A 48-volt golf cart typically runs 25 to 50 miles on a full charge, but the exact runtime depends on several important factors—including battery type, capacity (Ah), terrain, driving habits, and vehicle load.
Whether you use your golf cart on the course, around the neighborhood, or as a street-legal LSV, understanding what affects runtime helps you choose the right battery and get the most out of every charge.
Average Runtime of a 48V Golf Cart
Here’s a general range most owners can expect:
| Battery Type | Typical Range per Charge |
|---|---|
| Lead-acid (flooded) | 15–25 miles |
| AGM lead-acid | 18–30 miles |
| Lithium (LiFePO₄) | 30–50+ miles |
Most modern lithium-powered 48V golf carts consistently deliver double the usable range of traditional lead-acid systems.
Key Factors That Affect How Long a 48V Golf Cart Runs
1. Battery Type Matters Most
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Lead-acid batteries only allow ~50% usable capacity
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Lithium batteries allow 90–100% usable capacity
That means a lithium golf cart runs longer even with the same Ah rating.
2. Battery Capacity (Amp-Hours)
Higher Ah = longer runtime.
| Battery Capacity | Estimated Range (Lithium) |
|---|---|
| 48V 60Ah | 20–30 miles |
| 48V 100Ah | 35–45 miles |
| 48V 160Ah | 45–60+ miles |
3. Terrain and Hills
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Flat courses = maximum range
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Hills reduce range by 20–40%
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Stop-and-go driving consumes more power than steady cruising
4. Vehicle Load
Extra weight reduces runtime:
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Passengers
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Cargo
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Lift kits
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Larger wheels & tires
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Accessories
A heavily modified cart may lose 10–25% range.
5. Speed and Driving Style
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Faster speeds drain batteries quicker
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Hard acceleration uses more energy
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Consistent cruising extends range
6. Accessories and Electrical Loads
Common accessories that reduce runtime:
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Headlights & LED light bars
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Sound systems
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Refrigerators or coolers
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Heaters or fans
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USB chargers
Lithium batteries handle accessory loads far better than lead-acid.
How Long Does a 48V Golf Cart Last in Time (Hours)?
Instead of miles, many owners ask in hours:
| Usage Type | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Golf course driving | 6–8 hours |
| Neighborhood cruising | 4–6 hours |
| Continuous driving | 3–5 hours |
Lithium systems stay at full power until nearly empty, unlike lead-acid which slows down early.
Why Lithium 48V Golf Carts Run Longer
Lithium batteries provide:
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No voltage sag
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Higher efficiency
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Faster charging
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Lower weight
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Full torque until empty
Brands such as ECO Battery, Bolt Energy, ROYPOW, Allied, and HHS Golf Energy design lithium packs specifically optimized for golf carts—resulting in longer runtime and better real-world performance.
How to Maximize Runtime on a 48V Golf Cart
✅ Choose the right battery capacity
✅ Keep tires properly inflated
✅ Avoid unnecessary weight
✅ Drive at steady speeds
✅ Charge fully after each use
✅ Use lithium instead of lead-acid
Lithium vs Lead-Acid: Runtime Comparison
| Feature | Lead-Acid | Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | ~50% | 90–100% |
| Voltage consistency | Drops early | Stable |
| Runtime per charge | Shorter | Longer |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Maintenance | High | None |
Final Answer: How Long Will a 48V Golf Cart Run?
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Lead-acid: ~15–25 miles
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Lithium: ~30–50+ miles
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Typical time: 4–8 hours depending on use
If runtime and reliability matter, upgrading to a 48V lithium golf cart battery is one of the best improvements you can make.
