Lithium vs. Lead-Acid: Which Golf Cart Battery Saves More Over 5 Years?
Golf cart owners often face a tough choice: cheaper lead-acid batteries or pricier 36V LiFePO4 options? While upfront costs differ, a 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis reveals why lithium dominates long-term.
Upfront Costs
Lead-Acid:~200–300 per 36V set (6x 6V batteries).
LiFePO4:~1,500–2,000 for a 36V 100Ah lithium pack.
Long-Term Savings with LiFePO4
Lifespan: LiFePO4 lasts 2,000+ cycles vs. 500–800 for lead-acid. Replace lead-acid 3x in 5 years.
Efficiency: Lithium retains 80%+ capacity; lead-acid degrades to 50% after 18 months.
Maintenance: No watering, equalizing, or corrosion cleanup (saving $100s/year).
5-Year Cost Comparison (100Ah System)
Expense |
Lead-Acid |
LiFePO4 |
Initial Purchase |
$900 |
$1,449 |
Replacements (3x) |
$2,700 |
$0 |
Energy Losses |
$300 |
$50 |
Maintenance |
$500 |
$0 |
Total |
$4,400 |
$1,499 |
Hidden Benefits of Lithium
Weight: LiFePO4 is 50% lighter, reducing cart strain.
Fast Charging: 2-hour charges vs. 8+ hours for lead-acid.
Eco-Friendly: No toxic lead disposal fees.
Powerurus’36V LiFePO4 golf cart batteries offer a 10-year lifespan and superior ROI. Calculate your savings with our TCO tool today!