Risk of Cheap Lithium Batteries

Caution: Cheap lithium batteries can damage Golf Cart motors Series and/or Sepex (separately excited). The potential for damage comes from issues with current delivery, voltage spikes, and an ineffective Battery Management System (BMS) in low-quality batteries. This type of damage isn’t covered under our warranty.

How cheap lithium batteries can cause damage

• Weak Battery Management System (BMS): A cheap lithium battery may have a BMS that is inadequate or poorly programmed for the high-power output demanded by a golf cart. The BMS is supposed to protect the battery from overheating and over-discharging. A cheap, malfunctioning BMS can cause the battery to fail without properly signaling the controller, potentially sending damaging power surges.
• Excessive current and heat: Lithium batteries can deliver higher and more consistent current than lead-acid batteries. If the controller and wiring are not designed to handle this increased power output, the motor can overheat, and the components can melt or fail.
• Thermal runaway: Cheap batteries with insufficient safety features or manufacturing flaws are at a greater risk of thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction that can cause the battery to overheat, catch fire, or even explode, which would likely also destroy the cart's motor and electronics.
• Inconsistent power delivery: A low-quality battery or a pack with mismatched cells can deliver inconsistent power, causing the motor controller to struggle with power regulation. The resulting voltage irregularities and potential over-discharge of individual cells can cause significant strain and eventual failure of the entire system. 

The motor is the most vulnerable component

While a cheap battery can indirectly damage the motor controller, the motor is far more likely to fail first. 

• Voltage spikes: A poorly regulated lithium battery can send voltage spikes to the controller, which can damage its internal electronics.
• Overheating: The higher, more consistent current from a lithium battery, especially when paired with a high amp controller, can cause the controller to overheat. 

To protect your Series or Sepex motor and controller

1. Buy a reputable brand: Purchase a lithium battery conversion kit from a well-known manufacturer. EPOCH provides a system that’s engineered, tested, and optimized to work with specific golf cart models and their components, including the controller.
2. Match specifications: Use batteries of the correct voltage, capacity, and brand to ensure consistent power delivery. Mismatched cells or brands can lead to imbalances that cause premature failure.
3. Ensure compatibility: Verify that the new lithium battery is compatible with your cart's motor, controller, and wiring before installation. In many conversions, you will need to upgrade the controller and wiring to safely handle the increased power.