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Old 12-15-2011, 06:02 PM   #1
Sams
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Default When to charge

I own an EZGO 36 volt cart. At what point on the LED battery indicator should I charge the batteries? Is it bad for the batteries to let it get to “empty”? I just can't find any info on this type of meter anywere.
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Old 12-15-2011, 06:40 PM   #2
kab69440
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Default Re: When to charge

Any time you've logged more than 15 minutes of pedal time, charge it. When not in use, I charge monthly.


Yes, it's bad to deplete the battery charge. The accepted rule is to charge at 75% if possible and to never let it get below 50%.
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Old 12-16-2011, 08:11 AM   #3
JohnnieB
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Default Re: When to charge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sams View Post
I own an EZGO 36 volt cart. At what point on the LED battery indicator should I charge the batteries? Is it bad for the batteries to let it get to “empty”? I just can't find any info on this type of meter anywere.
Basically, the higher average State of Charge you keep your batteries at, the longer they last.
Flooded lead-acid cells have no memory, so there is no need to discharge them deeply and if you discharge them below 50%, irreversible damage occurs.
The irreversible damage isn't the sudden death kind, but crystalline lead sulfate forming on the plates is cumulative, so the life expectancy of the batteries shorten each time it occurs.

My battery charging routine is simple.
If I use the cart, I plug in the charger that night.
If I don't use the cart, it isn't unplugged, so there is no need to plug it in.

As for the LED SoC gauge. Don't trust it until you have compared the various LEDs to actual voltage levels.
Drive until the top Led goes out, stop and wait 10-15 minutes and measure battery pack voltage with a DVM.
Repeat until you get down to 50% or however low you choose to go, not exceeding 50%.
Some guys make a little cheat sheet and stick it next to the meter.

Here's a chart for Battery voltage vs State of Charge and one for Average SoC vs Theoretical Discharge/Recharge Cycles.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg StateofChargeChart.jpg (53.8 KB, 10 views)
File Type: jpg SoC vs Theoretical Charge cycles with Voltages.JPG (119.3 KB, 6 views)
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Old 12-16-2011, 10:00 AM   #4
scottyb
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Default Re: When to charge

Fighting " crystalline lead sulfate forming on the plates" one cart at a time
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Old 12-16-2011, 11:53 AM   #5
cbordea
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Default Re: When to charge

for those of us without all the meters and such, is there a general idea of how many hours is 75% or how many hours is 50%?

I've read something to the effect of 75% is about the same as 9 holes of golf but I've never played golf before. Is that 2hrs of easy riding?
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Old 12-16-2011, 11:55 AM   #6
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Default Re: When to charge

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Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
Fighting " crystalline lead sulfate forming on the plates" one cart at a time

We need to chip in and get Johnnie B a T-shirt with that slogan. Or how about "Only You can prevent Crystalline Lead Sulfate Formation"
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Old 12-16-2011, 12:01 PM   #7
scottyb
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Default Re: When to charge

You should have a meter, even if it is a $10 analogue type. Imagine driving around in your car asking when you should fill the gas tank? Only with residual effects.

Of course every cart is a little different and every load is different and terrain and driving habits? Not to mention contributing factors such as battery age and condition, don't get me started on cables and connection losses

So yes, it's generally agreed that, if you drive for 15-20 minutes (actual peddle time) you should recharge.

Considering the cost of batteries and the negative effects improper use can have on their useful lifespan, a battery meter is probably the best investment you can make in the cart.
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