Golf Cart Battery Storage: Ideal Voltage Before Long-Term Storage

By TIGON Golf Carts Team

Golf Cart Battery Storage: Ideal Voltage and Care

Storing a golf cart battery improperly is one of the fastest ways to kill it. Lead-acid batteries left discharged will sulfate and lose capacity permanently. Lithium batteries stored at 100% for months degrade faster than those stored at partial charge. Here's what to do.

Storage Voltage by Chemistry

ChemistryIdeal Storage VoltageNotes
36V flooded lead-acid~38.2–38.4V (fully charged)Recharge monthly
48V flooded lead-acid~50.9–52.0V (fully charged)Recharge monthly
48V AGM~50.9–52.0V (fully charged)Recharge every 2–3 months
48V lithium (LiFePO₄)~51–54V (50–80% charge)Single charge; no monthly recharge needed
72V lithium~76–80V (50–80% charge)Single charge; no monthly recharge needed

Lead-Acid Storage Protocol

  • Fully charge the pack before storage
  • Clean all terminals and apply terminal protector spray
  • Disconnect the charger once full — don't leave a basic charger connected indefinitely
  • Recharge once a month during storage (self-discharge is ~5–10% per month)
  • Store in a cool, dry location — avoid freezing (fully charged lead-acid resists freezing much better than discharged)

    • Lithium Storage Protocol

  • Charge to 50–80% before storage (most BMS allows this; many have a "storage mode")
  • Disconnect the main power circuit if the cart has a parasitic draw
  • No monthly recharging needed — lithium self-discharges at ~1–3% per month
  • Avoid temperature extremes — store between 32°F and 80°F

    • Common Storage Mistakes

    • Leaving lead-acid at partial charge (causes sulfation — permanent capacity loss)
    • Storing lithium at 100% for 3+ months (accelerates calendar aging)
    • Storing the cart without first washing off salt, sand, or corrosive residue from the battery tops

    Have questions about winterizing your cart? Call 1-844-844-6638 or stop by any TIGON location.

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