When to charge 48v batteries?

[cstober]

I finally have my long term G2 project running and home. This is the first electric cart that I have owned. I went for a long test run with the stereo and air ride systems powered up and the cart basically died a hundred yards from the house. Battery pack read 44.5 volts.

At what voltage should I charge the battery pack? I have been told that charging too soon can cause the batteries to develop a memory and not perform properly. I have a Lester 48v charger. Thanks in advance!

[Briboy]

If they are Lead Acid
Full they should be at 50.9 volts
You should recharge at 48.4 volts.
48.4 volts is the pack at 50% Capacity
And you should not let them drop below the 48.4 volts
This is my best understanding.
I am sure there are other more knowledgable folks that can clarify this.

[Mooncarter]

You cannot charge them too soon. Charge as often as you can and never run them down as you did.

[Frizbgolf]

The rule of thumb that I use is to plug it up and charge every time I use the cart even if it is a quick run to the end of the driveway to get the mail. Doing so makes sure the batteries are always fully charged and ready to go.

[Bama Brad]

Ditto...Charged batteries are Happy batteries.

[cgtech]

Like most here said, maintaining a higher average State of charge over the life of the batteries will prolong their life. Lead acid batteries dont experience "memory effect", that's NiCd batteries.

[ThreeCW]

As per cgtech, lead acid batteries do NOT develop a memory.

To maximize the life of your batteries, charge them after every use ... whether your drain them down 5% or 50%, keeping them charged up will make them last longer.

When lead acid batteries are stored in a discharged state, they can develop some hard to remove or permanent sulfation ... which will ultimately reduce the life of your batteries.

For longer battery life you also want to limit your discharge to 50% ... the deeper you discharge your batteries, the shorter lifespan you will get. See the attached lifespan chart for reference.

Also attached is a State of Charge chart where your can use your stabilized battery pack voltage to estimate your state of charge. Read the added text on this chart ... it provides some good battery information.

[cstober]

Thank you all for the information!

Sent from my SM-A716V using Tapatalk

[Briboy]

I want to put a small name plate like tag next to my volt meter that simply states
"Charge at 48.4v"
This way my wife and kids (and I) have it right in front of them.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by Briboy

I want to put a small name plate like tag next to my volt meter that simply states
"Charge at 48.4v"
This way my wife and kids (and I) have it right in front of them.

I think you are sort of missing the point.

Don't let them run down that far if you can help it.