Common Lithium Myths
Lithium Battery Conversions are Simple Conversions - MYTH
On paper, converting your golf cart from lead acid to lithium looks relatively simple.
The reality is... that a lithium conversion will take a single competently trained technician close to 2 full days to complete.
Unfortunately, a common misconception from many Youtubers and battery/golf cart service centers is that a lithium conversion is a simple, 4-5 hour job, and you can have your cart back the next day. This could be true, but a lithium conversion is not something we ever recommend rushing.
Converting a golf cart from lead acid to lithium requires patience, attention to detail, and efficiency. Our staff at B.E.S.T. looks at your golf carts electrical and battery system not just as a power source, but a piece of art that you can be proud of. Your battery tray should look immaculate when the job is done, with wires and cables routed smoothly. Most of the time, extending cables/wires or creating new ones is required. When shopping around for lithium upgrade services, make sure to ask what the experience level of the technicians is with electrical systems and batteries. Do not let technicians "jerry rig" your lithium golf cart to speed up your installation! This can expose you to dangerous electrical hazards, or cause ugly cosmetic damage to your cart.
Your lithium battery setup may also require specialized mounting brackets. Most manufacturers supply "universal" mounting brackets, with the intention to fit most golf carts. But even then, these brackets might not fit perfectly. You do not want your lithium batteries to ever come loose while you're driving, because a technician was complacent when securing it! Lithium batteries should be fastened down tight and never come loose.
We at B.E.S.T. are proud of our work, and will walk you through the entire process so you are comfortable and understand what work we are performing. Your golf cart is a reflection of who you are, and you should only want the B.E.S.T.!
Unfortunately, a common misconception from many Youtubers and battery/golf cart service centers is that a lithium conversion is a simple, 4-5 hour job, and you can have your cart back the next day. This could be true, but a lithium conversion is not something we ever recommend rushing.
Converting a golf cart from lead acid to lithium requires patience, attention to detail, and efficiency. Our staff at B.E.S.T. looks at your golf carts electrical and battery system not just as a power source, but a piece of art that you can be proud of. Your battery tray should look immaculate when the job is done, with wires and cables routed smoothly. Most of the time, extending cables/wires or creating new ones is required. When shopping around for lithium upgrade services, make sure to ask what the experience level of the technicians is with electrical systems and batteries. Do not let technicians "jerry rig" your lithium golf cart to speed up your installation! This can expose you to dangerous electrical hazards, or cause ugly cosmetic damage to your cart.
Your lithium battery setup may also require specialized mounting brackets. Most manufacturers supply "universal" mounting brackets, with the intention to fit most golf carts. But even then, these brackets might not fit perfectly. You do not want your lithium batteries to ever come loose while you're driving, because a technician was complacent when securing it! Lithium batteries should be fastened down tight and never come loose.
We at B.E.S.T. are proud of our work, and will walk you through the entire process so you are comfortable and understand what work we are performing. Your golf cart is a reflection of who you are, and you should only want the B.E.S.T.!
Lithium Batteries Start Fires - MYTH
The belief that lithium batteries, including LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, are prone to starting fires is a common misconception. In reality, LiFePO4 batteries have a strong safety profile that sets them apart from other lithium-ion chemistries.
LiFePO4 batteries are known for their robust and stable chemistry, which significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway and fire incidents. They have a much higher thermal stability threshold compared to other lithium-ion batteries, making them more resistant to overheating. Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries have a lower risk of internal short circuits, a common cause of lithium-ion battery fires.
Moreover, LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with multiple layers of protection, including advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), which monitor and control voltage, temperature, and current, ensuring safe operation. These safety mechanisms are designed to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and over-temperature conditions.
In summary, the belief that LiFePO4 batteries, or lithium batteries in general, are prone to starting fires is a myth. LiFePO4 batteries are engineered with safety as a top priority and have a proven track record of reliability in a wide range of applications, including golf carts, forklifts, marine applications, and yes even your cell phone!
LiFePO4 batteries are known for their robust and stable chemistry, which significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway and fire incidents. They have a much higher thermal stability threshold compared to other lithium-ion batteries, making them more resistant to overheating. Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries have a lower risk of internal short circuits, a common cause of lithium-ion battery fires.
Moreover, LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with multiple layers of protection, including advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), which monitor and control voltage, temperature, and current, ensuring safe operation. These safety mechanisms are designed to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and over-temperature conditions.
In summary, the belief that LiFePO4 batteries, or lithium batteries in general, are prone to starting fires is a myth. LiFePO4 batteries are engineered with safety as a top priority and have a proven track record of reliability in a wide range of applications, including golf carts, forklifts, marine applications, and yes even your cell phone!
Lithium Batteries Are More Expensive - MYTH
The notion that LiFePO4 batteries for golf carts come at a higher price point than lead-acid batteries needs clarification...
While the initial upfront cost of LiFePO4 batteries is certainly higher, it's essential to consider their long-term cost-efficiency. These batteries boast a significantly longer lifespan, usually between 10 and 12 years. This longevity translates to reduced replacement costs and fewer maintenance expenses over time, making them a financially sound choice.
An example situation… the average cost to replace six 8-volt lead acid batteries (48V golf cart) will cost a consumer around $1,500, usually every 3 years (market average lifespan for lead acid batteries). Over the course of 10 years, a golf cart owner will likely have replaced lead acid batteries on average, about 3 times, equating to roughly $4500 in battery replacements. Whereas, the high up front cost of a LiFePO4 battery system typically runs between $3,000 and $5,000. A consumer switching to lithium can save an estimated $500 to $1,000, and eliminate the need for battery watering and terminal cleaning for 10 years!
While the initial upfront cost of LiFePO4 batteries is certainly higher, it's essential to consider their long-term cost-efficiency. These batteries boast a significantly longer lifespan, usually between 10 and 12 years. This longevity translates to reduced replacement costs and fewer maintenance expenses over time, making them a financially sound choice.
An example situation… the average cost to replace six 8-volt lead acid batteries (48V golf cart) will cost a consumer around $1,500, usually every 3 years (market average lifespan for lead acid batteries). Over the course of 10 years, a golf cart owner will likely have replaced lead acid batteries on average, about 3 times, equating to roughly $4500 in battery replacements. Whereas, the high up front cost of a LiFePO4 battery system typically runs between $3,000 and $5,000. A consumer switching to lithium can save an estimated $500 to $1,000, and eliminate the need for battery watering and terminal cleaning for 10 years!
LiFePO4 Batteries Can Use The Same Charger As Lead Acid - FALSE
While LiFePO4 Batteries can "technically" be charged with a traditional lead acid battery charger, it should NOT be recommended. These battery chemistries require different charging profiles to operate optimally and safely.
To get real nerdy here, lead-acid batteries typically undergo a multi-stage charging process, including bulk, absorption, and float stages, where a constant voltage is applied during absorption. LiFePO4 batteries, on the other hand, follow a different charge regimen, involving a Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) approach, with specific current and voltage levels at different stages.The use of a lead-acid charger on LiFePO4 batteries can lead to adverse outcomes. The charger may overcharge the LiFePO4 battery, which can result in safety hazards such as overheating and diminished battery life. LiFePO4 batteries are also more sensitive to voltage fluctuations and high currents during charging. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of LiFePO4 batteries, it is essential to use chargers explicitly designed for this chemistry, as they offer the correct charging profile and voltage levels to maximize performance and durability..
We here at B.E.S.T. have worked with the best suppliers in the industry to bring the highest quality LiFePO4-specific chargers to you. And best of all, they are INCLUDED in every upgrade.
To get real nerdy here, lead-acid batteries typically undergo a multi-stage charging process, including bulk, absorption, and float stages, where a constant voltage is applied during absorption. LiFePO4 batteries, on the other hand, follow a different charge regimen, involving a Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) approach, with specific current and voltage levels at different stages.The use of a lead-acid charger on LiFePO4 batteries can lead to adverse outcomes. The charger may overcharge the LiFePO4 battery, which can result in safety hazards such as overheating and diminished battery life. LiFePO4 batteries are also more sensitive to voltage fluctuations and high currents during charging. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of LiFePO4 batteries, it is essential to use chargers explicitly designed for this chemistry, as they offer the correct charging profile and voltage levels to maximize performance and durability..
We here at B.E.S.T. have worked with the best suppliers in the industry to bring the highest quality LiFePO4-specific chargers to you. And best of all, they are INCLUDED in every upgrade.
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