As a golf cart DIY enthusiast, I’ve always enjoyed tweaking my cart for better performance, range, and reliability. One of the most common questions I get is: “Can I use 12 volt LiFePO4 batteries to power my golf cart?” The short answer is yes—and not only is it possible, it’s also one of the smartest upgrades you can make. In this article, I’ll break down why 12V LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are a solid choice, and how to optimize them in series to meet the voltage and legal requirements for road-ready carts.

🔋 Why Consider 12V LiFePO4 Batteries?

Before diving into voltage setups, let’s understand why LiFePO4 is the go-to battery chemistry for golf cart conversions:

• Long Cycle Life – 3000–5000+ cycles, significantly longer than lead-acid batteries.

• Lightweight – About half the weight of traditional batteries, reducing strain on the cart.

• High Discharge Capability – Delivers steady power without voltage sag.

• Low Maintenance – No watering, no sulfation, no acid leaks.

• Safer Chemistry – Excellent thermal stability and built-in Battery Management System (BMS) protection.

These benefits alone make LiFePO4 ideal for both on-course use and legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) conversions for street driving.

⚙️ Is 12V Enough to Run a Golf Cart?

Here’s the deal: 12V alone is not enough, but a bank of 12V LiFePO4 batteries in series is.

Golf carts typically operate on:

• 36V systems (3 x 12V batteries)

• 48V systems (4 x 12V batteries)

• Some high-performance models use 72V

So while a single 12V battery can’t power a golf cart, combining multiple 12V LiFePO4 batteries in series can easily achieve the necessary voltage.

🔧 How I Built My 48V System Using 12V LiFePO4 Batteries

For my street-legal cart conversion, I needed a 48V system that could handle long rides and road usage. Here’s how I built it:

1. Battery Selection

I chose four 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries, each with built-in BMS and rated for high current output. I specifically looked for batteries that support continuous discharge of 100A and peak discharge of 200A, suitable for my 4kW motor.

2. Series Connection (Not Parallel)

To reach 48V, I wired the four batteries in series, connecting:

• Positive of Battery 1 ➡ Negative of Battery 2

• Battery 2 ➡ Battery 3 ➡ Battery 4

• Then, main power output from:

  • Positive of Battery 4

  • Negative of Battery 1

This gives me a total system voltage of 48V (4 x 12V = 48V).

Tip: Never mix new and old batteries or different brands in one bank—always match them to ensure consistent performance.

3. Charger Upgrade

LiFePO4 batteries require a dedicated lithium charger. I swapped my old lead-acid charger for a 48V LiFePO4 smart charger with proper charge curves (constant current/constant voltage and auto cut-off at 58.4V).

4. Monitoring System

I installed a Bluetooth battery monitor (like Victron or Renogy) to track real-time voltage, current, and state of charge (SOC). This helps me ensure balanced charging and avoid over-discharge.

✅ Legal Considerations: Making Your Cart Road-Ready

If you're planning to make your cart street legal, most jurisdictions require:

• Minimum 48V power system

• Functional headlights, taillights, turn signals

• Windshield, mirrors, horn

• Seat belts (in some cases)

Using a 48V system made from 12V LiFePO4 batteries satisfies both the performance and legal voltage requirements, and ensures longer range and faster charging, essential for urban or neighborhood commuting.

🔄 Expandability & Flexibility

Another reason I love using 12V LiFePO4 batteries is modularity. If I ever want to increase capacity (amp-hours), I can easily:

• Add another set of 4 x 12V batteries in parallel to double capacity (e.g., from 100Ah to 200Ah).

• Build custom configurations (e.g., 6 x 12V for 72V systems).

Just remember: Series first, then parallel. Always build strings with matched batteries before paralleling multiple strings.

🧰 Maintenance & Longevity

Since switching from lead-acid to LiFePO4, my maintenance routine has dropped to zero. I no longer worry about:

• Acid spills

• Water top-ups

• Sulfation or early capacity loss

With smart charging and regular monitoring, LiFePO4 batteries can last over 10 years, giving you the best long-term ROI.

🔚 Final Thoughts: Why 12V LiFePO4 is a DIY Game-Changer

In summary, 12V LiFePO4 batteries offer a powerful, modular, and safe solution for any golf cart enthusiast looking to upgrade or convert their cart to lithium power. By configuring 12V units in series, you can easily meet the power needs of a 36V, 48V, or even 72V cart—without compromising safety, range, or performance.

If you’re into DIY builds, 12V LiFePO4s are the most versatile foundation you can work with. They give you the flexibility to scale your system, the durability to outlast your cart, and the peace of mind that comes with safe, green energy.

Recommended Setup:

• ✅ 4 x 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries

• ✅ 48V LiFePO4 Charger

• ✅ Smart BMS or Bluetooth Battery Monitor

• ✅ Proper fuse + circuit breaker installation

Ready to electrify your cart with next-gen lithium power? Trust me—it’s a ride you won’t regret.