[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

My son did on his "Star" brand cart and because of the extra weight experienced a slower drive speed.
There's more modification than just replacing the lead acid batteries with lithium.
.

That's a good trick, considering Lithium batteries weigh significantly less than comparable Lead-Acid batteries.

The Complete Guide to Lithium vs Lead Acid Batteries - Power Sonic

The Complete Guide to Lithium vs Lead Acid Batteries - Power Sonic

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Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Batteries: Which is Better? - Battery Skills

[wamley]

Wouldnt touch EV, to many issues with getting parts from China or repairs from qualified people. They are quiet and quick though.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

My son did on his "Star" brand cart and because of the extra weight experienced a slower drive speed.
There's more modification than just replacing the lead acid batteries with lithium.

Jury is still out on tire wear.

EDIT: Redundant post, see post #91

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by Normal

It’s about 1300 dollars to put a new engine in your Yamaha quiet tech. 750 if you are so inclined to do it yourself. You may never have to do that though. The engines are quite dependable. I’ve never heard of someone’s going bad.

Also, remember you are protecting the environment by not adding large amounts of lithium waste from multiple battery replacements to the toxic landfills.

We like that you are never tethered to the life of ,”Did I plug the cart in?” “I wonder if the batteries are still good?”…….

I checked online and the price you were quoting is for a "rebuilt" engine with a core exchange… Not a factory new engine. I honestly do not know if you could even get a brand new factory engine.
The question for resale would be you would now have to disclose that the engine is "rebuilt". I think that would be detrimental to the value just like it would be in an automobile.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Normal

It’s about 1300 dollars to put a new engine in your Yamaha quiet tech. 750 if you are so inclined to do it yourself. You may never have to do that though. The engines are quite dependable. I’ve never heard of someone’s going bad.

It's hard to find a price for a replacement battery for a lithium golf cart. Some reviews say the lithium cart costs $1,900 more than a lead acid cart so let's say $2,000 for a replacement battery. Obviously, $2,000 is more than $1,300 but that would be for a new battery compared with a rebuilt engine and it could take as little as a few hours in the shop rather than a few days. To me, that compares well.

One possible reason why it's difficult to find a price is there have been few, if any, lithium battery replacements purchased. EZGo came out with their lithium model in 2017. With an eight year warranty, the battery in every EZGo lithium cart sold should still be under warranty. Someone claimed Yamaha has a 20 year warranty on their engine - I wonder what exactly that covers.

You've never heard of someone's gas engine going bad? You only need to spend a little while on these pages to find reports of recent clutch problems, loss of engine power, or battery problems with gas carts. I haven't seen anyone yet report a problem with their battery or motor on a lithium cart.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

We’ve had our gas powered for ten years. It serves us well with only yearly maintenance. 🤞🏼No problems yet.

[golfing eagles]

Here is the lithium battery cart information from Yamaha:

"The Yamaha Drive 2 PowerTech Li golf car, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, offers an impressive range for your golfing adventures. Here are the key details:

Driving Range: On a flat track, the Yamaha PowerTech Li can cover approximately 38 miles on a single charge.

Battery Capacity: The lithium iron phosphate batteries have a capacity of 105 amp hours per charge, ensuring you spend more time on the course than with other battery types.

Battery Lifespan: These batteries are designed to last up to 8 years, providing reliable power throughout their lifespan.

Safety and Efficiency: Lithium-ion technology offers rapid acceleration, a higher top speed, and charging times that are 1.8 times faster compared to lead-acid batteries. Additionally, the Yamaha PowerTech Li is 25% lighter, contributing to increased range."

I'm sorry, but 38 miles from a brand new electric cart on flat ground just doesn't do it in The Villages. Uphill????? 7 year old batteries???? No thank you.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Here is the lithium battery cart information from Yamaha:

"The Yamaha Drive 2 PowerTech Li golf car, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, offers an impressive range for your golfing adventures. Here are the key details:

Driving Range: On a flat track, the Yamaha PowerTech Li can cover approximately 38 miles on a single charge.

Battery Capacity: The lithium iron phosphate batteries have a capacity of 105 amp hours per charge, ensuring you spend more time on the course than with other battery types.

Battery Lifespan: These batteries are designed to last up to 8 years, providing reliable power throughout their lifespan.

Safety and Efficiency: Lithium-ion technology offers rapid acceleration, a higher top speed, and charging times that are 1.8 times faster compared to lead-acid batteries. Additionally, the Yamaha PowerTech Li is 25% lighter, contributing to increased range."

I'm sorry, but 38 miles from a brand new electric cart on flat ground just doesn't do it in The Villages. Uphill????? 7 year old batteries???? No thank you.

Don't know about Yamahas, haven't talked to anyone with a Yamaha lithium.

EZGo Advertised: 60 miles on single charge, 8 year warranty
EZGo Experience (after just one year): 45 miles of Villages driving with 1/4 charge remaining according to the gauge

[mrf0151]

With lead acid batteries your range starts to drop off after 2-3 years. That is the sign that you will need to replace batteries soon.
What happens to lithium batteries when you get to around 4-5 years of battery age? Does the range also start to drop off? What warning signs does one get with a lithium battery that it needs replacement?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Don't know about Yamahas, haven't talked to anyone with a Yamaha lithium.

EZGo Advertised: 60 miles on single charge, 8 year warranty
EZGo Experienced: 45 miles of Villages driving with 1/4 charge remaining according to the gauge

Better. Like I said, get it to a reliable 80 miles or so without significant drop off with age and I'm in. But I'll probably be dead by then.

[Blackie]

Here it is, designed specially for you.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by mrf0151

With lead acid batteries your range starts to drop off after 2-3 years. That is the sign that you will need to replace batteries soon.
What happens to lithium batteries when you get to around 4-5 years of battery age? Does the range also start to drop off? What warning signs does one get with a lithium battery that it needs replacement?

The life expectancy of most Lithium batteries in golf carts, is expected to be 8 -10 years. Given that no one has had one for 8 -10 years yet, I guess that's just an estimate. They could last longer.

Just like your cell phone, the amount of charge available will decrease with age.

Based on my experience, a 105 amp in your golf cart, you'll have about a 15-20 mile range, depending on speed & conditions.

150 amp is about 25-30 miles.

210 amp is about 40-50 miles.

I could probably get 60 out of my 210 amp, but I'd have to really be nursing it, the entire trip ... & hope it was downhill.

As long as your Lithium battery is charged (operational) you'll be getting 100% power from it, but at some point, you won't get power for the same length of time. At least that's how I understand it.

[TomSpasm]

I've been here 12 years, I have yet to ride in a gas cart, new or used, that I would trade my 2008 Club Car DS electric cart with eight 6-volt batteries for. Rent a newer electric cart for a month, then rent a gas cart. In my opinion, if you do that, you'll buy electric.

[Lottoguy]

Buy a Yamaha gas years 2017-2019. Think about a four seater since you'll have visitors. These carts are easy to maintain and easy to repair when needed. Get the 10 inch tires too.

[UpNorth]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Here is the lithium battery cart information from Yamaha:

"The Yamaha Drive 2 PowerTech Li golf car, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, offers an impressive range for your golfing adventures. Here are the key details:

Driving Range: On a flat track, the Yamaha PowerTech Li can cover approximately 38 miles on a single charge.

Battery Capacity: The lithium iron phosphate batteries have a capacity of 105 amp hours per charge, ensuring you spend more time on the course than with other battery types.

Battery Lifespan: These batteries are designed to last up to 8 years, providing reliable power throughout their lifespan.

Safety and Efficiency: Lithium-ion technology offers rapid acceleration, a higher top speed, and charging times that are 1.8 times faster compared to lead-acid batteries. Additionally, the Yamaha PowerTech Li is 25% lighter, contributing to increased range."

I'm sorry, but 38 miles from a brand new electric cart on flat ground just doesn't do it in The Villages. Uphill????? 7 year old batteries???? No thank you.

Lame effort by Yamaha. They should stick to making gas carts. I suspect that their current lithium effort is targeted at golf course fleets, where they could be leased cheaply and only need to make it around 18 holes twice a day. No competition to Star or EZ-Go lithium carts, which have more range than most people need.