[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by PoolBrews

These statements are incorrect and based on common misconceptions.

1) With regards to "The evolution cart doesn’t compare with the Yamaha quiet drive2"... It depends on which Evolution cart you are talking about. The older carts didn't have any more features than the Yamaha, and rode rough - but they were also about 1/3 the cost. The new D5 Ranger is a completely new design and build. I had 2 Yamaha Drive 2's for 5 years. They pale in comparison to the D5 Ranger. While the D5 has bit of a stiffer seat, it's far more comfortable on a long drive. And the D5 includes a lot of features not standard on a Yamaha - self cancelling turn signals, integrated sound bar, automotive style screen, tilt steering wheel, etc. I'll never go back to a Yamaha after driving the D5 (I have 2,200 miles on it so far with no issues). Having said that, I realize that this is a personal opinion, so to each their own.

2) D5's have an 8 year warranty on the battery with a 15 year life expectancy. I'll be getting a new cart long before I have to ever even think about buying a new battery. Even if I had to buy battery - the current price is around $2K and will drop over time. I'm certain that I will save far more than what I would have spent on gas, belts, oil changes, etc in that 15 years.

3) I'm an Electrical Engineer that worked on this technology - LifeP04 lithium loses hardly any capacity over time. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are rated for over 4,000 cycles, meaning they can be fully charged and discharged over 4,000 times before their capacity is significantly reduced. My battery is a 205ah and gets me 70+ miles per charge. That equates to 280,000 miles before I will see any significant reduction. They are nothing like the old lead acid batteries, or even the batteries in phones. Batteries in phones use a far more aggressive technology to pack capacity into a small area. You don't have to design them that way for a golf cart. The battery will most likely never see a reduction in capacity while you own the cart.

My last few charges I've been pushing the limit a little, 77 miles and 8% charge remaining. So I feel comfortable saying I have 80 mile range. I was planning to do an all day ride just to pack it all into 1 day but that's way too long in a cart. My experiment tells me I can get 80 miles or charge but more importantly it tells me the battery will go further than I can in a day. What else do I need to know?

I think it's a great cart and very near half price. Time will tell if there are build quality issues but I haven't experienced any yet a year in.

[PoolBrews]

N/A

[ton80]

Smaller tires will have a higher odometer reading than the larger tires over the same exact course because the tires make more revolutions. Did you recalibrate your odometer to the new tires?

[tophcfa]

For me, it’s not just about range, it’s about the peace of mind of having a worry free adventure where I don’t even have to consider the whole range issue. Out of sight, out of mind.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

For me, it’s not just about range, it’s about the peace of mind of having a worry free adventure where I don’t even have to consider the whole range issue. Out of sight, out of mind.

Same, with a gas cart there is no range worry at all. I find it more relaxing to not have cares about the charge on my cart. And if I get low on gas, I just fill up. There is no time to leave anything plugged in.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

For me, it’s not just about range, it’s about the peace of mind of having a worry free adventure where I don’t even have to consider the whole range issue. Out of sight, out of mind.

It’s easy to come up with a range for most days. The problem is the exception. You golf at a further course than usual, drive for dinner, and some one suggests going someplace else - a different square, someplace for ice cream, someone’s house. And you can’t because of range.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

It’s easy to come up with a range for most days. The problem is the exception. You golf at a further course than usual, drive for dinner, and some one suggests going someplace else - a different square, someplace for ice cream, someone’s house. And you can’t because of range.

20 months and hasn't happened yet. But who knows, maybe one day there will be an exception... like a broken belt or a leaking fuel line or a dead battery or a blown clutch or a bad injector

[LeRoySmith]

This is a little of topic but I wonder how much range you would need for a city car? I'm thinking of something like a mini Cooper or fiat 500 electric. They both have a 150ish mile range. I think they claim they'd go further at low speeds but I'll stick with 150 for arguments sake.

Would you think 30mph is a good average to use for in town use? Is 5 hours of continuous driving enough for a busy day of play or errands?

[MSchad]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

20 months and hasn't happened yet. But who knows, maybe one day there will be an exception... like a broken belt or a leaking fuel line or a dead battery or a blown clutch or a bad injector

Exceptions…. I’ve had the dead battery, twice, and towed many more off the golf course. My neighbor has had the blown clutch and a broken brake cable.

[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by ton80

Smaller tires will have a higher odometer reading than the larger tires over the same exact course because the tires make more revolutions. Did you recalibrate your odometer to the new tires?

Of course. There is a setting for tire size as well as max revolutions (which limits top end speed). When changing tire size, your dealer can change these settings in a few minutes. It may be free - Botero Carts of Ocala does it for free.

When I went from 14" wheels to 12" wheels, I lowered my cart by 2.3" and then had them reset my tire size and top end speed. I gained 11% of range as well. You can find the tests done my Tesla online that show that for every 3" of tire diameter reduction in size, electric motors gain 10% in range. In this case, the reduction in diameter is 4.6".

I just bought new wheels I liked better, so this is a good way for someone to test out whether they want 12" tires for a low cost.'

[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by Normal

Same, with a gas cart there is no range worry at all. I find it more relaxing to not have cares about the charge on my cart. And if I get low on gas, I just fill up. There is no time to leave anything plugged in.

My range is 70+ miles - I'm on the north end of The Villages - up past Lopez - I can get to Middelton and back with 30% battery remaining. I have ZERO range anxiety.

"No time to leave anything plugged in"? So you drive 24 hours a day? I plug mine in at night, it's ready for another 70+ miles the next morning.

You really don't have to post ridiculous reasons as to why you need to stay with your gas cart. Just say "I don't like electric", "I don't trust electric", and leave it at that.

I'm an engineer and have had both. Both work well and do everything I need. After researching both gas and electric for a new cart (last time around when I bought a cart - Yamaha Drive 2 - electric simply wasn't there yet), I couldn't see spending $10K more for a cart that has less features and a rougher ride. It's as simple as that.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by PoolBrews

Of course. There is a setting for tire size as well as max revolutions (which limits top end speed). When changing tire size, your dealer can change these settings in a few minutes. It may be free - Botero Carts of Ocala does it for free.

When I went from 14" wheels to 12" wheels, I lowered my cart by 2.3" and then had them reset my tire size and top end speed. I gained 11% of range as well. You can find the tests done my Tesla online that show that for every 3" of tire diameter reduction in size, electric motors gain 10% in range. In this case, the reduction in diameter is 4.6".

I just bought new wheels I liked better, so this is a good way for someone to test out whether they want 12" tires for a low cost.'

On a shorter cart when the motor turns once, it moves the cart 12 inches. With a taller cart, the motor turns once and moves the cart 14 inches. There can be aerodynamic resistance and friction brought in, but the end game doesn’t change much.

Range could be effected by current usage for the additional load of 14 inch tires? I’m thinking equilibrated with the difference at best?

[JohnWW]

Originally Posted by Vinscalese

Trying to decide on new cart. Really like the electric but have range anxiety! lol…. Not moved in yet so new and not sure how many miles people really go. Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?

IMO a golf cart is fun for short drives and can serve as a second car depending on how close you are to stores, etc. My cart has a range of about 70 miles and is electric. I don't think I'd ever want to drive it more than about 30 miles on a trip. I think 75 miles is plenty, unless you love driving all day. Also, most days in the summer, there is a risk of an afternoon thunderstorm. I'd rather have my car in the afternoon for that reason.

Finally, before you buy a Star, consider contacting Botero in Ocala, (352) 615-8882. We got ours from their and saved a lot compared competitors. They delivered our cart and they will come out to fix your cart if you have a problem. My experience with them has been great, but of course "your mileage may vary". Best of luck!

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by JohnWW

IMO a golf cart is fun for short drives and can serve as a second car depending on how close you are to stores, etc. My cart has a range of about 70 miles and is electric. I don't think I'd ever want to drive it more than about 30 miles on a trip. I think 75 miles is plenty, unless you love driving all day. Also, most days in the summer, there is a risk of an afternoon thunderstorm. I'd rather have my car in the afternoon for that reason.

Finally, before you buy a Star, consider contacting Botero in Ocala, (352) 615-8882. We got ours from their and saved a lot compared competitors. They delivered our cart and they will come out to fix your cart if you have a problem. My experience with them has been great, but of course "your mileage may vary". Best of luck!

Our experience motors you're almost exactly. We bought from Hidden Creek Golf carts here in the villages. Their customer service has been exceptional so far.

[Battlebasset]

I have an electric, lithium ion Evolution cart. Supposedly good for 50 to 60 miles, but I've never pushed it more than a 30 mile round trip. At 20 mph, that is 1.5 hours on a jarring, bouncing, golf cart, exposed to the elements. Did it once from down south to Spanish Springs just to say I did it. Never again.

So electric LI should be plenty for most people, unless they are looking at their golf cart as a back up for only having one car, or no car at all. If I was thinking that, I would look at the Atomic carts, or something similar, that is more car-like - enclosed, AC, windshield wiper.

IMO, electric cart (LI, not lead acid) is superior to gas for its lower maintenance and no gas fumes. But, that is if you are in the range of my use scenario.

And EV vs ICE for my car? No way. 100+ years of ICE development has provided the most reliable and efficient way to move a personal passenger vehicle. EV solves no problem I have, and creates a number more. I can't see myself ever getting one.

Right tool for the right job, folks.