4 12 volt batteries vs 6 8 volt batteries

[EarlK]

What is the performance difference between 4 12 volt batteries and 6 8 volt batteries?

What does it take to upgrade from 4 to 6?

[Michael Eddie]

Six 8 volt batteries typically yields higher capacity and longer runtime compared to the four 12 volt battery configuration. This is an advantage for golf carts requiring extended use or higher power demands. Despite this benefit, this setup comes with slightly increased complexity in wiring and maintenance in compared to the four 12 volt battery configuration due to the additional batteries and connections involved.

To understand better, each 8 volt battery typically has a higher amp hour (Ah) rating compared to a 12 volt battery. This means that each individual 8 volt battery can store more electrical energy, resulting in a higher total energy capacity when multiple 8 volt batteries are connected in series. Furthermore, the configuration of six 8 volt batteries increases the total number of cells in the battery bank. Each cell contributes to the overall capacity and output voltage of the battery bank. Therefore, having more cells connected in series leads to a higher overall voltage output, which translates to more power available to the golf cart's motor over an extended period.

With a higher voltage, the electrical current flowing through the system encounters less resistance, resulting in reduced energy losses and more effective utilization of available power. This efficiency improvement means that the cart can travel farther on a single charge compared to a configuration with four 12 volt batteries.

While the 8 volt setup may offer higher capacity and longer runtime in theory, there are practical considerations that may have led manufacturers to adopt the four 12 volt battery setup. One factor is cost. Manufacturing and sourcing six batteries can be more expensive than producing four batteries. Furthermore, technological advancements in battery chemistry and design has improved the energy density and performance of 12 volt batteries over time. These advancements narrowed the performance gap between the 8 volt setup and the 12 volt setup, making the latter option more appealing in terms of overall efficiency and effectiveness.

To swap setups, you'll need the correct battery trays and cables. The positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery, creating a continuous circuit. Continue this pattern until you reach the last battery, connecting the positive terminal of the fifth battery to the negative terminal of the sixth battery. The remaining positive terminal of the sixth battery and negative terminal of the first battery will serve as the main terminals of the 48 volt system. This series connection adds the voltages of each battery together resulting in a total voltage of 48 volts across the entire battery bank.