Par Car Lithium Battery Review – 48V 210Ah – Bolt Energy USA

In this Par Car Lithium Battery Review, we take a look at the incredible performance improvements we've observed in this Par Car P5 after installing two 48V batteries to upgrade it up to 210Ah.

PAR CAR Lithium Battery Review - Exceeds Expectations

This review focuses on the performance of the Bolt Energy USA 210Ah LiFePO4 battery, which we installed in our Par Car P5 at the BEST Battery Shop in Wildwood, Florida. These Par Cars are a personal favorite of the BEST battery team, and many of our friends, family and neighbors have one of these models, although many of them our newer iterations than this P5.

After an incredibly smooth install, and over a year of daily use, we’ve seen significant improvements in range, charging speed, and overall performance. This upgrade replaced the original 8x 6V lead-acid batteries, the dual 48V 105Ah Bolt Energy batteries are a perfect fit with space to spare. Take a look at some of our pictures and see for yourself how much a lithium golf cart battery has improved this Par Cars’ performance.

For this Par Car installation, we also added a ton of additional features, including LED lights in the battery bay.

Here's a wide view of the Par Car with the seats up and the battery bay open.

Our Par Car lithium battery review includes the use of two Bolt Energy USA 51.2V 105/Ah.

Go Bills! The owners of this Par Car P5 are originally from western NY, and are big Buffalo Bills fans.

Par Car P5 Lithium Battery Upgrade with Bolt Energy USA

Upgrading to the Bolt Energy USA 210Ah, 51.2V LiFePO4 battery system involved a series of steps that ensured compatibility and long-term performance. As part of our Par Car lithium battery review, we’ve included a simplified step-by-step procedure for the installation:

Remove the Lead-Acid Batteries:
– We labeled all wires to ensure the proper reconnection before removing anything
– Removed the 8x 6V lead-acid batteries and set them aside for proper recycling.
– Cleaned the compartment thoroughly before moving any new equipment.
Install the New Power Wires:
– Installed new 2AWG power wires to connect the B+ and B- terminals to the solenoid and controller.
– Future-proofed the setup by ensuring compatibility with a potential Navitas AC setup (new electric motor).
Mount the Batteries:
– Drilled new holes for securing the Bolt Energy USA 210Ah batteries, using additional brackets.
– Installed the 18-Amp charger using the existing factory brackets on the side.
Reconnect Wires and Install Voltage Reducer:
– Reconnected all wires according to labels, ensuring secure connections.
– Installed a new voltage reducer, ensuring it was connected correctly for optimal operation.
Finalize with the SOC Meter:
– Replaced the old battery meter with a new State of Charge (SOC) meter, ensuring it was mounted securely.
– After securing everything, we powered on the system and performed the first test.

Performance Improvements over the first Year of Use

For this Par Car Lithium Battery review, we’ve documented a year of daily use information and anecdotes, we’ve found the Bolt Energy USA 210Ah LiFePO4 battery to be a game-changer. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:

Par Car Lithium Battery Review – Range and Efficiency:
– We saw a dramatic improvements in range after switching to LiFePO4. The 8x 6V lead-acid batteries gave us around 30-35 miles on a full charge. However, with the 210Ah LiFePO4 system, we now cover 75-85 miles per charge, depending on the terrain.
–> Range with Lead-Acid Setup: 30-35 miles
–> Range with LiFePO4 Setup: 75-85 miles
-This improvement is due to the LiFePO4 battery’s energy efficiency. It stores and discharges energy more effectively, meaning longer drives and fewer charges.
Par Car Lithium Battery Review – Charging Speed and Convenience:
-Charging time has been another huge benefit. With the lead-acid batteries, it would take around 8-12 hours to fully charge. With the LiFePO4 setup, we now charge from 0% to 100% in just 4-5 hours.
– We rarely run the system down to 0%, so we usually charge in less time.
–> Charge Time (Lead-Acid Setup): 8-12 hours
–> Charge Time (LiFePO4 Setup): 4-5 hours from 0% to 100%
Par Car Lithium Battery Review – Durability and Lifespan:
– One of the standout benefits of LiFePO4 batteries is their longevity. After one year, we’ve noticed no performance drop-off at all.
– The battery is performing as well as it did when we first installed it. The SOC gauge has been perfectly accurate throughout, offering reliable feedback on remaining charge.
– Lead-Acid Battery Lifespan: 3-4 years (with proper maintenance)
– LiFePO4 Battery Lifespan: 10 years
– The Bolt Energy USA LiFePO4 battery lasts 3 times longer than lead-acid batteries, with little to no maintenance required.
Par Car Lithium Battery Review – Weight and Handling:
-The weight reduction was immediate and noticeable. We removed 8x 6V lead-acid batteries, each weighing around 70 lbs, for a total of 560 lbs.
– In their place, we installed two 100lb lithium batteries, totaling 200 lbs. This resulted in a 360 lbs reduction.
– Weight of 8x 6V Lead-Acid Batteries: 560 lbs
– Weight of 2x 100lb LiFePO4 Batteries: 200 lbs
– Total Weight Reduction: 360 lbs
– The lighter weight made the cart much easier to maneuver, especially on hilly terrain.
– The reduction in weight also helped improve acceleration and ride comfort, as the strain on the cart’s suspension was significantly reduced.
Par Car Lithium Battery Review – Maintenance and Cost Savings:
– Maintenance is where the LiFePO4 battery really shines. There’s no need to check water levels or clean terminals, unlike with lead-acid batteries, which require constant maintenance. The Bolt Energy USA LiFePO4 battery has been maintenance-free, saving both time and money.
– The upfront cost of LiFePO4 is higher, but its long lifespan and low maintenance make it a solid investment that pays off over time.

Considerations from an authorized Dealer of Bolt Energy USA

While the Bolt Energy USA 210Ah LiFePO4 battery has been fantastic, there are a few things to keep in mind about the use of Lithium Batteries, and the proper disposal of old lead-acid batteries. We’re including this info in our Par Car Lithium Battery Review for those looking to DIY their carts:

Temperature Sensitivity: LiFePO4 batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you’re using the cart in cold climates, it’s important to store it in a space that reduces heat loss.
Cleaning Up the Lead-Acid Mess: If you’re upgrading from lead-acid, you’ll need to clean up any corrosion or residue left behind by the old batteries. This is crucial for ensuring the LiFePO4 battery works optimally.
Handling the Batteries: LiFePO4 batteries can be heavy, and installing them requires some effort. Make sure you have the proper tools or assistance when handling the batteries.
Recycling Lead-Acid Batteries: Proper disposal of old lead-acid batteries is essential. At BEST Battery, we take care of the recycling process, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Although the average Lithium Battery LiFePO4 setup has a higher initial cost than simply replacing a lead acid setup with another lead acid setup, It is important to understand that the longevity and other benefits of lithium will pay dividends on your investment over time. Broad benefits in our Par Car Lithium Battery Review include:

No maintenance required.
Faster charge times.
Safer storage with less risk of leaks.
Longer lifespan (10 years vs. 3-4 years for lead-acid).
Lighter weight, improving handling.
10-year warranty, serviced domestically by Bolt Energy.
No power loss under load.
Scalable range from 25 miles to 100 miles.

About Best Battery - Your Golf Cart Lithium Battery Experts

This Par Car Lithium Battery Review comes curtesy of the team over here at BEST Battery. We are a family owned business local to Central Florida, our shop in Wildwood is just outside The Villages, where we do everything from golf cart battery installations to accessories. We distribute installation kits across the country, but from our shop here in Florida, we’re able to provide local installations, just like this Par Car P5.

By tracking and sifting-out the best available products, and providing open and honest alternatives to our customers, we’ve been able to provide solutions and expertise to our friends and family in The Villages, and beyond! At present, our expertise at BEST Battery is upgrading electric golf carts and other EVs to the highest quality lithium batteries on the market. Maintenance-free, high energy, and long lasting energy storage for golf carts is the goal, and we are providing just that for our great customers in Central Florida and well beyond.

In this Par Car lithium battery review, we’ve highlighted many of the benefits of upgrading to Lithium, as well as some of our personal tips and recommendations. As an authorized dealer of Bolt Energy USA, we’re huge fans of their LiFePO4 batteries. This tech provides longer-lasting, more efficient, and safer power for your Electric Vehicle (EV).

Don’t settle for just any battery conversion — BEST Battery provides customized solutions, expert installation, expertise and unmatched aftercare, making us the best choice for your Polaris Ranger lithium battery upgrade.

Ready to give your Par Car and upgrade? Contact BEST Battery today to get your own DIY Kit or to schedule an installation with our local team.