Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Swap golf cart to lithium

As title suggests I’m about to make this move. I have a 2015 Club Car Precedent 48v. Some of the companies online have conversion kits but seem to start around $2200. Can get a kit on Amazon for under $900 with battery, charger, wiring etc. anyone done this? I’m NOT going back to lead acid batteries. I’ll burn the cart to the ground first (well I’d sell it but it won’t bring much not running).

Anybody done this? What brand batteries did you use? I plan to get at least a 100ah battery. Rest will be left stock (controller and no lift). Thanks in advance for any guidance or first hand experience

I'm in this thread just to learn for future reference...

I swapped over to this one from amazon a little over a year ago, and wish I would've done it sooner. Battery lasts forever now and with the reduction in weight, my cart is a good bit faster.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH3JZ41D?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

Just one battery vs several lead acid batteries?

Yep, this one replaced 6 8V batteries. Two of the lead acid batteries are heavier than this one lithium.

Did the lithium from Amazon last year. Amazed by the difference.

Thanks for this. I just added it to my Amazon Wish List. At 50 miles to a charge it will get a lot of trips back and forth to the beach, because it's only a 1/2 mile ride in the cart.

Lithium Set up

This is the brand i went with when i did the conversion 3 years ago. When i did it i had to use 4 12V's because this single battery option wasn't cost affective at the time.

It has been trouble free ever since.

This topic comes up periodically....I mentioned before that I was hesitant to convert to Lithium due to the supposed fire risks. Our cart lives in our [attached] garage and, furthermore, shares a wall with one of the kids' bedrooms so having something that supposedly carried increased fire risks was a deal-breaker.

When I mentioned it last time, there were people claiming that these no longer posed the fire risks that older lithium batteries did....can anyone expand on that, particularly with documented/cited sources to back it up? I'd love to make the switch next time I'm due for batteries, but I'm gonna need more peace of mind

Do you have space in the backyard for a detached shed/polebarn?

Not really, and even if I did we use it so often (daily...often multiple times/day) that having it back there would be really inconvenient

And they don't like the cold.

I have done the lithium conversion on my cart and love it. Here's a good read, I found, about the fire risk.
https://taraelectricvehicles.com/blog/2026/03/21/are-lithium-golf-cart-batteries-a-fire-hazard/

While that is encouraging....that is an article from a manufacturer of, specifically, lithium-powered carts. Of course they're going to say there's no real risk (and maybe there isn't).

I'd like to see more data from unbiased sources, though

Well, I don't know how unbiased GROK is, but I asked about the fire danger concerning a golf cart conversion to lithium batteries.

Lithium conversions for golf carts (typically using LiFePO4/LFP batteries) carry a real but generally low fire risk when done properly with quality components. The danger is often overstated in media, but incidents—mostly tied to cheap setups—have increased in areas with high golf cart use, like parts of Florida.55ecf8
Key Risks and Context
Thermal runaway: This is the main concern with lithium batteries. It occurs when a cell overheats, leading to a chain reaction of heat, gas release, and fire. Lithium fires burn very hot, produce toxic smoke, are hard to extinguish, and can reignite.cc5d66
Most incidents stem from preventable causes: Improper/cheap chargers (a common culprit), mismatched charging (e.g., using lead-acid chargers), low-quality or counterfeit batteries without proper Battery Management Systems (BMS), physical damage, water exposure, or poor installation. Overcharging, deep discharging, or loose connections can also contribute.3637e0
Chemistry matters: Golf cart conversions almost always use LiFePO4 (LFP), which is far more thermally stable than NMC/NCA lithium-ion types (used in some EVs or devices). LFP has a high thermal runaway threshold (~500°C+ vs. lower for others), doesn’t release oxygen easily, and rarely spontaneously combusts. Quality packs with BMS add layers of protection (voltage/temp monitoring, auto-shutoff).5c8ee5
Reported incidents: In St. Johns County, FL, officials noted a rise, with golf carts and lithium batteries linked to a high percentage of fires in certain periods (e.g., ~80% in one report, often involving charging). Many involved cheap chargers or improper setups. Fires also occur with lead-acid batteries (hydrogen gas, corrosion, etc.), though lithium ones can be more intense.69051db36df5
Real-world data suggests the per-battery fire rate for quality LiFePO4 systems is very low (e.g., well under 0.001% annually in some claims), often lower than risks from gasoline vehicles or household appliances when properly managed.78e261
Comparison to Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries are generally less prone to intense fires but have their own issues: hydrogen gas buildup (explosion risk if not ventilated), acid leaks, corrosion, and shorter life requiring more maintenance. Lithium conversions reduce weight, maintenance, and charging time while offering more cycles—but they demand compatible equipment.1a8420
How to Minimize Fire Danger in a Lithium Conversion
Choose quality: Use reputable LiFePO4 batteries with UL/certified ratings (e.g., UL1973), built-in BMS, and good cell balancing. Avoid the cheapest no-name options.8386e8
Compatible charger: Use a lithium-specific charger (often CAN-bus enabled for communication). Never use a lead-acid charger—it can overvoltage and cause problems.56829c
Professional installation: Ensure proper wiring, fuses, mounting, and ventilation. Poor DIY work increases risks.
Charging practices:
Plug directly into a grounded outlet (dedicated 20A circuit, no extensions/power strips).
Charge in a well-ventilated area, ideally not inside a garage or near structures.
Avoid unattended overnight charging if possible; unplug when done.
Don’t charge damaged or swollen batteries.2a8db8
Maintenance and storage: Inspect regularly for damage. Store away from buildings if concerned. Keep dry and avoid extreme temps.
Emergency prep: Have a suitable extinguisher (Class D or fire blanket for lithium); water can help cool but may not fully extinguish. Evacuate and call professionals if fire starts.505fbe
Bottom line: A well-executed lithium conversion with quality parts is generally safe and offers big advantages over lead-acid. The elevated fire reports largely trace back to corner-cutting on chargers/batteries or misuse. If you're converting, invest in good components and follow best practices—or have it done by a professional. Check local fire codes, insurance implications, and community rules, as some areas have restrictions on storage/charging. Consult manufacturers or certified installers for your specific cart model.

What is the life expectancy on these new lithium batteries?

8-10yrs, according to most sources.....so 2-3x that of Lead Acid batteries for basically the same cost (I just put 6 8v lead batteries in my cart a year ago for roughly $1100 out the door), and they last longer between charges and you don't experience a loss-of-power as they start getting low like you do with LA batteries

good deal, thanks for the info gomer. I am going to have to look into a golf cart now that you don't have to swap batteries every 3 years.

Anyone’s burnt up yet. We thinking about changing out this week.

I'm going to do it whenever my lead acid batteries give up the ghost in a few years.