Frequently Asked ICON Commercial Battery Questions

ICON Commercial (Formerly Cruise Car) batteries come in a variety of specifications and with varied technical needs. See all the most frequently asked questions about ICON EV batteries.

How long is my battery warranty from ICON Commercial?

All batteries that come in your new ICON Commercial will be covered for a period of two years. Exclusions for coverage would include the following:

• Lack of maintenance
• Undercharging the cart battery regularly
• Battery failure due to a third party outside electrical source or wiring issue
• Tampering with the charger or charger algorithms

When should I add water to my batteries*?

Water is lost during charging. Therefore, the best time to water your batteries is always at the end
of the charge cycle. However, if the electrolyte level is extremely low or the plates are exposed to air, add some water to cover the plates before starting the charge cycle.

*Serviceable Batteries Only

How much water should I put in my batteries?

The amount of water (electrolyte) in a wet-cell battery should be 1/8′′ - 1/4” below the bottom of the fill tubes that extend down from the opening of each battery. Only distilled water should be used to fill low water levels.

What should I do if I overfill my batteries?

• If you accidentally overfilled the battery but there is no overflow onto the top surface of
  the battery, the best thing to do is just to stop filling and let it be. If there was an overflow
  onto the top of the battery, remember that the overflow is acidic — do not let it touch your
  skin or clothing.
• Clean it with a rag or with paper towels by wiping away from the ports. Do not let the rag or paper towels get wet enough to drip on other parts of the car or anything. Rinse the rag or paper towel in a pail of water. Wear gloves and don't get the water on your hands.

Can my batteries freeze?

Yes. The only way that a battery can freeze is if it is left in a state of partial or complete discharge. As the state of charge in a battery decreases, the electrolyte becomes more like water and the freezing temperature increases. The freezing temperature of the electrolyte in a fully charged battery is -92°F. At a 40% state of charge, the electrolyte will freeze if the temperature reaches approximately 16°F.

Will my deep cycle batteries develop a memory?

No. Lead acid batteries do not develop any type of memory. This means that you do not have to deep discharge or completely discharge a battery before recharging it. For optimum life and performance, we generally recommend a discharge of 20 to 50% of the battery's rated capacity even though the battery is capable of being cycled to 80%.

Do batteries self-discharge when not in use?

Yes. All batteries, regardless of their chemistry, self-discharge. The rate of self-discharge depends on the type of battery, the age of the battery, and the storage temperature the batteries are exposed to. As an estimate, Trojan batteries self-discharge approximately 4% per week at 80°F.

Can I increase the life of my batteries?

• Yes. Recharging slowly and keeping your battery well maintained are the best ways to
  extend the life of your battery.
• Recharge a deep cycle battery as soon as possible after each use to prevent sulfation.
• In warmer climates and during the summer, watering is required more often. Check the
  electrolyte levels and add distilled water, if required. Never add electrolyte to a battery
  that is not fully charged, just add distilled water and do not overfill. The plates must be
  covered at all times.
• High ambient temperatures (above 80°F) will shorten battery life because it increases
  positive grid corrosion and growth.
• Shallower the average depth-of-discharge (DoD), increases the battery life. For example, a
  battery with an average of 50% DoD will last twice as long or more as an 80% DoD; a 20%
  DoD battery will last five times longer than a 50% DoD. For example, golf cart batteries will
  average 225 cycles at 80% DoD and increase to 750 cycles at 50% DoD.

What are the most common causes of premature battery failure?

• Loss of electrolyte due to heat or overcharging.
• Lead sulfation from extended storage.
• Undercharging.
• Old age.
• Excessive vibration.
• Freezing or high temperatures.
• Using tap water which causes calcium sulfation. (you should use distilled water only)
• Positive grid corrosion or growth due to high temperatures.

Are AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries better than Lead Acid batteries?

Yes. AGM batteries are a good option to be used in golf carts. There are numerous reasons and
advantages for this. However, there are a few disadvantages as well.
A few of the advantages include:

• The AGM battery is capable of charging slightly faster
• It provides a depth-of-discharge of 80%
• The batteries are spill-proof thanks to its acid encapsulation
• AGM batteries are resistant to vibrations
• They are less likely to have sulfation build up
• It has fewer electrolytes
• This battery works well in cold temperatures

A few of the disadvantages are:

• AGM batteries manufacturing cost is more than flooded lead-acid batteries
• They are sensitive to overcharging
• It must be stored in a fully charged condition
• Reduced life-span in hotter climates

Therefore, AGM batteries are a great option for use in golf carts. This is because they offer high
currents and are also spill-proof. You don’t have to worry about the buildup of sulfation and you also do not have to worry about watering the batteries.

For most people, watering lead acid batteries on a monthly basis is a hated task. In addition, so many individuals improperly maintain their water level in the batteries and destroy them. However, if you decide to make the switch to AGM batteries, you just have to keep in mind that you will need to have your dealer update your charger algorithm for proper charging.

I just got my new cart, do I need to “break in” my batteries?

Yes. New batteries are initially about 75% of their full strength. The following procedure will ensure
they reach their full potential. The first 10 to 20 complete charge/discharge cycles are critical to ensure they reach 100%. New batteries should be charged before use and thereafter as follows:

Plug the charger in and leave it alone until the charger shuts off by itself. Then drive to discharge the batteries to 75% of battery pack capacity (see chart for voltage readings or use 9 holes of golf as a reference point) Plug the cart back in and repeat the charge cycle. It is very important you let it charge until it is completely done. Repeat this for the first 10 to 20 cycles. By the 12th cycle you will notice a difference in power, speed, and run-time. I have never had a customer say they have not noticed the increase.

Most importantly, never run the battery pack down below 50% of capacity throughout their entire life. Never leave the batteries in a state of discharge for extended periods of time. Recharge the pack every 2 weeks if the cart is sitting idle or in storage. And when in doubt, recharge it.

Do I really have to? I only went to the store and back.

YES! Park your cart within the length of the supplied charging cable to an outlet. Try to utilize an outlet that is on its own circuit or has extremely limited draw from other items on the same circuit. You will not be able to charge your cart on the same circuit as your refrigerator. Once the cord is plugged into your outlet, you may now plug into your cart's charge receptacle. You will notice that you have a little charge indicator on the body. That charge indicator will always light up red once the charger kicks on.

The charge indicator will go from red to yellow to green depending on the state of charge. Do not
interrupt the charge cycle until the charge indicator is green. You can leave the charge cord plugged in at all times as the charger has a built in shut off once it achieves a full state of charge. However, the charger does not act as a trickle charger and once it is off it will not turn back on unless it is unplugged from the cart and plugged back into the cart.