Recharging stations in the squares

[kdkrenz]

Is there a place to get a quick charge in any of the squares?

[Mudder]

Nope

[Jima64]

Not at present time. Can you imagine how much this would be abused by people not removing cart promptly after charging so someone else could use it.

[llaran]

The only place I know of is Outback in Spanish Springs, they have a sigh out front.

[RickeyD]

Not at present time. Can you imagine how much this would be abused by people not removing cart promptly after charging so someone else could use it.


Chair saving is nothing compared to the fuel fistfights that would ensue.

[Rickg]

I stopped at the villages golf cart store once and they charged it for me. They were really nice about it.

[jane032657]

Don't tell anyone I told you. Check out the Assisted Living Parking Lots. Many of them have charging stations. I'm sure it can be our secret here on TOTV, LOL!

[RickeyD]

Is there a place to get a quick charge in any of the squares?


Gasoline, best portable energy source known to mankind.

[golfing eagles]

Gasoline, best portable energy source known to mankind.

Better than "Mr. Fusion"????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[RickeyD]

Better than "Mr. Fusion"????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:


Sorry, that was a one off. Doesn't count

[RickeyD]

Better than "Mr. Fusion"????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:


Wait ! I was wrong, available on Amazon ( of course )57770

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't see why a number of credit card operated machines can't be placed in strategic places around the squares.

It they were made expensive enough so that people only used them in an emergency I don't think that people would be plugging in and leaving their carts there.

They could be set up in such a way that as long as your cart is plugged, you'd be getting charged by the minute. That way people wouldn't be leaving their carts plugged in any longer than necessary.

[RickeyD]

I don't see why a number of credit card operated machines can't be placed in strategic places around the squares.



It they were made expensive enough so that people only used them in an emergency I don't think that people would be plugging in and leaving their carts there.



They could be set up in such a way that as long as your cart is plugged, you'd be getting charged by the minute. That way people wouldn't be leaving their carts plugged in any longer than necessary.


You stole that idea from Elon Musk !

[rubicon]

I don't see why a number of credit card operated machines can't be placed in strategic places around the squares.

It they were made expensive enough so that people only used them in an emergency I don't think that people would be plugging in and leaving their carts there.

They could be set up in such a way that as long as your cart is plugged, you'd be getting charged by the minute. That way people wouldn't be leaving their carts plugged in any longer than necessary.

I agree but the hackers would be at our door steps.

[JoMar]

Is there a place to get a quick charge in any of the squares?

Why would you need a quick charge? Old Cart? Don't have an outlet in the garage? Prius?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

You stole that idea from Elon Musk !

I have no idea who or what Elon Musk is.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I agree but the hackers would be at our door steps.

Huh? Hackers?

[tuccillo]

It's a new men's cologne ;-)


I have no idea who or what Elon Musk is.

[Chatbrat]

Elon Musk-makes the Tesla, great car -but it doesn't have enough range for an ordered evacuation and if the power is out after a major event you're toast

[bagboy]

Elon Musk-makes the Tesla, great car -but it doesn't have enough range for an ordered evacuation and if the power is out after a major event you're toast

He is also the founder of SpaceX, a private space travel endeavor.

[Taltarzac725]

How long does it on average take to recharge a golf cart? We have a gas one.

[tuccillo]

If the power is out after a major event you can't pump gas either.

Elon Musk-makes the Tesla, great car -but it doesn't have enough range for an ordered evacuation and if the power is out after a major event you're toast

[looneycat]

Why would you need a quick charge? Old Cart? Don't have an outlet in the garage? Prius?

most electrics, in their second year and beyond on their batteries, lose enough capacity to surprise you when it suddenly takes a long time getting up hills.

[golfing eagles]

If the power is out after a major event you can't pump gas either.

No, but I can keep a 5 gallon plastic can in my garage and use it when needed. Can't keep an electric charge in a bottle. (Yes, I know about Leyden jars, but won't charge a golf cart)

[MoeVonB61]

Probably because we have so many people that do not live in the Villages coming to enjoy the Entertainment at the Squares as it is. Evem Katie Belles is now charging non residents for their entertainment....I personally PREFER charging stations be accessible to amenity paying residents only....!

[Walter123]

If charging stations appear in the squares it won't be long until someone puts a rope across them to reserve for a friend.

[golfing eagles]

Probably because we have so many people that do not live in the Villages coming to enjoy the Entertainment at the Squares as it is. Evem Katie Belles is now charging non residents for their entertainment....I personally PREFER charging stations be accessible to amenity paying residents only....!

If someone is not a resident of TV, it is highly unlikely they will arrive at a square in an electric cart.

[tuccillo]

Sure you can but how many people actually do? In The Villages, probably very few. And when your 5 gallons is gone and the electricity is still off you aren't going anywhere. Our society is totally dependent on electricity. Gasoline is a very convenient way of transporting energy because of it's enormous energy density (for example, with golf carts, it can be about 80x denser than lead-acid batteries, for a Tesla the numbers are much better: about 22x) but it's production and distribution are still dependent on electricity.

No, but I can keep a 5 gallon plastic can in my garage and use it when needed. Can't keep an electric charge in a bottle. (Yes, I know about Leyden jars, but won't charge a golf cart)

[golfing eagles]

Sure you can but how many people actually do? In The Villages, probably very few. And when your 5 gallons is gone and the electricity is still off you aren't going anywhere. Our society is totally dependent on electricity. Gasoline is a very convenient way of transporting energy because of it's enormous energy density (for golf carts, it can be about 80x denser than lead-acid batteries) but it's production and distribution are still dependent on electricity.

If the electricity is STILL out after driving 350 miles in my golf cart, we all have bigger problems than driving around TV

[tuccillo]

The original comment was about the range of a Tesla, not a golf cart, and presumably leaving The Villages after some sort of major event. Full disclosure: I don't own a Tesla or hybrid car and I have a gas golf cart.

If the electricity is STILL out after driving 350 miles in my golf cart, we all have bigger problems than driving around TV

[tuccillo]

Then they will have create another PSA to tell people that reserving the charging stations is prohibited ;-)

If charging stations appear in the squares it won't be long until someone puts a rope across them to reserve for a friend.

[Walter123]

This thread has run out of gas.:agree:

[JoMar]

most electrics, in their second year and beyond on their batteries, lose enough capacity to surprise you when it suddenly takes a long time getting up hills.

Must be the older technology carts but none of the Squares is that far from anyplace in TV. I think the problem is they don't plug them in at night or watch their instruments. I'm in the second year with two electrics which is why this subject always amazes me. Running out of power is, as it is when a gas cart runs out of gas, usually a user error.

[Topspinmo]

The original comment was about the range of a Tesla, not a golf cart, and presumably leaving The Villages after some sort of major event. Full disclosure: I don't own a Tesla or hybrid car and I have a gas golf cart.

Why not put portable gas generator in trunk of the tesla? When it goes dead get out the portable gas gen. Fire her up and charge away:ohdear:

[tuccillo]

I don't know. Ask Elon Musk.

Why not put portable gas generator in trunk of the tesla? When it goes dead get out the portable gas gen. Fire her up and charge away:ohdear:

[looneycat]

Must be the older technology carts but none of the Squares is that far from anyplace in TV. I think the problem is they don't plug them in at night or watch their instruments. I'm in the second year with two electrics which is why this subject always amazes me. Running out of power is, as it is when a gas cart runs out of gas, usually a user error.

not so old tech as I have seen 3 electrics dead on path sides in the last week, at least 2 were current models. if you are going from charlotte to the sharon, or savannah center plus other shopping it can easily happen, in fact it is the reason many switched to gas since the villages has grown so much.

[ajbrown]

Must be the older technology carts but none of the Squares is that far from anyplace in TV. I think the problem is they don't plug them in at night or watch their instruments. I'm in the second year with two electrics which is why this subject always amazes me. Running out of power is, as it is when a gas cart runs out of gas, usually a user error.

I agree and add to the sentence in bold...

It is hard to know how folks run out of 'fuel'. I can only guess that they are ignorant to the state of charge of the pack and the meaning. Even if there was user error, e.g. not plugging in, someone who knows the 'fuel' level in the pack would see the error long before being stranded.

The only analogy I can think of is driving a car without a gas gauge. You cannot see in the tank, you fill it up once a week, but you never know how much fuel is in the tank. One week you drive it too far and oops...

Driving an electric cart (or any vehicle) around without a way to see the 'fuel' left in the pack is asking for trouble.

[ajbrown]

not so old tech as I have seen 3 electrics dead on path sides in the last week, at least 2 were current models. if you are going from charlotte to the sharon, or savannah center plus other shopping it can easily happen, in fact it is the reason many switched to gas since the villages has grown so much.

Without knowing the facts, one cannot guess how they got stranded.

As to your trip example, this is a very small trip. Let's take a trip, Brownwood to Glenview to The Sharon to Belle Glade and back to Brownwood, about 30 miles...

I still am at 49.5 volts, now where you want to go :D? Make sure you have the right pack configuration for your needs, understand it and things will go well..

PS. I do understand some folks do require and/or want a gas cart, but seldom for the reasons mentioned on this forum.

[Bogie Shooter]

I was told when I bought my first electric cart, 14 years ago, to always plug in the charger after every use..................its then always fully charged and ready for the next trip.

[Walter123]

I was told when I bought my first electric cart, 14 years ago, to always plug in the charger after every use..................its then always fully charged and ready for the next trip.

Exactly. That's what I do too. 5 years on the same set of batteries and still going strong.

[villagetinker]

There are some solutions for charging stations for electric cars. It would interesting if this could be adapted (at low cost) to golf carts. In that manner, it might be possible to support the infrastructure required to provide this service to the public.

The reason I mention the automotive solution, as it takes care of the use of credit cards, it provides a way to stop some one from unplugging your car and plugging in theirs on your credit card. It provides the necessary safety for this type of electrical service. There are many concerns with providing charging stations. You really do not want to just provide a duplex receptacles for people to plug into. I am sure there could be significant liability issues.
Wish I had a good solution for this, I would go into business.

[JoMar]

not so old tech as I have seen 3 electrics dead on path sides in the last week, at least 2 were current models. if you are going from charlotte to the sharon, or savannah center plus other shopping it can easily happen, in fact it is the reason many switched to gas since the villages has grown so much.

Which I then assume is user error. Going from Charlotte, to the Sharon or Savannah is an easy trip. I have traveled 55 miles on a charge and had capacity to spare. I recently went from Hillsborough to Orange Blossom to play 18 holes of golf, then headed to the visit a friend in Glenview (I forgot how long El Camino was) then home to Hillsborough. I have also gone to the Savannah Center by cart twice in the last month and since the show was a late show it was headlights on all the way. Sometimes I believe people believe this place is larger that it really is. By the way, you do know that Villages Golf Carts now sells electric carts....why do you think that is? People by gas out of fear and ignorance....which is a shame.

[fred53]

Is there a place to get a quick charge in any of the squares?

want to pay for that quick charge...or can they have meters where you put money/swipe credit card for the charge?

If you do want it free then I want free gas for my cart when I go there. :1rotfl:

[tuccillo]

I have a gas cart and I can assure you my decision was based on neither fear nor ignorance. I am glad that you are happy with your cart but to suggest that people are making uninformed decisions is just a stupid thing to say. My gas cart will have higher resale value, is extremely reliable, has minimal maintenance cost, and has lower operating cost than your electric cart. In the future, you might want to think before typing.

Which I then assume is user error. Going from Charlotte, to the Sharon or Savannah is an easy trip. I have traveled 55 miles on a charge and had capacity to spare. I recently went from Hillsborough to Orange Blossom to play 18 holes of golf, then headed to the visit a friend in Glenview (I forgot how long El Camino was) then home to Hillsborough. I have also gone to the Savannah Center by cart twice in the last month and since the show was a late show it was headlights on all the way. Sometimes I believe people believe this place is larger that it really is. By the way, you do know that Villages Golf Carts now sells electric carts....why do you think that is? People by gas out of fear and ignorance....which is a shame.

[CWGUY]

Which I then assume is user error. Going from Charlotte, to the Sharon or Savannah is an easy trip. I have traveled 55 miles on a charge and had capacity to spare. I recently went from Hillsborough to Orange Blossom to play 18 holes of golf, then headed to the visit a friend in Glenview (I forgot how long El Camino was) then home to Hillsborough. I have also gone to the Savannah Center by cart twice in the last month and since the show was a late show it was headlights on all the way. Sometimes I believe people believe this place is larger that it really is. By the way, you do know that Villages Golf Carts now sells electric carts....why do you think that is? People by gas out of fear and ignorance....which is a shame.

When did you buy your first cart in The Villages? It was 2004 for me. The Villages sold electric then. They have always sold both. I'll bet they sell alot more gas than electric.

[JoMar]

When did you buy your first cart in The Villages? It was 2004 for me. The Villages sold electric then. They have always sold both. I'll bet they sell alot more gas than electric.

Interesting. I decided to switch to electric in 2014 and went to The Villages Golf Carts in Colony. I was told they do not provide electric carts and then gave me the fear sales talk for gas. When I said I was going electric they told me they couldn't help me. Knowing they were selling them is disappointing. They do sell more gas and I assume that won't change because of the fear factor. I also believe the fear factor had some validity at one time but that has changed. Electric's were horrible. No endurance and a pain to maintain the batteries. Thanks for the information.

[Walter123]

not so old tech as I have seen 3 electrics dead on path sides in the last week, at least 2 were current models. if you are going from charlotte to the sharon, or savannah center plus other shopping it can easily happen, in fact it is the reason many switched to gas since the villages has grown so much.

Imagine for a moment if everyone switched to a gas cart. Now imagine that you are behind a line of gas carts in a tunnel or wherever. This place would be one huge, noisy stink hole.

[CWGUY]

Imagine for a moment if everyone switched to a gas cart. Now imagine that you are behind a line of gas carts in a tunnel or wherever. This place would be one huge, noisy stink hole.

:shocked: Probably like living near one of Florida's 15 coal fired electric plants. Over 20% of electricity in Florida is coal fired. 0% from cute hamsters turning little wheels. :(

[Sandtrap328]

I have kind of a funny story here on this subject.

A couple of years ago, Mrs. Trap took our golf cart out one morning and failed to notice that one of us had not plugged it in the previous night. The cart was less than half charged but she didn't notice. In the afternoon, after travelling quite a few miles, the cart ran out of power at our mail depot. She called me and I drove there in the car with the charger and a long extention cord. Mrs. Trap drove home in the car while I sat for about 45 minutes charging the cart using an outlet at the postal depot. Several people stopped and chatted very friendly like but ...

One lady saw me doing this and asked curtly what I was doing. I smiled and said that I always charge my cart at postal stations so I don't have to spend extra money on electricity at home. The lady got very upset and yelled as she took off she was going to call Community Watch on me! I still feel kind of bad for making her mad but all the others were very neighborly.

[ajbrown]

Deleted by Alan

[Chi-Town]

I have a ten year old Par Car that I use for golf. It has the 8 six volt battery configuration and there has never been a problem with distance. I like that it is quiet on the golf course, goes along with the ambiance of the game.

[Walter123]

I have kind of a funny story here on this subject.

A couple of years ago, Mrs. Trap took our golf cart out one morning and failed to notice that one of us had not plugged it in the previous night. The cart was less than half charged but she didn't notice. In the afternoon, after travelling quite a few miles, the cart ran out of power at our mail depot. She called me and I drove there in the car with the charger and a long extention cord. Mrs. Trap drove home in the car while I sat for about 45 minutes charging the cart using an outlet at the postal depot. Several people stopped and chatted very friendly like but ...

One lady saw me doing this and asked curtly what I was doing. I smiled and said that I always charge my cart at postal stations so I don't have to spend extra money on electricity at home. The lady got very upset and yelled as she took off she was going to call Community Watch on me! I still feel kind of bad for making her mad but all the others were very neighborly.

That's a funny story. A good sense of humor goes a long way in this place!

[Bavarian]

There should be emission controls on Golf Carts, too much polution.

I saw at CES some years ago, a home charging station for an electric car which had a solar panel mounted on a pole, with connectors, battery pack to save electricity till needed. That is what we need.

[golfing eagles]

There should be emission controls on Golf Carts, too much polution.


Sorry for this but I can't resist:

How much POLLUTION is too much? Do you know the amount of pollutants put out by a golf cart vs. an average car. Do you realize that the state of Florida doesn't even inspect cars for emissions? What type of pollutants are they? Are they harmful? Do you know if there are some type of pollution devices on golf carts? Do you realize that the number 1 component of exhaust is water vapor and number 2 is carbon dioxide?

My apologies if you hold a Ph.D in environmental science with a specialty in atmospheric conditions and internal combustion engine exhaust, but I doubt it.

[rubicon]

Sorry for this but I can't resist:

How much POLLUTION is too much? Do you know the amount of pollutants put out by a golf cart vs. an average car. Do you realize that the state of Florida doesn't even inspect cars for emissions? What type of pollutants are they? Are they harmful? Do you know if there are some type of pollution devices on golf carts? Do you realize that the number 1 component of exhaust is water vapor and number 2 is carbon dioxide?

My apologies if you hold a Ph.D in environmental science with a specialty in atmospheric conditions and internal combustion engine exhaust, but I doubt it.

climate change denier:pepper2::D

[kcrazorbackfan]

Chair saving is nothing compared to the fuel fistfights that would ensue.

Tickets could be sold for those events....

[golfing eagles]

Tickets could be sold for those events....

sort of like a circus sideshow

[tuccillo]

The EPA has had small engine emissions regulations in place for some time. Newer gas golf carts have fuel injection which improves gas mileage and therefore reduces emissions. Whether the regulations "go far enough" is open to debate. Regulations are always a compromise between what you want and what can be practically implemented.

There should be emission controls on Golf Carts, too much polution.

I saw at CES some years ago, a home charging station for an electric car which had a solar panel mounted on a pole, with connectors, battery pack to save electricity till needed. That is what we need.

[tuccillo]

Regarding solar power for charging a golf cart, I ran the numbers on this in another thread. While it is fundamentally a good idea to use renewable energy, you might also want to look at the economics. At current SECO electric rates (13 cents per kWh), a 200 watt panel (which will be roughly 2 feet by 4 feet in size) will save you about $40 per year in electric costs. It will also only generate enough power, on average, to provide you with 4-6 miles of travel per day. If you routinely travel more than that you would need more solar panels to keep your battery pack charged. It is possible that a setup with a solar panel, required electronics, storage battery, etc. will run $1000 but you will get a tax credit. I just don't see a payback plus solar panels are still in a deflationary stage with respect to costs.

There should be emission controls on Golf Carts, too much polution.

I saw at CES some years ago, a home charging station for an electric car which had a solar panel mounted on a pole, with connectors, battery pack to save electricity till needed. That is what we need.

[zcaveman]

Regarding solar power for charging a golf cart, I ran the numbers on this in another thread. While it is fundamentally a good idea to use renewable energy, you might also want to look at the economics. At current SECO electric rates (13 cents per kWh), a 200 watt panel (which will be roughly 2 feet by 4 feet in size) will save you about $40 per year in electric costs. It will also only generate enough power, on average, to provide you with 4-6 miles of travel per day. If you routinely travel more than that you would need more solar panels to keep your battery pack charged. It is possible that a setup with a solar panel, required electronics, storage battery, etc. will run $1000 but you will get a tax credit. I just don't see a payback plus solar panels are still in a deflationary stage with respect to costs.

Would the golf cart keep charging while you were driving it? And if so, would that charge be enough to replace what charge you used when driving?

Z

[outlaw]

I understand the dilemma the OP was in. However, if the OP did not get permission from the district office prior to plugging in, then it could be considered illegal; petty theft (Unless there is some district policy that allows this.)? I know the OP, and probably most of us, would consider this particular scenario somewhat of an "emergency". But, if reported, this could have turned into an embarrassing event, and maybe an arrest. As a minimum, the OP should probably have called the district after the fact to offer some remuneration. Maybe it would be a good idea for a resident to talk to the district for a verbal blanket approval for future "emergencies" such as this one.

[tuccillo]

The original comment was about a solar panel at your house tied into a battery (to save the power) that could be used to recharge your golf cart (when you bring it home). What you are presumably referring to is a solar panel on the roof of your golf cart? If so, the numbers don't change as you can fit a 200 watt panel (perhaps a bit larger) on your roof. The average amount of power you will get from a 200 watt panel is about 800 watt-hours per day if the cart is outside all day. This is enough power for approximately 4-6 miles of travel. If that is the extent of your travels and the cart is outside all day (and in the sun, not under a tree) then the answer is yes. If you travel more than that you will need to plug in or your battery pack will slowly drain. Keep in mind that 800 watt-hours costs 10 cents from SECO.

Would the golf cart keep charging while you were driving it? And if so, would that charge be enough to replace what charge you used when driving?

Z

[dotti105]

Once while visiting, before we built our home, we rented an elect cart which was not fully charged when given to us. We had no clue. Ran out of power at SeaBreeze. We had an onboard charger and a 50 ft cord. We checked with the staff at SeaBreeze and they told us to go ahead and plug in using the outdoor outlet. I don't think they checked with a "higher power". They were just happy to help out.

On another note. We have 2 electric carts and have been told not to charge them for a short period. That actually diminishes the full charge capacity. When charging it drains the batteries first then takes several hrs to charge to full capacity. Therefore, a charging station would need to be used for several (4-5) hrs to really charge a golf cart.

The tesla charging stations are super high capacity and can charge the tesla in 45 minutes. Not at all the same type batteries or chargers.

[tuccillo]

Not exactly correct. Batteries are not drained first and then charged. You should plug in the charger after every use and let it shut itself off. You are correct in that partial charging should be avoided, if possible.

Once while visiting, before we built our home, we rented an elect cart which was not fully charged when given to us. We had no clue. Ran out of power at SeaBreeze. We had an onboard charger and a 50 ft cord. We checked with the staff at SeaBreeze and they told us to go ahead and plug in using the outdoor outlet. I don't think they checked with a "higher power". They were just happy to help out.

On another note. We have 2 electric carts and have been told not to charge them for a short period. That actually diminishes the full charge capacity. When charging it drains the batteries first then takes several hrs to charge to full capacity. Therefore, a charging station would need to be used for several (4-5) hrs to really charge a golf cart.

The tesla charging stations are super high capacity and can charge the tesla in 45 minutes. Not at all the same type batteries or chargers.

[rubicon]

The solution to the problem I learned after nine years of dealing with an electric cart was to submit and buy a gas cart. It has a gas gauge which I do not let go below 1/2. I am also a equal opportunity cart owner. So if TV provides free electric charging stations for electric cart owners then i also want free gas filling stations for gas cart owners.

I just made a funny TV giving away free stuff. heck they most likely charge you double for the electric charge and also paying to park there

[Walter123]

The solution to the problem I learned after nine years of dealing with an electric cart was to submit and buy a gas cart. It has a gas gauge which I do not let go below 1/2. I am also a equal opportunity cart owner. So if TV provides free electric charging stations for electric cart owners then i also want free gas filling stations for gas cart owners.

I just made a funny TV giving away free stuff. heck they most likely charge you double for the electric charge and also paying to park there

I'm not getting a charge out of this thread but it's a gas reading these funny comments!

[JoMar]

I'm not getting a charge out of this thread but it's a gas reading these funny comments!

And they should.