Golf Cart Battery Charging

by Dan Paine
(Sequim, WA)

Will it hurt my golf cart batteries if I short charge them?

by Roger
(Mich/Florida)

I have an electric golf cart and I usually charge it only when it's low, but I wonder if it wouldn't be ok to short charge (top off the charge) like an automobile does on short trips to it's batteries. Is this OK?

Hi, Roger -
It's not just okay, it's best.
Your golf cart's batteries prefer to be topped up and fully charged.

"Lead batteries should not be taken down below 50% depth of discharge," says Mike Collier at Lithium Storage.

Running down the battery each time is the right thing to do with certain battery chemistries that build up "memory" (NiCd), but that's not lead or lithium, the usual EV battery types.

Your golf cart's probably got an onboard "smart charger", so for longest battery life, you can just leave it plugged in anytime you're not driving it!

Regards,
Lynne

When is Best to Recharge EV Batteries?

by Judith
(Texas)

Opportunity Charging

by jim gollins
(fayeville, nc )

I recently purchased a fully original operational GMC electric G Van. They produced over 600 of them. It is powered by a 60 Hp Nelco motor. Has two additional smaller electric motors and controllers that power the power steering and A/C. It is in surprising condition.

Alas, my question: The original flooded nickel cadmium batteries were expended so I must install 38 new batteries. I read your piece on batteries so I am leaning toward the T-105's. My power requirements are 8000 amp hours at 216 volts for a range of 70 miles. Given that the vehicle weighs in at 8000 lbs that is really good mileage. Is opportunity charging a reasonable option for lead acid or will it damage the cells?

Hi, Jim!
Congratulations on your find!

As to your question, the lead batteries you're proposing to put into your electric vehicle will do just fine with opportunity charging - in fact, they prefer to stay topped up as much as possible.

If your Electric G Van is configured the same way that this one on the EV Photo Album is, then the charger is capable of switching charging algorithms from the nickel cadmium setting back to lead acid battery charging.

Regards,
Lynne