How Much Range is Honestly Needed?

[Vinscalese]

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

[BrianL99]

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

How far/how long do you consider a "long ride" in your car?

75 miles in your golf cart, will likely take you 5 hours. All the while, exposed to the elements ... heat, humidity, cold, rain, traffic, noise, etc.

When is enough? You decide.

[Bill14564]

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

I live between 466A and 44. I don't golf. The 50-60 mile range of my cart works well for me.

I took a four hour trip one time to put 42 miles on the cart. This included stopping at Savannah center, crossing the Spanish Springs Bridge, and having a drink at Sawgrass and Ednas. Even with a couple of stops for refreshment it was clear to me that I don't want to drive that far in a single day.

I don't know if I would have enough range to drive up to First Responders and then down to Lake Denham and back home. I don't know why I would ever want to do that. But, I expect your 75 miles would be enough.

If I lived at one of the extreme ends of the Villages and planned to regularly drive to the other end then I would want to calculate the distance to make sure I had enough range. On the other hand, if I lived at one of the extreme ends of the Villages and planned to regularly drive to the other end then I would consider moving closer to where I planned to spend my time.

[Stu from NYC]

One end to the other, take a car.

[dtennent]

Try renting a cart for 2 weeks. That will help you decide on how far you really want to drive your cart. I have an electric cart and from Osceola Hills, I have no trouble getting anywhere, play 18 holes of golf and get home. Also, by renting, you can see what added features you might want on a golf cart.

[golfing eagles]

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

I'm afraid you opened this can of worms again---gas vs electric.

Gas is reliable, you'll get 250+ miles on a tank and if you ever run out and get stuck, cart aide can bring you a gallon

Electric is quiet and the range is improving. Electric enthusiasts will deny that the range decreases with battery age, others disagree. Eventually batteries need to be replaced---the enthusiasts claim 10-15 years, others 5-8 years. But if you plan poorly and get stuck you will get towed.

I currently own a Yamaha gas cart. I will change to electric when they attain about 90% of the reliability of gas.

Full disclosure: I will NEVER change to electric anything to "save the planet" from global warming---utter nonsense.

[Bill14564]

I'm afraid you opened this can of worms again---gas vs electric.

Gas is reliable, you'll get 250+ miles on a tank and if you ever run out and get stuck, cart aide can bring you a gallon

Electric is quiet and the range is improving. Electric enthusiasts will deny that the range decreases with battery age, others disagree. Eventually batteries need to be replaced---the enthusiasts claim 10-15 years, others 5-8 years. But if you plan poorly and get stuck you will get towed.

I currently own a Yamaha gas cart. I will change to electric when they attain about 90% of the reliability of gas.

Full disclosure: I will NEVER change to electric anything to "save the planet" from global warming---utter nonsense.

As this is the first post in this thread to mention gas, just WHO is it that "opened this can of worms again?"

But if you want to take this thread there, what data do you have that indicates electric carts are less reliable than gas? I can find threads about voltage regulator problems, starter brush problems, 12V battery problems (in gas carts), jerky start problems, and gas carts catching fire. From the actual problems reported on this forum (not speculation, actual problems) it would seem the reliability of electric carts exceeds that of gas carts.

[biker1]

We currently own both a gas and an electric golf cart (lithium-ion battery pack with LFP chemistry). In 10 years, we have never gone more than 30 miles in a day. Our electric has a range of about 60 miles and running out of charge is never an issue. Just plug it in every evening. While I don't know how much you are likely to drive in a day, keep in mind that 75 miles is a long time to be in golf cart. Most people would just take a car for those infrequent occasions. I believe you are more likely to be stopped with a flat tire than run out of electric charge or gas. Sign up for one of the golf cart rescue services such as Kart Aide. We have had two flats in 10 years. When it comes time, we will undoubted replace the gas cart with another electric.

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

[golfing eagles]

As this is the first post in this thread to mention gas, just WHO is it that "opened this can of worms again?"

But if you want to take this thread there, what data do you have that indicates electric carts are less reliable than gas? I can find threads about voltage regulator problems, starter brush problems, 12V battery problems (in gas carts), jerky start problems, and gas carts catching fire. From the actual problems reported on this forum (not speculation, actual problems) it would seem the reliability of electric carts exceeds that of gas carts.

Posted like a true believer in electric. But to address reader comprehension, the OP was considering electric but has range anxiety. Not very hard to infer the option is gas, unless one thinks he was considering a skateboard

[CarlR33]

I'm afraid you opened this can of worms again---gas vs electric.

Gas is reliable, you'll get 250+ miles on a tank and if you ever run out and get stuck, cart aide can bring you a gallon

Electric is quiet and the range is improving. Electric enthusiasts will deny that the range decreases with battery age, others disagree. Eventually batteries need to be replaced---the enthusiasts claim 10-15 years, others 5-8 years. But if you plan poorly and get stuck you will get towed.

I currently own a Yamaha gas cart. I will change to electric when they attain about 90% of the reliability of gas.

Full disclosure: I will NEVER change to electric anything to "save the planet" from global warming---utter nonsense.
Yep, immerse yourself in this website and its search function as anything and everything that I want to know before and after I got here has been discussed at some point and I have found very informative. Once you get your answer, gas or electric then what about 4 vs 2 seater….see below.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/new-resident-gold-cart-questions-350691/?highlight=electric+cart
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-new-members-forum-115/2-person-vs-4-person-golf-cart-351814/

[UpNorth]

Lithium electric works fine for me - more range than I need in a typical day. But if you run out of charge in an electric cart or gasoline in a gas cart, consider yourself to be just plain stupid. Both have gages to tell you how far you can go. Yes, subscribe to Kart Aide or one of the other services. They can pick up your electric cart and bring it back to your garage, or put some gas in your tank. But save yourself the embarrassment and get into the habit of checking your gage before you leave.

[Bill14564]

Posted like a true believer in electric. But to address reader comprehension, the OP was considering electric but has range anxiety. Not very hard to infer the option is gas, unless one thinks he was considering a skateboard

True believer? Perhaps, but that belief comes from actual personal experience and situational awareness, not irrational skepticism.

Might just be me, but it didn't take much to comprehend what is being asked with the question, "Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?"

[BrianL99]

Posted like a true believer in electric. But to address reader comprehension, the OP was considering electric but has range anxiety. Not very hard to infer the option is gas, unless one thinks he was considering a skateboard

He wasn't considering Solar, Hydrogen or the myriad of other possibilities?

It's always gas vs electric. We need a new player. :a20:

[golfing eagles]

True believer? Perhaps, but that belief comes from actual personal experience and situational awareness, not irrational skepticism.

Might just be me, but it didn't take much to comprehend what is being asked with the question, "Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?"

Or, having range anxiety. As opposed to what? Parasailing? Yes, it doesn’t take much to comprehend

[tophcfa]

But if you want to take this thread there, what data do you have that indicates electric carts are less reliable than gas?

Although you weren’t addressing me, I will chime in on that question. I prefer to rely on empirical evidence. I’ve been driving around the Villages for 9 years in a golf cart and I always carry a tow strap. I even have a trailer hitch on the back of my Quiet Tech that provides a quick, easy, and safe point to attach the strap. Over the years, I have towed at least 6 dead carts that I can easily recall. I have never had to tow a gas cart. Granted, electric cart technology has definitely improved over the years, and the carts I have towed were most likely not newer lithium technology.

[gorillarick]

Electric is great. Quiet, smooth, don't stink (except while charging lead batts).
Lead ones are heavier. Electric costs more up front (not talking about the imported ones from you know where - you get what you pay for - maybe?)

Butt, look at the replacement costs for replacing the batteries.
Warranty? Pro-rated?
(pro-rated means you have to go back to the guys that over-charged you the first time).

And don't say they last forever. And definitely don't say the cheaper replacement batteries are worth a flyin'#$%^%.

[Bill14564]

Although you weren’t addressing me, I will chime in on that question. I prefer to rely on empirical evidence. I’ve been driving around the Villages for 9 years in a golf cart and I always carry a tow strap. I even have a trailer hitch on the back of my Quiet Tech that provides a quick, easy, and safe point to attach the strap. Over the years, I have towed at least 6 dead carts that I can easily recall. I have never had to tow a gas cart. Granted, electric cart technology has definitely improved over the years, and the carts I have towed were most likely not newer lithium technology.

Good information.

I don't believe that zero gas carts have had problems in the past nine years but perhaps getting a can of gas was a simpler solution for them.

[twoplanekid]

I have owned electric golf carts since day one in the Villages some 9 years ago and have never run out of juice. However, I was a private pilot for over 50 years and never ran out of gas so I do pay attention to fuel/electric status. And, some day I hope to own a Tesla to charge up at home like I do with electric golf carts.

P.S. - my current electric cart with a 1 1/2 year old battery still gives me over 45 plus miles of range which is enough for me

[Michael G.]

He wasn't considering Solar, Hydrogen or the myriad of other possibilities?

It's always gas vs electric. We need a new player. :a20:

Here's your new player...HYBRID SUV..

One vehicle using gas and battery.
Has AC.
Better ride.
Comfortable seating.
Seats more people.
Carry's more groceries.
One insurance policy.
No worry's on range limit.
Store one vehicle.
Maintenace one vehicle.

You get the idea.

[justjim]

I did have one neighbor, a few years ago, who ran out of gas when he switched from battery to gas. His wife still talks about it to his embarrassment. Of course, I never mention it to him when I see him. In the almost 18 years in TV, I’ve probably seen at least 9 or 10 electric carts “broke down” (out of power) along the side of trails. That’s not many and I’m on the go a lot so it happens and that is mostly the fault of the golf cart driver who was too cheap to replace his batteries. But to each his own.

[Topspinmo]

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

Yes, for most people. My range about 20 miles if that. If you’re not jumping all over villages daily more than enough. Villages from one end to other around 20 miles or maybe more?

[Topspinmo]

He wasn't considering Solar, Hydrogen or the myriad of other possibilities?

It's always gas vs electric. We need a new player. :a20:

I’m waiting for steam power to make comeback!

[Topspinmo]

As this is the first post in this thread to mention gas, just WHO is it that "opened this can of worms again?"

But if you want to take this thread there, what data do you have that indicates electric carts are less reliable than gas? I can find threads about voltage regulator problems, starter brush problems, 12V battery problems (in gas carts), jerky start problems, and gas carts catching fire. From the actual problems reported on this forum (not speculation, actual problems) it would seem the reliability of electric carts exceeds that of gas carts.

Arguing just like in court of law. No one really right, just have to convince jury. But just make sure the jury don’t have all electric carts or gas carts. :icon_bored:

[Topspinmo]

I did have one neighbor, a few years ago, who ran out of gas when he switched from battery to gas. His wife still talks about it to his embarrassment. Of course, I never mention it to him when I see him. In the almost 18 years in TV, I’ve probably seen at least 9 or 10 electric carts “broke down” (out of power) along the side of trails. That’s not many and I’m on the go a lot so it happens and that is mostly the fault of the golf cart driver who was too cheap to replace his batteries. But to each his own.

I was behind cart when it when through roundabout exiting tunnel the driver forgot to straighten front wheels and slammed into medium roundabout curve. Bent front tie rod, I don’t blame the golf cart.

[npwalters]

To directly answer your question, yes. 75 mile range is more than sufficient for anything you want to do in TV. 50 mile range is too.

[Vinscalese]

Wow lots of emotion around this one ! lol. Sorry everyone. But I do very much appreciate the dialogue and the information. Hesitate to ask but what the hell, lol. Can you “tune up” an electric cart like a gas cart to attain a higher speed then the speed set by the dealer ? Again thanks to all.

[Packer Fan]

Although you weren’t addressing me, I will chime in on that question. I prefer to rely on empirical evidence. I’ve been driving around the Villages for 9 years in a golf cart and I always carry a tow strap. I even have a trailer hitch on the back of my Quiet Tech that provides a quick, easy, and safe point to attach the strap. Over the years, I have towed at least 6 dead carts that I can easily recall. I have never had to tow a gas cart. Granted, electric cart technology has definitely improved over the years, and the carts I have towed were most likely not newer lithium technology.

That must be dumb luck. I have 2 late model Yamaha gas carts (1 in each rental). Kart aid has been called many times in 10 years- several broken belts, dead battery (left the lights on golfing, even though told not to), Dead battery(really needed replacing), and 3 or 4 flat tires. Don't tell me gas carts don't have problems - and they are serviced yearly.

Besides that OP, if you have a wife, they WILL complain about the gas smell, even if you don't (just guessing you are a guy).

One last thing - why would you spend 20 grand on a star cart when you can get a fully loaded Evolution D5 for about $12 grand. Go drive one at Hidden Creek Golf carts - across the highway from Brownwood behind the emergency center and McDonalds. The villages golf carts has a very high opinion of themselves based on their prices..... Full disclosure, we just got a D5 after a long search. Make sure you get the large battery. I wouldn't worry about anything over 50 miles, thats a lot of time in a golf cart, and I LOVE riding in Golf carts..

[Rocksnap]

Hummmm let me ponder. Need to plug the cart in every freakin evening. Hope the electronics don’t get fried in a lightening strike. Or just pump a lil gas every so often. Tough choice!

[Rocksnap]

That must be dumb luck. I have 2 late model Yamaha gas carts (1 in each rental). Kart aid has been called many times in 10 years- several broken belts, dead battery (left the lights on golfing, even though told not to), Dead battery(really needed replacing), and 3 or 4 flat tires. Don't tell me gas carts don't have problems - and they are serviced yearly.

Besides that OP, if you have a wife, they WILL complain about the gas smell, even if you don't (just guessing you are a guy).

One last thing - why would you spend 20 grand on a star cart when you can get a fully loaded Evolution D5 for about $12 grand. Go drive one at Hidden Creek Golf carts - across the highway from Brownwood behind the emergency center and McDonalds. The villages golf carts has a very high opinion of themselves based on their prices..... Full disclosure, we just got a D5 after a long search. Make sure you get the large battery. I wouldn't worry about anything over 50 miles, thats a lot of time in a golf cart, and I LOVE riding in Golf carts..

Wow! Calling your need of having gas cart issues over the last 10 years. You can just drive them till failure. Or, hear me out, do a lil preventative maintenance on them.
If you are blowing belts on a Yamaha, you are doing something seriously wrong.
During my years overseeing a fleet of 70 gas carts that run 36 holes, 7 days a week for 5 years, a blown belt is not in my vocabulary.

[PersonOfInterest]

Throw into the mix the following.

Gas carts can have failures from blown Clutch or drive belt as well as a dead battery. Gas carts also have maintenance for the gas engine. There are more points of possible failure on a gas cart than an electric.

I have both types of carts. The Gas cart has failed twice, blown Clutch and dead battery. Electric has not had any failures.

[hosegooseman]

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

Yes. 75 miles is a lot of driving for a day in a golf cart.

[LeRoySmith]

Need to plug the cart in every freakin evening.

I'm with you, no freaking way I'm plugging in a drop cord every time I park my cart! That's just too much to ask!

[RichR.]

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

I have a 2023 Star 2+2 Sirius cart and would suggest you do a bit more research before purchasing. I have the 210mH battery (largest) and am skeptical about their mileage claims. I have driven it about 2K so far and have mixed feelings. I live North of Spanish Springs and have wanted to go to Brownwood many times but don't trust the battery to get me there and back despite being well under the milage that the battery is supposed to give you. I do run a sound bar and additional lighting but question just how much power those drawn. The Star also has a very poor and inadequate braking system (only rear drum) as well as a multitude of creaks, squeaks and rattles. While it is very comfortable (I have the overly priced upgraded bucket seats) and looks very stylish, it lacks in quality regarding fit and finish. I do however like the lack of noise, gas smell and off the line responsiveness it has as well as the smooth ride while cruising. Personally, if I could do it over, I would buy the Evolution D5 Ranger. If after reading this, you still want a Star Sirius and like the color red, shoot me a message and I'll sell it to you. Not looking to give it away but I can save you a lot of money over a new one which I'm sure you have already priced out. Good luck.

[RichR.]

I'm with you, no freaking way I'm plugging in a drop cord every time I park my cart! That's just too much to ask!

Good Greif! Its about as hard as cracking a beer open.

[LeRoySmith]

Good Greif! Its about as hard as cracking a beer open.

I hereby swear off beer, those caps/pop tops are too difficult to navigate!

[Deckboat234]

We do take a long trip (50 to 55 miles) about once a month with a group of people in our neighborhood. We enjoy the long drive and exploring. We had one cart that was electric and ran out of juice about 1/2 mile from home and we towed it back. They ended up selling it and getting gas. The other 5 to 6 carts that go with us are all gas. A lot of people do not enjoy this type of trip, but we like to explore the villages this way

[Ducatigator]

Hi Vinscalese.

I have a lithium battery cart. The key is the size. I always suggest on these posts getting a lithium cart with a 210 battery. Plenty of range. I live in the deep South of TV, Enclave of Dabney. I have had my cart since March of this year and have 2800 miles already. I do a minimum of 45 miles per day and have plenty to spare. I have gone from my house to the Polo Club, Nancy Lopez and Spanish Springs and back. Have plenty to spare.

To answer your question, the Star does have the 205/210 battery so you will get the 75 miles and be totally fine. Don't have range anxiety. Just plug in everytime you get home. Start the day with a full charge.

Hope this helps.

Reach out if you have any other questions.

Have a blessed day
Thanks
Serge

[MandoMan]

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

I don’t have a golf cart, but I drive a four year old Prius Prime that can drive 26 miles on electric only before the gas motor kicks in. I live three miles from the intersection of 466a and Buena Vista. I can drive to Sam’s Club and back or the Historic Villages and back, or to the edge of The Villages southeast of Sawgrass and back without using any gas. That means around an hour of driving for me round trip. So I think you are okay.

[Windguy]

I'm with you, no freaking way I'm plugging in a drop cord every time I park my cart! That's just too much to ask!
Oh, my! It takes me a whole 5 seconds to do that. I start to cry every time I’m faced with having to do that burdensome chore.

I just love it when people who have never owned an electric tell people who do own electrics what it is like. SMH.

[LeRoySmith]

Oh, my! It takes me a whole 5 seconds to do that. I start to cry every time I’m faced with having to do that burdensome chore.

I just love it when people who have never owned an electric tell people who do own electrics what it is like. SMH.

I agree, the process of plugging in is only slightly harder than shifting into park and hitting the off button. On top of that it's habit, you grab your hat and wallet when you leave - you plug in your car when you get off.

I wrongly hoped yous could see I was making fun of rocksnap.

[RichR.]

I agree, the process of plugging in is only slightly harder than shifting into park and hitting the off button. On top of that it's habit, you grab your hat and wallet when you leave - you plug in your car when you get off.

I wrongly hoped yous could see I was making fun of rocksnap.

What in the hills of Kentucky is "rocksnap"? :a20:

[coleprice]

We have a STAR electric golf cart and have plenty of range for The Villages. We did a "1-day tour" of The Villages in our cart and traveled over 70 miles from North to South on 1 charge. We've never gone that far in 1 day again. Most of our trips do not exceed 10 to 20 miles, with 30 miles being a "long trip".

[talonip]

I have a star. I went through same anxiety. I have travelled from citrus grove to Spanish Springs and back and still had over 50% charge.

[LeRoySmith]

What in the hills of Kentucky is "rocksnap"? :a20:

He (or she) is one of our well meaning forum peers that evidently has golf cart maintenance experience. He made a kind of emotional post or 2 about gas vs electric and I was poking fun at him (or her).

I was trying to be funny, I hope I didn't hurt any feelings. If I did I apologize.

BTW, not a chance I'm swearing off beer even if I have to chew the bottle open.

[Joe Mack]

We've had both, and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. With the electric cart, which was a new lithium cart we were told that it had an 80 mile range when in reality if we used it for just golf and running around during the day and forgot to plug it in at night, we weren't going anywhere in the morning. Yamaha gas carts are quiet, customizable and you'll never have to think about range.

[MaryMS]

We love our electric cart and get 100 miles per charge. Using the air conditioning or heat lowers the range a bit, but is well worth it. We love windshield wiper, electric windows and not dealing with wet canvas. Doors are not a problem when golfing. The only disadvantage is not having the canopy on the back to pull over golf clubs if it starts to rain.

[Normal]

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

Keep in mind, that’s 37 miles, you may have to drive back from where you started? Also, that is with new batteries, not batteries that are a year or two old. It may be a better option as a backup cart? If you are a golfer, forget it.

[mikempp]

Buy gas you will never regret it.

[huge-pigeons]

When you 1st move here, you won’t know where the functions you want to attend and you won’t for a year or longer. When you move here, you know nothing about the 3000 clubs inside the villages, where you might be playing golf, archery, cards, pickleball, tennis, etc until you live here. We tried the 1 car 1 golf cart scenario and 1 of us was driving an hour or more 1 way in the golf cart to get to a function because your spouse is going in a different direction.
As for electric vs gas, range is only 1 item to look at when deciding. Look at the long term costs of replacing the lithium battery every so many years (thousands of $$$), disposing the hazardous waste lithium battery, compared to normal fairly cheap maintenance of the gas cart that is almost as quiet, gets 4x the range, and if happen to run out of gas, there are dozens of nearby gas stations to fill up, whereas there are 0 charging stations for electric

[DonRaleigh]

Keep in mind, that’s 37 miles, you may have to drive back from where you started? Also, that is with new batteries, not batteries that are a year or two old. It may be a better option as a backup cart? If you are a golfer, forget it.

LOL
You’ll be within 25 miles of any course in the Villages. So, of course, 75 mile range is plenty.

[nn0wheremann]

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

[tophcfa]

How much range is necessary, that’s debatable. What’s not debatable is that there are zero range issues with a gas Yamaha starting out the day with at least a half full tank of gas.

[Normal]

LOL
You’ll be within 25 miles of any course in the Villages. So, of course, 75 mile range is plenty.

LOL, as if batteries still hold a charge for that far after a couple years!

[Bill14564]

LOL, as if batteries still hold a charge for that far after a couple years!

What makes you think they will not? I'm closing in on two years with no noticeable degradation; others have had lithium carts longer than that. What is your experience with lithium carts?

[tophcfa]

What makes you think they will not? I'm closing in on two years with no noticeable degradation; others have had lithium carts longer than that. What is your experience with lithium carts?

Normal is referring to the pre lithium technology, where the batteries ability to retain a charge (range) steadily declines over time, kind of like riding down a hill until you reach the bottom. Lithium batteries are different, they hold their charge very consistently over time, right up until they don’t. More like riding along on level ground and then going off a cliff.

I recently experienced that with a lithium battery that runs my electric tools. Last week it worked almost like new, now it doesn’t work at all.

[Bill14564]

Normal is referring to the pre lithium technology, where the batteries ability to retain a charge (range) steadily declines over time, kind of like riding down a hill until you reach the bottom. Lithium batteries are different, they hold their charge very consistently over time, right up until they don’t. More like riding along on level ground and then going off a cliff.

I recently experienced that with a lithium battery that runs my electric tools. Last week it worked almost like new, now it doesn’t work at all.

Fair enough, and I should be careful to note that my comments are about lithium-electric carts and not lead-acid carts.

[mkjelenbaas]

Trying to decide on new cart. Really like the electric but have range anxiety! lol…. Not moved in yet so new and not sure how many miles people really go. Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?
Gas is the way to go as TV covers so much territory - WARNING - DO NOT BUY A CART FROM THE VILLAGES - they are the most costly and are also scammers when it comes to maintenance- check prices in Ocala and Webster!!

[Dlbonivich]

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

We have a gas and electric, new gas cart is $20k new electric Evolution is $12k. The electric was upgraded to the larger batteries giving us a60 mile range. The batteries are warranted for 8 years. I can buy 2 electric carts for just about the cost of one gas. I took the chance. The gas is 2 seat the electric cart is a 4 seater.

[ILLINOIS RAY]

If you want Electric, you can find them always for sale as people find out they are not reliable and are limiting

[Lisanp@aol.com]

In over three years we have run out of charge one time. We were about two miles from home, late in the day and had literally been driving in the cart all day. We actually wanted to challenge the cart that day to see if we would make it home after a very long day. We waited about 20 minutes in a rec center where we played a game of pool for 24-hour cart club to come and bring us home. It was really no big deal and now we know our true range. I love electric and breath easy without the terrible gas fumes all day.

[BrianL99]

If you want Electric, you can find them always for sale as people find out they are not reliable and are limiting

I'm sure that's why Electric out sells gasoline powered, 2:1 and there's hardly a community in the USA, that allows residents to own a gasoline power golf cart for use in the community.

I know it will never happend, but just ONCE, I'd like to see someone come on here and say:

"I bought a Lithium powered electric cart with a 50 miles range and it $uck$. I'm going to trade it for a gasoline powered cart".

[Bill14564]

If you want Electric, you can find them always for sale as people find out they are not reliable and are limiting

In what way are lithium electric carts unreliable?

If I never drive more than 40 miles in a day while my cart has a range of 60 miles then how is that limiting?

[Mazjaz]

Depends on where you live. I live in the Sawgrass area and make frequent trips up to Spanish Springs to visit family and friends. Did it with our lithium cart that gets up to 50 miles per charge and had about 20% left when we got back home.
I would definitely get one that has at least a 75 mile range next time. We use our gas cart for longer trips now but want to eventually have just one cart…it will be a lithium cart with longer range.

[kkingston57]

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

Live in TV for 4 years and live in the north end. Too far to drive a golf cart if I want to go to southern end(can be 45-60 minutes). Like the acceleration and torque in the electric cart. With a strong electric battery, should be no problem going with electric. Gas carts have a harder time on steep hills

[huge-pigeons]

The evolution cart doesn’t compare with the Yamaha quiet drive2. If you compare like carts, the lithium will cost you more. Then in 7 years or so, you will spend thousands for batteries.
Lithium does lose its strength over time. How does your iPhone work after a couple years?

[JMintzer]

I'm sure that's why Electric out sells gasoline powered, 2:1 and there's hardly a community in the USA, that allows residents to own a gasoline power golf cart for use in the community.
Electrics outsell gas IN THE VILLAGES 2:1?

Please tell me where you got that information.

Plus, there's hardly a community the size of TV anywhere in the country...

We have friends that live in Marisol, in Palm Beach Gardens. Electric only golf carts. The entire development is the size of one or two Villages... Range is not an issue...

[Topspinmo]

I have owned electric golf carts since day one in the Villages some 9 years ago and have never run out of juice. However, I was a private pilot for over 50 years and never ran out of gas so I do pay attention to fuel/electric status. And, some day I hope to own a Tesla to charge up at home like I do with electric golf carts.

P.S. - my current electric cart with a 1 1/2 year old battery still gives me over 45 plus miles of range which is enough for me

How about in 2 more years? Will that distance drop? Most likely will get worse each year. My 12 year old FI cart still get around 42 miles gallon. It’s cost me in parts not labor 2 quarts oil year, two tires, tie rod end, secondary clutch, 4, belts, and around 8 fill ups years. It still runs like it did when new. Most electric carts will probably had replace at least 2 sets of batteries in 12 years, but, do most don’t keep electric cart that long?

[tedquick]

I'm afraid you opened this can of worms again---gas vs electric.

Gas is reliable, you'll get 250+ miles on a tank and if you ever run out and get stuck, cart aide can bring you a gallon

Electric is quiet and the range is improving. Electric enthusiasts will deny that the range decreases with battery age, others disagree. Eventually batteries need to be replaced---the enthusiasts claim 10-15 years, others 5-8 years. But if you plan poorly and get stuck you will get towed.

I currently own a Yamaha gas cart. I will change to electric when they attain about 90% of the reliability of gas.

Full disclosure: I will NEVER change to electric anything to "save the planet" from global warming---utter nonsense.


Your last sentence is accurate and priceless!!!

[aloisbaughn2133]

I too was concerned about how far south the Villages is growing and thought I should be able to take a cart everywhere and that's why I bought a Par Car with 70 mile range but when reality set in I quickly found out that although the cart would go to Brownwood and back, my butt wouldn't -
it's too uncomfortable to ride that far - I live near Lopez and my distance limit it 466A -- I wouldn't have a gas cart so I recommed buying the best electric with the best range- I like EZGO

[tophcfa]

There’s hardly a community in the USA, that allows residents to own a gasoline power golf cart for use in the community.[/B]

Regardless of my feelings about gas versus electric, I would never buy a home in a community that dictated what kind of golf cart I could drive.

[BrianL99]

Regardless of my feelings about gas versus electric, I would never buy a home in a community that dictated what kind of golf cart I could drive.

But owning home in a community that won't let you cut down a tree without their permission, change the color of your home or put shutters on your home, is a different story?

Everyone is entitled to their own priorities.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

LOL, as if batteries still hold a charge for that far after a couple years!
They do
My Elite is 6yo with 17K miles. I don't see a bit of degradation

[Packer Fan]

Wow! Calling your need of having gas cart issues over the last 10 years. You can just drive them till failure. Or, hear me out, do a lil preventative maintenance on them.
If you are blowing belts on a Yamaha, you are doing something seriously wrong.
During my years overseeing a fleet of 70 gas carts that run 36 holes, 7 days a week for 5 years, a blown belt is not in my vocabulary.
Have them serviced regularly and running a fleet at 14 mph is not even close to the same as the beating they take running higher speeds in the villages. Apples to oranges dude.

[BrianL99]

They do
My Elite is 6yo with 17K miles. I don't see a bit of degradation

I have an MGI Lithium Golf Caddie. It's 7 years old. It went about 47 holes on a charge, the week I bought it. It's gone 45 holes on a charge, twice this month. It's got about 3000 miles on it.

[Normal]

I'm sure that's why Electric out sells gasoline powered, 2:1 and there's hardly a community in the USA, that allows residents to own a gasoline power golf cart for use in the community.

I know it will never happend, but just ONCE, I'd like to see someone come on here and say:

"I bought a Lithium powered electric cart with a 50 miles range and it $uck$. I'm going to trade it for a gasoline powered cart".

If you drove a cart from Spanish Springs to Southern Oaks or one of the newer courses near Eastport and played golf, then you might not make it home.

[Bill14564]

If you drove a cart from Spanish Springs to Southern Oaks or one of the newer courses near Eastport and played golf, then you might not make it home.

According to Google maps, Orange Blossom pool to the Southern Oaks course is 16.5 miles.
According to several sources on Google, a golfer would walk four miles to play 18 holes.
Putting that together makes for a 37 mile day, something a 50 mile cart could do (even on only 80% of it's range).

Yes, as the Villages gets larger it will be harder to drive from one end to the other. At the same time, someone who wants to travel that far may choose a 50 minute round trip in a car rather than a two hour trip in a golf cart.

[BrianL99]

If you drove a cart from Spanish Springs to Southern Oaks or one of the newer courses near Eastport and played golf, then you might not make it home.

Anyone dumb enough to spend over an hour driving in a golf cart to get somewhere, gets what he/she deserves.

Get in your car and drive. Splurge ... spend the $8 for a cart rental when you get there.

[tophcfa]

Anyone dumb enough to spend over an hour driving in a golf cart to get somewhere, gets what he/she deserves.

Get in your car and drive. Splurge ... spend the $8 for a cart rental when you get there.

I guess that based on your opinion I’m very dumb. Every winter I make an effort to swim in every sports pool and play every Championship golf course. Last winter I took three very long all day golf cart trips from our home near Tierra Del Sol. One day I played Grey Fox (no Championship course in Fenney), swam at Spanish Moss, and had dinner at the Fenney Grill. Another day I swam at Ezell, played Southern Oaks, then drove well out of my way to get a Polk bowl at Brownwood and watch the band Relic. Another day I played Lowlands (again, no Championship course in the area), swam at Everglades, and had a nice dinner , with live entertainment, at Edna’s. I never even considered not taking my golf cart, it’s a big part of the overall experience and I very much prefer golfing in my own cart. And as you stated, I got what I deserved, which was three great, adventurous, and memorable days that wouldn’t have been nearly as fun if I drove a car.

[JMintzer]

I guess that based on your opinion I’m very dumb. Every winter I make an effort to swim in every sports pool and play every Championship golf course. Last winter I took three very long all day golf cart trips from our home near Tierra Del Sol. One day I played Grey Fox (no Championship course in Fenney), swam at Spanish Moss, and had dinner at the Fenney Grill. Another day I swam at Ezell, played Southern Oaks, then drove well out of my way to get a Polk bowl at Brownwood and watch the band Relic. Another day I played Lowlands (again, no Championship course in the area), swam at Everglades, and had a nice dinner , with live entertainment, at Edna’s. I never even considered not taking my golf cart, it’s a big part of the overall experience and I very much prefer golfing in my own cart. And as you stated, I got what I deserved, which was three great, adventurous, and memorable days that wouldn’t have been nearly as fun if I drove a car.

Sounds like you had some great day trips...

What the naysayers keep ignoring, is that many, if not most of those "long trips" are broken up into smaller legs, as your experience shows...

[BrianL99]

I guess that based on your opinion I’m very dumb. Every winter I make an effort to swim in every sports pool and play every Championship golf course. Last winter I took three very long all day golf cart trips from our home near Tierra Del Sol. One day I played Grey Fox (no Championship course in Fenney), swam at Spanish Moss, and had dinner at the Fenney Grill. Another day I swam at Ezell, played Southern Oaks, then drove well out of my way to get a Polk bowl at Brownwood and watch the band Relic. Another day I played Lowlands (again, no Championship course in the area), swam at Everglades, and had a nice dinner , with live entertainment, at Edna’s. I never even considered not taking my golf cart, it’s a big part of the overall experience and I very much prefer golfing in my own cart. And as you stated, I got what I deserved, which was three great, adventurous, and memorable days that wouldn’t have been nearly as fun if I drove a car.

I apologize. "Dumb" was very bad choice of words.

Perhaps "quirky" would have been better. I just fail to see the attraction of going anywhere more than a few minutes away, via a golf cart. I get the "I'd rather play golf with my own cart" part and I've occasionally driven 20-25 minutes to Lopez, but generally I'll get in the car and drive if I want to play there. I don't have any interest in playing Southern Oaks or the new course in the south, so that's not even a consideration.

I admit, after 4 years, I still don't understand Villagers attraction for golf cart transportation. When people visit, they love the novelty of it, but after the first 2 rides, they've normally had enough.

Maybe I'm missing something?

[tophcfa]

I apologize. "Dumb" was very bad choice of words.

Perhaps "quirky" would have been better. I just fail to see the attraction of going anywhere more than a few minutes away, via a golf cart. I get the "I'd rather play golf with my own cart" part and I've occasionally driven 20-25 minutes to Lopez, but generally I'll get in the car and drive if I want to play there. I don't have any interest in playing Southern Oaks or the new course in the south, so that's not even a consideration.

I admit, after 4 years, I still don't understand Villagers attraction for golf cart transportation. When people visit, they love the novelty of it, but after the first 2 rides, they've normally had enough.

Maybe I'm missing something?

Different strokes for different folks. After 9 years of using our golf carts for about 99% of our Villages transportation needs, the novelty still hasn’t worn off even the slightest. In fact, it’s one of the things I miss the most about the Villages when I can’t be there. About the only time we actually do use a car is the few times per year we trailer our bikes to the newer southern areas to ride our bikes on the pathways. The only reason we do that is because it would be to difficult to transport two bikes on a golf cart. It’s not about saving $$$, it’s about the adventures and having fun.

[Normal]

Anyone dumb enough to spend over an hour driving in a golf cart to get somewhere, gets what he/she deserves.

Get in your car and drive. Splurge ... spend the $8 for a cart rental when you get there.

It happens rarely, but the beauty of having a gas powered Yamah Quiet tech is the freedom it gives. There are zero worries about running out of electricity, expensive batteries don’t need to be changed out and I don’t have to worry if I plugged the cart in the night before or if the cart is charged all the way up.

I realize some are on some kind of battery powered cart kick, and that’s great that they feel good about it. I just love and feel good about using my gas cart and the zero worries when I just hop in and drive it.

[sowilts]

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

My EZGO Lithium has 60 range. Takes a loooong ride to reach the 60.

[RichR.]

He (or she) is one of our well meaning forum peers that evidently has golf cart maintenance experience. He made a kind of emotional post or 2 about gas vs electric and I was poking fun at him (or her).

I was trying to be funny, I hope I didn't hurt any feelings. If I did I apologize.

BTW, not a chance I'm swearing off beer even if I have to chew the bottle open.

Well that explains why Google didn't come up with the meaning of rocksnap!
Labatt Blue for the win.

[Bill14564]

It happens rarely, but the beauty of having a gas powered Yamah Quiet tech is the freedom it gives. There are zero worries about running out of electricity, expensive batteries don’t need to be changed out and I don’t have to worry if I plugged the cart in the night before or if the cart is charged all the way up.

I realize some are on some kind of battery powered cart kick, and that’s great that they feel good about it. I just love and feel good about using my gas cart and the zero worries when I just hop in and drive it.

I have the same zero worries about my lithium cart.

I don't have to worry whether I put gas in it recently. I don't have to worry about spilling gas or cleaning it up. I don't have to worry that the gas that's been sitting in the tank or the can has gone bad. I don't have to worry that the belt will break while I'm out. I don't have to worry that the battery is on its last legs and won't start the cart when it's time to come home; in fact, I don't have to worry about replacing any batteries for at least eight more year. I just unplug the cord and go.

I understand many like their gas carts, I like my gas cart too. What I don't understand is trying so hard to convince me that my lithium cart is somehow unreliable or incapable of serving my needs when there is zero data to support that position.

EDIT: And yes, those electric owners criticizing gas owners because of different personal preferences are just as annoying and wrong

[BrianL99]

It happens rarely, but the beauty of having a gas powered Yamah Quiet tech is the freedom it gives.


Make sure you take good care of that Yamaha, because there won't be any new ones to buy in a couple of years. TV represents over 80% of Yamaha's gas cart market and that's dwindling.

Golf Cart Market Demand, Size & Forecast to 2033 (https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/golf-cart-market)

[Normal]

Make sure you take good care of that Yamaha, because there won't be any new ones to buy in a couple of years. TV represents over 80% of Yamaha's gas cart market and that's dwindling.

Golf Cart Market Demand, Size & Forecast to 2033 (https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/golf-cart-market)

Runs great! So dependable! It’s a 2022 and it’s probably good till I go LOL.

[PoolBrews]

The evolution cart doesn’t compare with the Yamaha quiet drive2. If you compare like carts, the lithium will cost you more. Then in 7 years or so, you will spend thousands for batteries.
Lithium does lose its strength over time. How does your iPhone work after a couple years?

These statements are incorrect and based on common misconceptions.

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

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

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

[BrianL99]

These statements are incorrect and based on common misconceptions.

1) With regards to "The evolution cart doesn’t compare with the Yamaha quiet drive2"...

2) D5's have an 8 year warranty on the battery with a 15 year life expectancy.


3) I'm an Electrical Engineer that worked on this technology -

That equates to 280,000 miles before I will see any significant reduction.


Please do not attempt to confuse TOTV Posters with facts.

This your last warning !

[Velvet]

The range you need will depend on how you live. But with TV continually expanding and just me in general, I like to have the maximum range possible. You never know when you might need it.

[LeRoySmith]

These statements are incorrect and based on common misconceptions.

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

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

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

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

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

[PoolBrews]

N/A

[ton80]

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

[tophcfa]

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

[Normal]

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

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

[Papa_lecki]

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

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

[Bill14564]

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

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

[LeRoySmith]

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

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

[MSchad]

20 months and hasn't happened yet. But who knows, maybe one day there will be an exception... like a broken belt or a leaking fuel line or a dead battery or a blown clutch or a bad injector
Exceptions…. I’ve had the dead battery, twice, and towed many more off the golf course. My neighbor has had the blown clutch and a broken brake cable.

[PoolBrews]

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

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

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

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

[PoolBrews]

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

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

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

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

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

[Normal]

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

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

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

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

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

[JohnWW]

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

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

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

[LeRoySmith]

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

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

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

[Battlebasset]

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

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

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

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

Right tool for the right job, folks.