Manual-Control Electric Golf Caddies with Lithium Batteries

• Less expensive than Li-Ion
• May help stabilize golf cart due to a heavier design than Li-Ion

• Lighter than Lead Acid Batteries
• Smaller than Lead Acid Batteries
• Continues Working 2-4 times longer than Lead Acid Batteries (before replacement is necessary)

1. What about replacing an Electric Golf Caddy’s SLA battery with a Li-Ion battery?
Manufacturers often change from a 12-volt system to a 24-volt system when using Lithium batteries. So significant modifications in electronics may be required. If the battery characteristics are the same (voltage and amp-hour capacity), it is possible to substitute a Li-Ion battery for an SLA; however the battery mount would have to be modified and a different battery charger and possibly cable connections would be required. Also, if substituted during the warranty period, the manufacturer may void the warranty on any affected components.

2. What about life-cycle costs battery replacement/operating costs?
Some recent calculations show that when the Li-Ion battery’s cost is over 3 times that of the SLA battery, life-cycle cost advantage goes to the SLA battery design. And when the Li-Ion battery cost is under 2 times that of the SLA, life-cycle cost advantage goes to the Li-Ion application. With today’s pricing, the life-cycle cost advantage still goes to the SLA battery.