Yes. Buyers can choose the Yamaha golf cart battery they want. They can choose between a maintenance-free lithium battery and the Motive T-875 FLA deep-cycle AGM battery.
If you have an AGM Yamaha golf cart battery, consider upgrading to lithium. There are many benefits to using a lithium battery, one of the most obvious being the weight savings. Lithium batteries deliver considerably more capacity at less weight than other battery types.
Why Upgrade to Lithium Batteries?
According to a United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs report, lithium batteries are leading the charge toward a fossil fuel-free future. These batteries feature numerous advantages that include:
Long-Lasting
The traditional Yamaha golf cart battery has a lifespan of around 500 charge cycles. In comparison, lithium batteries can handle up to 5000 cycles. It means they can deliver reliable performance for up to ten years without losing capacity. Even with optimal maintenance, alternative golf cart batteries can only last up to 50% of the average lifespan of lithium batteries.
The longer lifespan will mean huge cost savings in the long run. While a traditional battery requires an overhaul every 2-3 years, a lithium battery can last you up to ten years. By the end of its lifespan, you could have saved up to twice what you would spend on traditional batteries.
Weight Reduction
A non-lithium Yamaha golf cart battery is often huge and heavy. Such a heavy battery requires a lot of power, so the battery must work harder. Lithium batteries, in comparison, weigh much less than alternative batteries. As such, a golf cart will move faster and smoother.
Another benefit of being lightweight is that you can easily maintain the battery. You can easily lift it out of the battery compartment for easy maintenance. You may often need special equipment to take it out with a traditional battery.
Eliminate Acid Spillage
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence with traditional batteries. Every once in a while, you will suffer a minor sulfuric acid spillage. The risk of spillage rises as the golf cart’s usage increases. With lithium batteries, you never have to worry about accidental acid spills.
High Power Delivery
Lithium batteries are lighter and more compact but are more powerful than traditional ones. They can discharge energy faster and at a consistent rate. Consequently, the golf cat will not stall while on an incline or when on a rough patch. The technology behind lithium batteries is so reliable that it is used in every modern smartphone worldwide.
Minimal Maintenance
When using traditional batteries in a golf cart, you must set aside a dedicated time and prepare a schedule to keep it at optimal levels. All that time and additional checks are eliminated when using lithium batteries. You do not have to worry about topping up fluids in the battery, which is an additional hazard. Once the battery is securely in place, you only have to worry about charging it.
Faster Charging
For golfing enthusiasts, one of the best perks of upgrading to lithium batteries is the faster charging time. You can charge the golf cart battery fully in just a few hours. Additionally, it can take you further on the golf course than a traditional battery.
That will mean you have more play time and less worry about cutting the fun short to power up the golf cart battery. Another perk is that lithium batteries will deliver the same high speed on the golf course even at low capacity as when fully charged.
When To Upgrade to Lithium Batteries
If you suspect your Yamaha golf cart battery is at the end of its life, it is time to upgrade. Some of the obvious signs that you need an upgrade are:
Slow Charging
With time, you will notice that achieving a full charge for your Yamaha golf cart battery takes longer. It will start with an extra half hour and eventually reach a few more hours to attain full charge. If it takes you a whole night to charge up your golf cart, now is the time to upgrade to lithium.
Reduced Mileage
A golf cart can travel several miles before it needs to be recharged. However, you may notice that you cannot go from one end of the golf course to the other end before charging it again. It is a clear indicator that the battery is at the end of its life. A good battery should get you around a golf course and back.
Slow Speed
You may notice that no matter how hard you press on the gas pedal, you cannot get any speed out of the golf cart. It struggles to move from a standing position and maintain a constant speed. That is another clear sign that the Yamaha golf cart battery needs an upgrade.
Acid Leaks
If you notice a leak coming out of your battery compartment, it is a clear sign that the battery is exhausted. The fluids are harmful, and the battery could give out any time, leaving you without a useful golf cart on the golf course.
Physical Deformation
If you notice any sign of deformation on the battery’s exterior, you should replace it immediately. The physical damage could be a bulge on one side or a crack. If not dealt with, it could damage the terminals, leading to expensive repairs.
Heat
If your battery is getting noticeably warm or even hot when charging, that is a sign it is highly damaged. You should disconnect the battery immediately and get a new lithium battery.
Getting New Lithium Batteries
The first step to getting new lithium batteries is to match the voltage of the old batteries. At ROYPOW, you will find LiFePO4 Golf Cart Batteries with 36V, 48V, and 72V voltage ratings. You can even get two batteries of matching voltage and connect them in parallel to double your mileage. The ROYPOW batteries can deliver up to 50 miles per battery.
Once you have the new lithium battery, disconnect the old Yamaha golf cart battery and dispose of it properly.
After that, clean the battery well, ensuring there is no debris.
Carefully examine the cables to check for signs of corrosion or other damage. If needed, replace them.
Set the new battery and strap it in place using the mounting brackets.
If installing more than one battery, connect them in parallel to avoid exceeding the voltage rating.
Use the Right Charger
Once you install the lithium battery, ensure you use the correct charger. Please avoid using the old charger, which is incompatible with lithium batteries. For instance, ROYPOW LiFePO4 Golf Cart Batteries have the option for an in-house charger, which ensures your battery gets charged correctly.
An incompatible charger could deliver too little amperage, which will increase the charging time, or too much amperage, which will damage the battery. As a general rule, ensure that the charger’s voltage is the same as the battery voltage or slightly less.
Summary
Upgrading to lithium batteries will ensure great speed and longevity on the golf course. Once you get the lithium upgrade, you will not have to worry about it for at least five years. You will also benefit from faster charging times and reduced weight. Make the upgrade and get the full lithium battery experience.
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