Yet another gas vs. electric thread

[tuccillo]

My wife and I are new residents and are looking for a golf cart. We are down in the Lake Deaton area. We will play a lot of golf. I don't see us taking it to Spanish Springs all that often but Sumter Landing is certainly somewhere we would go.

I have talked to a few Golf Cart stores and there seems to be a very strong bias towards gas carts with the rational that electrics have a limited range and need the battery packs replaced every year and a half. I am trying to separate out fact from fiction. It seems to me that that range for a new 48v battery pack is about 40 miles assuming 80% discharge and a 5 year lifetime is not all that unusual (not sure what the range is typically reduced by after 5 years). I am mechanically inclined so the battery pack would get the needed attention if we went electric.

Can someone explain why there is such a bias towards gas carts (perhaps the commission plans favour pushing gas)? I am being short sighted by even considering electric? Thanks

[Rollie]

First, I am not biased against electric carts. I own 2 of them, and love them both. That being said, you should consider that you may be golfing in the morning and squaring in the evening. You may not have time to charge your batteries in between time. I think that may be the main reason people prefer gas over battery in The Villages. Just my opinion.

Rollie

[jimbo2012]

I think there's a higher margin of profit or they lack electric knowledge in their shops.

I went to one dealer and he said the Electrics are $1,000 more on the base price.

I see them at the exact same base.

PS: I belive electric is the way to go, solar can get you 70+ miles

[graciegirl]

My wife and I are new residents and are looking for a golf cart. We are down in the Lake Deaton area. We will play a lot of golf. I don't see us taking it to Spanish Springs all that often but Sumter Landing is certainly somewhere we would go.

I have talked to a few Golf Cart stores and there seems to be a very strong bias towards gas carts with the rational that electrics have a limited range and need the battery packs replaced every year and a half. I am trying to separate out fact from fiction. It seems to me that that range for a new 48v battery pack is about 40 miles assuming 80% discharge and a 5 year lifetime is not all that unusual (not sure what the range is typically reduced by after 5 years). I am mechanically inclined so the battery pack would get the needed attention if we went electric.

Can someone explain why there is such a bias towards gas carts (perhaps the commission plans favour pushing gas)? I am being short sighted by even considering electric? Thanks


We have one of each. You don't see gas carts quit too often . Gas is MUCH more dependable.

[Mikeod]

My wife and I are new residents and are looking for a golf cart. We are down in the Lake Deaton area. We will play a lot of golf. I don't see us taking it to Spanish Springs all that often but Sumter Landing is certainly somewhere we would go.

I have talked to a few Golf Cart stores and there seems to be a very strong bias towards gas carts with the rational that electrics have a limited range and need the battery packs replaced every year and a half. I am trying to separate out fact from fiction. It seems to me that that range for a new 48v battery pack is about 40 miles assuming 80% discharge and a 5 year lifetime is not all that unusual (not sure what the range is typically reduced by after 5 years). I am mechanically inclined so the battery pack would get the needed attention if we went electric.

Can someone explain why there is such a bias towards gas carts (perhaps the commission plans favour pushing gas)? I am being short sighted by even considering electric? Thanks

Having owned both, I have a couple of thoughts. One, I don't believe it is good to discharge the battery pack 80%. Most advice I have read is 50% on a regular basis. I agree with the range you mentioned, with a new pack, but the range will reduce as the pack ages. I took meticulous care with our batteries and didn't get close to five year life. Three plus years seems more accurate to me. One other consideration is the incidence of one battery/cell going bad and limiting range. Then you're faced with either replacing one battery or the entire pack depending on the age.

Our problem with electric carts was that after using them extensively during the day, they were unavailable because they had to charge, or you use them and experience charge anxiety. One contributing factor to that is the digital meter on the cart. There were many times when it showed low charge, but the volt meter showed adequate charge. But it really cramps your style to have to stop, lift the seat, and check voltage with a meter. It got so we never trusted the digital meter. That just increased the instances of range anxiety.

So, we got a gas cart. I do miss the quiet of the electric, but it is so nice to just get in and go. We stop for gas when out for golf or an errand. Fill up when it gets near half tank. We don't keep gas in the garage and notice no gas odor.

I would say that our first cart had eight six-volt batteries and we seemed to have great range. Our second cart had six eight-volt batteries and that's the one that sent us to a gas cart.

We also didn't expect to travel as much with the cart as we wound up doing. In the high season, we wind up getting tee times all over the map, so we do put many more miles on the cart than planned.

The bias toward gas is simply range.

[Golfingnut]

Without maintenance, a failure can sneak up on you without any obvious sign with electric. Lack of maint on a gas cart will show by stinking even worse than normal. With proper maint, both have similar reliability.

[graciegirl]

There are many, many threads on this subject if you look in "search' above. The last person you should ask is the dealer they will tell you what they are selling is best.. Here are yet more OPINIONS.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-new-members-forum-115/gas-electric-golf-cart-105978/index2.html

[rubicon]

I have been here for 7.5 years and the debate between electric v gas has been ongoing. And I believe the answer is consider both and decide on which one fits your lifestyle.

I know who have had to replace their batteries after 5 years and some a one year and a half.

I have 6 8 volt powertron over 3 years old and so far they have carried me to where I desire to go.

It is my understanding that there are batteries now somewhat higher that get longer range then the previous batteries. I will probably invest in some shortly. In fact my wife and I are playing golf this PM at a course quite a distance from my home and it will be a test for me. Depending on the outcome will determine if I get new batteries

You will no doubt compare the cost of maintenance between both. Gas carts get some 50 miles per gal depending on the driver and cart. Most gas carts carry 5 gals.

So far I have not convinced myself that I need a gas cart

[ajbrown]

Stuff snipped by Alan from OP....
I have talked to a few Golf Cart stores and there seems to be a very strong bias towards gas carts with the rational that electrics have a limited range and need the battery packs replaced every year and a half. I am trying to separate out fact from fiction.


When you start putting a lot of stock in what sales people tell you, you are in trouble :duck::1rotfl:

It seems to me that that range for a new 48v battery pack is about 40 miles assuming 80% discharge and a 5 year lifetime is not all that unusual (not sure what the range is typically reduced by after 5 years). I am mechanically inclined so the battery pack would get the needed attention if we went electric.


Be specific about battery configuration when talking electric cart range. A pack with 4-12v batteries will not provide near the range as a pack with 8-6v batteries.

I budget 3 years on a pack. My current pack is over 4 years old and still strong enough to meet my needs. I may get close to your 5 year statement. This is the first pack I have owned from the beginning. Time will tell.

Always remember the deeper the discharge, the fewer the cycles. Would be great to size your pack to meet your needs and still be around 50% SOC when arriving home. See image at bottom (I forget where I found it)


Can someone explain why there is such a bias towards gas carts (perhaps the commission plans favour pushing gas)? I am being short sighted by even considering electric? Thanks

Are you seeing the same bias at EZGO, Par Car, Star and Tomberline (they still around)? The world of golf carts does not end at Yamaha.

Thanks for considering electric!

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/batterylifecycle2.jpg (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/media/totv/batterylifecycle2.jpg.html)

[94blaze]

225-250 miles on a tank of gas if you have a new yamaha cart for example. Anual oil change about 8$ in oil. Belt will last you several years. Belt is about 70$ and ive seen some go as long as 10 years. Very little maintenance involved on a gas cart. Air filter should stay good and clean if you never leave the cart path or street. Like mentioned above the gas you just get in and go whenever. Battery you come home and charge from the course and hope its charged enough to go back out during the night to get a bite to eat or groceries. Or old and forgetful like me and not even hook the charger up. If your mechically inclined either cart is easy to maintain and you will save a ton by not letting the dealer do the service on it. Good luck with your purchase.

[John_W]

I have a 2011 Yamaha gas cart I purchased new from The Villages at LSL. It has just about every option, 2 sand bottles, ball/club washer, SS Wheels, Black Roof, Ultimate Seats w/arm rest, Gas gauge, Large side mirrors, side post turn indicators, Floor matts, Leather Steering Wheel Cover, cooler and so on.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k241/9234gypsy/DSC00205_zps19f8883d.jpg

I like it very much, never any problems, I get about 40 mpg. Two minor problems I had fixed. The side mirrors they mounted too high, so when making a turn it would create a blind spot. I think they now mount them lower, I had them lower mine which they did free of charge when I had the turn signal indicators installed. If you've been here a while, you'll probably see Yamaha carts going down the road with the left turn signal stuck on. It's because the indicator is out of sight low on the dash. They installed LED indicators on the side posts at eye level for $50.

I never looked at Par Cars when shopping three years ago, but if you're checking out electrics. The new Par Car Eagle model is neat looking. I've seen just a couple so far in TV.

http://www.columbiaparcaraz.com/new-vehicles/images/eagle-lsv-lg.png

[George Bieniaszek]

A salesman ONLY sells what's in stock!! If he has a showroom full of gas carts, then they are the best and electrics are junk. Same goes for a salesman that has a showroom of electrics.

I have an 2010 EXGO RXV with 10,700 miles on it. Other than a battery replacement last year, the cart has been maintenance free. I have purchased a Battery Minder which will help add longevity to the battery pack by de-sulfurizing the batteries. I have the 4/12 volt configuration, which as mentioned in earlier posts, is the set-up with the least range. More batteries = greater range.

If you are not mechanically inclined, an annual service on a gas cart will cost you approx. $130 per year. Belt replacement approx. $100. When you look at a battery replacement every 4-5 years on average, maintenance costs between a gas and electric is close to the same.

[Bay Kid]

I worry about running out of gas every week to 2 weeks. Dad worries everyday if he can go and come on his overnight charge. I like the less worry.

[jimbo2012]

Does anyone care about about the carbon footprint you leave behind (in more ways than one) for future generations.

[Paulz]

Hi

I went through the same process last fall with the intent on purchasing electric unless I could be convinced otherwise. End game I purchased a 2014 EZGO from Town and Country in SS. I am very satisfied with the purchase and have gone 40+ miles in a day with plenty to spare. Added a Battery Minder a couple of months ago and when the cart is parked in the garage, it is plugged in. Go back and check out the thread.

I live in Collier....

Paul Z.

[tuccillo]

I was given one estimate that a battery pack would last approximately 8000 miles. Is this what folks are typically seeing?

If so, then the dollars seem to be pretty even between gas and electric:

gas: 10 cents per mile assuming 40 mpg and $4/gallon plus oil, filters, starter battery replacement, and belts

electric: 2 cents per mile for electricity plus 10 cents per mile for batteries ($800 every 8000 miles)

Totals:
gas: 10 cents per mile plus maintenance parts (a couple of cents per mile???)
electric: 12 cents per mile

Thoughts??


I think there's a higher margin of profit or they lack electric knowledge in their shops.

I went to one dealer and he said the Electrics are $1,000 more on the base price.

I see them at the exact same base.

PS: I belive electric is the way to go, solar can get you 70+ miles

[94blaze]

I say rent one for a week and see how you like each. Just testing one at the dealer for a short time your not gonna get too much time to tell.

[Rango]

There are many, many threads on this subject if you look in "search' above. The last person you should ask is the dealer they will tell you what they are selling is best.. Here are yet more OPINIONS.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-new-members-forum-115/gas-electric-golf-cart-105978/index2.html



:clap2: :clap2:

[Rango]

I was given one estimate that a battery pack would last approximately 8000 miles. Is this what folks are typically seeing?

If so, then the dollars seem to be pretty even between gas and electric:

gas: 10 cents per mile assuming 40 mpg and $4/gallon plus oil, filters, starter battery replacement, and belts

electric: 2 cents per mile for electricity plus 10 cents per mile for batteries ($800 every 8000 miles)

Totals:
gas: 10 cents per mile plus maintenance parts (a couple of cents per mile???)
electric: 12 cents per mile

Thoughts??


There is a book that is required reading at most Universities for math students: "How to lie with statistics"

I am not accusing you of lying, but the stores that sell gas carts have a brochure showing how much cheaper a gas cart is to own.

The store that sell electrics have a brochure showing how much cheaper electrics are.

[ajbrown]

I was given one estimate that a battery pack would last approximately 8000 miles. Is this what folks are typically seeing?

Stuff snipped from OP by Alan

Thoughts??

I have NO idea how many miles a set of batteries will go. Not sure anyone could answer that as the variables are many, i.e., configuration of pack, type of driving, road conditions, maintenance of pack, etc…..

Here are my thoughts and only an opinion, so caveat reader. I do not think cost of ownership is different enough for that to be your leading factor in choosing gas or electric.

As an example, for me personally I will NEVER own a gas cart. That is JUST MY PERSONAL choice for reasons that should not matter to your choice.

That said, I have been driving electric golf carts in TV since 2007. I have NEVER been stranded because I ran out of charge. In fact I have never come close (knock on wood). I live in Mallory which is a bit more central than Lake Deaton and we also have two electric carts, so there is always a backup.

I hope I do not come across as preachy..... My only point is cost of ownership is close enough to be a wash IMO. The most important thing if you really want an electric cart is to understand your requirements (if possible to forecast) and then see if they can be met by an electric cart. If you end up with the wrong electric cart for your needs you will be in for an expensive lesson.

Good luck. If you can figure out what a cart day in your life will look like, I can try to tell you how my carts would do....

[tuccillo]

Hey, I am just trying to figure out fact from fiction. I am not making these numbers up - I am simply asking if they are reasonable. I am not selling golf carts and I don't have a bias towards one or the other. If you have something to add to the discussion then great, please do so. Otherwise please don't bother telling me something I already know: the sales people will plug what they are selling.

There is a book that is required reading at most Universities for math students: "How to lie with statistics"

I am not accusing you of lying, but the stores that sell gas carts have a brochure showing how much cheaper a gas cart is to own.

The store that sell electrics have a brochure showing how much cheaper electrics are.

[13RXV]

My experience is about 15 mpg for a gas cart while playing golf. I got about 3 rounds per gallon and the course is about 5 miles. I now have a `13 ezgo rxv but would consider gas for my next cart.

[VT2TV]

I can't give you figures comparing the carts, but we have a gas cart, have had no problems with it and I feel more secure driving it . You say that both you and your wife will be playing a lot of golf. Some people on here swear that they never have a problem getting tee times, but my group of 8 has had lots of problems in the winter. When we get out, murphy's law will make sure that it sometimes overlaps the tee times of my husbands group. This is not to say that you will have problems, some don't. But the reason I mention this is to say that several friends where both spouses golf, will get 2 used carts, so it won't be a problem at all. You could get 1 cart of each, and decide which fits your lifestyle best. Just a different perspective.