36 volt versus 48 volt

Mooncarter · 02-16-2017, 10:22 PM

Ok electronics wizards. What is the really big deal, big difference (if one) between a 36 volt cart and a 48 volt? I get asked this a lot, and other than perhaps a bit longer run time, I can't tell much difference. How should I handle this question? Thanks!

yamahaguy97 · 02-17-2017, 12:11 AM

lol that's probably it, and the fact that all new cars being made now are 48v. It's not that it's a big deal but just tell them what you already said- probably more run time...oh yeah, and higher battery cost to replace 8v system of course

Mooncarter · 02-17-2017, 12:23 AM

Thanks Yamaha. Some people are so dead set on 48v I can't explain it to them. They will buy a crappy 48v with old batteries over a nice 36v with NEW batteries. AND pay more for it.

yamahaguy97 · 02-17-2017, 12:29 AM

Yeah people can be that way, but if people are properly maintaining their car whether 36 or 48v everything will be ok. You can tell them that too...periodic maintenance is the real key not whether you want 36 or 48 system

Mooncarter · 02-17-2017, 12:47 AM

Good info Yamaha. So true. Thanks!

scottyb · 02-17-2017, 01:00 AM

New carts are higher voltage because 48v systems operate more efficiently. Higher volts equals less amps consumed for the same power. Less amperage means less wasted amperage which converts to heat and tends to shorten component life. Modern carts are also sepex drive and this additional voltage allows these carts to make more rpms or speed which makes them better suited as NEVs... these are just a few of the reasons why 48 has been replacing 36 volts as the preferred drive system voltage for the past 12 years.

Mooncarter · 02-17-2017, 01:25 AM

Thanks Scottyb. I deal mostly with series drive older Club Cars. In these carts I see no difference. But, as you all know I'm no expert on these matters. What you say sounds logical.

scottyb · 02-17-2017, 09:41 AM

You see no difference because all carts are designed to run within the 12-14 mph golf course speed limit. Put a 36v motor in one of the old 48v series carts and it will zoom away at 33% more speed with 33% more power.
48v Sepex carts are all running 22-23 mph with the speed magnet unleashed via new Alltrax software.

There is a reason almost nobody is making a 36v carts anymore.

02-16-2017, 10:22 PM	#1
Mooncarter Gone Insane Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 14,215	36 volt versus 48 volt Ok electronics wizards. What is the really big deal, big difference (if one) between a 36 volt cart and a 48 volt? I get asked this a lot, and other than perhaps a bit longer run time, I can't tell much difference. How should I handle this question? Thanks!

02-17-2017, 12:11 AM	#2
yamahaguy97 Gone Wild Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: FL Posts: 1,067	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt lol that's probably it, and the fact that all new cars being made now are 48v. It's not that it's a big deal but just tell them what you already said- probably more run time...oh yeah, and higher battery cost to replace 8v system of course

02-17-2017, 12:23 AM	#3
Mooncarter Gone Insane Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 14,215	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt Thanks Yamaha. Some people are so dead set on 48v I can't explain it to them. They will buy a crappy 48v with old batteries over a nice 36v with NEW batteries. AND pay more for it.

02-17-2017, 12:29 AM	#4
yamahaguy97 Gone Wild Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: FL Posts: 1,067	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt Yeah people can be that way, but if people are properly maintaining their car whether 36 or 48v everything will be ok. You can tell them that too...periodic maintenance is the real key not whether you want 36 or 48 system

02-17-2017, 12:47 AM	#5
Mooncarter Gone Insane Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 14,215	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt Good info Yamaha. So true. Thanks!

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02-17-2017, 01:00 AM	#6
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,418	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt New carts are higher voltage because 48v systems operate more efficiently. Higher volts equals less amps consumed for the same power. Less amperage means less wasted amperage which converts to heat and tends to shorten component life. Modern carts are also sepex drive and this additional voltage allows these carts to make more rpms or speed which makes them better suited as NEVs... these are just a few of the reasons why 48 has been replacing 36 volts as the preferred drive system voltage for the past 12 years.

02-17-2017, 01:25 AM	#7
Mooncarter Gone Insane Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 14,215	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt Thanks Scottyb. I deal mostly with series drive older Club Cars. In these carts I see no difference. But, as you all know I'm no expert on these matters. What you say sounds logical.

02-17-2017, 09:41 AM	#8
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,418	Re: 36 volt versus 48 volt You see no difference because all carts are designed to run within the 12-14 mph golf course speed limit. Put a 36v motor in one of the old 48v series carts and it will zoom away at 33% more speed with 33% more power. 48v Sepex carts are all running 22-23 mph with the speed magnet unleashed via new Alltrax software. There is a reason almost nobody is making a 36v carts anymore.

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