Type of Golf Cart: Electric

Problem: My Electric Golf Cart doesn't perform like I want. I need more Power (torque) or more Speed.

Discussion:

a. Electric golf carts are much easier to modify in terms of performance than gas powered golf carts.

b. Small gas engines are constantly subjected to ever increasing EPA regulations which also can limit power.

c. At the same time, electric and electronic technology for electric golf carts is progressing by leaps and bounds. Most of the upgrades in electric golf carts are as simple as changing out an electric motor or controller and possibly upgrading power cable size.

Need More Torgue?

If you are looking to gain more torque and are currently satisfied with the golf cart’s top end flat ground speed, your best bet would be to install a custom golf cart higher amperage controller. Located at 4,000 feet in the Appalachian Mountains of NC, we have the perfect testing ground to determine the torque of an electric golf car.

Most manufacturers typically use a 275 amp controller on 36V golf cars and a 225 amp controller on 48V golf cars. Upgrading to a 400 amp controller or higher will greatly improve your torque (climbing hills, pulling loads, etc.), but will not increase your top speed. Some extreme instances where very heavy loads are pulled up steep grades may also require a high torque, low rpm motor to be installed in conjunction with the higher amperage controller.

Need More Speed?

1. If you desire faster speeds and are satisfied with your torque or you are in a flat area where low end torque is not a relevant issue, you’ll probably want to invest in a higher speed golf cart motor. As mentioned above, a higher amperage golf cart controller will not increase your top end speed. But, a higher rpm motor, higher gear ratio (8:1 or 6:1), or more voltage to the motor will increase your speed.

2. In addition to changing the motor (mentioned above), higher gear ratios like 8:1 as opposed to the traditional 12.44:1 or 12.50:1 will tremendously increase your golf cart's top end flat ground speed. Be careful when installing these gears as they will kill your cart's low end torque. Not recommended for mountainous areas, or load pulling applications.

3. In some cases, your golf cart's electric motor may be rated to work within a voltage range (36V-48V). If this is the case and it is used in a 36V system, increasing the voltage to the motor will dramatically increase the rpm at which the motor turns. Be careful, as this may also require a power wiring change, controller change, and possibly a different forward and reverse switch.

We Can Help You

Whether you’re looking for more speed, more torque or both, we’ve got you covered at The Golf Car Catalog. We can help you build a custom golf cart to suit your various needs. If you have any questions during your upgrade process or would like help in designing your golf cart's electrical system, feel free to call and speak with our qualified electric golf car technicians. 1-800-328-1953.