
The runtime of a 48V golf cart battery depends on several factors, including the battery's capacity (Ah), the discharge rate, and how much power is being used during operation (e.g., the weight of the cart, terrain, speed, etc.).
Key Factors Affecting Battery Life:
- Battery Capacity: The larger the battery capacity (measured in amp-hours, Ah), the longer the battery will last.
- Discharge Rate: If the golf cart is using power more quickly (e.g., driving up hills or at higher speeds), the battery will drain faster.
- Power Consumption: The motor’s power draw, the weight of the cart, the number of passengers, and the terrain all influence how much power is consumed.

Example Calculation
Let’s consider a 48V 100Ah battery (a common size for golf carts):
- Battery Capacity = 100Ah
- Voltage = 48V
- Power (Wh) = Voltage × Capacity = 48V × 100Ah = 4800Wh (4.8 kWh)
Estimating Run Time
If the golf cart consumes 600W (0.6kW) on average:
- Run Time = Total Energy (Wh) ÷ Power Consumption (W)
- Run Time = 4800Wh ÷ 600W = 8 hours of continuous use.
If the golf cart consumes 1,000W (1kW) on average:
- Run Time = 4800Wh ÷ 1000W = 4.8 hours of continuous use.
Real-World Factors
- On flat terrain and with minimal load, the cart will likely last closer to 6-8 hours.
- On hilly terrain or with higher speeds, the runtime may be reduced to 4-5 hours or less.
- Additional factors like age of the battery and temperature can also affect performance and runtime.
On average, a 48V golf cart battery with 100Ah capacity should last between 4 to 8 hours depending on the usage conditions.