Golf Guides

How Fast Does A 48 Volt Golf Cart Go

Published on May 26, 2023

The thrill of driving a golf cart can be exhilarating, but how fast is a 48-volt golf cart capable of going? Before you find out, you need to understand the complexities behind the speed of a golf cart.
I will give you the necessary insight into the workings of a 48-volt golf cart, allowing you to make an informed decision on how fast to drive.
You’ll learn about the different factors that can affect the speed of a golf cart, including the weight of the passengers and the terrain you are driving on.
Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of the various components that make up a 48-volt golf cart, including the motor, battery, and controller.
With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be able to make an educated decision on how fast you want your golf cart to go.

What is a 48 Volt Golf Cart?

A 48-volt golf cart is a vehicle that is designed for driving around the golf course. Typically, these golf carts operate at a voltage of 48 volts, which is the standard voltage for many electric vehicles.
This voltage is slightly higher than the voltage of a typical car, which is around 32 volts. This slight increase in voltage can result in a significant increase in the speed of the cart. These carts are typically driven around golf courses as a means of transportation for golfers.
This is advantageous as it allows individuals who are walking on the course to easily have access to transportation. Because the carts are electric, they don’t emit any harmful gases, making the environment more environmentally friendly.
Additionally, golf carts are relatively cheap to maintain and operate, which is ideal for people who are golfing on a budget. Due to the fact that these carts are used on golf courses, they are designed to be lightweight and easy to drive.
This allows golfers to easily maneuver the cart around the course, even when they are walking with their golf clubs. Due to the nature of the carts, they are equipped with a low-voltage system. This makes them safe to use around pedestrians, children, and other golfers.

Factors Affecting the Speed of a 48 Volt Golf Cart

The first thing to look at when determining how fast a golf cart can go is the factors affecting it. These can include the weight of passengers, the type of terrain you are driving on, and the components of the golf cart. Let’s take a look at each of these factors in depth.

Weight Of Passengers

The weight of the passengers on the cart will have an impact on how fast the cart can go. The heavier the passengers, the more torque is required to move the cart forward. This will, therefore, reduce the top speed of the cart. In general, you need to ensure that there is a minimum weight for each seat of about 100 pounds. If the seat is empty, you can drive the cart faster since you don’t need to provide as much torque for acceleration and climbing hills.

Type Of Terrain

The terrain you are driving on will also affect the speed of the cart. Hills, sand, and mud are examples of terrains that will slow you down. You will need to put more energy into climbing hills, which will naturally slow you down. Sand and mud will also slow you down significantly. You should avoid driving your cart on these terrains altogether.

Components Of A 48 Volt Golf Cart

The components of the golf cart, such as the motor, battery, and controller, will also affect the speed of the cart.

Motor: The motor is the core component of a golf cart. It determines the maximum speed of the cart, as well as its acceleration. When it comes to choosing the right motor for your golf cart, the first thing you’ll need to decide is the voltage. Most 48-volt golf carts use a DC motor. The next thing you’ll need to consider is the horsepower of the motor. The higher the horsepower, the more power it has and the faster the cart can go. One thing to note about golf cart motors is that the higher the voltage, the lower the horsepower.

Battery: The battery is responsible for supplying power to the motor. You should choose the battery according to your usage needs and the expected speed at which you want to drive. You can also opt for an extended-life battery so that you don’t have to replace it as often.

Controller: The controller is responsible for managing the power from the battery and directing it to the motor. A 48-volt golf cart comes with a standard controller, but you can upgrade to a high-end model if you want to go faster.

The maximum speed of a 48-volt golf cart will be around 25-30 miles per hour, which can be driven on almost all terrains. If you want to drive the cart faster, you can upgrade the components of the golf cart.

How to Increase the Speed of a 48 Volt Golf Cart

If you want to increase the speed of your golf cart, you can do so by upgrading the components. You can increase the voltage and horsepower of the motor to drive the cart faster.
You can also go with a higher-capacity battery so that it lasts longer and provides more power to the motor. To upgrade the controller, you’ll need to opt for a high-end model.
The best way to increase the speed of your 48-volt golf cart is to upgrade the components. You can increase the voltage and horsepower of the motor, go with a higher-capacity battery, and upgrade the controller.

FAQs

Is a 72-volt golf cart better than a 48-volt?

The main difference between a 72-volt golf cart and a 48-volt golf cart is the power output. A 72-volt cart is more powerful than a 48-volt cart, so it can go faster and has more torque which will help it climb hills better. The 72-volt cart also has a longer range due to the larger battery capacity, but that also means it’s heavier and more expensive.
If your main concern is speed and performance, then a 72-volt cart might be better for you. But if you’re looking for something more affordable and easier to maneuver, then a 48-volt may be a better choice. It really just depends on what you need the golf cart for and how much you’re willing to spend.

How far can a 48V golf cart go on one charge?

That really depends on a lot of factors, like the size of your golf cart’s battery, the terrain you’re driving on, the weight of the cart, and even the weather conditions. Generally speaking, a 48V golf cart should be able to travel anywhere from 10-30 miles on a single charge.