BCI Group GC12 Batteries - 12 Volt Golf Cart Batteries

BCI Group GC12 batteries are deep cycle, heavy-duty batteries intended for automotive, off-the-grid, and light industrial applications where strong and durable batteries are required as reliable sources of energy.

GC12 batteries are also known as 12V golf cart batteries, but they are also commonly used as trolling motor batteries, RV house batteries, power inverter batteries, in medical and security systems, etc.

Updated: March 26, 2024.

BCI Group GC12 Battery Features and Specifications

BCI Group GC12 batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 12 7/8 x 7 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches (12.875 x 7.1875 x 10.875 inches, 327 x 183 x 277 mm) and a nominal voltage of 12 volts.

For a long time, GC12 batteries have been exclusively lead-acid wet/flooded batteries, but in recent times, both sealed lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries have been on the market.

When compared with similar GC2/GC2H and GC8/GC8H batteries, GC12 batteries feature higher voltage (12V vs 6&8 volts) and they are also somewhat larger (L x W x H):

• Group GC2: 10 3/8 x 7 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches (10.375 x 7.1875 x 10.875 inches, 264 x 183 x 277 mm),
• Group GC2H: 10 3/8 x 7 3/16 x 11 5/8 inches (10.375 x 7.1875 x 11.625 inches, 264 x 183 x 295 mm),
• Group GC8: 10 3/8 x 7 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches (10.375 x 7.1875 x 10.625 inches, 264 x 183 x 277 mm),
• Group GC8H: 10 3/8 x 7 3/16 x 11 5/8 inches (10.375 x 7.1875 x 11.625 inches, 264 x 183 x 295 mm),
• Group GC12: 12 7/8 x 7 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches (12.875 x 7.1875 x 10.875 inches, 327 x 183 x 277 mm).

The most popular GC12 batteries with their most important features and specifications are given in the following comparison chart:

Of course, there are other models on the market as well.

GC12 batteries are used as a single battery (12V systems), for making larger 12V battery packs (batteries connected in parallel), for making 24V, 36V, and 48V battery packs (battery connected in series and sometimes in parallel, too).

Note: when connecting the batteries in parallel and/or series, always use the same battery model from the same manufacturer, preferably from the same batch.

Flooded lead-acid GC12 batteries are not maintenance-free batteries - they feature a nominal voltage of 12V, nominal (20h) capacity of ~150 Ah, RC value of ~280 min (~70 min @75A), and they weigh ~82-85 pounds (~37-39 kg).

AGM lead-acid GC12 batteries are sealed, spill-proof and maintenance-free batteries - most models recombine up to or even more than 99% of produced oxygen and hydrogen back into the water.

On average, AGM group GC12 batteries feature a nominal voltage of 12V, nominal capacity of ~155 Ah, RC value of ~350 min (~90 min @75A) and they weigh 90-91 pounds (~41 kg).

Lithium GC12 batteries are not as common as lead-acid batteries, but there are several Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery models labeled as "12V GC2 lithium batteries", which may with GC12 battery compartments and unlike lead-acid GC2 batteries (which are 6V batteries), these "lithium GC2 batteries" are 12V batteries.

The main disadvantage of the lithium GC12/GC2 batteries is their higher initial price, which can be rather high, especially if 24V, 36V or 48V battery packs are required.

However, thanks to their lightweight design, support for a very high number of charging/discharging cycles (even down to 100% DoD), simple maintenance, etc., lithium GC12/G2 batteries in the long run actually save money.

GC12 Batteries as Trolling Motor Batteries

Deep cycle GC12 batteries have garnered attention for their effectiveness as power sources for trolling motors in marine applications. Characterized by their durability and longevity, GC12 batteries offer several advantages that make them suitable for this specific use.

One of the primary attributes of GC12 batteries is their deep-cycle nature, designed to provide steady power output over extended periods. Unlike starter batteries, which deliver a high burst of energy to start engines, deep-cycle batteries like the GC12 offer a consistent energy supply.

This trait is crucial for trolling motors and other similar applications, which require a continuous power flow for prolonged operations during fishing or cruising in calm waters.

For example, the maximum discharge current of trolling motors is kept below 60 Amps, which should not be a problem for 150+ Ah lead-acid and especially lithium batteries.

Note: If your trolling motor is used at (almost) 100% throttle all the time, it is seriously underpowered.

Also, lead-acid GC12 batteries exhibit a high tolerance to deep discharges, an essential feature for trolling motor applications - trolling motors can significantly deplete batteries, especially during extended use.

The GC12's design allows it to recover from deep discharge states without significant degradation in capacity or performance. This recovery capability ensures a longer lifespan for the battery, making it a cost-effective solution for recreational and professional boaters alike.

Note: after discharging any lead-acid battery, be sure to recharge it as quickly as possible to prolong its lifetime.

Another advantage of GC12 batteries lies in their maintenance requirements. Many models are designed to be low-maintenance or maintenance-free, reducing the need for regular water top-ups.

This feature is particularly beneficial for boaters who may not have easy access to maintenance facilities or prefer a 'set and forget' solution for their battery needs.

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) GC12 Batteries

When comparing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) GC12 batteries to traditional Lead-Acid GC12 batteries, several advantages and disadvantages can be identified from a technical, financial, and environmental perspective.

Advantages of LiFePO₄ GC12 Batteries Over Lead-Acid GC12 Batteries

• Longer Lifespan: LiFePO₄ batteries typically offer a significantly longer service life compared to lead-acid batteries. They can cycle thousands of times with minimal degradation, whereas lead-acid batteries may start showing diminished capacity after just a few hundred cycles.
• Higher Efficiency: LiFePO₄ batteries have a higher energy efficiency, meaning more of the stored energy can be used before recharging is necessary. This is particularly beneficial in applications requiring consistent power output over long periods.
• Faster Charging: These batteries can be charged much faster than lead-acid batteries without damaging the battery's internal structure. This feature is beneficial in applications where downtime for charging needs to be minimized.
• Better Depth of Discharge (DoD): LiFePO₄ batteries can be discharged more deeply than lead-acid batteries without significant harm, which effectively provides a greater usable capacity for the same nominal capacity.
• Lower Self-Discharge Rate: The self-discharge rate of LiFePO₄ batteries is much lower than that of lead-acid batteries, making them more suitable for storage or seasonal use.
• Safer Chemistry: LiFePO₄ batteries are generally considered safer than lead-acid batteries as they are more stable, less prone to leakage, and do not produce hazardous gases under normal operating conditions.
• Weight Savings: LiFePO₄ batteries are initially 2-3x lighter than lead-acid batteries for the same capacity, and since they don't suffer from capacity drop, at least not like lead-acid batteries, their weight saving in high discharge applications is even higher than 2-3x.
• Environmental Impact: LiFePO₄ batteries are more environmentally friendly compared to lead-acid batteries, as they contain no lead or acid that can leak and contaminate soil or water.

Disadvantages of LiFePO₄ GC12 Batteries Over Lead-Acid GC12 Batteries

• Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost of LiFePO4 batteries is significantly higher than that of lead-acid batteries, though the longer lifespan and reduced maintenance of LiFePO4 can offset the initial investment over time.
• Temperature Sensitivity: While LiFePO4 batteries perform well in a wide range of temperatures, extreme cold can reduce their performance more than it would affect lead-acid batteries.
• Weight and Size Considerations: For some applications, the specific energy (energy per unit weight) of LiFePO4 might not be as critical as the energy density (energy per unit volume). In such cases, the physical size and fitting of the battery might be a concern, especially in tightly designed spaces.
• Compatibility and Integration: Upgrading from lead-acid to LiFePO4 batteries may require additional considerations regarding the compatibility of existing charging systems and battery management systems (BMS), potentially adding to the cost and complexity of integration.
• Overcurrent Sensitivity: Golf carts and similar vehicles require stronger initial currents, which may be too strong for the built-in BMS, which may, in such cases, disconnect the battery to protect it. Lead-acid batteries endure such glitches with no issues.

While LiFePO₄ batteries offer numerous advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and better safety profiles, the decision to switch should consider the specific application requirements, initial cost implications, and any necessary adjustments to existing systems for optimal performance.

Long Story Short: The main advantage of the GC12 batteries when compared with GC2/GC8 batteries is their higher voltage, requiring fewer batteries in order to create 24V, 36V, and 48V battery packs.

However, despite their larger size, these batteries use somewhat smaller individual cells, featuring a smaller capacity per cell.

Lithium golf cart batteries offer significant weight savings and offer a much larger number of charging/discharging cycles at a higher initial price.

When choosing the right battery, choose according to your own needs and preferences.

And whatever You do, stay safe - these batteries store plenty of energy ...