Blog
How To Store Lithium Golf Carts Batteries In Winter?
Storing lithium golf cart batteries in winter requires maintaining a 30–50% state of charge (SoC) and keeping them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment (0–20°C / 32–68°F). Disconnect terminals to prevent parasitic drain, and use a LiFePO4-compatible maintenance charger if storing beyond 3 months. Avoid freezing temperatures—thermal stress below -10°C (14°F) risks irreversible capacity loss. Store upright on non-conductive surfaces to prevent short circuits.
How to Decode Your EZGO Golf Cart’s Date Code
What’s the ideal temperature range for winter storage?
Lithium batteries thrive in 0–20°C (32–68°F) environments. While LiFePO4 cells tolerate brief exposure to -20°C (-4°F), sustained cold degrades electrolyte conductivity. Pro Tip: Insulate batteries with neoprene sleeves if garage temps dip below freezing. For example, a 48V LiFePO4 pack stored at 50% SoC in a 10°C shed retains 99% capacity after 6 months vs. 85% at -5°C.
Beyond avoiding extreme cold, temperature stability matters. Fluctuations between freezing and room temps cause micro-cracks in anode materials, accelerating capacity fade. Thermal runaway risks jump 5x if stored near heaters (>35°C). But what if your garage isn’t climate-controlled? Use a temperature-regulated storage box with 12V heating pads ($30–50) for localized warmth. Just ensure ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Transitional phrase: Additionally, pairing insulation with periodic SoC checks ensures longevity.
| Chemistry | Safe Temp Range | Max Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 | -20°C to 45°C | 12 months |
| NMC | -10°C to 40°C | 9 months |
Should I fully discharge lithium batteries before winter storage?
Never store lithium batteries fully discharged—voltages below 2.5V per cell trigger permanent damage. LiFePO4 performs best at 30–60% SoC (3.2–3.3V/cell). Pro Tip: For a 48V system, set storage voltage to 51.2V (3.2V x 16 cells) using a programmable charger. For example, a 100Ah battery at 40% SoC loses just 2–3% charge monthly vs. 8% at 100% SoC.
Practically speaking, higher SoC levels speed up calendar aging. At 25°C, a LiFePO4 cell stored at 100% SoC loses 3% capacity/year, while 50% storage cuts loss to 1%. How often should you check stored batteries? Use a Bluetooth BMS ($15–30) to monitor voltage monthly. Transitional phrase: Moreover, balancing cells before storage prevents voltage drift—imbalanced packs self-discharge unevenly, risking over-discharge in weak cells.
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
How to prevent moisture damage during storage?
Seal battery terminals with dielectric grease and store in IP65-rated containers with silica gel packs. Relative humidity >80% corrodes aluminum casings and cell welds. Pro Tip: Place batteries on wooden pallets—concrete floors “sweat” in temperature swings, creating condensation. For example, coastal regions with salty air require monthly terminal cleaning to avoid resistive buildup.
But what if your storage area floods? Use waterproof battery boxes ($40–80) with pressure-equalization vents. Transitional phrase: Additionally, avoid plastic wraps—trapped moisture fosters mold growth on connectors. Instead, opt for breathable fabric covers. Check our Understanding the Lifespan of Trojan Golf Cart Batteries for corrosion prevention techniques.
Can I leave batteries in the golf cart during winter?
Only if the cart is stored in a climate-controlled garage with trickle charge maintenance. Parasitic drains (GPS, alarms) deplete 1–5% charge monthly. Pro Tip: Disconnect the main negative terminal to halt discharge. For example, a 48V battery left connected in a -10°C shed dropped to 10% SoC in 2 months, triggering BMS lockout.
Moreover, tire pressure drops in cold temps, risking flat spots. Transitional phrase: Always inflate tires to 20–22 PSI and lift the cart off the ground. But why risk it? Removing batteries eliminates weather-dependent variables. Use a battery tender like NOCO Genius ($100) for multi-month storage—it reactivates if voltage falls below 47V.
| Storage Method | Capacity Loss (6 Months) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| In-cart, connected | 8–12% | High (BMS failure) |
| Removed, 50% SoC | 1–3% | Low |
How often should I check stored batteries?
Check voltage and SoC every 3 months. LiFePO4 self-discharges 2–3% monthly, so a 50% SoC battery hits 35–40% in 6 months—still safe. Pro Tip: Use Wi-Fi-enabled monitors like Victron BMV-712 ($150) for real-time tracking. For instance, a 36V pack dropping to 35V needs a 30-minute boost charge to 37.8V (3.15V/cell).
But what if you’re away all winter? Configure BMS low-voltage alerts (e.g., 3.0V/cell) to SMS/email. Transitional phrase: Additionally, annual capacity tests using a load tester ($80) confirm health—a 100Ah battery should deliver ≥95Ah after storage.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Only if temps stay above -10°C (14°F). Below that, use insulated boxes with 10W heating pads. Never let batteries freeze—LiFePO4 survives but loses 15% capacity if stored at -20°C.
Should I charge batteries periodically during storage?
Only if voltage drops below 3.0V/cell. Charging every 3–4 months to 50% SoC offsets self-discharge. Use chargers with storage presets (e.g., 3.3V/cell) to avoid overcharging.
