[Polar Bear]

Do electric carts have anything like a gauge to tell you how much charge (or estimated miles) is left? Or do you just charge it full before each use with an idea of its range?

[Ooper]

There is usually a gauge to tell the charge level, some carts have an idiot light but you can purchase gauges fairly inexpensively. But the general practice is to have your cart plugged in when ever you are not using it. That way it'll be fully charged whenever you need it.

[jimbo2012]

The solar golf cart Co has a nice digital unit.

No should not just plug it in that not good for the batteries.

That what the gauge is for, do U have a gas gauge in your car?

Or do you stop at every gas station and fill up!!!!!

[Ooper]

Most chargers have automatic shut off for the charging system so the batteries do not overcharge. I personally like to have a full charge when I leave because, unlike a car, you can't just go to any gas station and fill up when you get low... big difference.

[jimbo2012]

That is really incorrect and can lead to premature battery life.

You need to allow a certain about of discharge before recharging,

It really puzzling that folks spend $700 on a set of batteries but not$75 on a real gauge.

You don't think the battery dealers will tell you how to prolong battery life do U?

[ajbrown]

Every electric cart should get a gauge so that you understand how much battery power you have left and as part of maintenance to prevent over discharge which shortens battery life. Here is a recent post which I think works in this thread:

Best Electric Cart to buy: post re: battery meter

Even with a meter I always keep the pack fully charged. The rule of thumb I have read is 10 - 15 minutes of pedal time justifies a charge. I also have a Battery Minder which I use in stead of the bulk charger to charge the cart when I make a short trip.

[CraigC]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

That is really incorrect and can lead to premature battery life.

You need to allow a certain about of discharge before recharging,

It really puzzling that folks spend $700 on a set of batteries but not$75 on a real gauge.

You don't think the battery dealers will tell you how to prolong battery life do U?

What voltage level do you recommend discharging the battery to before recharging? (for a 48v system)

[jonrogere]

It has been my understanding that it is best to plug in after every use, irrespective of how long you were driving. I have been told that the deep discharge re-charge has a negative effect on battery life and that the shall discharge re-charge from short trips, etc., has minimal effect on battery life. As stated above, the chargers are quite smart....they operate in several modes and know which is correct for the state of your battery.

[jimbo2012]

Sorry folks I disagree.

the recharge level or "state of charge" SOC is 50-70%
or 48.4 -49.5

It is recommended to go to 50% before recharging and 80% discharge is lowest to go safely

If you want to get longer life out of these batterirs don't charge then when they are only 5-20% discharged on a regular basis.

[Frozen1]

From the battery manufacturers, batteries should NOT be drained before charging. These are lead acid batteries, not the old nicad or lithium which get a memory. They should be maintained at a full charge as much as possible. Weekly or at least monthly an equalization charge should be applied. To give you a reference point on lead acid charging, your car alternator charges the battery whenever it's running and not at 100% just as a solar panel on the roof of a cart charges whenever the sun is out and the battery pack is below 100%.

In an article by from batterystuff.com:

"9. Battery Charging - Remember you must put back the energy you use immediately. If you don't the battery sulfates and that affects performance and longevity. The alternator is a battery charger. It works well if the battery is not deeply discharged. The alternator tends to overcharge batteries that are very low and the overcharge can damage batteries. In fact an engine starting battery on average has only about 10 deep cycles available when recharged by an alternator. Batteries like to be charged in a certain way, especially when they have been deeply discharged. This type of charging is called 3 step regulated charging. Please note that only special SMART BATTERY CHARGERS using computer technology can perform 3 step charging techniques. You don't find these types of chargers in parts stores and Wal-Marts. The first step is bulk charging where up to 80% of the battery energy capacity is replaced by the charger at the maximum voltage and current amp rating of the charger. When the battery voltage reaches 14.4 volts this begins the absorption charge step. This is where the voltage is held at a constant 14.4 volts and the current (amps) declines until the battery is 98% charged. Next comes the Float Step. This is a regulated voltage of not more than 13.4 volts and usually less than 1 amp of current. This in time will bring the battery to 100% charged or close to it. The float charge will not boil or heat batteries but will maintain the batteries at 100% readiness and prevent cycling during long term inactivity. Some Gel Cell and AGM batteries may require special settings or chargers. "

[Ooper]

I agree!

[jimbo2012]

call trogen

[rjm1cc]

The first steep is to determine what type of a charging system you have. I have a computerized charger. The dealer and manual Said charge after use even if only 10 minutes. However do not charge until batteries cool down. I charge each night. Leave change connected until next use, even if it is several weeks or months. Do not stop charge until finished. Check water level monthly as long as plates are covered when you check. Older batteries need to be checked more often. wash battery acid off battery monthly.

[Blackie]

My cart has 8 Trojan T-105's.

Regarding charging them the Trojan web site says:-

"Batteries should be charged after each period of use."

I called Trojan technical support and asked for a definition of this - the tech said "a round of golf" - which makes sense as the batteries would 'normally' be used on a cart owned by the golf club. So he further clarified this as around 5 or 6 miles.

The web site also says:-

"Lead acid batteries do not develop any type of memory. This means that you do not have to deep discharge or completely discharge a battery before recharging it. For optimum life and performance, we generally recommend a discharge of 20 to 50% of the battery’s rated capacity even though the battery is capable of being cycled to 80%."

A full charge (for a 48V) system is 50.93V and 20% discharge is 49.99V. A 5 or 6 mile drive may take the batteries down to this voltage, but probably not on my pack.

A 50% discharge is 48.41V. I asked the tech when is this voltage measured? He said after the cart has been idle for about 4 hours as the batteries will recover some. I asked what 50% voltage would be when the cart was being driven - he said 46.7V. So then after 4 hours of idle the pack would go back to 48.41V.

I need a digital meter installing.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

The first steep is to determine what type of a charging system you have. I have a computerized charger. The dealer and manual Said charge after use even if only 10 minutes. .

And how old is your battery bank?