[Villages Kahuna]

I own a 2007 model here and a 2000 model up in Michigan--both electrics. When I visited my dealer in Spanish Springs shopping center a few weeks ago, he was raving about the new models and bemoaning his inability to get enough of them to meet demand.

What's fantastic about the new model is it's new 48-volt AC-converted drive train. Don't try to understand all that gobbledegook. All you need to understand is that he new drive train will drive you UP steep hills at the maximum speed of the cart (about 20 mph)! The cart also brakes itself using the motor, not drum brakes or disc brakes. (It has a brake pedal, but all that does is slow the cart using the electric motor.) Another big change is the suspension--they've used automotive A-frame in front and trailing arms in the rear. The new suspension makes for a much more car-like ride. They've begun to advertise "the longest range of any electric cart". When I asked about that, they're saying their new 2008 electrics have a 60-65 mile range.

Back to the uphill speed. I took one out and went over to the golf cart bridge over 441. After watching for a lull in traffic, I floored it uphill over the bridge. Yep, they go full speed up hills...at least it felt like a full 20 mph to me! Interestingly, you have to "accelerate" going down hills to slow down. If you simply take your foot off the accelerator, the cart stops...quickly! The new drive train takes a little getting used to, but it is a fantastic machine. By now, I'm sure the supply chain has filled in, as well.