Batteries are like portable power sources. They're handy because they let us have electricity wherever we go. But many batteries don't last long, and that's a problem for our wallets and the environment. We throw away billions of batteries each year! Rechargeable batteries can help, and the best kind is called Lithium Ion.
You probably use Lithium Ion batteries in your laptop, phone, or music player. They've been around since the 90s, but the chemistry behind them was discovered in 1912 by Gilbert Lewis, an American chemist.
How do they work? Let's break it down.
Regular Battery Problems
If you need to learn more about batteries, think of them as containers for chemical experiments. When you connect a battery to a flashlight, chemicals inside start reacting.
These chemicals split apart, forming ions (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles).
How Batteries Function
Ions move through the battery, and electrons move through the connected device. This makes electrical energy, which lights up your flashlight. But there's a catch – these batteries have one reaction that only goes in one direction. That's why you can't recharge a normal AA battery.
Rechargeable Batteries: Going Both Ways
Rechargeable batteries use different chemicals that react reversibly. This means the reactions can go in both directions.
When the battery powers something, the reactions happen one way, releasing energy. When the battery gets charged, the reactions go the opposite way.
How Rechargeable Batteries Work
These batteries can handle hundreds of these reversible reactions. This typically gives them a life of 2 to 10 years, depending on how well you treat them.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Inside Look
Lithium Ion batteries have smaller parts called cells, which produce power.
Each cell has three parts: a negative electrode (connected to the - terminal), a positive electrode (+ terminal), and an electrolyte, a chemical between the two electrodes.
In newer batteries, the substance known as lithium-cobalt oxide or sometimes Lithium Iron Phosphate makes up the positive electrode. The negative electrode is usually graphite (carbon), and the electrolyte varies.
How Do Lithium ion Batteries Really Work?
As the battery charges, lithium ions make their way from the positive electrode through the electrolyte to the negative electrode. This stores energy in the battery. When you use the battery, the stored ions return to the positive electrode, releasing the stored energy to power your device.
Charging and using the battery makes electrons move through the circuit in the opposite direction. Both ions and electrons need to move together for the battery to work. If one stops, the other stops, too.
Lithium ion Batteries in Golf Carts
Since 2018, Lithium ion golf cart batteries have been making their way into golf carts from brands like EZGO, Yamaha, and Club Car. These batteries offer some great benefits.
Advantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Golf Carts
Quick Charging: Lithium-ion batteries charge much faster than traditional ones. You can get an 80% charge in an hour and a full charge in 3 hours.
Longer Lifespan: They last longer. You can recharge them around 3,000 to 5,000 times, compared to 1,000 times for regular batteries.
Lighter Weight: Lithium-ion batteries are much lighter, up to 300 pounds lighter. This can improve your cart's performance.
Less Maintenance: They need almost no maintenance. There's no need to check water levels like with regular batteries.
Consistent Power: They provide steady power even as they discharge. Regular batteries get weaker as they lose charge.
Switching to Lithium-Ion Batteries
Changing to Lithium-ion batteries for golf carts is a straightforward process. You need to remove the old batteries, install the new ones, reconnect the wires, secure the batteries, and you're all set.
Cost Considerations
Lithium golf cart batteries might cost more initially, but they're worth it. They last longer, charge faster, and need less maintenance. You can expect to pay around $1,100 to $3,000 for a standard pack of lithium golf cart batteries. While the cost might seem high, considering their extended lifespan, faster charging, and reduced cart weight, it's a worthwhile investment.
You can find affordable options, especially if you search for the cheapest lithium golf cart batteries. These budget-friendly choices bring you the advantages of lithium-ion without a hefty price tag, giving you a great value in the long run.
The Best Lithium ion Golf Cart Batteries
Many big companies create good lithium batteries for golf carts. It can be tough to decide, so we're here to help. Here's a short list of trusted Lithium ion batteries.
ECO BATTERY 48V 160AH LIFEPO4 LITHIUM BUNDLE KIT
ECO BATTERY 48V 105AH THRU HOLE LITHIUM BUNDLE KIT
ECO BATTERY 36V 105AH LITHIUM BUNDLE KIT
ROYPOW 48V 105AH LITHIUM BATTERY (S51105P) - POWER SERIES
ROYPOW 72V 105AH LITHIUM BATTERY (S72105P) - POWER SERIES
Get Lithium-Ion Batteries from Golf Cart Geeks
Upgrade your golf cart with Golf Cart Geeks' Lithium-Ion batteries. Our golf cart batteries keep getting better and safer. They charge fast, last long, are light, need less work, and give steady power. With more improvements and safety fixes on the way, choosing Golf Cart Geeks means your golf cart will be supercharged! Contact us for more information or to get your batteries today!