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What Is Golf Cart Group Size GC2 Battery?
Golf Cart Group Size GC2 batteries are standardized power units designed for golf carts, adhering to BCI (Battery Council International) specifications for physical dimensions and terminal placement. Originally used for lead-acid batteries, GC2 now includes lithium-ion variants (LiFePO4) offering 48V voltage, 30–50Ah capacities, and up to 6,000 cycles. These batteries enable parallel configurations for scalable energy storage (30–90Ah+) and feature UN38.3/CE certifications for safety, making them ideal for golf carts, low-speed EVs, and industrial vehicles.
48V 100Ah Golf Cart Lithium Battery (200)
What are the physical specifications of GC2 batteries?
GC2 batteries follow BCI Group GC2 standards with dimensions around 264mm (L) × 182mm (W) × 285mm (H). This standardized size ensures compatibility with existing golf cart battery trays designed for 6V/8V lead-acid units. Weight varies significantly: lithium versions weigh ~28kg (vs. 55kg for lead-acid), enabling 50% weight reduction for improved vehicle efficiency. Terminal types include SAE posts for universal connectivity.
Practically speaking, GC2’s compact design allows stacking 4–6 units in standard golf cart battery compartments. For example, Trojan’s TR-GC2-48-G lithium battery maintains exact Group GC2 footprints while delivering 48V/30Ah. Pro Tip: Use anti-vibration pads with lithium GC2 batteries—their lighter weight increases susceptibility to tray movement during off-road use.
How do lithium GC2 batteries differ from lead-acid versions?
Lithium GC2 batteries replace traditional lead-acid units with LiFePO4 chemistry, offering 3–5x cycle life (2,000 vs. 6,000 cycles) and 95% depth of discharge (vs. 50% for lead-acid). Energy density improvements (120–150Wh/kg vs. 30–50Wh/kg) reduce weight by 60% while maintaining voltage stability under load. Charging efficiency reaches 98% compared to lead-acid’s 70–85%, cutting recharge times to 2–3 hours.
| Parameter | Lithium GC2 | Lead-Acid GC2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 6,000 cycles | 1,200 cycles |
| Weight | 28kg | 55kg |
| Peak Power | 5kW | 2.8kW |
Beyond performance metrics, lithium variants eliminate acid leakage risks and maintenance needs. A real-world example: JREPower’s 48V/50Ah lithium GC2 battery delivers 2.56kWh per unit—equivalent to 3x lead-acid counterparts. Pro Tip: Install battery monitoring systems (BMS) when mixing lithium GC2 units—cell balancing is critical in parallel configurations.
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48V Lithium Golf Cart Battery Category
What voltage/capacity options exist for GC2 systems?
Standard GC2 lithium batteries operate at 48V nominal voltage (51.2V fully charged), with capacities configurable via parallel connections. Base units typically provide 30Ah (Trojan) or 50Ah (JREPower), expandable to 90Ah+ through modular setups. Energy output scales linearly—three 48V/30Ah batteries in parallel deliver 48V/90Ah (4.32kWh), sufficient for 18-hole golf courses with 40km ranges.
Consider a 72V system? While uncommon, some lithium GC2 derivatives support series connections. For instance, linking two 48V units creates 96V systems (needs specialized controllers). Pro Tip: Use color-coded bus bars in multi-battery arrays—miswiring during tournament prep can cause hours of downtime.
How does temperature affect GC2 battery performance?
Lithium GC2 batteries operate optimally at 0–45°C, with built-in BMS thermal cutoff at -20°C/60°C. Cold weather (<5°C) reduces available capacity by 15–20%, while high temperatures (>40°C) accelerate degradation—every 10°C above 25°C halves cycle life. Comparatively, lead-acid GC2 units lose 50% capacity at 0°C but tolerate heat better (up to 50°C).
| Condition | Lithium GC2 | Lead-Acid GC2 |
|---|---|---|
| -10°C Capacity | 80% | 30% |
| 45°C Cycle Life | 3,000 cycles | 800 cycles |
Why does this matter? Golf carts stored in unheated winter sheds require battery blankets for lithium GC2 preservation. Pro Tip: Install temperature sensors in battery compartments—sudden summer heatwaves can trigger BMS shutdowns mid-game.
What certifications ensure GC2 battery safety?
Certified lithium GC2 batteries carry UN38.3 (transport), CE (EMC), and UL 2580 (EV compliance). These validate crash protection (10G vibration resistance), thermal runaway prevention (1mm ceramic-coated separators), and overcurrent protection (200A peak cutoff). Golf courses prioritize these certifications for insurance compliance—uncertified batteries void equipment warranties.
For example, Shenzhen JREPower’s GC2 units feature multi-layer protection: cell-level fuses, pressure relief valves, and CAN bus communication for real-time diagnostics. Pro Tip: Request certification documents pre-purchase—some vendors falsely claim UL listing without proper testing.
Can GC2 batteries power non-golf cart applications?
Yes, GC2’s standardized size enables use in solar storage, marine trolling motors, and industrial EVs. A 48V/50Ah unit provides 2.56kWh—enough for 24h RV lighting or 8h electric forklift operation. Modified terminal options (e.g., threaded inserts) facilitate integration with non-golf cart systems needing compact 48V power.
But what about voltage compatibility? Most 48V systems accept GC2 batteries directly, while 12V/24V setups require DC-DC converters. Pro Tip: When adapting GC2 for solar, use MPPT chargers—PWM types waste 20%+ energy with lithium’s flat voltage curves.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Only dimensionally—voltage profiles and BMS protocols vary. Mixing brands risks communication errors and uneven aging. Stick to one manufacturer per system.
How to dispose of aged GC2 lithium batteries?
Return to certified recycling centers—LiFePO4 contains nontoxic iron phosphate but requires specialized processing. Many vendors offer buyback programs.
