MAXIMIZING GOLF CAR BATTERY AND CHARGER OPERATION FOR SHORT OR LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING
Some golf car owners use their vehicles for multiple short-distance rides around town, while others use them for a longer trip that may take several hours. The method of how you use your golf car can greatly affect your choice of deep-cycle batteries and a compatible charger. As the popularity of 48-volt Lithium-ion, deep-cycle batteries increases, it’s important to consider the battery and charger combination, as it can affect overall operation for various types of driving, short or long-distance.
The first step in optimizing your golf car’s battery power has a lot to do with the combination of battery, charger, and using the right charger algorithms for your particular application. Instead of reading through multiple lists of battery and charger specifics to find the correct combination, many battery manufacturers have teamed up with battery charger manufacturers to help you get the most out of your system.
LIGHT-DUTY / SHORT-DISTANCE DRIVING APPLICATIONS
For golf car owners who take short-distance trips, a light-duty battery/charger combination consisting of two 48-volt batteries mounted in parallel alongside a compact and multifaceted charger is a good choice. As an example, U.S. Battery’s USB GC2 48-volt battery has a 30 amp-hour (Ah) capacity, and when combined with a Lester II 650-watt charger, it can optimize battery charging for multiple short trips, with its dedicated charging profile.
The right battery/charger combination can also actively balance the battery cells to guard against electrical or thermal risks. They work together to maximize your golf car’s power, ensuring you’re getting the most out of each charge cycle, while improving your batteries’ longevity from a low cost of operation.
HIGH CAPACITY / LONG DISTANCE DRIVING APPLICATIONS
Taking longer trips in your golf car requires a higher capacity to provide long-lasting power with a charger that can adapt to quickly replenish it. Another example pairs U.S. Battery’s USB 48V105 battery with the Lester II 650W charger. The single USB 48V105 replaces two GC2-sized batteries and provides 105 Ah from a single unit, giving your golf car more capacity to run longer. Combined with the Lester charger, a system like this can ensure the battery charge will last the length of your trip and that it will be fully charged for your next one. The charger also works with the BMS in the battery to deliver optimum reliability and ensure a long service life.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS & CONNECTIBILITY
Some Lithium-ion batteries have undergone Underwriters Laboratory certification (UL2271) for safety against abuse such as overcharging, impact, short-circuiting, and overheating. Make sure to look for these types of batteries that have the UL Certification decal on them. Others conforming to UL Standards have not gone through testing and are not certified.
Also, look for batteries and chargers that are IP67 or IP66 Rated. These are protection ratings by the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) testing that ensure construction, preventing outside particles and moisture damage.
Connecting to compatible chargers and batteries can also be done with a manufacturer-provided app. These can monitor your battery’s state of charge, voltage, and more. On chargers, an accompanying app can show you the charge status, time remaining, and more.
With sophisticated BMS systems and smart chargers, taking the guesswork out of operating your golf car across short or long distances is made simple and effective. For more information on U.S. Battery products and compatible charger combinations using Lester Summit II chargers, visit www.usbattery.com.
