36v question

[midtown15]

I have an older 36v ezgo with bad batteries. It runs off of 6 6v batteries. Is it ok to switch to 3 12v batteries? It looks like this would be a cheaper route. Thanks or any suggestions.

[scottyb]

3/12v = 36v?
Or can I use 3 12v batteries in my 36v golf cart?
You can use 3/12v batteries in series to create a 36v power supply. However this supply will be lacking in amperage capacity and deep cycle ability. The result will be poor run time and shortened battery lifetime.
The batteries used in your cart should be golf cart specific batteries.
Golf cart batteries are designed to hold a large amount of amperage and to be discharged relatively low over a long period of time.
Automotive batteries do not store as much amperage and are designed for shallow discharge and immediate recharge. Like starting a car and having the alternator immediately begin recharging.
Battery construction differs and plate thickness and count per cell varies with regard to discharge characteristics and designed usage. The thinner plates of automotive or marine batteries give up their amperage much quicker than Golf cart batteries.
You can connect 3 automotive 12v batteries in series and get 36v. You will not have the same amperage reserve or operational characteristics needed to make the batteries perform well or last satisfactorily in a golf cart.
But, it will work for testing or short run usage...
I hope this helps ...

[Xaugievike]

ScottyB

Taking 'regular' automotive batteries out of the equation and sticking to 12v deep-cycle batteries, can you give us a 'layman's term' comparison of run-time for 12v vs 6v batteries? What qualifies as "short run" usage?

Just trying to learn as much as I can! Thanks in advance.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Xaugievike

ScottyB

Taking 'regular' automotive batteries out of the equation and sticking to 12v deep-cycle batteries, can you give us a 'layman's term' comparison of run-time for 12v vs 6v batteries? What qualifies as "short run" usage?

Just trying to learn as much as I can! Thanks in advance.

Here's how you can figure it; the original T225 batteries had 6x 225 ah or 1350 amp hour capacity which gave the cart about 100 minutes of run time in average conditions on flat ground. So if the batteries you are asking about have a total of say 675ah then you will be looking at 50 minutes.... roughly speaking.
Light or limited usage is campground or trailer park running around, 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there...... not trail riding. A 10 minute trip accross the campgrounds done 5 times a day = your ready for a recharge..... Hope this helps.

[Xaugievike]

Thats incredibly helpful - thank you!

[scottyb]

NO problem, I'm glad to help

[midtown15]

Thanks for the replies. I was talking about 12v golfcart batteries. Any suggestions where to get these? The cheaper the better

[LostHusker]

Originally Posted by midtown15

Thanks for the replies. I was talking about 12v golfcart batteries. Any suggestions where to get these? The cheaper the better

If you go to 12v batteries you will need to configure the battery tray to hold them correct, the tray is currently set up for 6 - 6v batteries.