Golf Car Battery Comparison
Data current as of June 2008
6 Volt (3 cell) Batteries
Manufacturer Low Capacity Reduced Capacity Standard Capacity Increased Capacity High Capacity
Type C20 RC Wgt Type C20 RC Wgt Type C20 RC Wgt Type C20 RC Wgt Type C20 RC Wgt
East Penn Deka ---------- GC10 190 100 59 GC15 215 115 63 GC25 235 132 67 ----------
Exide ---------- ---------- GC-110 (E-3600) 186 110 62 GC-135 (GC-5) 226 135 65 GC-145 (GC2-H) 245 155 68
NAPA (Exide) ---------- ---------- 8144 186 110 62 8146 226 135 65 ----------
Trojan ---------- ---------- T-105 225 115 62 T-125 240 132 66 T-145 260 145 72
US Battery US-1800 208 107 56 US-2000 216 114 59 US-2200 232 122 63 US-125 242 140 67 US-145 251 154 70
Notes: C20 = 20 hour amp-hour capacity
RC = 75 amp reserve capacity in minutes
Wgt = weight in US pounds.
Data provided by manufacturers.

8 Volt (4 cell) Batteries
Manufacturer Low Capacity Standard Capacity High Capacity
Type C20 RC56 RC75 Wgt Type C20 RC56 RC75 Wgt Type C20 RC56 RC75 Wgt
East Penn Deka ---------- GC8V 165 121 85 67 ----------
Exide ---------- GC8V-110 (E-4800) 150 110 78 63 ----------
NAPA ---------- 8148 150 110 78 63 ----------
Trojan T-860 150 90 62 56 T-875 170 117 82 63 T-890 190 132 92 69
US Battery ---------- 8VGC 170 128 90 64.5 8VGCHC 183 136 96 69
Notes: C20 = 20 hour amp-hour capacity
RC56 = 56 amp reserve capacity in min; RC75 = 75 amp reserve capacity in min
Wgt = weight in US pounds
Data provided by manufacturers, except RC75, calculated from manufacturers' data.

Recommendations:

Road EVs typically need a cruising current of 75-100 amps. Under acceleration, currents of 500 amps aren't uncommon. These are stressful current levels for golf car batteries. Many years of use by EV hobbyists suggests that, of the brands listed, Trojan and US Battery stand up best.

With 8 volt batteries, current limits should be reduced by 25% to maintain reasonable cycle life.

For flexibility, when designing battery boxes using golf car batteries, dimension for a maximum block length of 10 3/8", max width 7 3/16", and max height 11 5/8". Allow at least an additional 1/4" in length per battery for case swelling. Otherwise you may find yourself cutting old, tired batteries out of the box.

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in any of the products listed above.