Lithium iron phosphate batteries and lead-acid batteries are the two mainstream power configurations for modern golf carts, with significant differences in performance, service life, cost, and maintenance, each having unique advantages and disadvantages. In terms of core performance advantages, lithium golf cart batteries far outperform lead-acid products. First, lithium batteries have ultra-long cycle life: 1500–2000 charge-discharge cycles, 4–5 times that of ordinary lead-acid batteries (300–400 cycles), with a long-term service life of 5–7 years, while lead-acid batteries need to be replaced every 1.5–2 years. Second, lithium batteries have high energy density: under the same 48V 150Ah specification, lithium batteries are 50–60% lighter than lead-acid batteries, effectively reducing the golf cart’s own weight, improving driving flexibility, and reducing motor load and power consumption.

In addition, lithium golf cart batteries support shallow and deep discharge without damage, with a maximum discharge depth of 95%, while lead-acid batteries can only safely discharge 50–60% of their capacity, and deep discharge will cause permanent capacity loss. Lithium batteries have extremely low self-discharge rate (less than 3% per month), which can maintain stable power storage after long-term idle placement, suitable for golf carts with intermittent use characteristics. Lead-acid batteries have a high self-discharge rate (10–15% per month), and long-term non-use will lead to power loss and battery scrapping. Lithium batteries are also equipped with intelligent BMS protection systems, which can effectively prevent overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and overheating, with higher safety and stability during hilly course high-load operation. Moreover, lithium batteries support fast charging, which can be fully charged in 3–4 hours, while lead-acid batteries need 8–10 hours of slow charging.

However, lithium golf cart batteries have obvious disadvantages in initial purchase cost: the price of a 48V 150Ah lithium battery is 2.5–3 times that of a lead-acid battery, resulting in high one-time investment. Low-cost lithium batteries from non-certified brands have potential safety hazards such as cell inconsistency and poor thermal stability. In contrast, the biggest advantage of lead-acid golf cart batteries is low initial cost, mature manufacturing technology, and easy maintenance and replacement, suitable for small golf courses with limited budgets. The disadvantages of lead-acid batteries are prominent: short service life, frequent replacement, high subsequent maintenance costs (water replenishment, cell detection), heavy weight affecting vehicle handling, low energy density leading to shorter single-charge range, and poor low-temperature performance with severe winter range attenuation. In addition, waste lead-acid batteries produce environmental pollution, while lithium batteries are more environmentally friendly and recyclable. In summary, lithium batteries are suitable for high-standard golf courses pursuing long-term stability and low maintenance, while lead-acid batteries are more suitable for temporary use and low-budget scenarios.