owners often wonder if they can use three 12V batteries in a 36V golf cart. The short answer is yes, but the implications of this choice deserve a closer look.

Understanding the Basics of Battery Configuration

A 36V golf cart requires a total voltage of 36 volts to operate efficiently. Typically, this is achieved by connecting six 6V batteries in series. However, you can also achieve 36 volts by connecting three 12V batteries in series. In this setup, the voltages of each battery add up to provide the necessary 36V power for the cart.

Advantages of Using 12V Batteries:

• Availability: 12V batteries are more commonly available than 6V batteries, making them easier to replace or upgrade.
• Fewer Batteries: Handling and maintaining three batteries can be simpler than managing six, reducing the complexity of your battery setup.

Disadvantages of Using 12V Batteries:

• Capacity Issues: 6V batteries generally have higher amp-hour (Ah) ratings compared to 12V batteries. Using 12V batteries might result in a lower overall capacity, which can reduce the cart’s runtime between charges.
• Weight Distribution: The physical dimensions and weight of 12V batteries differ from 6V batteries, potentially affecting the cart’s balance and handling.

Does a 48 Volt Golf Cart Go Faster Than a 36 Volt?

The voltage of a golf cart’s battery system directly impacts its speed and torque. A 48V golf cart is generally faster and more powerful than a 36V cart. The higher voltage allows the motor to run at higher RPMs, resulting in greater speed.

Key Differences Between 36V and 48V Golf Carts:

• Speed: A 48V cart can achieve higher speeds, often in the range of 20-24 mph, compared to a 36V cart, which typically maxes out around 12-14 mph.
• Torque: Higher voltage systems provide more torque, which is especially beneficial when driving on hilly terrain or carrying heavy loads.
• Efficiency: 48V systems are more efficient, meaning they can deliver more power with less current, reducing the overall wear on the motor and extending battery life.

Is a Higher Ah Battery Better in a Golf Cart?

Amp-hour (Ah) is a measure of a battery’s capacity, indicating how much charge it can hold. In general, a higher Ah battery is better for a golf cart because it provides a longer runtime, allowing you to drive farther on a single charge.

Benefits of Higher Ah Batteries:

• Extended Range: With more capacity, you can travel greater distances without needing to recharge.
• Improved Performance: Higher Ah batteries can better handle the demands of accessories like lights, GPS systems, or upgraded motors.
• Longevity: Batteries with higher capacity often have longer lifespans, reducing the frequency of replacements.

However, it’s essential to balance capacity with weight and space constraints. Higher Ah batteries are usually larger and heavier, which might affect the golf cart’s handling and stability.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a 36V Golf Cart to 48V?

Converting a 36V golf cart to a 48V system is a popular upgrade for those seeking increased speed and power. The cost of this conversion can vary widely depending on the components used and whether you perform the work yourself or hire a professional.

Components Required for Conversion:

• 48V Battery Pack: This could involve purchasing eight 6V batteries, six 8V batteries, or a custom 48V lithium-ion pack.
• Upgraded Motor: To handle the increased voltage, you may need to upgrade the motor to one rated for 48V.
• Controller and Solenoid: The cart’s controller and solenoid must be compatible with 48V to avoid damaging the system.
• Wiring and Connectors: Upgraded wiring and connectors may be necessary to handle the increased current flow.

Estimated Costs:

• DIY Conversion: $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the components chosen and the condition of your current cart.
• Professional Conversion: $2,000 to $4,000, including labor and parts.

Why Is My 36 Volt Golf Cart So Slow?

If your 36V golf cart is performing sluggishly, several factors could be contributing to the reduced speed:

Possible Causes of Slow Performance:

• Battery Health: Weak or aging batteries are the most common cause of slow speeds. If the batteries can no longer hold a full charge, the cart won’t reach its maximum potential.
• Corrosion: Corroded battery terminals and connections can impede electrical flow, reducing the cart’s performance.
• Motor Issues: A worn or underperforming motor might struggle to convert electrical energy into mechanical power, leading to sluggish acceleration and top speed.
• Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the cart work harder and slowing it down.
• Overloaded Cart: Carrying too much weight, whether passengers or cargo, can strain the motor and reduce speed.

What Happens If You Put 48V to a 36V Motor?

Using a 48V power supply with a motor designed for 36V can have several effects, most of which are detrimental:

Potential Consequences:

• Overheating: The motor will draw more current than it’s designed for, leading to excessive heat buildup. This can cause damage to the motor windings, bearings, and other components.
• Reduced Lifespan: Constantly running a 36V motor on 48V will significantly reduce its lifespan, potentially leading to premature failure.
• Controller Damage: The motor controller, if not rated for 48V, could fail due to the higher voltage, rendering the cart inoperable.
• Safety Risks: There’s a heightened risk of electrical shorts, fires, and other hazards when overvolting a motor.

How to Connect 3 Batteries for 36 Volts?

To connect three 12V batteries to create a 36V system, you must wire them in series. Series wiring adds the voltage of each battery together while keeping the same capacity.

Steps to Wire in Series:

1. Identify the Terminals: Each battery has a positive (+) and negative (-) terminal.
2. Connect in Series: Connect the negative terminal of the first battery to the positive terminal of the second battery. Then, connect the negative terminal of the second battery to the positive terminal of the third battery.
3. Final Connections: The remaining positive terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the last battery in the series will be connected to the golf cart’s power input.

Result: The voltages add up, giving you a total of 36V (12V + 12V + 12V), while the capacity (Ah) remains the same as a single battery.

How to Wire 3 12V Batteries Together?

Wiring three 12V batteries together can be done either in series, parallel, or series-parallel, depending on the desired outcome.

Series Connection:

• Increases the voltage while keeping capacity constant.
• Example: 3 x 12V = 36V (same Ah as one battery).

Parallel Connection:

• Increases the capacity while keeping the voltage constant.
• Example: 12V (3 times Ah of one battery).

Series-Parallel Connection:

• Increases both voltage and capacity by combining series and parallel connections.
• Example: Two sets of two 12V batteries in parallel, then connected in series to give 24V with increased capacity.

Can You Pull 12 Volts Off a 36 Volt System?

While technically possible, pulling 12V from a 36V system by tapping into one of the batteries is not recommended. Doing so can cause an imbalance in the battery pack, leading to unequal charging, reduced battery life, and potential damage.

Alternatives:

• DC-DC Converter: A safer and more efficient method is to use a DC-DC converter, which can step down 36V to 12V without causing imbalance in the battery pack.
• Dedicated 12V Battery: For high-power 12V accessories, it’s better to use a separate 12V battery rather than drawing from the 36V system.

Redway Power: Your Trusted Lifepo4 Battery Partner

When it comes to golf cart batteries, choosing the right supplier is critical for ensuring both performance and longevity. Redway Power is a leading Lifepo4 battery factory wholesaler with extensive experience in 48V golf cart batteries. We specialize in providing custom battery solutions for B2B and OEM clients worldwide. Our batteries are known for their reliability, safety, and long life, making them the perfect choice for your golf cart needs.

Contact Redway Power today for a quick quote on your next battery purchase and experience the difference of working with a trusted industry leader.

FAQs

Can I use 3 12-volt batteries in a 36-volt golf cart?
No, you need 6 6-volt batteries in series for a 36-volt system. Three 12-volt batteries would only provide 36 volts in series but are not typically compatible with 36-volt golf carts.

How to connect 3 12V batteries together?
To connect 3 12V batteries in series for 36V, connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery, and the positive terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of the third battery.

Can 3 12V batteries be wired to make a 24V system?
Yes, wire two 12V batteries in series for 24V, leaving the third battery unused, or you can use all three batteries in series to get 36V and then use a voltage converter to step down to 24V if needed.

Is it better to wire batteries in series or parallel?
Wire batteries in series to increase voltage, and in parallel to increase capacity (amp-hours). Series wiring adds voltage; parallel wiring adds capacity.

Do batteries last longer in parallel or series?
Batteries generally last longer in parallel configurations because they share the load, reducing stress on each battery. Series configurations can lead to faster degradation if one battery fails.

What does putting batteries in parallel do?
Connecting batteries in parallel increases the total capacity (amp-hours) while keeping the voltage the same as a single battery. It allows for longer run times.

How to connect 3 batteries in 24 volts?
To get 24V, connect two 12V batteries in series, then use the remaining battery as needed, perhaps for a different circuit or system.

How to get 12 volts from a 36-volt system?
Use a DC-DC converter to step down 36V to 12V. Ensure the converter matches the current requirements of your 12V device.

How to wire two 12-volt batteries to make 24 volts?
Connect the positive terminal of the first 12V battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. The remaining positive and negative terminals will provide 24V.

Do batteries in parallel drain equally?
Yes, batteries in parallel should drain equally if they are of the same type, age, and condition, as they share the load evenly.

How to connect 3 deep cycle batteries?
For 12V, connect batteries in parallel. For 24V, connect two batteries in series and then add the third battery as needed, or connect all three in series for 36V.

What happens when three batteries are connected in series?
Connecting three batteries in series increases the total voltage by adding each battery’s voltage. For 12V batteries, you get 36V total.