Lithium Golf Carts: No Rave Reviews Anywhere

[triflex]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

[Altavia]

Lots of positive reviews here.

Love both mine, 70mi range, quiet, no exhaust smell, strong acceleration, virtually no maintenance.

People tend to only take time to post on YT when they have problems.

[kkingston57]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

Have heard a lot of good reviews on the EZ Go 4 series Lithium Cart. After all it is a golf cart which is designed to go 20 MPH and has a range of about 50 Miles. I am not going to RAVE about something which is closer to Normal.

[Dana1963]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?
Let me help you might challenged in your search description.
lithium golf cart reviews youtube

[triflex]

This produced a lot of 'reviews' by people who sell golf carts.

Let me help you might challenged in your search description.
lithium golf cart reviews youtube

[Topspinmo]

Lots of positive reviews here.

Love both mine, 70mi range, quiet, no exhaust smell, strong acceleration, virtually no maintenance.

People tend to only take time to post on YT when they have problems.

Let’s us know when batteries get few hundreds charges on them. Let’s see how much for replacement ? $$$$.

[Mleeja]

I was reading a review on a Lithium Battery retailer’s website. The poster was “very happy” with that 48 volt 96 ah lithium battery got the same range as their old lead acid batteries. Uh what, you are getting the same range and paying twice the cost. I am not sold on lithium batteries. Need to see other benefits of paying twice the cost.

[toeser]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

When I got my first eBike, it had a useful range of about 90 miles (that's with me assisting the battery). Two years later, my range is down to about 50 miles and falling. I don't see why it would be any different with a golf cart.

[spofford]

Enjoying lithium batteries so far, been about a year. Have left them idle for the summer, don't feel they have been diminished in any way.

[Kgcetm]

70 miles is a standard electric cart. Not a Lithium battery cart. You wouldn’t pay the additional money for the same 70 miles.

[Redwood8300]

Had mine close to 3 years and still getting 80 miles per charge.

[Footer]

70 miles is a standard electric cart. Not a Lithium battery cart. You wouldn’t pay the additional money for the same 70 miles.

The best reported range I have seen for a standard 48V golf cart with 8 x 6 volt batteries is 50 miles. My cart with 4 x 12 volt batteries got 20 miles when the batteries were new. When I replaced with 105AH lithium it jumped to 65 miles. I haven't tested it lately but it's still about that. I added a rear seat so the extra 120 pounds might reduce the range. I'll do an accurate range test in November when it's 2 years old.

This is my original review. I'm still quite happy.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/roypow-s51105-lithium-battery-review-313809/#post1870792

[flyboyl39]

Retrofitted my Club Car Precedent with Lithium a year ago when it was time to change the original lead acid batteries for the fourth time. Absolutely thrilled with the result. The cart goes way further, is faster, handles and rides better. (Lithium battery pack is considerably lighter) It needs to be charged way less often and is easier to do because the charger is onboard. Had it done at the factory Club car store in Tampa and they guarantee the battery for 5 years.

[Hank’s mom]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?
My lithium battery operated gift cart is awesome. It’s a 2020 and can go from Sumter to Lopez, play 9 holes and back and the meter still shows over 1/2 charge is left.

[CosmicTrucker]

Retrofitted my Club Car Precedent with Lithium a year ago when it was time to change the original lead acid batteries for the fourth time. Absolutely thrilled with the result. The cart goes way further, is faster, handles and rides better. (Lithium battery pack is considerably lighter) It needs to be charged way less often and is easier to do because the charger is onboard. Had it done at the factory Club car store in Tampa and they guarantee the battery for 5 years.

I’m researching doing this for my ClubCar Onward . Could you please give us the cost of your swap?

[Altavia]

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

https://carolinagolfcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ELiTE-Lithium-Freedom-and-Express.pdf

[CaptainMorgan]

I have my EZGO Elite (Lithium) golf cart for 4 years now and am very happy with it. No water maintenance and acid drips on my garage floor. I use it strictly for golf on Championship courses about 4 times per week. I have never fully depleted the battery so I don't really know the max range, but I have gone 50 miles without recharging numerous times.

Once I played 3 days of 18-hole golf without recharging.

I had it in the shop 3 times in 4 years. Twice to replace front tires and once for controller problem (fixed under warranty).

Yes, it was expensive, but I am happy with my purchase.

[rsmurano]

Lead acid battery golf carts have a 20-23 mile range and diminish every year. You have to check water levels and clean the battery posts every quarter and replacing 4-12 volt batteries is almost $1000.
Lithium are maintenance free, have double to triple the operating range, but costly. At least every 8 years you will be spending thousands of $$$ to replace your lithium batteries, the bigger the battery, the more it’s going to cost. Also, lithium batteries are toxic so where are all these batteries going to be stored after they end of life them?
The new Yamaha drive 2 gas carts have a range of over 300 miles, don’t small, are very quiet, and cheap to work on. I can have the golf cart people change my oil once a year for $100 and replace the belt for another $100. After many years, I can rebuild the engine for a few hundred $$$ and it will be like brand new (engine wise) for many more years.

[HoosierPa]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

We have a fleet of 61 lithium battery carts and love them. Zero maintenance

[Speedie]

Lithium batteries not allowed an planes. Fire risk high.

I like my garage

[mrf0151]

Everyone loves their electric cart for about 3 years and then something happens. Range drops and it becomes unreliable. The jury is out on lithium batteries. Let's have this conversation in about 3-4 years and see where we are at.

[NoMoSno]

Lithium batteries not allowed an planes. Fire risk high.

I like my garage
Last I checked I could still bring my cell phone and laptop on the plane.

[bill72]

Had mine close to 3 years and still getting 80 miles per charge.
What size battery, singalong or Multiple

[jimbo2012]

One of the main advantages of a lithium-ion battery-powered golf cart is that they have a much longer lifespan than a traditional lead-acid one.
The average lithium golf cart battery has around 2,000 to 5,000 cycles; whereas the average lead-acid one only has anywhere from 500 to 1,000 cycles.
That equates to over 10 years.
Recharge <3.5 hours
Range 70+ miles
300 lbs lighter than lead acid

Electric no noise, smell or pollution
Check how many Tesla's are being built


.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Let’s us know when batteries get few hundreds charges no them. Let’s see how much for replacement ? $$$$.
10k miles on my 2019 4.0
zero issues, never even serviced.
No diminish in range that I can tell.

[Tbaker]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

Lots of positive reviews here too! We love our electric cart. It’s quiet, maintenance free and relaxing for a long ride. We haven’t had any problem with range- we regularly drive 11-13 miles to the golf course, play 18 holes, go to dinner and then back home with no problem. It’s a full day in the cart.

Good luck with your decision!

[MandoMan]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

I have a 2021 EZgo RXV Elite lithium ion battery golf cart. Where am I supposed to leave a rave review where you would find it? I love it. 5 stars! No problems at all. No complaints at all.

[jimjamuser]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?
Science and technology move AHEAD slowly, BUT it always moves ahead. We are in the Model T era of electric vehicle development and very IMPORTANTLY consumer ACCEPTANCE. Each person must accept the pros and cons of an EARLY-era Model T - like electric vehicle - or wait it out for later development and universal acceptance. It becomes an individual personality choice - similar to conservative or progressive. Some people REVEL in being innovators as in "the 1st person on the block" to have something. The innovators suffer the slings and arrows of being progressive and to over-extend the analogy - like Columbus being called a fool for believing that the earth was round! A more concrete example was that my FATHER told me in about 1950, "you see those antennas on the homes of our neighbors? "Those are only a passing fad because television can NEVER compete with radio". My Father said that you will see son, how smart I am. After a few years, he had to relent because my mother wanted a TV.
.......I won't bother to list the pros and cons of electric vs gasoline golf cars - I am sure other posters will do that. I could also add that you can notice the trend in electric drills from corded toward battery-powered. The hardware chains are selling plenty of battery-powered lawnmowers, which are somewhat like small vehicles.
.......The range and therefore consumer ACCEPTABILITY of all cars, trucks, and golf cars depends on the numerical quantity of CHARGING STATIONS that spring up. If a theater or restaurant or church had charging capability in its parking lot - then RANGE-ANXIETY would disappear. For the non-innovative (like my father), when you see the charging stations crop up, then it will be your turn to buy electric vehicles.........They DO improve the air quality and therefore are good for the earth and your fellow man.......just saying!

[Shadow8IA]

I was lucky to get 30
Miles with new Trojan batteries


70 miles is a standard electric cart. Not a Lithium battery cart. You wouldn’t pay the additional money for the same 70 miles.

[Shadow8IA]

I have an EZ-Go Lithium. We’ve gone 50 miles & it appears we could get 60 but haven’t tried. The batteries are guaranteed for 8 years.

[npwalters]

Science and technology move AHEAD slowly, BUT it always moves ahead. We are in the Model T era of electric vehicle development and very IMPORTANTLY consumer ACCEPTANCE. Each person must accept the pros and cons of an EARLY-era Model T - like electric vehicle - or wait it out for later development and universal acceptance. It becomes an individual personality choice - similar to conservative or progressive.

I'm assuming this post was directed toward automobiles. I don't disagree with the analysis except to point out that there are MANY vehicles available - including hybrids - that are far better than a model T electric vehicle. I would own electric IF the true range at all ambient temperatures were 5 to 600 miles. I will consider all electric after science progresses and all you pathfinders drive the Model T and clear the way.

[aallbrand]

Never heard of ebike with 90 mile range because it’s impossible . Please folks let only post facts not fantasy’s

[aallbrand]

If you want good advice get it from any source other then posts on this forum . Good advice is not the same as gossip, hard feelings and delusional recollections from the past .

[triflex]

1) Tesla comparisons are illegitimate. Teslas are not the equivalent of a golf cart.
2) The linked warranty only lists voluminous exclusions without defining what the warranty actually means in terms of coverage.

I just know, so far, that you can make the Yamaha continue to go probably 30 years if you maintain it and then need to rebuild it.

But I own e-bikes and battery tools which are very convenient - because I buy MANY extra batteries.

[John-US]

Lithium batteries not allowed an planes. Fire risk high.

I like my garage

And I agree for this reason I will never take my ezgo cart on a plane. no thank you!

[Topspinmo]

Never heard of ebike with 90 mile range because it’s impossible . Please folks let only post facts not fantasy’s


Well, maybe he peddling 75 miles……:)

[Topspinmo]

I was reading a review on a Lithium Battery retailer’s website. The poster was “very happy” with that 48 volt 96 ah lithium battery got the same range as their old lead acid batteries. Uh what, you are getting the same range and paying twice the cost. I am not sold on lithium batteries. Need to see other benefits of paying twice the cost.

Weight.

[Topspinmo]

Enjoying lithium batteries so far, been about a year. Have left them idle for the summer, don't feel they have been diminished in any way.

Yet.

[Topspinmo]

Lead acid battery golf carts have a 20-23 mile range and diminish every year. You have to check water levels and clean the battery posts every quarter and replacing 4-12 volt batteries is almost $1000.
Lithium are maintenance free, have double to triple the operating range, but costly. At least every 8 years you will be spending thousands of $$$ to replace your lithium batteries, the bigger the battery, the more it’s going to cost. Also, lithium batteries are toxic so where are all these batteries going to be stored after they end of life them?
The new Yamaha drive 2 gas carts have a range of over 300 miles, don’t small, are very quiet, and cheap to work on. I can have the golf cart people change my oil once a year for $100 and replace the belt for another $100. After many years, I can rebuild the engine for a few hundred $$$ and it will be like brand new (engine wise) for many more years.

I have yet worn out any gasoline engine, EVER, including buying used.

[SusanStCatherine]

The Villages Golf Cars are beginning to supply electric golf carts for Villages Lifestyle visits.

The Villages Golf Cars recently started selling an additional brand of electric besides ez-go called Star EV.

We are waiting on our brand-new ez-go electric.

[DaleDivine]

I have yet worn out any gasoline engine, EVER, including buying used.

:shocked::shocked::shocked:

[DaleDivine]

My lithium battery operated gift cart is awesome. It’s a 2020 and can go from Sumter to Lopez, play 9 holes and back and the meter still shows over 1/2 charge is left.

Thats not very far???
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[EdFNJ]

Let’s us know when batteries get few hundreds charges on them. Let’s see how much for replacement ? $$$$. I have 19,800 (edit) KILOMETERS (12,000+ miles) on my lithium cart over 3 years and 2 months and the batteries have not degraded (dropped) 1 mile of range per charge all that time (and yes, I keep track). They are rated for 500 charge cycles (about 10 years for me) and I have a LONG way to go. Will outlast my lifespan. :) I recharge 1 time every 7-8 days and get 66 miles on each charge +- 1 or 2 miles. I charge it at the exact same point every time when the battery level is down to 3 bars. I could probably squeeze another 7-8 miles out of it if I wanted. Replacements are around $3500 if I DIY. So comparing it to "regular batteries" that degrade faster, have to be charged more often and replaced more often (if you want to keep the same mileage as new) it may be worth it to some. I should be able to get another 2+ years out of these minimum so over 5 years I don't think it would be that far off for the convenience. NO, we are not comparing this to GAS which has it's own issues like upkeep and even the cost of gas for 5 years to compare but I personally don't like gas carts.

I look at it this way. I don't drink or smoke so all the money I saved over my lifetime makes up for the extra cost. :)

[DaleDivine]

One of the main advantages of a lithium-ion battery-powered golf cart is that they have a much longer lifespan than a traditional lead-acid one.
The average lithium golf cart battery has around 2,000 to 5,000 cycles; whereas the average lead-acid one only has anywhere from 500 to 1,000 cycles.
That equates to over 10 years.
Recharge <3.5 hours
Range 70+ miles
300 lbs lighter than lead acid

Electric no noise, smell or pollution
Check how many Tesla's are being built


.

I sure would not have wanted to be stuck in the traffic during a snow storm for over 15 hours with an electric car like Tesla. Do you get a bucket and go to a charging station and get 5 gallons of electricity? Or call AAA to bring you some???

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[Altavia]

1)
2) The linked warranty only lists voluminous exclusions without defining what the warranty actually means in terms of coverage.

The battery warranty guarantees a minimum throughput based on an minimum Ah limitation based on the battery module configuration per the chart in the warranty.

For the 2.0, if you can't get 50 mi range, it will likely fail the A/H test and be eligible for replacement.

E-Z-GO Freedom RXV ELiTE Review – Is it worth it? – Golf Car Maven (https://golfcarmaven.com/product-review/ezgo-freedom-rxv-elite/)

[EdFNJ]

I sure would not have wanted to be stuck in the traffic during a snow storm for over 15 hours with an electric car like Tesla. Do you get a bucket and go to a charging station and get 5 gallons of electricity? Or call AAA to bring you some???

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear: You picked the wrong example. :) Ask the 100's of driver of every type of vehicle who ran out of gas as well as I assume electric about 2 weeks ago on US95 many who had to abandon their vehicles. AAA? They couldn't even get police cars there to help. The nearest exit was sometimes 15 miles. Who "walked to a gas station to get a can of gas." Even if they did they would still have been stuck. There were a LOT of abandoned vehicles, mostly gas only because most vehicles still are gas. It didn't matter much WHAT type of power it had. They would have still had to wait 24+ hours to get AAA. They take 2 hrs even under normal conditions. That however has nothing to do with golf carts.

[Altavia]

I sure would not have wanted to be stuck in the traffic during a snow storm for over 15 hours with an electric car like Tesla. Do you get a bucket and go to a charging station and get 5 gallons of electricity? Or call AAA to bring you some???

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

A Tesla can maintain 72 cabin temp for 70 hrs.

How Long Can A Tesla Keep You Warm In A Frozen Traffic Jam? "Dirty Tesla" Finds Out [UPDATE] - CleanTechnica (https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/09/how-long-can-a-tesla-keep-you-warm-in-a-frozen-traffic-jam-dirty-tesla-finds-out/?fbclid=IwAR27dccyOPcLrpvgMYLgDX1MsB_dg_k4hbviaggi RRO81RKhzFjx0By9Z7Y)

There is an easy way to estimate time for your gasoline fueled car. You only need to know the displacement of your engine in L and the volume of you tank in gal. and the number .16. Multiply your displacement by 16 to find out how many gallons your engine uses in an hour.

A 2L engine will use 32 gal/hr. Your 5.3L will use .85 gal/ hr. Divide the size of your tank by the rate to find the total run time for a full tank. Multiply that by the percent your tank is full to find out how long.

A 1.5L car with a 14.8 gal tank will idle for over 60 hrs.

[jmaccallum]

Everyone loves their electric cart for about 3 years and then something happens. Range drops and it becomes unreliable. The jury is out on lithium batteries. Let's have this conversation in about 3-4 years and see where we are at.

In 3 - 4 years, most new cars you buy will be Lithium. :1rotfl: :1rotfl: You’ll love them then! :clap2:

[Rick777]

I have a Onward Club Car. Change the motor for 27MPH. Installed Titon T865 batteries. No problem 80 miles. Everywhere I need to go.

[DARFAP]

Well, they do smell...being gas and all. I have to leave my garage open for a bit after parking the cart until the air clears.

[triflex]

Here's some specific info:

The battery warranty guarantees a minimum throughput based on an minimum Ah limitation based on the battery module configuration per the chart in the warranty.

For the 2.0, if you can't get 50 mi range, it will likely fail the A/H test and be eligible for replacement.

E-Z-GO Freedom RXV ELiTE Review – Is it worth it? – Golf Car Maven (https://golfcarmaven.com/product-review/ezgo-freedom-rxv-elite/)

[Speedie]

The Villages Golf Cars are beginning to supply electric golf carts for Villages Lifestyle visits.

The Villages Golf Cars recently started selling an additional brand of electric besides ez-go called Star EV.

We are waiting on our brand-new ez-go electric.

Because the gas Yamahas are in high demand/short supply. Like everything else in this over stimulated economy

[Speedie]

Well, they do smell...being gas and all. I have to leave my garage open for a bit after parking the cart until the air clears.

Need to have fuel mixture adjusted. Sounds like its running too rich. And buy ethanol type fuel to minimize exhaust smells

[UpNorth]

I have a Onward Club Car. Change the motor for 27MPH. Installed Titon T865 batteries. No problem 80 miles. Everywhere I need to go.

27MPH? Nice. If somebody runs into you and the police are called, expect a court date and a big fine. And your insurance won't cover any damages.

[Speedie]

Waiting for the hydrogen gas powered carts. Elec batteries so ineffecient and bad for the environment

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Lead acid battery golf carts have a 20-23 mile range and diminish every year. You have to check water levels and clean the battery posts every quarter and replacing 4-12 volt batteries is almost $1000.
Lithium are maintenance free, have double to triple the operating range, but costly. At least every 8 years you will be spending thousands of $$$ to replace your lithium batteries, the bigger the battery, the more it’s going to cost. Also, lithium batteries are toxic so where are all these batteries going to be stored after they end of life them?
The new Yamaha drive 2 gas carts have a range of over 300 miles, don’t small, are very quiet, and cheap to work on. I can have the golf cart people change my oil once a year for $100 and replace the belt for another $100. After many years, I can rebuild the engine for a few hundred $$$ and it will be like brand new (engine wise) for many more years.
Don't forget the Clutch, the starter, the starting battery, the brakes (the Elite has no brakes).
And best of all, you're buying AMERICAN.
Always puzzles me when the Yamaha's have American flags all over them.
Please don't give me the "assembled in USA" speech.
The profits, go to Japan.

[williams1951]

There are 2 problems with lithium batteries. One is the cost of replacement. A friend just purchased a lithium powered cart and if it needs to be replaced, the cost will be approximately $2500 !! The other problem is the disposal of the used batteries. Apparently they are very hard to get rid of. Even the government has said that they may have rushed the electric cars because of the problem of disposal of the batteries.

[Bay Kid]

There are 2 problems with lithium batteries. One is the cost of replacement. A friend just purchased a lithium powered cart and if it needs to be replaced, the cost will be approximately $2500 !! The other problem is the disposal of the used batteries. Apparently they are very hard to get rid of. Even the government has said that they may have rushed the electric cars because of the problem of disposal of the batteries.

You should see the hole they have to dig.

[Speedie]

I have 19,800 miles on my lithium cart over 3 years and 2 months and the batteries have not degraded (dropped) 1 mile of range per charge all that time (and yes, I keep track). They are rated for 500 charge cycles (about 10 years for me) and I have a LONG way to go. Will outlast my lifespan. :) I recharge 1 time every 7-8 days and get 66 miles on each charge +- 1 or 2 miles. I charge it at the exact same point every time when the battery level is down to 3 bars. I could probably squeeze another 7-8 miles out of it if I wanted. Replacements are around $3500 if I DIY. So comparing it to "regular batteries" that degrade faster, have to be charged more often and replaced more often (if you want to keep the same mileage as new) it may be worth it to some. I should be able to get another 2+ years out of these minimum so over 5 years I don't think it would be that far off for the convenience. NO, we are not comparing this to GAS which has it's own issues like upkeep and even the cost of gas for 5 years to compare but I personally don't like gas carts.

I look at it this way. I don't drink or smoke so all the money I saved over my lifetime makes up for the extra cost. :)

Math does not compute

66 miles a week x 3 years and 2 months does not equate to 19,000+ miles

[mrf0151]

Resale value is the question here fellow Villagers. Trade-in or sell the EZ-GO Lithium cart in say 6-7 years down the road compared to doing the same with a Yamaha Quite-Tech in 6-7 years down the road.
Hands down the Yamaha will bring a much higher trade or sell value because the next owner will not be facing the very expensive price of having to put in the new batteries.
It is proven that Yamaha engines last 20-30 years. How long will this expensive electric motor last?
The best value is without a doubt the Yamaha.

[Dana1963]

Math does not compute

66 miles a week x 3 years and 2 months does not equate to 19,000+ miles
It's really not that bad
Watch Saturday Night Live Highlight: New Mercedes - NBC.com (https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/new-mercedes/3021121)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Let’s us know when batteries get few hundreds charges on them. Let’s see how much for replacement ? $$$$.

The batteries in my Ez Go Elite are warrantied for eight years. Lead acid batteries need to be replaced about every four years.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I was reading a review on a Lithium Battery retailer’s website. The poster was “very happy” with that 48 volt 96 ah lithium battery got the same range as their old lead acid batteries. Uh what, you are getting the same range and paying twice the cost. I am not sold on lithium batteries. Need to see other benefits of paying twice the cost.
48 volt lead acid battery systems average about 35-40 miles when new and degrade much faster than lithium. 120 ah lithium systems get 55-65 miles and are warrantied for eight years. I’m addition lithium batteries do not need to be watered every 2-3 weeks like lead acid batteries. The charger in the EZ GO Elite can be carried in a space under the seat so if you can find and outlet, you can charge the cart anywhere. Charge time is about half that of lead acid batteries. And lithium carts do not cost twice as much as lead acid battery powered carts. My EZ GO Elite was $19,600. The same cart with the same equipment and upgrades with six 8-volt lead acid batteries was priced at about $15,000.

[DAVES]

When I go on YouTube looking for a rave review of anyone's lithium golf cart I have yet to find one. I have found negative reviews of the range. For instance, one said when he drives two mile to the golf course and then plays 36 holes in the day and then wants to go have dinner before heading home, the cart battery will not last the trip.

I find it highly suspicious that a huge platform like YouTube would be devoid of people letting everyone know that lithium golf carts are the bee's knees.

I'd love to buy a lithium cart but I also don't see unqualified value without limits. By example, Nissan Leafs were everywhere for a while. Then people realized that the "BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" caused the batteries to diminish in range dramatically. Now I seldom see a Leaf.

I also have not met a salesman yet who can explain what the battery warranty actually means. Does it mean we won't replace it if the cart continues to move 5 feet before stopping?

I'm not sure what you are asking. Nothing is perfect. A typical battery warranty is prorated. People are more familiar with tire warranties that are prorated. Say you have a 5 year prorated tire warranty and their is an issue. Assuming that tire has a replacement for the first year and it fails in the third year. They will measure the remaining tread and give you a credit toward THE LIST PRICE of a new tire. The GOTCHA is that no one pays the inflated list price for a tire. Thus, the real warranty on that tire is far less than the stated five years.

Prices on lithium batteries have dropped significantly from what they used to be. Compared to lead acid they when charged hold far more power with far less weight, they are still more expensive. Lithium batteries have a flat voltage curve compared to lead acid.
A golf cart powered by lead acid batteries will slow down as the batteries drain. Due to the flat voltage curve that does not happen with Lithium batteries but when they reach the end of the charge, the cart should shut off, preventing over draining and damaging the expensive batteries. Perhaps, similar to running a gas golf cart out of gas.

Lithium batteries are commonly used in portable tools. No one reads instructions. They too have or should have a shutoff that prevents fully draining and damaging the expensive batteries. The user will get many more recharge cycles if they do not fully drain the batteries. If you put the tool away without charging it, it can and does deplete itself, just sitting. If, it discharges too far, it will not recharge and you need to buy a new battery.

[EdFNJ]

get 66 miles on each charge +- 1 or 2 miles. I charge it at the exact same point every time when the battery level is down to 3 bars. I could probably squeeze another 7-8 miles out of it if I wanted.

Math does not compute

66 miles a week x 3 years and 2 months does not equate to 19,000+ miles

Mr. Speedie. I believe we have a reading comprehension issue here. Please reread my post. l didn't say 66 miles A WEEK I said 66 miles ON A CHARGE. The mistake I did make was the 19,400+ miles was actually KILOMETERS since I always use 110KM as my mileage use before charging. So the cart actually has "only" 12,000+ miles on it. Everything else remains the same. Sorry on that number, for some reason I just forgot.

[Topspinmo]

The batteries in my Ez Go Elite are warrantied for eight years. Lead acid batteries need to be replaced about every four years.

Lithium batteries are twice or three time cost of lead acid batteries so I would expect them to last at least three times long which I (IMO) doubt they will.

[Topspinmo]

I'm not sure what you are asking. Nothing is perfect. A typical battery warranty is prorated. People are more familiar with tire warranties that are prorated. Say you have a 5 year prorated tire warranty and their is an issue. Assuming that tire has a replacement for the first year and it fails in the third year. They will measure the remaining tread and give you a credit toward THE LIST PRICE of a new tire. The GOTCHA is that no one pays the inflated list price for a tire. Thus, the real warranty on that tire is far less than the stated five years.

Prices on lithium batteries have dropped significantly from what they used to be. Compared to lead acid they when charged hold far more power with far less weight, they are still more expensive. Lithium batteries have a flat voltage curve compared to lead acid.
A golf cart powered by lead acid batteries will slow down as the batteries drain. Due to the flat voltage curve that does not happen with Lithium batteries but when they reach the end of the charge, the cart should shut off, preventing over draining and damaging the expensive batteries. Perhaps, similar to running a gas golf cart out of gas.

Lithium batteries are commonly used in portable tools. No one reads instructions. They too have or should have a shutoff that prevents fully draining and damaging the expensive batteries. The user will get many more recharge cycles if they do not fully drain the batteries. If you put the tool away without charging it, it can and does deplete itself, just sitting. If, it discharges too far, it will not recharge and you need to buy a new battery.


You can not run lithium battery (pack) to zero volts. The are programmed to cut power off long before reaches zero volts. Lithium same as lead acid batteries they loose there charging ability over time and charges, agree it takes longer but they will eventually not charge at all. Some Lithium cells can over heat, go dead, and not take charge which most likely will cause the battery to become useless.

[jimbo2012]

You can not run lithium battery to zero volts. The are programmed to cut power off long before reaches zero volts. Lithium same as lead acid batteries they loose there charging ability over time and charges, agree it takes longer but they will eventually not charge at all. Some Lithium cells can over heat, go dead, and not take charge which most likely will cause the battery to become useless.

We get your position U don't like lithium.

All your negativity is opinion NO facts.


.

[Calisport]

I have a new Lithium star car. Love the quiet power. 80 miles supposedly. I've gone 2 days to 62 miles and had 1/4 battery power left.
Star car is brand new so there are a few fixes they need to do to the computer system. ie. clock always starts at noon. 5 year warranty on battery. So something happening in 3-4 years is covered. No gas fumes or noise at all. Some of the gas carts people have I notice are set to go 28-30 miles per hour by the way they pass people without care.

[triflex]

I want to buy lithium but I don't want to buy a hassle with diminishing range and having to replace a new battery in an 8-year-old cart.

Probably I'm getting a Yamaha QuietTech. I have read on their website though that they are getting a new lithium system but no details about its advantages (if any) over other systems.

I also think battery tech needs to improve with Solid-State batteries that can charge up in 10 minutes or less to be practical. This is why I don't think battery cars are really going to prevail in the near term. Tesla will be a one-off exception because they were a first mover. But imagine driving from middle Georgia to Disney and needing to top-up your batteries along with 1,000 other battery cars all taking an hour to charge.

Resale value is the question here fellow Villagers. Trade-in or sell the EZ-GO Lithium cart in say 6-7 years down the road compared to doing the same with a Yamaha Quite-Tech in 6-7 years down the road.
Hands down the Yamaha will bring a much higher trade or sell value because the next owner will not be facing the very expensive price of having to put in the new batteries.
It is proven that Yamaha engines last 20-30 years. How long will this expensive electric motor last?
The best value is without a doubt the Yamaha.

[Topspinmo]

We get your position U don't like lithium.

All your negativity is opinion NO facts.


.

Here some fact.

I have lithium powered tools and I check them with multimeter. Example my 56V batteries shut off at 41V and require recharge. These batteries have computer control module’s. Not like the double A batteries. I’m not negative, lithium cells can be replaced in battery pack and regain full capabilities. But, who has the availability. I replace several 3.7V lithium in battery controlled pack. So not my opinion but facts.

[EdFNJ]

Here some fact.

I have lithium powered tools and I check them with multimeter. Example my 56V batteries shut off at 41V and require recharge. These batteries have computer control module’s. Not like the double A batteries. I’m not negative, lithium cells can be replaced in battery pack and regain full capabilities. But, who has the availability. I replace several 3.7V lithium in battery controlled pack. So not my opinion but facts. Replacing individual cells in a pack isn't always a good idea. While it may not be noticed in a very low current small device replacing individual higher powered cells within a pack can be problematic and even dangerous due to different voltages and wear between the original cells and the 1 replacement cell in the pack. All the cells should be replaced with matched cells then balanced when it is a high current product within the pack. Small multi-cell battery repair is one thing, but replacing individual cells in a large capacity (amps) pack really isn't a good idea. Some "smart" chargers and batteries won't even work after doing that because they sense the unbalanced voltage on the individual cells which is why they have "computer chips" inside the pack. Drone batteries I have used are "smart" like that as they have high and fast output and generate a lot of heat. The chips in them monitor and record each individual cell in the pack.

[Packer Fan]

Don't forget the Clutch, the starter, the starting battery, the brakes (the Elite has no brakes).
And best of all, you're buying AMERICAN.
Always puzzles me when the Yamaha's have American flags all over them.
Please don't give me the "assembled in USA" speech.
The profits, go to Japan.

I am big on Made in USA, but the Yamaha carts are made in Newnan, Georgia and probably have as much US content as the EZ-goes do. You can buy Yamaha stock no problem in the US too (YAMHF) or buy EZ-Go made in Augusta, GA and buy Textron (TXT). Just for clarification.

[jimbo2012]

Here some fact.

I have lithium powered tools and I check them with multimeter. Example my 56V batteries shut off at 41V and require recharge. These batteries have computer control module’s. Not like the double A batteries. I’m not negative, lithium cells can be replaced in battery pack and regain full capabilities. But, who has the availability. I replace several 3.7V lithium in battery controlled pack. So not my opinion but facts.


Those batteries don't have BMS

Apples & oranges, lets see your facts on Golf carts

[Laker14]

the first question you have to answer is do you want an electric cart, or a gas cart. They each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. If you are happy with the disadvantages of gas cart, and enjoy the advantages, then lithium is unlikely to be a game changer for you. You'll still have to charge and eventually replace a lithium battery.
If you want an electric cart because you know for sure you don't want a gas cart, then it makes sense to evaluate lithium vs. lead-acid.

I bought my first cart 3 years ago and knew I wanted the range of a gas cart, and did not want to deal with charging and filling LA batteries, or replacing them every few years. I bought a Yamaha Quiet-tech...I love it.
The opportunity came to buy a used Club Car electric from a friend who wanted to go to a lithium Evolution. I knew the cart had been well taken care of, but needed new batteries. I considered a lithium "upgrade", but decided to go with one more set of LAs because of limited availability of lithium, and wasn't thrilled with what I was reading about what was available. I may very well go with lithium next time around, if I decide to keep the cart. Hopefully in 3 or 4 years they will have made even more progress in price and performance and understanding of the technology in golf cart applications.

The electric cart will be a "second cart" for us, for when we have company. It won't be my go to cart for a long commute to a distant golf course, with 18 holes of golf in the middle. It will get light use, when the Mrs. and I want to be able to hear each other comfortably, maybe to the square for some music, or dinner, or pickleball together. I wouldn't personally go with electric as my primary cart unless I had lithium. But that's just me. The cart I bought from my friend served him well for many many years as his primary cart.

[Topspinmo]

Replacing individual cells in a pack isn't always a good idea. While it may not be noticed in a very low current small device replacing individual higher powered cells within a pack can be problematic and even dangerous due to different voltages and wear between the original cells and the 1 replacement cell in the pack. All the cells should be replaced with matched cells then balanced when it is a high current product within the pack. Small multi-cell battery repair is one thing, but replacing individual cells in a large capacity (amps) pack really isn't a good idea. Some "smart" chargers and batteries won't even work after doing that because they sense the unbalanced voltage on the individual cells which is why they have "computer chips" inside the pack. Drone batteries I have used are "smart" like that as they have high and fast output and generate a lot of heat. The chips in them monitor and record each individual cell in the pack.


I suspect golf cart upgraded package to lithium looks like something this. Now if buy new cart it may have just big box containing cells (no battery packs)

Allied Lithium Batteries for Golf Carts 72V (Includes Lithium Charger) (https://acegolfcartcovers.com/products/allied-lithium-batteries-for-golf-carts-72v-includes-lithium-charger?currency=USD&variant=39724694077608&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping)

Price wise not that much for conversion plus labor?? After conversions cost would be cheaper just for batteries?

So, individual battery with bad cells be replaced without replacing the hole battery package. And I suspect the bad returned battery probably have the ability to repair cells inside by manufacture? So agreed, repair by individual could not be possible on high voltage battery sealed by manufacture , plus where would get the cells to even attempt it. but replace the bad battery in pack would certainly be option if one when bad I hope?

[EdFNJ]

How do lithium "aftermarket" sellers deal with the weight difference when upgrading AGM or lead acid to lithium on an existing golf cart?

The difference in weight for lithium is enormous (lithium is multitudes lighter) and an electric golf cart needs that weight to prevent tipping if it wasn't initially designed for lithium. DO they add "ballast" to make up for the weight loss? The heavy lead batteries weight is part of the engineering of the GC. You can be talking hundreds of pounds for standard batteries vs (just guessing) under 50 for lithium. My lithium "cart" uses a 60V system which gets converted to 12V for the heat, a/c and other stuff. The motor is direct drive 60V.

[MorTech]

The latest Samsung SDI battery cell data sheet (Rev7) states 80% capacity after 1000 charge cycles...So 48 miles after 60,000 miles instead of the 60 miles when new. The capacity fade is pretty linear.

At 6 cents per mile less for EZGO 4.2 electricity than quietech gasoline...$3600 savings over 60,000 miles for battery replacement.

Oh, zero maintenance...Just replace tires on the EZGO RXV Elite. That's at least another $1500 savings over gas cart maintenance.

Yamaha will have their lithium cart out in a couple weeks. I suspect it will have at least a 60 mile range.

[Laker14]

I suspect golf cart upgraded package to lithium looks like something this. Now if buy new cart it may have just big box containing cells (no battery packs)

Allied Lithium Batteries for Golf Carts 72V (Includes Lithium Charger) (https://acegolfcartcovers.com/products/allied-lithium-batteries-for-golf-carts-72v-includes-lithium-charger?currency=USD&variant=39724694077608&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping)

Price wise not that much for conversion plus labor?? After conversions cost would be cheaper just for batteries?

So, individual battery with bad cells be replaced without replacing the hole battery package. And I suspect the bad returned battery probably have the ability to repair cells inside by manufacture? So agreed, repair by individual could not be possible on high voltage battery sealed by manufacture , plus where would get the cells to even attempt it. but replace the bad battery in pack would certainly be option if one when bad I hope?
That system is a 72v system. I don't know why anyone would want that. Most of the carts in TV are set up as 48 volt systems. From what I've read, which is limited and I'm far from an expert, the systems that go in in pieces, that look like replacement LA batteries, work, but are more prone to issues, as the computer technology that makes them safe are duplicated in each box, and hence, increases the chances of a bad one.

There are several companies that make one piece "drop in" conversion batteries, RoyPow being one of them. I was going to go with a 105 ah RoyPow. STM Carts in Ocala was going to pick my cart up in TV, keep it for 2 or 3 days, do the conversion, and return it to me for around $2700 plus tax. I was signed up to do it. My new LAs cost over $1,000.
I had read that the unit I was going to get was a great unit, but it didn't fit into my Club Car DS without modifications to the battery frame. STM Carts said they had no problems. Then, out of the blue I got an email that said they couldn't do it due to "availability issues" with the battery. I emailed RoyPow and they said they had plenty of batteries, and had, in fact, just delivered a bunch to STM in Ocala. So I am suspicious they didn't want to deal with the battery frame issues.
For $2700 vs $1000 I'd have taken my chances with the RoyPow lithium unit. I wanted the cart running ASAP, and was running into a wall trying to find someone to do the conversion, and did not want the multiple box system.

[S001026]

We love the quiet features of lithium. Range wise we can go from Spanish spring to Fenney and back on full charge in good weather.

With lithium you have to be more mindful and take weather and distance into consideration much like our Tesla.

Colder weather below 50 degrees you loose distance.

I would by it again and looking to buy a second but not for everyone