Q: Will updating my cart from 36-volt to 48-volt make a difference in my speed or range?
A: The answer is both! When you increase the voltage in the battery pack you effectively raise the power the cart needs for the controller to go faster and have more miles of driving. Newer Sepex controllers series use a speed sensor so your cart would be limited to how much the controller is monitoring the speed as there are limits programmed to control the maximum speed.
Q: I have a 36-volt electric cart. What would I have to do to upgrade the cart to 48 or 72-volts?
A: You would have to add as many batteries as you would need, and add a supporting charger, a solenoid and a controller. Certain controllers are compatible with different voltage ranges, so be sure to check what controller you are running first. Most motors can withstand a voltage increase but with a shorter lifespan. It is best to upgrade everything new if you can to avoid any issues in the future.
Q: What is a good motor controller combo?
A: There are many selections on the market, many with advanced controllers and even DC to AC conversion kits. Factors depend on driving terrain and type of usage you wish to use the cart for. Higher amp controllers help with torque but not necessarily any more top speed. There are speed-oriented motors that add a higher top speed by increasing the magnetic field, causing the motor to spin faster. Top names such as Navitas, Alltrax and Plum Quick are industry specialists on getting the top performance out of your cart.
Q: Should I go with an AC cart over a DC based setup?
A: DC (direct current) carts have been around since the creation of the very first carts so they have a tried and true history. AC (alternating current) carts are more efficient by design and will give you better performance and runtime. I equate it to carburetors vs fuel injection. They both do the same thing, but fuel injection is just that much better. If money is no object, usually the better bet is always going AC; however, that may not be in everyone’s budget so a DC cart is just as good for having fun in the sun. Happy Carting everyone!
