Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Alex PT
Charging a 48-volt golf cart typically takes 4-8 hours. Factors like battery capacity, charger efficiency, and state of charge influence the exact time, with full charge providing around 20-25 miles of driving.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A 48 Volt Golf Cart
1. Type of Charger Used
The type of charger has a significant impact on how swiftly a golf cart charges. Ideally, a smart charger that can automatically adjust voltage and amperage rates can take 2-6 hours to charge a 48-volt golf cart fully.
2. Power Source
A stronger power source can facilitate a quicker charging rate. When connected to a 15 amp power source, a 48-volt golf cart could charge fully in approximately 8 hours.
3. Battery Capacity and Health
Neglected or overused batteries will take longer to charge – sometimes up to 10 to 12 hours. A healthy battery, on the other hand, boasts a faster charging time within 3-6 hours.
4. Depth of Discharge (DOD)
A deeply discharged battery will need more time to get fully recharged than a partially discharged one. For instance, a 48-volt golf cart with 80% DOD might take 10 to 12 hours to charge.
5. Ambient Temperature
The environment’s temperature can influence how long it takes to charge a 48-volt golf cart. Colder temperatures tend to slow down the charging process, while warmer temperatures expedite it.
| Factors Affecting Charging Time | Estimated Charging Time (Full Charge) |
|---|---|
| Type of Charger Used | 2 – 6 hours |
| Power Source | 8 hours |
| Battery Capacity and Health | 3 – 6 hours (healthy), 10 – 12 hours (neglected) |
| Depth of Discharge (DOD) | 10 – 12 hours |
| Ambient Temperature | Variable |
The Table Below Contains The Factors Affecting The Charging Time Of Your Golf Cart.
| Factors Affecting Charging Time | Explanation |
| The Quality Of The Battery | The very first factor which is the quality of the battery includes the current situation of the battery and how well it was manufactured. |
| The Discharge Level Of The Battery | The second factor is the discharge level of the battery, meaning the amount of power it has lost. |
| The Quality Of The Charger Used | The third factor that determines how quickly your golf cart would be charged, is the quality of the charger used, meaning quality of the charger used to power the cell after it has been completely exhausted. |
Major Factors Affecting Charge Time
According to some top cart battery experts, these three factors determine how quickly your golf cart would be charged.
1. The quality of the battery
2. The discharge level of the battery
3. The quality of the charger used
The very first factor which is the quality of the battery includes the current situation of the battery and how well it was manufactured. The second factor is the discharge level of the battery, meaning the amount of power it has lost. Lastly, the third factor that determines how quickly your golf cart would be charged, is the quality of the charger used, meaning the quality of the charger used to power the cell after it has been completely exhausted.
The very first factor that determines how fast your golf cart would charge is the quality of the battery and it’s very easy to comprehend. A somewhat new battery (within the first two years of purchase), let’s say 1-2 years old, will definitely charge faster than a battery of 3-4 years old.
Take for example, a 4-year-old cart battery that has been drained almost completely may take around 7 to 8 hours to charge whereas a newer battery of just 8 to 9 months with equal discharge level may only take you 2 to 3 hours to completely charge it. However, with a discharge level of 55 percent will probably charge more quickly than a new battery that has completely been drained of power. So, the quality of the charger is often difficult to measure due to the contrast of the factors above. Also, you should know that the ability of a charge will be affected by its age.
Charging After Every Use
Charging your golf cart is ideal after using it for a long period. When you charge your cart regularly, it will help to keep your battery active and it will stop it from losing power over a long period. Having said that, if your battery is around 90 percent, you probably don’t need to charge it. If you keep charging it over and over again when it still has enough power, it might cause overcharging issues that might be servers. Let’s view it from this angle. An excessive amount of a cart’s battery will not be discharged if you drive the cart to the back of a 12-acre piece of property and bring it back home. The risk of overcharging might be looming if you go ahead and still charge it at this point. What you’re doing is putting undue strain on the cart’s battery which might damage it or reduce its lifespan over some time.
However, apart from overcharging a cart’s battery, many cart owners also face an issue with undercharging a battery. Since undercharging a cart battery minimizes its power, it’s definitely an issue and it might lead to its high discharge rate. So, to ensure your battery runs smoothly, you should power it to full capacity whenever you’re charging it. We suggest you try out automatic chargers. They are the ideal chargers in this kind of situation.
Weather Affects Battery Charge
About one-third of a golf cart battery’s overall charge could be lost if you try charging it when the weather drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the fluid in the battery will start to solidify due to the cold weather, the rate of reaction will certainly be decreased.
Closing Thoughts – Wrapping It Up!
The bottom line is that it shouldn’t take you more than 6 hours to completely charge a 48-volt golf cart depending on your battery’s condition. However, It is best to go for a 48 Volt fully automatic battery charger that is designed with overnight charging. As we said before, the charge time of your golf cart depends solely on the battery’s condition. If your battery is in a bad condition, it will definitely take a longer time to charge, however, if it is in a good condition, it will charge faster.
We’ve come to the final chapter of this informative blog post. We hope you were able to find resources in your quest to know how long it will take to charge a 48 Volt golf cart. Please do not hesitate to contact us for questions or comments. Thanks!
References:
https://par3nearme.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-a-48-volt-golf-cart/
https://jsgolfcarts.com/blog/how-long-does-a-golf-cart-take-to-charge/
