Looking for a durable, high-performance battery to upgrade your golf cart, UTV, or home energy setup?
Overview of the LiTime 48V 100Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery
This is the LiTime 48V 100Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery with RS485 Communication, Low-Temp Protection, Support up to 5kW Motor, Perfect for Golf Carts, UTV, LSV, NEV, Home Energy Storage. You’ll find it designed as a direct replacement for 48V lead-acid batteries and built to handle heavier loads while cutting significant weight. The battery’s combination of communication options, robust casing, and thermal and low-temperature protections make it a compelling choice if you want a reliable long-term upgrade.
Key specifications at a glance
Below is a clear breakdown of the most important specs so you can quickly decide whether this battery fits your needs. The table highlights capacity, discharge current, communication, cell chemistry, and cycle life so you can compare against your current battery quickly.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 48V (51.2V max system series) |
| Capacity | 100Ah |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (EV-graded) |
| Continuous Power | 5.12 kW |
| Peak Discharge | 2C-rate (200A for 120 seconds) |
| Estimated Range (golf cart) | ~73 km / 45.36 miles (single charge, ideal conditions) |
| Cycle Life | 4000 cycles @100% DOD; 6000 cycles @80% DOD; 15,000 cycles @60% DOD |
| Communication | CAN between batteries; RS485 to external display |
| Case | Robust metal case (improved impact & corrosion resistance) |
| Weight advantage | 73.4% lighter than 6 × 8V GC2 lead-acid battery |
| Max Config | Up to 8P1S, supports up to 51.2V 800Ah system |
| Protections | 20+ protections including low-temp cut-off |
What this battery replaces and who it’s best for
If you’re running a 48V street-legal cart or a similar vehicle, this battery is a direct upgrade from common lead-acid packs. You’ll appreciate the weight savings and longer life if you use your cart frequently. It’s also suitable for marine, home, and off-grid applications, so you can put it to use beyond the fairway.
Build quality and physical design
The LiTime battery comes in a robust metal case that enhances impact resistance and heat dissipation. You’ll notice the solid construction when you handle it — the metal enclosure gives it a more premium feel and better protection against harsh conditions compared to plastic-cased batteries. That case also helps with corrosion resistance, which is useful if you plan to use it on a marine craft or in humid conditions.
Mechanical features and terminals
The terminals and mounting points are designed to be familiar if you’re replacing a GC2 or similar layout, making mechanical installation smoother. You’ll find the screws and terminal locations match common golf cart setups, but always double-check your cart’s layout before purchasing. The sturdy metal shell also helps when you need to secure the battery under vibration-heavy conditions like UTV or off-road use.
Performance and power delivery
You’ll get 5.12 kW continuous power capability, which supports golf cart motors up to 5 kW without problems. The battery is rated for a 2C discharge, meaning it can provide 200A for up to 120 seconds for peak power needs. That kind of headroom matters when you accelerate, climb hills, or add heavier loads.
Real-world driving range and behavior
Manufacturers estimate about 73 km (roughly 45.36 miles) per full charge under ideal conditions for a typical golf cart. Your real-world range will depend on terrain, vehicle weight, speed, and accessory loads like lights or audio. If you drive conservatively and avoid sustained high speeds, you’ll get closer to the top end of that estimate.
Continuous vs peak power
The 5.12 kW continuous rating means sustained performance for typical driving cycles, while the 2C/200A peak capability handles short bursts of high demand. You’ll benefit from smoother acceleration and less voltage sag under load compared to aged lead-acid batteries. That difference is noticeable when you climb steep inclines or carry heavier passengers or cargo.
Cell chemistry and lifecycle
This battery uses EV-graded LiFePO4 cells, known for stable chemistry and a long calendar and cycle life. You’ll see impressive cycle counts: about 4000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DOD), 6000 cycles at 80% DOD, and up to 15,000 cycles at 60% DOD. Those numbers translate to years of reliable service, even with regular use.
What cycle life means for you
Higher cycle life reduces your cost per cycle and means you won’t be replacing batteries frequently. If you run your cart daily, you’ll notice the long-term savings and reduced maintenance compared to lead-acid batteries that often need replacement within a few hundred to a thousand cycles. The LiFePO4 chemistry also stays cooler and more stable under high rates of charge and discharge.
BMS, protections, and safety features
The battery includes a comprehensive battery management system with 20+ upgraded protections. You can expect safeguards for overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, short-circuit, cell imbalance, and other critical failure modes. You’ll also get low-temperature cut-off protection that prevents charging below safe temperature thresholds, protecting cell life.
Low-temperature and thermal behavior
Low-temp cut-off is particularly useful if you operate in cold climates. The battery resists being charged when temperatures would otherwise damage the cells, and that extends life and reliability. Thermal management through the metal case helps dissipate heat during heavy loads, so you’ll generally see more consistent performance under stress.
Communication: CAN and RS485 explained
The battery supports CAN for communication between batteries and RS485 for connection to an external display. That gives you flexible integration options for multi-battery systems and for telemetry to an onboard display or gateway.
How you’ll use CAN and RS485
If you’re configuring multiple battery packs in parallel or in complex systems, CAN makes monitoring and balancing easier between packs. RS485 lets you feed status data to an external meter or display so you can monitor state of charge (SOC), voltage, current, and other parameters. You’ll find this useful for diagnosing issues and for seeing real-time usage data while driving or in a home energy system.
Installation and setup
Installing the LiTime battery is straightforward if you’re familiar with golf cart battery swaps, but you should still take safety precautions. Always disconnect the original battery, observe correct polarity, and secure the battery in a vibration-resistant tray. If you’re pairing multiple packs, follow the manufacturer’s wiring and communication recommendations.
Basic installation steps
- Switch off all power and remove keys or disabling device from the vehicle.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling batteries.
- Remove the old battery or batteries and note terminal arrangement.
- Mount the LiTime battery securely in the tray and torque terminals to specified values.
- Connect communication cables (CAN/RS485) if you’ll use monitoring.
- Perform a quick test: Power on accessories, check voltage and system lights, and do a short drive to confirm behavior.
Tips for multi-battery systems
When combining packs, make sure they’re the same model, state of charge, and age to avoid imbalance. Use the CAN bus for inter-battery communication and follow the recommended parallel wiring (Max. 8P1S support). If you plan to build larger banks, ensure your controller or BMS supports the total voltage and capacity.
Charging and charger compatibility
You’ll need a charger compatible with LiFePO4 chemistry and 48V nominal systems. You can use many modern 48V chargers designed for lithium batteries; avoid chargers specifically tailored for flooded lead-acid charging profiles unless they have a lithium mode. Use a charger that provides appropriate charging voltage and current limits, and ensure it respects the battery’s BMS signals.
Recommended charging practices
Charge to the manufacturer’s recommended voltage (typically around 54.6–55.2V for 48V LiFePO4 systems, but confirm in the battery manual). Charge in a well-ventilated area and avoid charging below freezing unless the system supports low-temp charging. You’ll preserve cell life by avoiding constant long-term storage at full charge; store around 50%–70% SOC for long periods if you’ll be idle.
Maintenance and storage
You won’t be doing the frequent watering or equalization that lead-acid batteries require. Still, you’ll want to check terminals, clean corrosion if present, and keep the battery secure. If storing for long periods, keep the pack at a moderate state of charge and in a cool, dry place. Regular checks of SOC and a recharge every few months will prevent deep discharge.
Long-term care
Avoid extreme temperatures during storage and operation; prolonged heat can accelerate aging. If the battery will sit unused for months, charge it to around half capacity and check periodically to maintain BMS balance. You’ll also want to visually inspect for physical damage and verify that communication lines remain connected and corrosion-free.
Advantages over lead-acid batteries
You’ll notice significant advantages: weight reduction (about 73.4% lighter than a 6 × 8V GC2 lead-acid pack), longer cycle life, higher usable capacity (you can use a greater percentage of the pack without harming life), and better performance under load. That means more range, quicker acceleration, and less frequent replacement.
Cost considerations
Upfront cost is higher than lead-acid, but you’ll recoup the difference through longer life, fewer replacements, and reduced maintenance. If you calculate total cost of ownership over several years, the LiFePO4 solution often becomes cheaper. Plus, the improved performance and reduced downtime can be worth the premium for frequent users.
Downsides and limitations
No battery is perfect. You’ll face a higher initial cost and may need to invest in a compatible charger or connectors. If you’re retrofitting older controllers or systems designed only for lead-acid signatures, you might need to adjust settings or update firmware to ensure proper charging and cutoff behavior. Also, in extremely cold environments, although low-temp cut-off protects the cells, the inability to charge below certain temperatures can limit immediate usability until temperatures rise.
What to watch for after purchase
Ensure your vehicle’s charger and controller can work with LiFePO4 chemistry. Check clearance and mounting dimensions to verify fit. If you add multiple packs, keep them matched in SOC and age to avoid balance issues. You’ll also want to confirm that your cart’s speed control and charging system won’t be negatively affected by the different voltage characteristics.
Safety and certifications
LiFePO4 is among the safest lithium chemistries, and the LiTime pack adds multiple protections and a robust metal enclosure for added safety. You’ll still follow standard battery safety procedures: avoid shorting terminals, prevent physical damage, and do not disassemble the pack. The BMS will handle many protection scenarios, but human caution remains important.
Emergency handling
If you suspect a thermal event or see smoke, remove people from the area and call emergency services. Use a Class D extinguisher for lithium fires if available; otherwise use a large volume of water to cool the pack from a safe distance while evacuating the area, as LiFePO4 does not easily catch fire like some other chemistries, but you should still take thermal events seriously.
Integration with accessories and systems
You can integrate the LiTime battery with telematics, displays, chargers, and multi-battery configurations using its RS485 and CAN interfaces. That gives you options for real-time monitoring, logging, and integration into larger energy systems. If you run a fleet, the communications let you manage multiple batteries from a central display or controller.
Using the battery in home energy storage
For home or off-grid use, the battery’s long cycle life and modularity make it a good choice for a scalable storage solution. You’ll need an inverter/charger that supports LiFePO4 charging profiles and can handle the nominal voltage. The battery’s ability to be configured up to 51.2V and 800Ah makes it suitable for larger arrays when paired correctly.
Troubleshooting and common questions
If the battery shows a lower-than-expected range, check tire pressure, accessory loads, and terrain first, then verify SOC via the RS485 display or CAN interface. If it won’t charge, confirm that your charger is set for LiFePO4 and check for a low-temperature lockout. If it trips protection frequently, look for wiring issues or excessive loads that exceed the rated continuous or peak discharge.
Quick checks you can do
- Confirm correct polarity at terminals.
- Check charger output voltage and mode for LiFePO4 compatibility.
- Inspect communication wiring if you’re seeing odd SOC readings.
- Reduce load and attempt a short test drive to see if voltage sag persists.
Comparison to similar products
Compared to typical lead-acid replacements and many LiFePO4 competitors, this LiTime battery stands out for its specs-per-pound and robust set of protections. You’ll find some competitors with similar capacity but without metal enclosures or RS485 communication, and some cheaper packs may skimp on BMS protection or use lower-grade cells. This unit focuses on EV-grade cells and long cycle life, which aligns with professional and heavy-use applications.
When another product might be better
If you need a lower upfront cost and don’t mind frequent replacement, lead-acid could still make sense for occasional use. If you require higher voltage or a substantially different form factor, you may need a custom solution. For extreme cold charging needs, a battery with an integrated heater might be worth considering.
Who should buy this battery
You should buy the LiTime 48V 100Ah battery if you want a long-lasting, lighter, and higher-performing alternative to lead-acid in a 48V platform. It’s ideal for frequent golfers, commercial fleet operators, UTV and NEV owners, or anyone building a small off-grid or home energy system. You’ll especially benefit if you need communication options for monitoring or plan to run motors up to 5kW.
Pricing and value assessment
While the sticker price is higher than lead-acid, the long cycle life and reduced maintenance give it strong value over time. You’ll save on replacements, service time, and possibly fuel or generator time if using it for home or off-grid energy. If you calculate cost per cycle, this battery becomes an economical choice for medium to heavy users.
Final verdict
If you want a reliable, high-capacity 48V lithium solution with advanced communication, robust protection, and substantial weight savings, the LiTime 48V 100Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery with RS485 Communication, Low-Temp Protection, Support up to 5kW Motor, Perfect for Golf Carts, UTV, LSV, NEV, Home Energy Storage is an excellent option. You’ll get longer life, better performance, and modern features like CAN/RS485, all wrapped in a durable metal enclosure. For most users who need dependable daily performance and plan to keep their vehicle or system for years, it’s a solid investment.
FAQs
Q: Can I charge this with my existing golf cart charger? A: Only if your charger supports LiFePO4 charging profiles or has a lithium mode. You’ll want to confirm charge voltage and set current are compatible, and avoid lead-acid-specific bulk/absorption profiles unless configurable.
Q: Can I use this battery in series with other brands? A: It’s safest to use identical packs (same model and age) when wiring in series or parallel. Mixing brands or ages can cause imbalance and stress the BMS.
Q: What does the low-temp cut-off mean for me? A: The low-temp cut-off prevents charging below a safe cell temperature to protect the pack. You can still discharge at low temperatures in most cases, but charging may be disabled until temperatures rise.
Q: How do I monitor the battery state-of-charge? A: Use an RS485-connected external display or a CAN-enabled monitor. The battery’s communication outputs provide SOC, voltage, current, and fault codes.
Q: Is professional installation recommended? A: If you’re comfortable with electrical systems and battery safety, you can install it yourself following the manufacturer instructions. For most users, a professional install ensures correct wiring, configuration, and communication setup.
Additional resources and next steps
If you decide to move forward, check your vehicle’s dimensions, terminal layout, and charger compatibility before ordering. You’ll also want to read the manufacturer manual for wiring diagrams and configuration steps. If you run a multi-pack system, plan out your CAN/RS485 wiring beforehand to ensure clean integration.
This review should give you a solid understanding of what to expect from the LiTime 48V 100Ah Lithium Golf Cart Battery with RS485 Communication, Low-Temp Protection, Support up to 5kW Motor, Perfect for Golf Carts, UTV, LSV, NEV, Home Energy Storage and whether it fits your needs. If you want, tell me about your vehicle and usage patterns and I’ll help determine if this battery is the right match and recommend a charging setup.
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