Upgrade to 48v, 6-8v batteries or 8-6v?

[Bkfiremedic]

I'm getting ready to upgrade my cart from 36v-48v. It's a 2001 Ezgo txt. I'll be ordering a new controller, FR switch and solenoid from Scotty B this week. I use the cart for riding around the campground and for hunting, we lease 350 acres. I'm trying to decide if I want to go with 6 batteries or 8. If I go with 8-6v I know run time will be longer but will it be drastically longer? Also if I go with 8 batteries then 2 will go in the bagwell and I'm thinking it's gonna be a pain in the butt checking and topping them off with the back seat being there.


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[yurtle]

I did 8 - 6 volts, but when it's time to change, I'll give lithium a serious look, but if lithium weren't an option, I'd definitely use 6 - 8 volts. The only thing I could imagine being a problem would be if I needed to charge the batteries individually, I only have a combination 6 and 12 volt charger. With my DPI charger and an onboard volt meter, that's not a concern for me.

Most people here now concur that 6 - 8 volts is the best way to go, and much simpler. You probably need to change the interconnecting cables, unless they're already long enough.

[mutant]

jonnieB will give the most concise answer....it depends on amp hr ratings you choose to replace your old pack with-the higher the amp hr the higher the cost...
8/6v batts might give you more overall capacity-but will add a bit over 100lbs to the cart compared to 6/8v`s....
and it will be a pain to service in the bagwell with a seat...

[NCPW]

Give lithium a serious look especially with the size of your hunting lease.

When it's time for me to start looking for batteries again, I will be going lithium.

[yurtle]

If I had to buy new batteries today, I'd have to compare total cost vs. life expectancy. I have no problems with FLA maintenance. I expect prices on lithium to continue to fall. I could sell my 48 volt DPI to offset some of the cost.

However, if you have a hunting buggy, there may be other advantages. Cold weather use may be a factor favoring lithium, but I haven't paid much attention, as I'm a few years away from having to make that decision.

Do lithium batteries allow regen?

[mutant]

Originally Posted by yurtle

If I had to buy new batteries today, I'd have to compare total cost vs. life expectancy. I have no problems with FLA maintenance. I expect prices on lithium to continue to fall. I could sell my 48 volt DPI to offset some of the cost.

However, if you have a hunting buggy, there may be other advantages. Cold weather use may be a factor favoring lithium, but I haven't paid much attention, as I'm a few years away from having to make that decision.

Do lithium batteries allow regen?

they use regen in most hybrids so i would think they would do fine but i am tecknowlogically challenged-lol

i would like to go lithium some day

[Gregorio]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Do lithium batteries allow regen?

My pack of Leaf cells from EVBC can take 100A of regen braking current. I can have up to 120A of Armature Amps of regen available but only sending up to 85A back to the battery for safety.

The only issue is taking a long downhill run after a full pack charge. might put you slightly over voltage. I am still gathering some test data to see if I can figure out how many amps are generated under these conditions. It may not be a problem at all.

[yurtle]

I'm clueless about regen. Do FLA batteries/controller shunt all of the excess energy to a resistor, once the batteries are fully charged? Does the lithium do the same? Is the controller adjustable to account for fully charged batteries, or just how much regen goes to the batteries, regardless of whether they need them or not?

Sorry for the semi-highjack, but these questions may help you decide whether lithium is for you.

[yurtle]

More:
My questions on regen would NOT affect me. It would only be a consideration if you hit a long downhill run, shortly after leaving with a full charge. I start and end my trips at my house. If it's trailered to and from a hunting lease, that would be different than my normal use.

[Gregorio]

Originally Posted by yurtle

I'm clueless about regen. Do FLA batteries/controller shunt all of the excess energy to a resistor, once the batteries are fully charged? Does the lithium do the same? Is the controller adjustable to account for fully charged batteries, or just how much regen goes to the batteries, regardless of whether they need them or not?

Sorry for the semi-highjack, but these questions may help you decide whether lithium is for you.

Well, I have to believe the one or two manufacturers offering Lithium have the ability to prevent over voltage to the battery within their newest controllers. Not hard to do but the Alltrax does not. At least not at this time. Besides, it is a short term problem unless the cart barn is at the top of a mountain and the first tee is a couple miles below it.