How to Convert a 6 Volt to a 12 Volt Golf Cart

The power for most electric golf carts is derived from a series of six-volt, lead-acid batteries. Typical combinations provide either 36 or 48 volts by linking six or eight six-volt batteries. If there is sufficient space in the battery box, fewer but larger 12-volt batteries can provide the power. These have the advantage of delivering more power and potentially using less space. The conversion from six-volt to 12-volt batteries requires the ability to use basic tools. An understanding of electrical circuits is advantageous.

Things You'll Need

  • Two or three 12-volt battery connecting leads
  • Three or four identical new 12-volt, deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries
  • Assorted wrenches
  • Wire brush
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish the voltage required by the golf cart. Count the six-volt batteries and multiply six by the number of batteries to find the total voltage. This will typically be 36 or 48 volts.

    • 2

      Divide the total voltage by 12 to establish the number of 12-volt batteries required. For a 48-volt cart, this would be four 12-volt batteries, and for a 36-volt cart, it would be three 12-volt batteries. Confirm that there is enough space in the battery box to hold the required number of 12-volt batteries.

    • 3

      Determine the amp-hour rating of the six-volt batteries. Find this printed on the battery casings or detailed in the battery manufacturer's technical data sheet. Acquire the correct number of identical 12-volt batteries with the same or higher amp-hour rating as the six-volt batteries. Higher amp-hour ratings will provide improved duration between recharging sessions.

    • 4

      Disconnect the cart wiring from the terminals of the six-volt batteries with a wrench and remove them from the golf cart. Examine the thick wires previously linking the six-volt batteries together. If they fit the terminals on the new batteries, clean them with a wire brush and reuse them. Alternatively, use new 12-volt battery connecting leads.

    • 5

      Find the positive battery lead in the cart. Place the first 12-volt battery in the cart battery box, aligned so the positive terminal is adjacent to the positive battery lead. Align the other batteries with opposite polarity terminals adjacent to each other. The final battery will have its negative terminal adjacent to the cart's negative battery lead.

    • 6

      Connect the batteries in series, using heavy-duty battery connecting leads to link the negative terminal of the first battery to the positive terminal of the second, and the negative of the second to the positive of the third. Repeat the process, linking all the batteries.

    • 7

      Ensure that the ignition switch is in the "Off" position. Connect the positive cart battery lead to the positive terminal of the first battery. Connect the negative cart battery lead to the negative terminal of the last battery.