36V vs 48V vs 72V Golf Cart: The Definitive Comparison
This is the question every serious golf cart buyer needs answered: does your use case require 36V, 48V, or 72V? No other specification shapes your cart's performance, range, compatibility, and long-term cost as fundamentally as voltage. This guide covers all three side by side.
For a deeper dive, see our complete golf cart voltage guide.
Master Comparison Table
| Feature | 36V | 48V | 72V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 12–15 mph | 15–20 mph | 20–25 mph |
| Range — AGM | 15–25 miles | 25–40 miles | 30–50 miles |
| Range — Lithium | 30–45 miles | 45–70 miles | 50–90 miles |
| Hill climbing | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Street-legal (LSV) | No | Some models | Most models |
| Battery replace cost | $400–$700 | $600–$900 | $900–$1,400 |
| New cart availability | Rare (legacy) | Very common | Common (LSV) |
| Best for | Budget used, flat terrain | Everyday residential | Road-legal, heavy use |
Voltage and Speed
Every 12 volts of additional voltage adds roughly 3–5 mph of top speed in similar motor configurations:
- 36V: 12–15 mph — adequate for a golf course or flat backyard but slow for neighborhood streets
- 48V: 15–20 mph — comfortable neighborhood and campground speed
- 72V: 20–25 mph — fast enough for LSV road use on streets posted up to 35 mph
Read more in golf cart voltage and speed.
Voltage and Range
More voltage means more efficient power delivery to the motor:
- 36V + AGM: You're looking at 15–25 miles in real conditions
- 48V + AGM: 25–40 miles is typical
- 72V + Lithium: The long-range king at 50–90 miles per charge
The biggest range gains come from switching to lithium within any voltage system. See golf cart voltage and range for full estimates.
Voltage and Brands
| Voltage | TIGON Brands Available |
|---|---|
| 36V | Older Club Car DS, E-Z-GO TXT, Yamaha G-series (used) |
| 48V | Denago Nomad XL/Rover, Evolution Carrier, ICON, Epic, Club Car Tempo/Precedent, E-Z-GO RXV/TXT |
| 72V | Denago City, Evolution D5 Maverick LSV, Swift EV, Tara EV, Teko EV |
Browse our full inventory to see what's in stock at your nearest location.
Who Should Buy Each Voltage
36V is right for you if:
- You're buying an older used cart at a significant discount
- Your property is flat and you only need 15 miles or less of range
- Budget is the absolute top priority
48V is right for you if:
- You want a new cart for any purpose (48V is the standard)
- You use the cart in a neighborhood, campground, or golf course
- You carry 2–4 passengers regularly
- You want good performance without the cost premium of 72V
72V is right for you if:
- You want a street-legal cart for public roads
- You navigate significant hills
- You need commercial-grade range and performance
- You're buying an Evolution D5 Maverick LSV, DENAGO City, Swift EV, or Tara EV
Still deciding? Use our ultimate buyer's guide or call 1-844-844-6638 and our team will help you choose.