Group GC8 and Group GC8H - 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries

BCI Group GC8 and Group GC8H batteries are heavy-duty, deep-cycle batteries, very similar to GC2 and GC2H batteries.

BCI Group GC8 and Group GC8H batteries are often used as deep cycle batteries in golf carts, but also in marine applications, off-the-grid applications, for powering medical and security systems, and similar.

Updated: April 26, 2024.

GC8 and Group GC8H Batteries Features and Specifications

BCI Group GC8 and Group GC8H batteries are very similar batteries, differing practically only in dimensions (L x W x H):

• 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).

Note: Groups GC8 and GC8H feature almost the same physical dimensions as Groups GC2 and GC2H respectively, except that GC2 and GC2H batteries feature nominal voltage of 6V and GC8 and GC8H batteries feature nominal voltage of 8V.

GC8 and GC8H batteries are almost exclusively 4-cell lead-acid batteries featuring nominal voltage of 8 volts and nominal (20h) capacity in the 165-190 Ah range, with RC value of 290-370 minutes and weight in the 60-75 pounds (~27 - 34 kg) range.

GC8 and GC8H batteries are not as popular as 6V GC2 and GC2H batteries because with 6V GC2 and GC2H batteries one may easily make 12V (2 batteries connected in series), 24V (4 batteries), 36V (6 batteries), and 48V (8 batteries) battery packs, while with 8V GC8 and GC8H one can make 'only' 24V (3 batteries connected in series) and 48V (6 batteries) battery packs.

But, when making battery packs with GC8 and GC8H batteries, one needs fewer batteries, which means less wiring. As such, GC8 batteries are typically used in electric vehicles, golf cars, floor scrubbers, aerial lifts, road signs, and other deep cycle applications requiring reliable batteries with good tolerance to deep discharges.

Types of GC8 and GC8H Batteries

Wet/flooded lead-acid GC8 and GC8H are the most common - they are not spill-proof, they are not maintenance-free batteries, but they are heavy-duty batteries with thick plates that can withstand a large number of charging/discharging cycles and they require distilled water to be added regularly.

AGM/Gel-Cell lead-acid GC8 and GC8H batteries are not as common as wet/flooded because, despite VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) technology and the recombination of up to 99% of hydrogen and oxygen, they do lose water over time - they cannot withstand the number of charging/discharging cycles of well maintained, high-quality wet/flooded lead-acid batteries.

Lithium GC8 and GC8H batteries practically don't exist. The reason is very simple - lithium deep cycle batteries are based on Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry that features 3.2V nominal voltage. Hence, LiFePO4 lithium batteries may be 6V or 12V, but not 8V batteries.

Some manufacturers offer 12V LiFePO₄ batteries using the size and shape of 6V GC2/GC2H and 8V GC8 and GC8H batteries.

For the list of such lithium batteries, please check our Group GC2 and Group GC2H Golf Cart Batteries article.

GC8 and GC8H golf cart batteries are also commonly used in other 24V and 48V applications, including trolling motor batteries, RV house batteries, solar/off-the-grid applications, and similar.

But, since they are flooded lead-acid batteries, they must be stored in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of very flammable hydrogen and their electrolyte levels must be periodically checked.

GC2 vs. GC8 Battery

GC2 batteries are 6V deep cycle, mostly lead-acid batteries with heavier grids, intended for the same purposes as GC8 batteries.

These batteries are very similar in size:

• 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).

Practically GC2 and GC8 batteries and GC2H and GC8H batteries have the same physical dimensions, except that GC2H and GC8H are somewhat taller when compared with GC2 and GC8 batteries.

However, they differ in voltage:

• GC2/GC2H batteries: 6V,
• GC8/GC8H batteries: 8V.

 Because of the voltage difference, these batteries are NOT equivalent.

GC8 Battery Comparison Chart

The following comparison chart lists some of the most common GC8 batteries with their most important features and specifications:

As one can see, GC8 batteries are not as popular as GC2 batteries, but there are models that do stand out, for example, the Weize GC8 AGM Battery (Amazon link opens in the new window), featuring two different battery connector types, acceptable weight, low-self discharge rate, excellent 20h capacity of 182Ah, Reserve Capacity of 365 minutes (~6h!), and supporting large number of charging/discharging cycles (for example, 600+ cycles down to 80% DOD).

Connecting GC8 and GC8H Batteries in Series

Since they feature a nominal voltage of 8V, GC8 and GC8H batteries can be used to make the following battery packs:

• 1S GC8/GC8H Battery: 1 x 8V = 8V
• 2S GC8/GC8H Battery: 2 x 8V = 16V
• 3S GC8/GC8H Battery: 3 x 8V = 24V
• 4S GC8/GC8H Battery: 4 x 8V = 32V
• 5S GC8/GC8H Battery: 5 x 8V = 40V
• 6S GC8/GC8H Battery: 6 x 8V = 48V, etc.

As one can see, GC8/GC8H batteries can't be used to make 12V and 36V battery packs - running 12V and 36V equipment, tools, golf carts, and other electric vehicles and industrial applications using 16V and 40V respectively may sound tempting due to the increased performances, in theory, but increased voltage also increases heat dissipation and overstress the controllers and motors...

How to Charge GC8 and GC8H Batteries

GC8 and GC8H batteries are typically used in 24V and 48V battery packs, and as such, they should be charged using advanced 24V and 48V lead-acid battery chargers, for example, 24V NOCO Genius GX2440 battery charger and 48V NOCO Genius GX4820 battery charger.

If you have a 36V battery pack consisting of 6 (six) GC2 batteries connected in series, you can charge such a battery pack with a 36V NOCO Genius GX3626 advanced battery charger.

The most important features and specifications of these battery chargers are given in the following comparison chart:

Model	NOCO Genius GX2440	NOCO Genius GX3626	NOCO Genius GX4820
Photo
Input Voltage	100-240V	100-240V	100-240V
Output Voltage	24V	36V	48V
Maximum Charging Current	40 Amps	26 Amps	20 Amps
Chemistries Supported	Lead-acid, lithium	Lead-acid, lithium	Lead-acid, lithium
Batteries Supported	Up to 425 Ah	Up to 425 Ah	Up to 425 Ah
Amazon Link	NOCO Genius GX2440	NOCO Genius GX3626	NOCO Genius GX4820

Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Obviously, these battery chargers are not cheap, but neither are the battery packs they are used to charge.

Long Story Short: GC8 and GC8H batteries are tough and durable, deep-cycle lead-acid batteries intended for powering golf carts and other electric vehicles, 24V and 48V trolling motors for various industrial applications, etc.

While AGM models are almost maintenance-free batteries, wet/flooded lead-acid batteries allow/require users to refill evaporated distilled water, ensuring longer operating time in hot weather and when the batteries are often recharged with older charger that tend to overcharge the batteries.