Talk of The Villages Florida
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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   All About Golf Carts and Things (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/)
-   -   Golf Carts -- Gas vs Electric (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/golf-carts-gas-vs-electric-248374/)

twoplanekid 11-25-2017 05:28 PM
another viewpoint -> Golf cart.....Gas vs Electric??? - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Topspinmo 11-25-2017 08:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by l2ridehd (Post 1480484)
I have personally towed home 6 electric carts since moving here. I have stopped to ask another 20 to 30 broken down carts if they needed help, all but one was electric, and I have seen many more crawling along at night with the headlights off because they are running out of juice. Hope they made it home.

I would strongly suggest most of this was caused by user error. Didn't plug it in, left the lights on, didn't replace the batteries when they should have, didn't get the plug seated correctly when they did plug it in, didn't add water to the batteries, and a few other well known user caused failures.

However most people do remember to add gas because it is something they have done all their life. The "all but one" mentioned above had run out of gas so it does happen.

So if you don't like walking home gas seems to be the better choice. And all the folks who claim electric is so much cleaner should really understand that the electricity has to be generated someplace using some type of fuel and those batteries have to be disposed of someway that breaks up lead, acid and plastic. There really is no good ecological footprint other than your own.
:BigApplause:

Topspinmo 11-25-2017 08:57 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TechGC (Post 1480491)
From a repair aspect, we see pretty much the same amount, gas or electric break down out on the road. Dead battery, starter issue, broken belts, broken fuel line are all gas related issues. The debate will never end and everyone will always take there side.
would that be cause there are bunch of morons that can't find dipstick or know batteries take water?:highfive:

TechGC 11-26-2017 09:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 1480735)
would that be cause there are bunch of morons that can't find dipstick or know batteries take water?:highfive:

Never see anyone run their golf car out of oil. Batteries out of water, only ever now and then, everyone in the villages is aware that the batteries need filled.

Barefoot 11-26-2017 09:59 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fredman (Post 1480578)
Regardless of the pros and cons it is all a matter of preference. Gas owners will swear by gas and electric owners will swear by electric. All the posts in the world will not change their opinions.
Actually, people do change their minds as technology evolves.
I had electric golf carts for ten years and loved them.
If you remember to plug in your cart every night, I think electric carts are reliable.
I was persuaded by Fireboy to try a new Yamaha QuieTech gas cart.
It's not as quiet as electric, but much quieter than other gas carts I've driven.
However the jury is still out.

Plowboy 11-27-2017 04:43 AM
We went with electric due to the quite ride. Also the gas carts have an awful stink that we did not like.

SoHappy 11-27-2017 04:54 AM
We just bought an Atomic electric cart. These are the reasons for our decision
It’s studier than a regular cart therefore safer. It has AC, windows, doors, a radio and a roll bar. It’s comfortable. Our neighbors have one and say It goes 80 miles on a charge, 100 if you don’t use the AC. Our neighbors commented that they played more golf in the really hot weather because of the cart. We upgraded and customized the seats. The dealer is wonderful to work with.

gsovas 11-27-2017 05:50 AM
Tim,
My personal opinion regarding this issue:
1. Depending where you live in The Villages -we have a vast area now which we travel
2. Do you play golf? If you are planning on riding a 1/2 hour to the golf course, playing 18 holes of golf, then going out with the boys Electric does not always work well as the batteries get older.
3. Cost factor on replacing the batteries
4. Gas units are easier to maintain, last longer, allow you access anywhere as long as you have a gas station which there are plenty.
5. Once you run out by accident or the Electric vehicle is running low, you are in trouble because there are no charging stations on Buena Vista Blvd or Morse Blvd. when you run dry. Also what if you forgot to plug in last night after partying? You now have a dead golf cart.

gsovas 11-27-2017 05:52 AM
Today's newest Yamaha's are quiet and they don't stink as reported.
They are EFI which burns cleaner and more efficient. Yes when you get in any tunnel, they will all stink since 10 other carts went through the same tunnel.

Timothy 11-27-2017 09:29 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gsovas (Post 1481483)
Tim,
My personal opinion regarding this issue:
1. Depending where you live in The Villages -we have a vast area now which we travel
2. Do you play golf? If you are planning on riding a 1/2 hour to the golf course, playing 18 holes of golf, then going out with the boys Electric does not always work well as the batteries get older.
3. Cost factor on replacing the batteries
4. Gas units are easier to maintain, last longer, allow you access anywhere as long as you have a gas station which there are plenty.
5. Once you run out by accident or the Electric vehicle is running low, you are in trouble because there are no charging stations on Buena Vista Blvd or Morse Blvd. when you run dry. Also what if you forgot to plug in last night after partying? You now have a dead golf cart.
THANKS! I play golf and I party and have stretched my travels via electric golf cart about as far as I can imagine ever wanting to go in a day or so. Fortunately, my Tomberlin E-Merge has an integrated charger so in the unlikely event I do need an emergency charge all I need is an outlet. Given we are in the friendliest of all communities imaginable I am sure finding a plug-in would be a no-brainer.

No storing gas; no trips to the gas station; no noise, smell, or annoying others. No hesitation off the line!

BTW I have no connection to any cart or service provider in these regards other than being a very satisfied electric cart owner. Tim

Karl1948 11-30-2017 11:43 AM
We just moved and bought a 2017 Yamaha EFI QuieTech from Carts and Clubs. We also rented an older Club Car when we had guests. There is no comparison on noise. The Yamaha seems silent compared to the Club Car. That said, even the Yamaha is too noisy to hear the turn-by-turn nav instructions on the Villages GPS app. With the Club Car, you didn't know the phone was talking. With the Yamaha, you could often tell that there was a voice, but couldn't make out any words. Maybe an electric is so quiet, it would work - don't know, never drove one. Regarding distance, we have used up a full tank from when we got the cart in mid October through today. My sister-in-law had an electric and traded it in on a Yamaha QuieTech after getting stranded trying to get home from golf too many times.

coffeebean 11-30-2017 09:27 PM
Our 2016 Yamaha electric cart has a "tow" mode switch. We were told that is we ever run out of juice, we are to put the cart in "tow" mode and wait 15 minutes. Put the cart back in "run" mode and at that point, the batteries will somehow have enough juice to drive the cart about a mile or two. We were assured by the salesman the cart will respond for that distance as if the batteries were completely charged. That process can be repeated as many times as needed to get the cart to a power source (which in most cases will be home). I have never had to rely on this method to get the cart home but it's nice to know that is an option.

We also have emergency road side assistance coverage (very inexpensive) if we ever run out of juice or break down in our electric cart. I would not drive the cart without that reassurance. It is like having AAA for the car. I have not been without AAA coverage for our car for the past 40 years and will never be without roadside assistance coverage for the golf cart.

TechGC 11-30-2017 09:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1483244)
Our 2016 Yamaha electric cart has a "tow" mode switch. We were told that is we ever run out of juice, we are to put the cart in "tow" mode and wait 15 minutes. Put the cart back in "run" mode and at that point, the batteries will somehow have enough juice to drive the cart about a mile or two. We were assured by the salesman the cart will respond for that distance as if the batteries were completely charged. That process can be repeated as many times as needed to get the cart to a power source (which in most cases will be home). I have never had to rely on this method to get the cart home but it's nice to know that is an option..

Don't do that. The batteries are already to far depleted and doing that will not only harm the batteries but also can wound the electronics.
As battery voltage goes down, amperage goes up, amperage is heat and that heat has to go somewhere...places like the controller, motor, solenoid etc

coffeebean 11-30-2017 09:46 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TechGC (Post 1483249)
Don't do that. The batteries are already to far depleted and doing that will not only harm the batteries but also can wound the electronics.
As battery voltage goes down, amperage goes up, amperage is heat and that heat has to go somewhere...places like the controller, motor, solenoid etc
Why in the world would our salesman tell us about this process if it would do damage to the cart? Thank you for setting me straight about this.

TechGC 11-30-2017 10:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1483256)
Why in the world would our salesman tell us about this process if it would do damage to the cart? Thank you for setting me straight about this.
Salesman- its more about what he wants to put in his pocket and not about you, the customers best interest.

MorTech 12-01-2017 12:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1483244)
Our 2016 Yamaha electric cart has a "tow" mode switch. We were told that is we ever run out of juice, we are to put the cart in "tow" mode and wait 15 minutes. Put the cart back in "run" mode and at that point, the batteries will somehow have enough juice to drive the cart about a mile or two. We were assured by the salesman the cart will respond for that distance as if the batteries were completely charged. That process can be repeated as many times as needed to get the cart to a power source (which in most cases will be home). I have never had to rely on this method to get the cart home but it's nice to know that is an option.

We also have emergency road side assistance coverage (very inexpensive) if we ever run out of juice or break down in our electric cart. I would not drive the cart without that reassurance. It is like having AAA for the car. I have not been without AAA coverage for our car for the past 40 years and will never be without roadside assistance coverage for the golf cart.
Huh...That's a cool trick. The Yamaha motor controller will shut down when it determines the battery capacity is at approx 20%. Another problem with lead-acid batteries is that the battery voltage is dragged down when discharging which is what's called "working" voltage. The working voltage is much lower than the "Rest" voltage...The Rest voltage is what is used to determine battery State of Charge. When you flip the switch to tow, It will cutoff the power to the motor controller and if you let it sit for 15 minutes, the battery pack voltage will raise toward it's Rest voltage (it takes 30 minutes to raise nearly to true Rest voltage but 15 minutes will due). Then when you flip the switch back to run, the controller re-reads the battery voltage and determines you are good to go. I suspect you have maybe 3-4 miles before the controller cuts off again. This is fine in a pinch...You should try to avoid it though.

I am going to have to test this out and see if this really works. I will let you know.

Bay Kid 12-01-2017 07:29 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1483256)
Why in the world would our salesman tell us about this process if it would do damage to the cart? Thank you for setting me straight about this.
I have noticed some cart salesman will tell you what they want you to hear. They also usually don't really know their products very well. I have helped educate a few.

coffeebean 12-01-2017 06:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MorTech (Post 1483294)
.......I am going to have to test this out and see if this really works. I will let you know.
I will be checking back on this thread to see how your test works out. Will you be discharging the batteries so the cart will not go?

Challenger 12-02-2017 07:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bay Kid (Post 1483331)
I have noticed some cart salesman will tell you what they want you to hear. They also usually don't really know their products very well. I have helped educate a few.
I am quite often amazed by how ignorant some cart salespersons are about the products they sell. I have several times had them explain a system which was either myth or pure bs.

Remember they have skin in the game
"Caveat Emptor"

dhabel2112@gmail.com 03-04-2018 09:07 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MorTech (Post 1474244)
The EZGO Elite lithium carts with the 120ah pack has a range of about 55 miles.
The villages carts wants $15K but you can get a base one anywhere else for about $11.5K

Too pricey for me...Still.
I'm reading conflicting estimates about range on the 120ah Elite EzGo. wish I knew the truth. Villages Carts told me 50miles but I'm hoping that's a conservative guess.

biker1 03-04-2018 09:21 AM
Fifty miles is a *lot* of miles in a golf cart for one day and certainly is not typical. I believe our all time record was less than twenty miles. Assuming you don't forget to plug the cart in overnight, I really don't see how a fifty mile range is an issue.

I am typically not an early adopter of new technology (I prefer to let others pay the high costs), however the lithium-ion EZGO carts potentially look attractive, especially if the extended battery life is realized. When compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, the lower weight, zero maintenance, quick recharges, and the ability to deeply discharge without damage are additional advantages. Given the large incremental costs, I would read the warranty very carefully.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhabel2112@gmail.com (Post 1520444)
I'm reading conflicting estimates about range on the 120ah Elite EzGo. wish I knew the truth. Villages Carts told me 50miles but I'm hoping that's a conservative guess.

bilcon 03-04-2018 10:08 AM
golf cart choice
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timothy (Post 1465369)
Have not yet invested in a golf cart but the time has come to do so. It seems most of the carts we see on the course are gas. We planned on getting an electric for charging convenience at home, noise, fumes, etc. But are rethinking our position on electric vs gas. I get that personal preference is key but I'd value any comparative input on this decision. Anyone transitioned from one to the other? Thanks in advance. Tim


ANY EXPERIENCE WITH TOMBERLIN??
No

I personally like the gas cart, because you don't have to worry about charging, or checking battery fluid. I have one of each, and while the electric cart is quiet, the gas cart lets you go anywhere without worrying about low batteries. I like the Yamaha for gas, and the Club cart for electric.

Barefoot 03-04-2018 01:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timothy (Post 1465369)
Have not yet invested in a golf cart but the time has come to do so.
I see you bought a Tomberlin. How is that working out for you?

dhabel2112@gmail.com 03-05-2018 12:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Regor (Post 1465456)
Check out the EZ go Elite. It comes with lithium Ion battery packs Which are guaranteed for 10 years against everything! Smooth riding, long distance ( I test drove one and at 50 miles the battery pack wasn't even down to half! I put it on the charger for 1 hour and it was almost fully charged!), This cart goes the same speed up hill and down hill about 22 mph. No parking brake. I was all set to buy one but the extra cost for the lithium batteries ( almost $5,000) drove me away. I did buy the Yamaha Quiet tech EFI, but sure wish I could have afforded the EZ Go. No gas stations, noise (yes ALL gas carts are noisy!). I also think the EZ go is smoother riding.
This is the only distance review I've seen here on the Elite Cart.

This is the only distance quote i can find.

( I test drove one and at 50 miles the battery pack wasn't even down to half! I put it on the charger for 1 hour and it was almost fully charged!), This cart goes the same speed up hill and down hill about 22 mph. No parking brake. I was all set to buy one but the extra cost for the lithium batteries ( almost $5,000) drove me away.

MorTech 03-06-2018 04:32 AM
EZGO Elite Lithium has 3 models - 2.0(60ah*50v=3kw), 3.0(90ah*50v=4.5kw), 4.0(120ah*50v=6kw)

The EZGO AC motor is pretty efficient at about 100w per mile.
An EZGO Elite 4.0 has an approx range of 60 miles (6kw/100w) at 80F.
I am guessing it comes with a standard 1000w battery charger so charging rate of approx 10 miles per hour.

I would much prefer the Tomberlin Emerge LE for $11K

I would rather have a cavity drilled without novocaine than drive 50 miles on a cart :)
Going around TV (Hillsborough to morse to el camino real to buena vista to hillsborough) is about 28 miles.

mrf6969 03-06-2018 09:19 AM
Too much technically can go wrong with the electric carts. Then when something does go wrong, and it will, hold on to your wallet. Gas is old school and cheap to repair as need arises. The NEW Yamaha gas are really as quiet as an electric cart. Pretty impressive that you can't hear them anymore as they pass you by.

Lottoguy 03-06-2018 09:50 AM
GAS! Unless you want to spend $800 every three years for new batteries. Get the Yamaha Quiet Tec.

MorTech 03-06-2018 12:05 PM
Hmm, yes, Batteries connected by 2 wires to a motor controller connected by 3 wires to a motor...Yup, FAR too much to go wrong there :) The only wear item - is one motor shaft end bearing you might have to replace in 15 years or so on an AC motor.

$750 every 6 years for batteries. 5 cents per mile less for electricity than gasoline..3000 miles per year..18000 miles for 6 years...$900 more for gas over electricity. Doesn't even factor in $80 per year maintenance cost for gas carts..another $480 added to gas cart. 6 year maintenance on electric cart..several gallons of distilled water..call it 10 bucks.

$1380 every 6 years for the Yamaha QuieTech.

Polar Bear 03-06-2018 02:30 PM
Don't you my-kind-is-the-only-kind guys ever get tired? Isn't it possible both are pretty good?

MorTech 03-06-2018 02:40 PM
Logic reason and math are tiring but necessary for better than "pretty good".

Polar Bear 03-06-2018 03:10 PM
I rest my case.

vintageogauge 03-06-2018 03:38 PM
I was on the fence as I had a Par Car that was trouble free and quiet, posted on here earlier. I did decide to go with a 2018 Gas Yamaha this time and even though I don't like the noise I'm glad I went with gas as there is nothing to do when you get home, just pull it in and turn it off, pretty convenient. I don't drive far as some here do so was not concerned about how far either model would go, glad I bought it. One thing I don't like is the loud back-up alarm.

MorTech 03-06-2018 05:08 PM
"One thing I don't like is the loud back-up alarm"

A piece of electrical tape over the buzzer will quiet it down a bit :)
It's under the front cowl...you can get to it from the passenger side front tire well.


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