[RayB]

Most recommendations I have read indicate batteries should be replaced in three years. In fact I understand the cost of operating a gas vs electric cart is usually based on the cost of buying a new set of batteries every three years. On that basis the cost of operating a gas vs electric is just about the same. However, during that three year life of the batteries I will have had very little maintenance or fuel cost on my electric cart. All I have to do is remember to charge the batteries over night, check and fill the water lever on the batties once every two weeks, and check air pressure on tires. I don't have to check and change the oil and oil filter, go to the gas station to get fuel before it runs out, don't need to store gasoline in my garage, inhale exhaust fumes. tune the engine, listin to the noise, worry if the engine is going to start while at a stop sign, etc. etc. Also, when I run the cart it is so quiet I can enjoy the quiet environment of the villages and list to the birds, etc The only time the silence is broken is when a gas cart tailgates me or passes at a speed over 20 MPH. I live just off 466A and on the same day I have traveled to Spanish Springs and back, did nine holes of golf and traveled to and from the Walmart on 466. Never once yet have I had the light go on in my Club Car which indicates I only have a half hour of run time (10 miles) left on my batteries. If the light ever does go on I know that I can always get back home from just about any place in the Villages in that half hour of run time. It may be different as my batteries get over three years old. But if it does cause a problem I will buy new batteries and my operating cost will still be the same as a gas cart. If the batteries last more than three years then my operating cost on the electric will be less than the gas.