Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099562)

Hello, we will be moving in the middle of June. We will be buying 2 carts, I have decided that one will be a Yamaha for my wife to use for golfing. I really like the idea and the looks of the Atomic. With a base price of almost $19k with lithium batteries, I was wondering if there is an alternative that can be bought locally. I see an internet company that sells a similar looking car for almost half the price (not lithium). Anyone with experience? Thanks

Originally Posted by Joe C. (Post 2099981)

Nothing like buying Made in China, right? Go help the communists. Give them your hard earned cash so they can strengthen their military. Your grandchildren and their children will thank you for it. :boom:
Yamaha, Easy Go, and Club Car golf carts aren't Chinese. It's your choice.
Do right.

Originally Posted by sdeikenberry (Post 2099957)

This is a little off your requested information, but if I were you, I'd move here, buy the Yahama cart, drive it awhile and decide if you really want a cart that had AC and doors you have to open and close each time you get in and out. Driving a cart that you can just pop in and out of, get the wind in your face, and enjoy the current weather is a joy to behold IMHO. Sure, it's hot in the summer here, but after you're here a year you acclimate to the warmer temps and just learn to deal with them. You may find you don't want to be in AC all the time while you're out and about. A Yamaha with a solid enclosure gives you all the freedom of being in the breezes and also closing it up in an instant when the weather changes. That's a huge plus over the Sunbrella canvas enclosures. Wait and decide on the Atomic Cart after living here is my reccomendation...

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2099603)

I would not consider an electric cart unless it has lithium phosphate batteries. There are various types of lithium ion batteries. Lithium phosphate batteries are much safer in the line up of lithium types. Other pluses are extremely long life, < half the weight of lead acid, hold their charge at peak voltage for 80% + of discharge, and no maintenance. Disadvantage cost is 4x lead acid but if you weigh out the life it is a wash with lots more advantages.

Lithium iron phosphate vs lithium-ion: differences and advantages

It is not the easiest to understand new battery technology in a two minute course. Above is a link that will help start you.

Again I would not buy a brand new electric cart today without understanding battery technologies on the market available today. That is going to take a little effort.

Originally Posted by Pessemist (Post 2100058)

Absolutely, IF you want electric then Lithium is the only way to go. Really the only downside is up front cost but they tend to last 2x longer than lead acid so in the end the cost is similar.

Originally Posted by ChicagoNative (Post 2100050)

Atomic Kool Kartz just south of 44 & Powell Road. We had a Yamaha and switched to the ION. Love it. Range is about 60 miles without ac, 50 with.

Just get used to the “Karens” that will give you dirty looks and a few choice comments about having a car on their paths!

Originally Posted by UpNorth (Post 2100089)

So what are the "big advantages" to lithium? Yes, you don't have to water them, but I don't find that to be a big issue. They are lighter, but electric carts are all pretty quick off the line, and are limited in speed anyway. They don't lose their charge over extended storage, but this can be mitigated with a battery minder. If lithium were the same price as lead acid it would be a no-brainer. But right now, the advantages are minimal IMHO.

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas (Post 2099994)

Don’t buy a cart from The Villages as they are the most expensive!!

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas (Post 2099994)

Don’t buy a cart from The Villages as they are the most expensive!!

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2099603)

I would not consider an electric cart unless it has lithium phosphate batteries. There are various types of lithium ion batteries. Lithium phosphate batteries are much safer in the line up of lithium types. Other pluses are extremely long life, < half the weight of lead acid, hold their charge at peak voltage for 80% + of discharge, and no maintenance. Disadvantage cost is 4x lead acid but if you weigh out the life it is a wash with lots more advantages.

Lithium iron phosphate vs lithium-ion: differences and advantages

It is not the easiest to understand new battery technology in a two minute course. Above is a link that will help start you.

Again I would not buy a brand new electric cart today without understanding battery technologies on the market available today. That is going to take a little effort.