Lithium Carts

[Packer Fan]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.

[GpaVader]

I have a '22 Evolution 4 seater. I bought lithium for a couple of reasons: I live South of the turnpike and they have no gas stations there. The second reason is that I it has less maintenance than the gas carts. I still work so I don't use my cart as frequently as many people do, mainly on the nights and weekends. I easily get about 80 miles to a charge and plan accordingly.

Having said that only having 80 miles does have it's limitations depending on how much risk you want to take on a trip. If going a distance and just wanting to top off the charge, it's important to be prepared and find out if you can find an outlet to charge from. In my case its nothing special, just 120V outlet will work, but none of the squares have "Charging stations" or just outdoor outlets. I am told it may be on the horizon.

The quality and performance of the cart has meet my expectations and the service I get from The Villages Discount Golf Car has been great as well.

[UpNorth]

EZ GO Elite lithium all the way. I always pay attention and know how much range I have to start. 60 miles of range is more than plenty on any given day. Quicker, smoother, less noise and vibration than any gas cart on the market. Practically zero maintenance, and you can leave in garage at 30-40% charge over the summer without problems when you return.

[dewilson58]

Make sure you are happy with the ride.............they are much stiffer.

[SusanStCatherine]

The disadvantages I can think of on new EzGo lithium carts is higher price tag, 60 mile range before recharging, and narrower size than Yamaha. In our case the advantages were worth it: smooth powerful ride, quiet ride where you can easily hear conversation, no smelly fumes, lower maintenance, and no trips to the gas station.

[Altavia]

The disadvantages I can think of on new EzGo lithium carts is higher price tag, 60 mile range before recharging, and narrower size than Yamaha. In our case the advantages were worth it: smooth powerful ride, quiet ride where you can easily hear conversation, no smelly fumes, lower maintenance, and no trips to the gas station.

Same here, over 20,000 trouble free miles in 3+ years on ours.

If on a budget, prioritize comfortable seats. (For any golf cart)

[Ritagoyer]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.
One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

[waterflower]

Research the Hemp power batteries. Also, there are many litium batteries exploding while driving and charging. Very hazardous to the environment from mining to fires.

[UpNorth]

Make sure you are happy with the ride.............they are much stiffer.

Evolution carts yes - due to the cool-looking low profile tires. I prefer more air between my bottom end and the road. Plenty of comments about the harsh ride of the Evolution and the expensive ways to "fix" it.

[kkingston57]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.

Good Questions, Test drove the Star cart and it is very quick and have a friend who has one. Loves it. I could have bought a loaded cart in 2020 for less than 10K including the governors cut.

Star cart accelerator is too close to my leg and brake needs considerable force. Not comfortable for long rides for me. Leg almost hits steering wheel. Brake pedal in the EZ Go is the best as it automatically locks up and is almost like a power brake in a car. Consider your height when purchasing. I am 6 ft 2 inches and only cart that I do not have to duck to get in is a Yamaha and they do not make a good electric cart for TV.

Waiting(hoping) that Yamaha gets a new lithium battery model. No smell, great acceleration and is not "jerky" when backing up slowly.

[kkingston57]

[QUOTE=Ritagoyer;2220483]One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.[/QUOTE`

Lead acid 3-4 yrs yes. Lithium 8 yr guarantee on the EZ GO.`

[kkingston57]

Make sure you are happy with the ride.............they are much stiffer.

And the Yamaha is wider. Sometimes good and other times not so good.

[dhdallas]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.

I would never buy a gas cart. I have a 23 year old electric Club Car. I installed 4 12v Lithium batteries and it will go all day without a recharge. There are very few parts to go wrong on an electric cart and almost no maintenance. Not only are the gas carts noisy & polluting, you need to either store smelly flammable gas in your garage or make trips in the cart to the gas station. My neighbor had their gas cart leak on their garage floor last year & you can still smell it. Gas cart engines are complex and need frequent maintenance. I am always seeing gas carts broke down on the trail but have never seen an electric cart in trouble. Pay no attention to the people who think that all lithium batteries are fire hazards. The media just likes to focus on the rare catastrophes for their shock value. Today's golf carts use quality cells in their batteries with built-in charging management to prevent over heating & over charging which can lead to a fire. Many people suffer from range-anxiety and are afraid of running out of juice. Believe me, unless you are doing a 24 hour run, the electric carts will run from one end of TV to the other with juice left over. My next car will be electric also.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/dhdallas-118996/albums/1999-club-car-electic/10055-1999-electric-club-car.jpg

[spinner1001]

One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

Lithium batteries last much longer than 3-4 years.

[Altavia]

Lithium batteries last much longer than 3-4 years.

Revenge of the D students...

[UpNorth]

Tesla and others wouldn't be selling any cars if their batteries only lasted 3-4 years.

[BrianL99]

So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.


One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

Nonsense

Research the Hemp power batteries. Also, there are many litium batteries exploding while driving and charging. Very hazardous to the environment from mining to fires.

I'm sure there have been some Lithium Battery fires, but it certainly doesn't compare with the risk of storing a gas powered cart in your garage and maybe another 5 gallons of gas for emergencies. Gas can explode, Lithium batteries can get hot. Pick your poison.


Anyone who buys anything other than a Lithium Battery Golf Carts, is mired in the past. Lithium power is vastly superior, in most every way. There's a reason such a huge percentage of Yamaha Gas Carts are being shipped to The Villages ... golf courses don't buy them any more, they buy electric.

Personally, I think the Star is a way better cart than the Evolution, but that's only my opinion.

[jimbo2012]

Evolution for one year now like a lot,
just be aware the local stealer sets the speed from factory 25 to 20 without asking.

Can't drive enough in day to deplete the battery, recharges very fast

We bought ours thru the dealer in Clearmont saved over $3,000

[huge-pigeons]

No maintenance for lithium carts? The life of a lithium battery is between 5-8 years then you have to pay thousands of $$$ to replace them. Then the old battery is hazardous waste which is bad for drinking water. Say you forget to charge your cart and you are in the middle of the golf course, where are you going to charge it? Gas cart, I can either carry a gallon of gas with me or keep a gallon at the house or get a lift to the nearest gas station. My gas cart doesn’t smell, is quiet, have many gas stations nearby to get gas (and I live south of 44), and I don’t have to wait hours for a charge to go anywhere. The little maintenance I have to spend on a gas cart over 8 years pales to what the cost of lithium batteries will cost and the hazardous waste of the lithium batteries is much worse than the co2 from a gas cart

[MandoMan]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.

I bought an EZgo lithium battery cart three years ago and loved it. At that time about 20% of sales at Villages Golf Cars was lithium battery carts. A friend of mine just bought one, and I went with her to help her trick it out. The salesman told her it is now 80%. The quiet ride and lack of exhaust fumes and extreme ease of recharging are great selling points, especially for snowbirds who won’t damage the battery by being gone six months.

[Southwest737]

One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

Wrong. Lithium batteries last 10 years or more.

[Southwest737]

Research the Hemp power batteries. Also, there are many litium batteries exploding while driving and charging. Very hazardous to the environment from mining to fires.

How many lithium powered golf carts have burned in TV? None? Been some gas powered ones for sure.

[Travelhunter123]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.
Look into buying an Atomic golf cart with lithium
They are air conditioned, heated

[jimbo2012]

Say you forget to charge your cart and you are in the middle of the golf course, where are you going to charge it? Gas cart, I can either carry a gallon of gas with me or keep a gallon at the house or get a lift to the nearest gas station.

Any cart can break down for other reasons than fuel

My gas cart doesn’t smell, is quiet, have many gas stations nearby to get gas

All gas carts smell and are noisy, are you kidding?

the co2 from a gas cart

"A gas-powered golf cart with a 10.5 horsepower engine that operates for 2.5 hours each week emits 1474.2 pounds of CO2 each year, according to a study by Princeton University."

[banjobob]

Nobody cares thank you

[Vermilion Villager]

One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

I asked the service manager at golf cars of the villages and he said they've been selling lithium battery powered cars for four years and they have never replaced a battery.
To further support the longevity of a lithium ion battery…I have a 2004 Toyota Prius with a lithium battery. It has 635,000 miles on it. 19 years on the original lithium ion battery and it is still going strong. My Toyota dealer told me there are several of these out there with well over 1,000,000 miles and are from the first version of the Prius approaching 25 years of service.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[lawgolfer]

Admittedly, lithium batteries have changed the calculus in buying a cart. The increased milage/charge, lighter weight, and the absence of battery acid leaking onto your garage floor all increase the attractiveness of a lithium cart. On the downside, although small, there is the potential for a fire with a lithium battery.

The greatest difference between a Yamaha cart and those of all other manufacturers, is in the comfort, durability, and quality of the product. Only Yamaha has an independent rear axle, which makes a great difference in the ride. No other manufacturer comes close to the quality of Yamaha, the durability of its carts, and the retention of value over a period of years. EZ-GO, Club Cart etc all have to give substantial discounts to golf courses to make a sale or lease of a fleet of carts for the simple reason that after 2-3 years of hard use, their carts are "claptraps". If you question this, find a number of different brands of carts that are more than 5 years old and take a comparison ride. It is akin to a comparison of a Yugo to a Volkswagen, assuming you could find a Yugo to make the comparison.

This glaring difference was brought home to me in the recent past when we had two different couples visit on consecutive weeks, For the first , I rented an EZ-GO from the dealer. It was brand-new. I didn't get out of the parking lot before I considered returning it because of the harsh ride, vague steering, and "rattling" suspension. The following week, I rented a Yamaha from a small business which delivered it to our house. It was pre-2017 and not a "Quiet Tech". I don't know its exact age, but it was upwards of 10 years. Except for having a cheaper seat, and manual turn signals, it was no different than our personal, two year old, Yamaha.

What is needed is for Yamaha to return to making an electric cart with a lithium battery. Given the popularity of lithium carts, I doubt that will be long in coming.

[JMintzer]

Look into buying an Atomic golf cart with lithium
They are air conditioned, heated

Think twice about them if you're going to use them to actually play golf...

[MangoMama]

I have an Evolution. It’s wonderful. Quiet. I can drive and listen to music or talk to my friend riding with me. I’m not bothering my neighbors or other golf carts with my racket. I can hardly wait for all cars to be electric. It’ll quiet the world.

[SusanStCatherine]

I heard The Villages is now using electric golf carts on the Lifestyle visits.
I suggest test driving all the carts available back-to-back prior to purchase so you can compare. Friends who bought Yahama gas 2022 carts did not even test drive anything else! Why would you not even test drive an electric cart? They get in my 2022 EzGo and are shocked (and impressed) by the smooth, odorless, quiet ride. It's evenvmore impressive and fun to drive it.
We decided on the EzGo due to the highest ratings and EzGo reputation even though the shortest range of 60 miles and highest price. We didn't expect to spend over three hours in our cart at a time. We purchased from The Villages Golf Cars and we can charge at their locations, one in Brownwood Square. We avoided the other brand electric carts which use Chinese parts and researched at the time they were more difficult to replace and less reliable. If you are a large person or can't afford the price would be reasons to avoid the EzGo. Good luck!

[haugstad6019@msn.com]

All the great things stated already of this cart but love that we don't even really need to use the breaks as the regenerative braking system is awesome. Don't need to apply the brake when parked. Tried it, took a moment to get use to it but love that I can let off the accelerator and it begins to brake. Even going down hill, I let off the pedal and slow right down and generate battery power!

Upgrade the seats for sure. Did rear facing 4 seater, but will need to put spacers/lift in the springs for the back seat. But rolled up hills very well with a full cart of passengers!

Did our homework (over a year), rode every cart, went to several places inside and outside of the Villages. Talked to Villagers, watched/listened to each cart. We choose electric for efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions and mostly reduction in noise. Love my quiet ride. Bought at Village Golf Cars, want to support our local economy and love the 8 yr battery warranty.

Continue to ask questions, it is an investment whether you spend $$ or $$$$. I find I will probably not get another one. UNLESS I have to! Batteries will come down as well with new tech coming out. But don't miss out on the fun of having one.

[maistocars]

More than 50% sales are lithium? I'm not thinking the salesperson is privy to the sales figures.

[Michael G.]

I can hardly wait for all cars to be electric. It’ll quiet the world.

Then let's start working on those loud Haley's, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers.

[Michael G.]

All the great things stated already of this cart but love that we don't even really need to use the breaks as the regenerative braking system is awesome. Don't need to apply the brake when parked. Tried it, took a moment to get use to it but love that I can let off the accelerator and it begins to brake. Even going down hill, I let off the pedal and slow right down and generate battery power!



We just golfed in Spruce Creek and they have EZGO carts for their cart rentals and this feature
is awesome.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.
Totally Bogus (and that's as nice as I can put it)
Mine is 5 years 12K miles and I swear it might go farther now.
NEVER had one issue with it.
I've had one service and a set of tires. That's it.

[TStVillages]

There were very few Yamaha carts available for a long time. Newbies had no alternative other than the other brands.

[sowilts]

I am back in TV for the first time since August. My wife was here in February. We have 2 rentals and each has a Yamaha gas cart. We are moving here permanantly in about 1 1/2 years, so looking at another cart at some point. One thing struck me HUGE since I have been back and that is how many less Yamaha carts are on the road. It used to be 90%, now it is more like 75-80% Seems like more than half the new carts out there are Lithium EZGO, Star, or Evolution. I talked to a guy at the Villages golf cars and he said he sells more than half of the carts as Lithium, even with the slightly higher price. I have talked to a bunch of people at the squares in all 3 Lithium carts and everyone LOVES them. They all told me they got 60 or 80 miles of range and that was plenty (I agree). So, just was wondering what everyone thought of this trend? Also, if you have a lithium cart, how do you like it? I am VERY interested in an Evolution cart because they get better reviews than star and are way cheaper. Please comment.
I have an EZGO lithium and have driven all the other models. Love it. So quiet and can go 60 miles with some extra left. Doesn’t lose speed on the Bridges and is vey comfortable. Gets me where I want to go. Cheers Steve

[JoMar]

Totally Bogus (and that's as nice as I can put it)
Mine is 5 years 12K miles and I swear it might go farther now.
NEVER had one issue with it.
I've had one service and a set of tires. That's it.

What kind of batteries?

[MorTech]

The Samsung SDI lithium battery in the EZGO Elite uses Samsung INR18650-29E7 cells and should have a calendar life of at least 12 years.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/ezgo-elite-samsung-sdi-techies-328480/

The EZGO Elite has a bit of a stiff ride that can be mitigated by keeping tire pressure below 18 PSI. It does feel a little tippy in corners...the motor brakes are excellent with no pads to wear out.

The 2004 Prius has a nickel metal hydride battery...Not lithium.

[UpNorth]

One thing to check into cost of replacing the batteries. They should last 3-4 years and the older the batteries get the mileage goes down.

True of old flooded lead-acid batteries. Not true of lithium ion.

[Packer Fan]

So my wife and I went and test drove several lithium carts today. WOW. one thing I can say is we won’t buy a gas cart again. We liked the EZGO the best. Drove an atlas, evolution, and EZGO. Still need to try a star cart. Several had gas pedals that were way to close. I am 5’10” so I don’t get how they decide how far away to put the gas pedal. Quiet and huge acceleration without fumes. Yamaha needs to get in the Lithium game. The evolution cart was a bit of a disappointment but mainly because of the placement of the gas and brakes. If they fix that it would be great.

[Hacker1]

I agree with Packer Fan about the Evolution - The gas and brake pedals are too close for me. Also, I don't like the low profile tires. My wife and I recently test drove an EZ Go and a Star. Wife can't tolerate the EZ Go due to steady humming noise, whereas the Star was much quieter. We'll probably end up getting another Star (Lithium this time, to replace our 2010 with Lead-acid batteries.

[Hacker1]

The Samsung SDI lithium battery in the EZGO Elite uses Samsung INR18650-29E7 cells and should have a calendar life of at least 12 years.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/ezgo-elite-samsung-sdi-techies-328480/

The EZGO Elite has a bit of a stiff ride that can be mitigated by keeping tire pressure below 18 PSI. It does feel a little tippy in corners...the motor brakes are excellent with no pads to wear out.

The 2004 Prius has a nickel metal hydride battery...Not lithium.

MorTech, Do you have a predicted calendar life for Star Lithium batteries? I understand that they incorporate Iron Phosphate chemistry. How is that different from SDI? I've read somewhat recently that Iron Phosphate is the best for lithium batteries... However, understand that technology may be changing rapidly in some respects. Anyway, I'd appreciate getting your perspective on this..

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

MorTech, Do you have a predicted calendar life for Star Lithium batteries? I understand that they incorporate Iron Phosphate chemistry. How is that different from SDI? I've read somewhat recently that Iron Phosphate is the best for lithium batteries... However, understand that technology may be changing rapidly in some respects. Anyway, I'd appreciate getting your perspective on this..

I would like to know also.
On top of the Star battery is a placard that says to charge it after every use.
Why?

[Battlebasset]

Bought a new 2 seat Evolution in 2021. The ride is rougher, as others have said. I've changed the shocks on the front and that helps. Yes, the local dealer dials it back to 20 MPH, which can be changed (I know a guy...). It is cheaper, and the fit and finish reflect this.

It did need to go in the shop a few times as it was discharging too quickly. Eventually, they replaced the battery, and no issues now. The local dealer doesn't provide loaners, so consider that.

I've never pushed it, but it should go 60 miles on a charge, far more than I will ever need. I like the fact that it is quieter than a gas model, and I don't smell any gas fumes.

Just a side note, I think lithium ion is great for golf carts, for all of the reasons I note about. For a car? Not so much, based on the range limitations, recharge time, and availability of recharge stations. When they make an EV that for all intents and purposes meets those requirements the same as an ICE vehicle, I'll consider it. Not until then.

[mrf0151]

I would never buy a gas cart. I have a 23 year old electric Club Car. I installed 4 12v Lithium batteries and it will go all day without a recharge. There are very few parts to go wrong on an electric cart and almost no maintenance. Not only are the gas carts noisy & polluting, you need to either store smelly flammable gas in your garage or make trips in the cart to the gas station. My neighbor had their gas cart leak on their garage floor last year & you can still smell it. Gas cart engines are complex and need frequent maintenance. I am always seeing gas carts broke down on the trail but have never seen an electric cart in trouble. Pay no attention to the people who think that all lithium batteries are fire hazards. The media just likes to focus on the rare catastrophes for their shock value. Today's golf carts use quality cells in their batteries with built-in charging management to prevent over heating & over charging which can lead to a fire. Many people suffer from range-anxiety and are afraid of running out of juice. Believe me, unless you are doing a 24 hour run, the electric carts will run from one end of TV to the other with juice left over. My next car will be electric also.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/dhdallas-118996/albums/1999-club-car-electic/10055-1999-electric-club-car.jpg
Interesting that you have never seen an electric cart in trouble. I was in the golf cart industry for 10 years and 90some percent of the rescues were electric carts. Do you not live in The Villages?

[mrf0151]

The Samsung SDI lithium battery in the EZGO Elite uses Samsung INR18650-29E7 cells and should have a calendar life of at least 12 years.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/ezgo-elite-samsung-sdi-techies-328480/

The EZGO Elite has a bit of a stiff ride that can be mitigated by keeping tire pressure below 18 PSI. It does feel a little tippy in corners...the motor brakes are excellent with no pads to wear out.

The 2004 Prius has a nickel metal hydride battery...Not lithium.
Great points you make. The one about the ride and handling is why once you drive the car like ride and handling of the Yamaha Quiet Tech, it is hard to love the ride and handling of any other golf cart. Yamaha's do not lean on turns/cornering and take the bumps much nicer. Each to their own but for my money I love the safety of the Yamaha's.

[BrianL99]

Interesting that you have never seen an electric cart in trouble. I was in the golf cart industry for 10 years and 90some percent of the rescues were electric carts. Do you not live in The Villages?

I'm sure that's why golf courses stopped buying gasoline golf carts ... so they could have more breakdowns.

If you want 1970's technology (when they went from 3 wheels to 4 wheels), buy gas powered.

If you want something with technology developed in the last 40 years, go electric.

[Nucky]

Other than Atomic or The Villages Golf Carts where have any of you had luck purchasing a Lithium Golf Cart within a 50-mile radius of The VILLAGES? I'm ready to go but can't find a dealer that anyone can recommend. I really appreciate the helping hand. Someone sent me to Safer Wholesale. Without saying too much, that's a NO-GO! H. E. L. P.

[BrianL99]

Other than Atomic or The Villages Golf Carts where have any of you had luck purchasing a Lithium Golf Cart within a 50-mile radius of The VILLAGES? I'm ready to go but can't find a dealer that anyone can recommend. I really appreciate the helping hand. Someone sent me to Safer Wholesale. Without saying too much, that's a NO-GO! H. E. L. P.

Call William, Sam or Tom at Sunrise Golf Carts in Ocala. The BEST! I needed some service last month on my Star. I called them at 8 am. They picked up my cart in The Villages and had it back to me, by 4 pm.

I saved about $4000 buying from them, rather than buying in The Villages.

(352) 509-7293

[JMintzer]

I'm sure that's why golf courses stopped buying gasoline golf carts ... so they could have more breakdowns.

If you want 1970's technology (when they went from 3 wheels to 4 wheels), buy gas powered.

If you want something with technology developed in the last 40 years, go electric.

Home in MD, all of the county public courses use Yamaha Gas carts...

Just two days ago, I asked the starter why they haven't switched to electric...

His response" "The gas carts just work... And that it would cost a lot of $$$ to retrofit all of the cart shacks with the power to charge electric carts..."

[MorTech]

Great points you make. The one about the ride and handling is why once you drive the car like ride and handling of the Yamaha Quiet Tech, it is hard to love the ride and handling of any other golf cart. Yamaha's do not lean on turns/cornering and take the bumps much nicer. Each to their own but for my money I love the safety of the Yamaha's.

The Yamaha QuieTech is an excellent cart and the only gas cart I would even consider.

[MorTech]

MorTech, Do you have a predicted calendar life for Star Lithium batteries? I understand that they incorporate Iron Phosphate chemistry. How is that different from SDI? I've read somewhat recently that Iron Phosphate is the best for lithium batteries... However, understand that technology may be changing rapidly in some respects. Anyway, I'd appreciate getting your perspective on this..

The LFP battery chemistry has a more robust cell structure and will endure more charge cycles and is much less prone to thermal runaway. The calendar life of a modern LFP prismatic should be >15 years but depends on heat and the electrolyte. In a golf cart, the designed current I/O is small so calendar life will be greater due to less internal heat. I built a 120ah (usable) LFP pack for my cart a few years ago and no problems so far.

The EZGO Elite (Samsung SDI) is NMC lithium chemistry. I think LFP batteries are best for golf cart applications even though the energy density is lower, LFP are more durable. The Star, Atlas, Evolution, and Yamaha PowerTech(Roypow) use LFP.

[MorTech]

I would like to know also.
On top of the Star battery is a placard that says to charge it after every use.
Why?

Dunno...It really is not necessary but running a LFP battery down to zero might ruin them...that is probably what they are afraid of. It is good to charge lithium batteries full every night.