If your golf cart battery is dying, you may wonder: Can you use car batteries in a golf cart?
The short answer is yes, you technically can—but it’s not recommended unless it’s a temporary emergency fix. Car batteries are built for short bursts of power, not the long-lasting energy golf carts need.
This guide will explain why regular car batteries don’t work well in golf carts, what happens if you install them, whether marine batteries work, how many batteries you need for a 48-volt cart, and the best alternatives.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
Are Car Batteries Suitable for Golf Carts? (Simple Answer)
No—regular car batteries are not suitable for golf carts for long-term use.
They can turn the cart on, but they won’t power it properly.
Why?
Because:
- Car batteries are starter batteries.
They release a quick burst of power (to start an engine) and then recharge immediately. - Golf carts need deep-cycle batteries.
These deliver steady, long-lasting power for long periods—exactly what a golf cart requires to run.
Using car batteries in a golf cart is similar to using a phone battery inside a power bank—it can work for a moment, but it’s not designed for that workload.
Related Question:
Can you use regular car batteries in a golf cart?
→ Only for a short-term emergency. Not for everyday use.
Why Golf Cart Batteries Are Different From Car Batteries
To understand the issues, you need to know the differences between the two.
1. Battery Design and Purpose
Car Batteries: Starter Batteries
- Built for quick, powerful bursts.
- Not designed for deep discharge.
- Get damaged if drained below ~50%.
Golf Cart Batteries: Deep-Cycle Batteries
- Release power slowly and consistently.
- Can be discharged and recharged repeatedly.
- Built with thicker plates to handle hundreds of cycles.
Golf carts demand deep-cycle power. Car batteries cannot deliver that.
2. Voltage and Battery Configurations
Golf carts use multiple batteries connected in series to reach total voltage:
Typical 48-Volt Golf Cart Setups:
- 8 × 6-volt batteries = 48V
- 6 × 8-volt batteries = 48V
- 4 × 12-volt batteries = 48V
Car 12V batteries ≠ Golf cart 12V deep-cycle batteries
They look similar, but their internal design is completely different.
What Happens If You Use Car Batteries in a Golf Cart?
Using car batteries in a golf cart may cause the following issues:
1. Shorter Run Time
Your cart will run only a short distance because car batteries are not built to sustain long discharge cycles.
2. Faster Battery Damage
Car batteries deteriorate quickly if you drain them below 80%. A golf cart demands deep discharge almost every ride.
This results in:
- Sulfation
- Permanent capacity loss
- Dead battery cells
- Reduced lifespan (months instead of years)
3. Overheating & Safety Risks
Car batteries may overheat when delivering continuous power—potentially damaging wiring or electrical components.
4. Charging Problems
Golf cart battery chargers are designed for deep-cycle batteries. Car batteries may:
- Charge incorrectly
- Fail to reach full charge
- Get overcharged or damaged
5. Motor & Controller Damage
Inconsistent voltage from car batteries can strain the motor and controller.
A cheap replacement now can become a very expensive repair later.
Can You Use Marine Batteries in a Golf Cart?
Another common question is:
Can you use marine batteries in a golf cart?
Yes, but ONLY if they are true marine deep-cycle batteries.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Marine Starting Batteries
Not suitable—these are similar to car batteries.
2. Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries
Can work, but not ideal.
They offer:
- Some deep-cycle capability
- Some starting capability
But they are not as durable as golf cart batteries.
3. Marine Deep-Cycle Batteries
✔ Acceptable alternative
✔ Good for light to moderate golf cart use
❌ Not as efficient as purpose-built golf cart deep-cycle batteries
❌ Shorter cycle life
If marine deep-cycle batteries are all you have, they’ll work—but they’re still not the best choice for long-term performance.
Using Car Batteries in a Yamaha Golf Cart
Many Yamaha golf cart owners search:
“Can you use car batteries in a golf cart Yamaha?”
The answer is the same: You can use them only as a temporary solution.
Yamaha carts—whether G-Series, Drive, or Drive2—are built for deep-cycle battery packs. The motor and controller rely on steady voltage delivered over time.
Car batteries may:
- Cause jerky acceleration
- Reduce top speed
- Heat the motor excessively
- Shorten charger lifespan
It’s better to stick with:
- 6V deep-cycle batteries
- 8V deep-cycle batteries
- 12V deep-cycle (golf cart specific)
- Lithium packs (best modern option)
How Many Batteries Does a 48-Volt Golf Cart Have?
A very common question:
How many batteries does a 48-volt golf cart have?
It depends on the battery type:
| Battery Type | Number Needed | Total Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 6V battery | 8 batteries | 48V |
| 8V battery | 6 batteries | 48V |
| 12V battery | 4 batteries | 48V |
Which one is best?
- 8 × 6V → longest range, best durability
- 6 × 8V → balanced choice
- 4 × 12V → less range but cheaper
Best Battery Options for Golf Carts
Here’s a simple breakdown of the best choices.
1. Flooded Lead-Acid Deep-Cycle Batteries
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Widely available
Cons:
- Require maintenance (water, cleaning)
- Heavy
- Produce gas while charging
2. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries
Pros:
- Maintenance-free
- No spills or leaks
- Good cycle life
Cons:
- Cost more than flooded lead-acid
- Still heavier than lithium
3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
Pros:
- Longest lifespan
- Fast charging
- Lightweight
- No maintenance
- Highest efficiency
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires compatible charger or BMS
Lithium is the best long-term option for performance, speed, charging speed, and total cost of ownership.
How to Install and Charge Golf Cart Batteries Properly
Follow this safety checklist:
1. Correct Wiring
- Connect batteries in series, not parallel.
- Make sure voltage matches cart requirements.
2. Secure Installation
- Tighten brackets
- Protect terminals
- Avoid loose cables
3. Correct Charging
- Use only compatible chargers
- Match charger type with battery chemistry
- Charge after every use for longest lifespan
4. Maintenance Tips
- For flooded batteries:
- Check water level monthly
- Clean corrosion
- Perform equalization charges
- For lithium batteries:
- Check BMS status
- Avoid completely draining the pack
Cost Comparison: Car Batteries vs Golf Cart Batteries
| Battery Type | Avg. Cost | Lifespan | Total Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Battery | Low | Months | Very poor |
| Marine Dual-Purpose | Medium | 1–3 years | Moderate |
| Golf Cart Deep-Cycle | Medium | 3–6 years | Good |
| Lithium Golf Cart Pack | High | 8–12 years | Excellent |
Even though car batteries are cheaper, they cost more in the long run because they die fast and may damage your cart.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Car Batteries in a Golf Cart?
Final Answer: No.
Car batteries are built for starting, not sustained energy delivery.
They may work in an emergency, but they:
- drain quickly
- wear out fast
- overheat
- reduce performance
- may damage your golf cart
FAQ Section
1. Can you temporarily use car batteries in a golf cart?
Yes, but only as a short-term emergency solution.
2. Can you use marine batteries in a golf cart?
Deep-cycle marine batteries can work, but they’re not as efficient or durable as golf cart batteries.
3. How many 12-volt batteries does a 48-volt golf cart need?
You need four (4) 12-volt batteries connected in series.
4. Will car batteries damage my golf cart?
Yes, over time they can strain the motor, controller, and charger.
5. What is the best type of battery for golf carts?
Lithium (LiFePO4) is the best modern option, followed by 6V or 8V deep-cycle lead-acid.