Golf Cart Glossary: Every Term Defined
A
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): A type of sealed lead-acid battery where the electrolyte is absorbed in fiberglass matting. Maintenance-free but limited cycle life (500–1,000 cycles). See also: Lead-acid.
Ah (Amp-hours): A measure of battery capacity — the amount of current a battery can deliver over one hour. Higher Ah = more total energy stored. A 100Ah battery can deliver 10 amps for 10 hours.
Authorized Dealer: A dealer with a formal manufacturer agreement to sell, service, and warranty specific brands. Buying from an authorized dealer is the only way to ensure full factory warranty coverage.
B
Battery Pack: The complete battery assembly in a golf cart, including all individual cells, connections, and (for lithium) the Battery Management System (BMS).
BMS (Battery Management System): Electronic system in lithium battery packs that monitors and protects cells from overcharging, over-discharging, temperature extremes, and short circuits. Essential for safe lithium operation.
C
Charge Cycle: One complete discharge and recharge of a battery. Lithium batteries are typically rated for 3,000–5,000 cycles; lead-acid for 500–1,000.
CPO (Certified Pre-Owned): Used cart that has been inspected against a defined checklist before sale, with the dealer standing behind the results.
D
DOT: Department of Transportation. "DOT-approved" in golf cart context typically refers to FMVSS 500 compliance — the federal standard for Low Speed Vehicles.
Deep Cycle Battery: Battery designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly to a significant depth of discharge (unlike starter batteries which only discharge briefly). Golf cart batteries are deep-cycle.
E
EV (Electric Vehicle): Any vehicle powered by an electric motor and battery system. All modern electric golf carts are EVs.
F
FMVSS 500: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 — the federal regulation defining requirements for Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs). Carts must meet this standard to be legally registered and driven on public roads.
G
GC (Golf Cart): General term for personal electric or gas vehicles designed for low-speed transportation.
Ground Clearance: Distance between the lowest point of the vehicle's frame/drivetrain and the ground. Higher ground clearance = better off-road capability.
K
kWh (Kilowatt-hours): Unit of energy storage. A 5 kWh battery stores enough energy to power a 1,000-watt device for 5 hours. Used to measure electric vehicle range capability.
L
Lead-Acid Battery: Traditional rechargeable battery chemistry using lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte. Heavier and shorter-lived than lithium but lower upfront cost.
LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate): The specific lithium chemistry used in quality golf cart batteries. Safer and more stable than other lithium types (LiCoO₂, NMC). Standard abbreviation: LFP.
LSV (Low Speed Vehicle): Federal vehicle category (FMVSS 500). Electric or gas vehicles with top speeds of 20–25 mph, certified for road use on streets posted ≤35 mph.
Lithium Battery: Shorthand for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery packs used in golf carts. 3,000–5,000 cycle life, 10–15 year lifespan, near-zero maintenance.
M
MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): The manufacturer's recommended selling price. Starting point for dealer pricing; actual purchase price may be above or below.
N
NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle): Popular term for electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs). Factory-certified, road-legal electric carts for neighborhood and community transportation.
P
Payload: The maximum load a golf cart is designed to safely carry, including passengers and cargo. Measured in pounds.
R
Regen Braking (Regenerative Braking): System that captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it back to stored battery energy. Common in modern electric golf carts.
U
UTV (Utility Task Vehicle): Off-road vehicle category for high-load utility use. Different from golf carts: typically more powerful, higher payload, and not street-legal.
V
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 17-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to federally certified vehicles. LSV/NEV golf carts have VINs; standard recreational carts do not.
Volt (V): Unit of electrical potential. Golf cart battery systems are typically 36V, 48V, or 72V. Higher voltage = more power for same amperage.
W
Watt-hours (Wh): Energy measurement (Voltage × Amp-hours). A 48V, 100Ah battery = 4,800 Wh (4.8 kWh).
Related Guides in This Series
Part of the Education cluster:
- Golf Cart Knowledge Base — Master educational resource
- Golf Cart FAQ: Complete — 50+ answered questions
- Golf Cart Education: Complete — Full educational overview