Golf carts have come a long way since they first appeared in the early 1900s. Originally created to help elderly and disabled golfers get around the course, they’ve since evolved into reliable vehicles used not just on fairways, but everywhere from resorts to farms to large private properties.
Today, electric golf carts are quieter, safer, more efficient, and more widely used than ever. They’re even used outside golf, like at resorts, airports, and big properties, and at the heart of them all is the battery. Whether you’re cruising the 18th hole or zipping around a vineyard, choosing the right battery makes a huge difference to performance, reliability, and long-term costs.
So what kind of battery does your cart need? Let’s break down the main types, starting with one of the originals — the flooded lead acid battery.
Flooded lead acid batteries are the traditional choice that have powered golf carts for decades. They’re affordable, proven, and easy to source, making them a great option for casual golfers or anyone who wants to keep their running costs down.
Most standard golf cart chargers can easily accommodate the charging profile of flooded batteries, which makes installation and upkeep straightforward. These batteries are the classic, tried-and-true workhorse choice – budget-friendly, reliable, and trusted for generations.
Keep in mind: Flooded batteries do require regular maintenance. You’ll need to check electrolyte levels, top them up with distilled water when needed, and monitor for corrosion around the terminals and carriage. With a little bit of care, they can deliver years of dependable service at a very reasonable price.
If you’re after a simple, cost-effective battery – and you don’t mind spending a bit of time on basic maintenance – you cannot go wrong with flooded lead acid batteries.
Most well-known battery manufacturers produce quality flooded golf cart batteries; however, at Battery Central, we carefully select and recommend the following brands for their strong business ethics, proven reliability, and excellent backup service:
- Trojan is widely considered the benchmark. The Trojan Battery Company, founded in California in 1925, was one of the first to develop deep-cycle flooded batteries specifically for golf carts, and still holds a strong global reputation for quality, performance, and long service life. Trojan’s commitment to consistent deep-cycle performance, outstanding durability, and a solid global warranty program makes them the gold standard for many golf cart owners.
- Century is becoming a more popular choice among Australian golfers. Century has been manufacturing batteries for over 95 years. It was originally founded in 1928 and is a trusted name in the Australian market. Century’s flooded golf cart batteries are built to handle the tough Australian climate, with great local warranty support and solid after-sales backup. Their products represent a solid, no-nonsense choice for reliable golf cart power at a competitive price. They are well-suited for customers looking for a dependable national brand with good local backup service.
- Deltec – Manufactured in the USA, Deltec batteries deliver premium build quality and excellent deep-cycle performance. Their USA-made flooded golf cart batteries are engineered to handle repeated heavy discharges and recharges, essential for golf cart operation. Deltec is becoming increasingly popular among Australian golfers thanks to its reputation for high manufacturing standards, good cycle life, and solid warranty support through its national distribution network.
Fitting flooded golf cart batteries:
Installing flooded golf cart batteries is generally straightforward. The main thing to check is if you have an automatic water filling system, and whether it’s compatible with your new batteries. Replacing worn and corrosive cables is a must, as it could lead to overheating the terminal and prematurely shorten the life of the battery
AGM (absorbent glass mat) golf cart batteries
Think of AGM batteries as the next step up from traditional flooded types. They’re fully sealed, maintenance-free, and much more resistant to vibration and rough handling – perfect for golf carts bouncing across fairways or tackling hills.
They are an easy fit, with the only real change being the charging profile on your charger.
Because they’re sealed, there’s no need to top up water, and you don’t have to worry about acid spills or corrosion. The absorbent glass mat inside locks in the electrolyte, which is why these batteries are so stable and reliable even under tough conditions.
One thing to note, though: not all golf cart chargers automatically support an AGM charging profile, so it’s important to make sure your charger is compatible or properly adjusted to suit AGM batteries.
Trojan AGM PRO batteries are the standout in this category. Trojan has taken its decades of experience in deep-cycle battery technology and applied it to a robust AGM design that’s built specifically for golf cart use. The result? A maintenance-free, spill-proof battery that delivers excellent runtime, solid cycle life, and dependable performance without the fuss of checking water levels.
AGM batteries are a brilliant middle ground if you want a proven technology with zero maintenance, excellent durability, and better reliability than standard flooded batteries.
At Battery Central, we only stock Trojan AGM PRO batteries for golf carts because they’re purpose-built for deep-cycle golf cart applications and backed by Trojan’s outstanding global reputation. It means you get peace of mind, consistent power, and reliable after-sales support.
Fitting AGM golf cart batteries:
Fitting Trojan AGM PRO golf cart batteries is straightforward. The only thing to check is whether your charger has the right charging profile, and update it if needed. For example, if you’re using a Delta Q charger, make sure it’s set to profile 316.
Battery Central offer an in-store fitting and local onsite fitting for AGM golf cart batteries.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) golf cart batteries
Lithium batteries have changed the game for golf carts, and LiFePO4 is absolutely the pick of the bunch. However, lithium upgrades can become your biggest mistake if you don’t choose the right chemistry and quality batteries or install them correctly with the wrong charging profile.
For example, some lithium chemistries like Lithium NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) pack a lot of energy, but can overheat or become unstable if misused. As goes having the right chemistry (LiFePO4), but not having the correct charger and profile.
Not all lithium batteries are the same
- Lithium NMC (Nickel manganese cobalt) is common in portable electronics thanks to its high energy density. Still, it can overheat and risk thermal runaway if mistreated.
- Lithium Titanate (LTO) is very stable and excellent for stationary solar storage, but usually overkills golf carts.
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) – perfect for golf carts. They may not have the highest energy density, but they’re incredibly safe, stable, and offer excellent cycle life.
That’s why LiFePO4 is the better choice for golf cart use.
The benefits of switching to liFePO4
- They are lighter – about half the weight of lead acid, which makes your golf cart easier to handle and extends its range.
- They are safer – minimal fire risk, with a built-in Battery Management System [BMS] for extra protection.
- They charge faster – up to five times quicker, so you’re back on the course faster.
- They last longer – up to ten times the cycle life of a lead acid battery.
- They are maintenance-free – no topping up water, no corrosion, no fuss.
- They are eco-friendly – fully recyclable, with no rare earth metals.
But are lithium batteries safe?
It’s a common concern – and a fair one. With so much talk around lithium batteries overheating or catching fire, it’s natural to feel a bit hesitant about switching.
The good news is that golf cart lithium batteries from reputable brands like Invicta are built to Australian standards with safety at the core. Invicta batteries are equipped with a quality internal Battery Management System [BMS] that actively monitors temperature, voltage, and current.
This prevents overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating – the most common causes of lithium-related safety issues.
On top of that, Invicta batteries are tested to Australian safety standards, with proven performance in high-heat and high-vibration environments like farms, golf courses, and caravan parks. So when installed correctly, lithium batteries are not just safe – they’re often safer than lead-acid, which can leak acid or produce explosive gases if mistreated.
If you’re ever unsure about the setup, we’re always here to help. Whether you’re doing a DIY install or need advice on safe handling, our team is just a call away.
Invicta lithium batteries
There are plenty of well-known lithium battery manufacturers producing quality golf cart batteries. Still, at Battery Central, we carefully choose and recommend Invicta. Invicta’s kits are easy to install, feature high-quality construction, and are backed by excellent technical support plus a solid 5-year replacement warranty.
After helping customers upgrade their carts for years, Invicta has stood out for its proven safety features, reliability, and true DIY-friendly kits. These batteries are:
- Tested for Australian conditions, handling heat, vibration, and rough terrain with ease
- Built with an advanced internal Battery Management System [BMS] for safe charging, discharging, temperature control, and short-circuit protection
- Certified to IEC 62619, IEC 62133, and UL 1642 standards, proving their quality and durability under demanding conditions
- Fully supported with local warranty and after-sales service, so you’re never left stranded.
- Simple to install, even for first-time users, thanks to easy-to-follow instructions
We’ve fitted Invicta batteries to carts used on golf courses, farms, and even in commercial resort buggies – and the feedback has been consistently positive.
Invicta batteries deliver peace of mind with:
- Up to 8x the cycle life of lead-acid batteries
- Zero maintenance – no watering, no corrosion
- Faster charging, meaning more time on the course
- Lightweight design, improving vehicle handling and performance
- Up to 36 holes on a single charge, no range anxiety
- Bluetooth or wired monitoring so you can check battery health straight from your phone or dashboard
We’ve fitted Invicta batteries to carts on golf courses, farms, and commercial resort buggies, with consistently positive feedback.
Invicta lithium kits
Invicta has made things easy by offering complete lithium LiFePO4 kits designed specifically for golf carts like Club Car, Yamaha, and E-Z-GO. These kits come with matched chargers and custom wiring, so everything works seamlessly together. They include either Bluetooth monitoring or a hard-wired gauge, so you can check the battery’s health straight from your phone or dashboard, giving you total peace of mind.
Fitting lithium golf cart batteries
Fitting Invicta lithium golf cart batteries is straightforward, with no major modifications needed in most cases. The most important step is confirming you have a compatible charger and following the setup instructions carefully. Battery Central can help you through the entire process, including supplying and setting up your charger if required.
Yes, we also trade in your old golf cart batteries and offer in-store or onsite fitting for total peace of mind.
Golf cart battery comparison
Battery | Trojan AGM PRO | Invicta Lithium |
Flooded Century Deltec Trojan |
---|---|---|---|
Chemistry | AGM (sealed lead acid) | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) | Flooded lead acid |
Maintenance | Low maintenance | Maintenance-free | Regular water top-up required |
Cycle Life | ~600–1,200 cycles | 2,000+ cycles | ~500 cycles |
Charging Time | Moderate | Fast | Slow |
Weight | Moderate | Lightweight | Heavy |
Warranty | 40 months (Golf Cart Application) | 5-year full replacement | 12 months |
Monitoring | Basic voltage/charger meters | Bluetooth + optional wired monitoring | Basic |
Safety Features | Spill-proof, valve-regulated | BMS, short circuit & temp protection | Risk of spills & corrosion |
Deep Discharge Tolerance | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
Parallel Configurations | n/a | Yes, add extra batteries | n/a |
Environmental Resistance | Good | IP67-rated | Prone to corrosion |
Run Time per Charge | Standard | Extended (longer runtime, higher usable power) | Standard |
Price | Mid-range | Higher initial, better long-term value | Lowest upfront cost |
Fitting Service | Available through Battery Central | Available through Battery Central | Available through Battery Central |
What about installation?
That’s where Battery Central makes it easy. Whether you choose a flooded battery, a Trojan AGM PRO, or an Invicta lithium kit, we can handle the entire fitting:
In-store fitting – drop your cart off at our Acacia Ridge or Ipswich stores and we’ll do the rest.
Onsite fitting – if it’s easier, we can come to you at home or at your golf club.
Expert advice – we’ll help you choose the best battery, fit it correctly, and even organise a trade-in on your old batteries if you’d like.
give us a call 07 3194 8805, and we’ll get you sorted.
Final thoughts
If you’re serious about golf, upgrading to a lithium iron phosphate battery could be one of the best moves you’ve ever made. While they cost more upfront, their long lifespan, fast charging, and zero maintenance save you money and headaches in the long run.
Of course, a quality Trojan AGM or Century / Trojan flooded battery can also keep your cart rolling strong with proper care.
Thinking about a battery upgrade? Visit Battery Central or give us a call – we’ll make sure you get the perfect battery for your cart and your budget.