What type or electric cart should I consider?

[GreggC69]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

[Topspinmo]

IMO you’re just going have to go look and compare options. I would especially compare batteries types and range and seat comfort.

[BrianL99]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

Buy Gas

Some of antique shops may still have some gas carts around. There are still some legacy units around, but dying out quickly.

Star and Evolution seem to be the Lithium of chose these days. Club Car may also have a Lithium powered cart by now, that can give you a reasonable range.

Expect to save about 20%-25% if you buy off campus. Sunshine Carts of Ocala would be a good starting point.

[Bill14564]

EZ Go, Evolution, or Star.

I like my 2022 EZ Go. It has the "standard," shorter height and is pretty basic but has been very reliable. With the 160Ah batter (I believe) I have been able to go anywhere I want. I have traveled 45 miles with charge to spare but that was in the summer and cold weather definitely reduces range.

Others have had very good luck with Evolution and it has more bells and whistles and a larger battery than mine.

My one concern was height. I go through one of the low tunnels and have seen a taller cart stuck in there once. It may be possible to lower the tall carts, riding down the center of the tunnel should work, and it's possible to avoid this tunnel but for me, the shorter cart was preferable. However, if that is going to be a deciding factor, make sure the EZ Go is still on the short side - I heard that more recent models might be taller.

[GreggC69]

Thanks all for the feedback.

[biggamefish1]

I bought a new 2016 Star Car with Trojan batteries, and never have I had an issue with distance for the day. I finally purchased a new set of Trojans this year, so 9 years of traveling here in the villages. No other issues with the Star Car during this time. When I am looking to buy a new cart, I will buy one with a lithium battery so I don't have to keep checking on the water levels.

[village dreamer]

i love my ezgo cart, no noise, very quiet. i do have the lead batterys and can get 30 miles.

[Guinness835]

Our friends recently bought a 2024 Star Sirius. They love it and get over 70 miles range and have never had any range issues. I know the gas vs lithium seems to draw some very strong emotions, but they love theirs.

[ohioshooter]

OP, talk to some actual owners, in person. Don’t waste your time here. All you will get is bunch of BS.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I have a Club cart that is electric. It came with an eight year warranty and it goes for sixty miles. We paid for upgraded seats, have locking glove compartments, grocery bag, and seat belts. I don’t know what we could have gotten more that would’ve upped the comfort level. I LOVE going for a drive/ride in it!

[Bill14564]

Hmmmm, I played Shallow Creek last week, then toured Middletown, then visited a friend in Marsh Bend, then took the long way home via Brownwood. When I got home I dropped off the clubs and grabbed my swim bag and headed to Laurel Manor to swim some laps. Next I picked up some groceries at Fresh Market, then swung by LSL to check out the band before heading home. It was easily an 80+ mile day in the golf cart, and totally enjoyable. Also, I started the day with a full tank of gas and finished the day with the tank still registering over 3/4 of a tank. Can’t wait to do it again : )

Probably more like 50 miles which would be consistent with 38 miles round trip from Laurel Manor plus some side trips and consistent with using less than 1.5 gals of gas. Still a respectable drive.

Not sure I would commit to a traveling 19 miles one way, 12 miles is far enough for me. Seems like an electric cart may not be the right choice for you but I wonder how many others make a habit of traveling anything near that far.

[djlnc]

I went with an EZGO primarily because of the Samsung LiFePO4 battery. Battery has an 8 year warranty, 50+ mile range.
Evolution is made in China.

[MorTech]

Yes, you can still purchase a gas cart at The Villages Golf Car Museum.

EZGO 2.2 = 60ah = 30 miles.
EZGO 4.2 = 120ah = 60 miles.
EZGO 6.2 = 180ah = 90 miles.

Take a look at Atlas (210ah) carts. Made in USA by former EZGO execs and 90 miles of range. $13K when on sale.

[Moderator]

OP is looking for advice on electric cart, to purchase. Please stay on topic, off topic will be deleted

[GymJim]

If you like the Yamaha Quiet Tech golf cart, and want an electric cart, then why not buy a Yamaha Lithium Golf Cart? Yes, Yamaha does make them and has been making them since 2022. They also make "regular" lead-acid battery golf carts. Yamaha electric carts have independent rear suspension and are essentially the same golf cart as the new, gas-powered Yamaha carts you see everywhere. Primary difference is that it has a factory-installed lithium battery. I got mine at County Village Power Equipment in Webster, FL (Rt. 471 near the fair grounds and Webster Flea Market) and I am extremely happy with this purchase. To my knowledge The Villages golf cart stores don't sell them - don't know why not. But by going to County Village Power Equip., you will not only save money, but also get home service AND you can have all the benefits of the Yamaha build quality, smooth ride AND you can get the electric cart you are looking for. Check them out!

[elle123]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.
The EZGO and Club Cars are manufactured in the US they're reliable and have been around forever. The lithium battery will allow for several rounds on a golf course before the battery needs recharging, and I'm talking about an 18 hole golf course not an executive. If you purchase a relatively new
EZGO from the dealer, it comes with an extended warranty.
I believe the Star is manufactured in China. It's popular because it's relatively inexpensive compared to the Club or EZGO.

[Bassdeer]

We are going to do the same thing, have a Yamaha Quiet Tech two-seater for golf and looking at the Evolution D5 Ranger 4, four-seater facing forward for when we get company, They run just under 10K.

[Ageiler]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

We bought a used 2017 atomic carts 3 years ago. Love it! Love the doors ( no problem with playing golf) love the Window wipers, heat and ac. Had to get an upgraded battery, but love the cart ! You can go for a test drive at atomic cool carts (next to Sparr) on 44. We got a great price too.

[Aviator1211]

If you are looking for a lower cost alternative, I purchased a great used electric Star cart and swapped in Lithium batteries myself. Almost 5 years now and still running great.

[GoneFishing]

You should check out the Custom Drive cart. It is manufactured in Texas. Very comfortable seats and 210ah lithium battery. Cart comes with lots of bells and whistles plus a low price.

[nob77@comcast.net]

We have an evolution. Love it.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

OP, talk to some actual owners, in person. Don’t waste your time here. All you will get is bunch of BS.

Thank You Sir

EZ-GO Elite owner here
USA company excellent cart

[PoolBrews]

Yes, you can still purchase a gas cart at The Villages Golf Car Museum.

EZGO 2.2 = 60ah = 30 miles.
EZGO 4.2 = 120ah = 60 miles.
EZGO 6.2 = 180ah = 90 miles.

Take a look at Atlas (210ah) carts. Made in USA by former EZGO execs and 90 miles of range. $13K when on sale.

Don't buy any cart expecting these ranges.

60ah has a range of less than 20 miles, regardless of the brand.
120ah will get you into the low 40's
180ah will get you into the low 60's
205ah will get you into the low 70's

These numbers are real world numbers, not the numbers in the brochure or provided by the salesman.

Just like EZ-GO (and Evolution), Atlas carts are built and assembled at a US facility, but the majority of the components are from overseas.

ALL lithium golf cart batteries are now LifeP04 (much safer), and ALL come from overseas (China, Korea, etc).

[RoseyRed]

We compared gas and electric carts before buying a new Evolution from Botero Carts. If you are big on customer service and it being close, I would suggest The Villages carts. They have customer service down to a science, but you pay a lot more. Botero sales folks are not as helpful, so know what questions to ask before you go. They were very busy when we were there and talked really fast. Research online and decide what your personal needs and wants are before going.

The Villages carts offered a brand new 2024 cart for 16K. This was a 2-seater Yamaha that did not have a lot of power. They said it could be programmed for more power once we agreed to purchase (not knowing how much power turned us off). It also included upgraded seats and the color paint we wanted along with the rain enclosure. Even though it was a quiet tech it was loud and smelly.

Botero offered a brand new 2025 cart for 14K. This is an Evolution 4 forward seat cart with lots of power. We had the seats changed and the height of the cart lowered. It has a many more features including a tablet touch screen for the driver with car play and speakers. The battery was updated to 205ah lithium as well. We do have to add an extra $1500 for the rain enclosure. The down sides for us are the height is still high, and the seats are nice but, not as nice as our 2019 EZ GO. The golf bag holder is designed to cause the clubs to tilt out away from the cart, which my husband does not care for.

Just like choosing a house it is all about personal preference and what is important to you. No cart will be perfect, but with research and comparison you will be thrilled!



We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

[MorTech]

EZGO RXV Elite has amazing efficiency...About 90W per mile.

[golfing eagles]

We compared gas and electric carts before buying a new Evolution from Botero Carts. If you are big on customer service and it being close, I would suggest The Villages carts. They have customer service down to a science, but you pay a lot more. Botero sales folks are not as helpful, so know what questions to ask before you go. They were very busy when we were there and talked really fast. Research online and decide what your personal needs and wants are before going.

The Villages carts offered a brand new 2024 cart for 16K. This was a 2-seater Yamaha that did not have a lot of power. They said it could be programmed for more power once we agreed to purchase (not knowing how much power turned us off). It also included upgraded seats and the color paint we wanted along with the rain enclosure. Even though it was a quiet tech it was loud and smelly.

Botero offered a brand new 2025 cart for 14K. This is an Evolution 4 forward seat cart with lots of power. We had the seats changed and the height of the cart lowered. It has a many more features including a tablet touch screen for the driver with car play and speakers. We do have to add an extra $1500 for the rain enclosure. The down sides for us are the height is still high, and the seats are nice but, not as nice as our 2019 EZ GO. The golf bag holder is designed to cause the clubs to tilt out away from the cart, which my husband does not care for.

Just like choosing a house it is all about personal preference and what is important to you. No cart will be perfect, but with research and comparison you will be thrilled!

What type of rain enclosure????

[jimmy o]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.
Just be sure to get the standard height if you want to go through all the tunnels. Some of the higher carts are so high that they cannot use all the tunnels.

[ckcapaul]

We have an ezgo elite 4 seater only about 10 inches longer than our Yamaha gas cart. Can be parked in the same area as the Yamaha. Only problem is the roof is to tall for the Saddlebrook tunnel. I lowered the roof and showed it to the Spanish Springs Villages golf store. Don't know if they have remedied the fix with the manufacturer. we can park the carts one behind the other in the garage.

[Bill14564]

Don't buy an electric golf cart, it will cost more in the long run!

How is that?

Initial price is similar. Yearly oil changes aren't needed for electric. Belt changes aren't needed for electric. Air filter changes aren't needed for electric. Brake work is needed much less frequently or not at all for electric. Fuel costs are about 1/6 for electric. Starter battery replacements aren't needed for electric. So where is the extra cost in the long run?

And to the common argument about replacing lithium batteries..... No one knows when a lithium battery might need to be replaced, at least no one has reported replacing theirs. The cost of lithium batteries is coming down, while their range is going up, so the replacement price, if EVER needed, might be similar to the replacement price of a gasoline engine. So where is the extra cost in the long run?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

How is that?

Initial price is similar. Yearly oil changes aren't needed for electric. Belt changes aren't needed for electric. Air filter changes aren't needed for electric. Brake work is needed much less frequently or not at all for electric. Fuel costs are about 1/6 for electric. Starter battery replacements aren't needed for electric. So where is the extra cost in the long run?

And to the common argument about replacing lithium batteries..... No one knows when a lithium battery might need to be replaced, at least no one has reported replacing theirs. The cost of lithium batteries is coming down, while their range is going up, so the replacement price, if EVER needed, might be similar to the replacement price of a gasoline engine. So where is the extra cost in the long run?
Thank You
My 19 EZ-GO doesn't even have brakes
I had to replace a solenoid ($35) and that's it
20K miles and I swear, there's no range degradation that I can tell

[GreggC69]

If you like the Yamaha Quiet Tech golf cart, and want an electric cart, then why not buy a Yamaha Lithium Golf Cart? Yes, Yamaha does make them and has been making them since 2022. They also make "regular" lead-acid battery golf carts. Yamaha electric carts have independent rear suspension and are essentially the same golf cart as the new, gas-powered Yamaha carts you see everywhere. Primary difference is that it has a factory-installed lithium battery. I got mine at County Village Power Equipment in Webster, FL (Rt. 471 near the fair grounds and Webster Flea Market) and I am extremely happy with this purchase. To my knowledge The Villages golf cart stores don't sell them - don't know why not. But by going to County Village Power Equip., you will not only save money, but also get home service AND you can have all the benefits of the Yamaha build quality, smooth ride AND you can get the electric cart you are looking for. Check them out!

Was not aware Yamaha made them. Will look at those as well as the other suggestions.

[dtennent]

Check out Hidden Creek Golf Carts. They sell both Evolution and Club Car. While I have Par Cars (no longer in business), my neighbor bought an Evolution cart from Hidden Creek and is very happy with it. Good luck and have fun with the new cart.

[RoseyRed]

canvas for top and roll up plastic for sides

What type of rain enclosure????

[roadrnnr]

I believe the Star is manufactured in China. It's popular because it's relatively inexpensive compared to the Club or EZGO.

Star is Based in GA. Although not sure how many parts are Chinese they are a Part of JH Global. Seems to be built with High Quality but do command a price.

[trxi6565]

I have a star and it’s amazing! Drove from St. Catherine to Orange Blossom and back and still had 1/4 charge left!

[rjrobart]

I'll assume you'll get a lithium ion cart. It's really a no-brainer. What you like about it is just charge it and go no belts, no nothing. just charge from electrical outlet in your garage . The cart I like is made in Charleston South Carolina . It's a Bintelli. You can go online and see what they have, but I bought mine from the factory. A 4 seater. I talked and visited sunshine up in Ocala, but they were useless. They wanted to sell me a different cart, but after investigating what's available I wanted a Bintelli. You should go online and see what's available and talk to them . There are many upgrades that they will give you a package deal on . I had my curtains made here in a company off of 411/27. It was more than I thought it should have been but it's a beautiful color setup, and rain proof, even for rear passengers. Also it's got style, and large pad type info center. I believe it's Second To None here in The Villages, or any place.
Good luck
=GreggC69;2423334]We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

[Unruly]

I was down at One Stop Golf Cart today for their grand opening. They had an electric cart there called a Conquest. Very very nice electric cart. They said it had three different lithium battery options and three different types of power module options. They looked really sharp. You may want to drop in and take a look atcit.

[golfing eagles]

canvas for top and roll up plastic for sides

Thank you

[Tblue]

We went with the EZ Go liberty, forward facing 4 passenger. What sold me was the length. Parked next to the traditional 4 passenger (2 facing to the rear) it was actually shorter when the rear foot plate is down on the traditional cart. Range with 2 of us is at least 45 miles. We live south of 44 (Linden Isle) and with a fully charged cart went up to Spanish Springs over the bridge to the historical section and returned and still had a 30% charge remaining. What sold the wife was it is made in the USA, and today the thought of maybe trying to get a part of something from overseas may be an issue. Quiet and not a bit of hesitation going up an incline like coming out of tunnel. If it has a downside for me it is the suspension, seems to be rough riding, thus we upgraded to a better seat. Pull into the garage and plug it right into the wall. I think the sales person said the batteries were guaranteed 10 years, but cant recall for sure on that.

[BrianL99]

Support the underdog or join the masses.

[Cheapbas]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

Most of the golf cart forums say go with the big three vs Chinese brands citing parts availability. Not sure I 100% agree with them. if you buy in the villages you’ll pay top dollar but always have service right here.

You need to decide what your daily needs are with lithium. I have 105 AH on mine and can get to anywhere, play golf and back no problem. 105AH range is 45-50 miles. They do go to 150 and 200AH which should get you 70 and 90 miles respectively.

[MorTech]

One Stop Golf Cart seems like a professional outlet. I hope they succeed to give TV'ers more choices.

EZGO uses Samsung SDI cells that are NMC chemistry and not LFP...LFP are more durable and cheaper but less energy dense.

Call TVGC and ask them how many EZGO lithium battery failures there have been. My neighbor bought one of the first EZGO lithium carts sold in TV...It has never been in the shop for anything. Still about 60 miles per charge with the 120ah pack (about 2ah per mile which is outstanding) after 8 years.

I would recommend the largest battery they offer (210ah) cuz TV is expanding rapidly.

[JoelJohnson]

We went with a gas EZ GO and electric Club Car. The reason - parts and service. Both of these golf carts are very common and parts are available and people who can work on them are everywhere.

[asianthree]

Support the underdog or join the masses.

I agree at most golf courses you will definitely fined 85% electric. Of course it was a great inconvenience at one of our CC when the cart barn burned to the ground at 2 am with 70 electric carts.
Life is just easier being a member at a CC with required caddies and zero carts allowed.

TV in 2000 when our parents came, I would definitely say 60-70% electric. 2025 not so much, and definitely not 85%.

[Elixir34]

Be sure to check that the max speed if the cart is NOT governed to an unacceptably slow rate. Club Car, for example, will NOT increase the speed of their carts, and you end up as a “parade cart” (a parade of carts lined up behind you as you poke along on a roadway and where carts can’t pass you).
Also GO LITHIUM! Lithium batteries are half the weight, give you close to twice the miles per charge and have much better torque driving up hills and tunnel exits. IMHO, buy 160 Amp-Hours capacity minimum.

[Bay Kid]

If you like the Yamaha Quiet Tech golf cart, and want an electric cart, then why not buy a Yamaha Lithium Golf Cart? Yes, Yamaha does make them and has been making them since 2022. They also make "regular" lead-acid battery golf carts. Yamaha electric carts have independent rear suspension and are essentially the same golf cart as the new, gas-powered Yamaha carts you see everywhere. Primary difference is that it has a factory-installed lithium battery. I got mine at County Village Power Equipment in Webster, FL (Rt. 471 near the fair grounds and Webster Flea Market) and I am extremely happy with this purchase. To my knowledge The Villages golf cart stores don't sell them - don't know why not. But by going to County Village Power Equip., you will not only save money, but also get home service AND you can have all the benefits of the Yamaha build quality, smooth ride AND you can get the electric cart you are looking for. Check them out!

I drove several battery carts but none drive as nice as the Yamaha carts.

[biker1]

The relatively small lithium-ion battery and range may be an issue for some. It appears the battery may have been sized for golf course operations. Perhaps they have a larger battery now?


I drove several battery carts but none drive as nice as the Yamaha carts.

[tophcfa]

The relatively small lithium-ion battery and range may be an issue for some. It appears the battery may have been sized for golf course operations. Perhaps they have a larger battery now?

That’s exactly how their lithium-ion battery is sized. Why not? They already sell the best cart available for customers who don’t want to ever worry about range.

[mrf6969]

I drove several battery carts but none drive as nice as the Yamaha carts.

The Yamaha carts are definitely more car like to drive with the independent suspension and much better steering control. For everyone, safety should be the first and foremost consideration when choosing a golf cart and Yamaha has all beat hands down.

[BrianL99]

I'm going to start "screen shooting" these posts, so I can bring them all back in 5 years.

In 5 years, you won't be able to buy a gasoline powered golf cart, perhaps sooner.

The only legitimate market for gasoline golf carts in the world, is TV.

Most residential communities won't allow them.

Most golf courses won't buy them.

I get that we probably have 50,000 legacy gas golf carts in TV and when folks bought them, they didn't have any other choice. That world has passed by and is gone. When I came to TV 4 years ago and bought a Star Lithium, I never saw another one on a MMP ... now they're everywhere, along with Evolution & a zillion mongrel brands that are popping up everywhere.

If you bought a Yamaha gas power cart 5-10 years ago. Good for you. They're a good product and they were the only game in town. Keep driving it, until you're the only one who still has one and then you can put it on eBay for big bucks!

Some folks still have automobiles with crank windows. Works great, accept at the gates.

[MorTech]

Be sure to check that the max speed if the cart is NOT governed to an unacceptably slow rate. Club Car, for example, will NOT increase the speed of their carts, and you end up as a “parade cart” (a parade of carts lined up behind you as you poke along on a roadway and where carts can’t pass you).
Also GO LITHIUM! Lithium batteries are half the weight, give you close to twice the miles per charge and have much better torque driving up hills and tunnel exits. IMHO, buy 160 Amp-Hours capacity minimum.

Yamaha, Club Car and EZGO are not easily speed adjusted...You will need to put larger diameter wheels on them to increase speed from 19.5 mph. EZGO sets their 19.5 mph speed using 8 inch wheels. If you opt for the 10 inch wheels it will speed up to about 22 mph.

[kkingston57]

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

If you are tall, be careful. Yamaha has the highest roof, I am tall and have to duck my head when I get in and out of a Club Car or EZ GO with curtains.

[biker1]

I doubt they will be selling many gas golf carts in The Villages in 5 years. The availability of competitively priced lithium-ion batteries has become disruptive. I have an older gas cart and a lithium-ion electric cart. I will probably replace the gas cart with another lithium-ion cart in a year or so. When I bought the gas cart 11 years ago, it was an easy decision when compared to lead acid batteries.

That’s exactly how their lithium-ion battery is sized. Why not? They already sell the best cart available for customers who don’t want to ever worry about range.

[MorTech]

If you are tall, be careful. Yamaha has the highest roof, I am tall and have to duck my head when I get in and out of a Club Car or EZ GO with curtains.

True that.

[roadrnnr]

Good to know. I have a Star on order. should be here soon!