EZ GO RXV A/C Drive Opinions Wanted

[Steadfast]

Hi,

I am considering a purchase of the new EZ GO RXV with the A/C Motor and six 8 Volt batteries.

The test drive was impressive with actually acceleration going up the steepest hills I could find. The regenerative braking also seems to make a lot of sense.

The range according to dealers is near 60 miles, however, assuming that is true, I remain concerned about the battery life (understanding that batteries just "ain't what they use to be") according to some people that I have talked to.

So, I am wondering if there is anyone who has had actually owned one of these carts and what your experience has been with the cart itself and the life of the batteries.

Thank you!

[new peeps]

SteadFast, I bought a 2008 RXV used on 2/12/2009.
These older models had four 12 volt batteries. If you do a search on this forum you should find a lot of threads on the EZ GO RXV. I guess I got lucky as so far I have had no issues. Good luck on what ever you choose.

[Steadfast]

SteadFast, I bought a 2008 RXV used on 2/12/2009.
These older models had four 12 volt batteries. If you do a search on this forum you should find a lot of threads on the EZ GO RXV. I guess I got lucky as so far I have had no issues. Good luck on what ever you choose.

Thanks, new peeps...

I did a search for EZ GO RXV but the search did not provide any results because the system indicated that the phrase was too short. When adding other words to the search such as "golf cart" or "problems" most of the results were not related to my question... that's why I am submitted the post.

Glad to hear that you have had good results with your cart so far.

Thanks again.

[Jim 9922]

We replaced a 1992 EZ GO electric (Upgraded motor) that went all of 15 miles on a charge with a 2010 EZ GO AC electric. After a year we still are impressed with its performance. We have a spedo/Odometer on it and have gone 30 miles a few times before recharging with the meter showing only a little below 1/2 charge. Top speed is a consistent 22 MPH. And as you noticed pick-up is great. I don't think I'd try to even get close to 60 miles on a charge so who knows if their claim is reasonable. ( For all we know the guy who rated the EZ Go is the retired Federal DOT worker who assigned the milage claims to all the new cars. (down hill, with a tailwind, motor off, with a 60 pound driver, never exceeding 10 mph, no air, no power anything, etc.)
We've had no problems so far (2800 miles), but it seems that some of the 2009's have some real issues. From prior posts its hard to tell if the problems are serious or if the dealer is incompetent at supplying a fix.
Our neighbor has a 2009 , beats the heck out of it, and so far it has not given him any problems. ( 6000 miles on his spedo.)
We also have a gas Club Car which I wouldn't give up. MY wife had to have the electric, but so far I'm impressed with the thing and it has become the main cart in use.
One neat feature of the EZ Go is the automatic "parking" brake lock. Orginally I didn't think much of it during the sales pitch, but I sure miss a feature like that on my Club Car.
:thumbup:

[FMF Doc]

Hi,

I am considering a purchase of the new EZ GO RXV with the A/C Motor and six 8 Volt batteries.

The test drive was impressive with actually acceleration going up the steepest hills I could find. The regenerative braking also seems to make a lot of sense.

The range according to dealers is near 60 miles, however, assuming that is true, I remain concerned about the battery life (understanding that batteries just "ain't what they use to be") according to some people that I have talked to.

So, I am wondering if there is anyone who has had actually owned one of these carts and what your experience has been with the cart itself and the life of the batteries.

Thank you!

We picked ours up 10 days ago. Sunday we did a toal of 38 almost consecutive miles and the light came on as we were pulling in the driveway. We were told it will take about 25 charges for the batteries (6 8 volts) to reach peak efficiency and that the range would be 45 to 50 miles on a charge. Like the performance of the AC motor and the braking system. If I needed another electric cart I would buy another based on my experience so far. We dealt with Scot at Advantage in Southern Trace. I liked the fact that they had carts to take home for 24 hours to demo.

George

[Jim Straz]

If I were you, I would also check out the Star electric at Allstar carts on 441 near Five Guys. They have the NEW system of longer range battery's which consist of eight six volt. Most of the better carts will be switching to this system once they configure their carts for the additional space. There's a guy on here that hates Star carts so take that with a grain of salt and just check it out for yourself because they are way above EZ-GO.

[ajbrown]

Interesting, I did not know the RXV has gone to 6-8 v batteries. This is a big step in the right direction IMO. I do not own one, but it would be on my short list if looking at new carts.

FMF Doc - How batteries are broken in greatly affects the life of the batteries. Check out this link:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Battery_Break-in_Methods.html

The suggestion I keep repeating is if you are going to own electric and want to get the most of your batteries, you should understand SOC and when your pack gets to 48.4 volts (50% SOC). That is the max distance you should drive, not what a salesman tells you. For battery break in you should NOT discharge the pack to less than 49.6+ volts (75% SOC) for the first 15-20 trips. Check out the table at the bottom of this link for various voltages and SOC:
http://www.trojanbattery.com/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx

A great test for a 24 hours demo, fully charge cart, take voltage of pack, drive the cart until the pack is at 48.4 volts. Ask the salesman why you only went 31 miles before the pack was at 50% SOC :D

PS. I made 31 miles up, the new RXV may go 40 for all I know....

[ajbrown]

Thanks, new peeps...

I did a search for EZ GO RXV but the search did not provide any results because the system indicated that the phrase was too short. When adding other words to the search such as "golf cart" or "problems" most of the results were not related to my question... that's why I am submitted the post.

Glad to hear that you have had good results with your cart so far.

Thanks again.

The search engine in this software is a bit weak, but you can utilize google to front end the search. Go to google and type in:

site:talkofthevillages.com RXV

I forget who first pointed that out, but I used that technique for all the forum sites now....

[Steadfast]

Interesting, I did not know the RXV has gone to 6-8 v batteries. This is a big step in the right direction IMO. I do not own one, but it would be on my short list if looking at new carts.

FMF Doc - How batteries are broken in greatly affects the life of the batteries. Check out this link:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Battery_Break-in_Methods.html

The suggestion I keep repeating is if you are going to own electric and want to get the most of your batteries, you should understand SOC and when your pack gets to 48.4 volts (50% SOC). That is the max distance you should drive, not what a salesman tells you. For battery break in you should NOT discharge the pack to less than 49.6+ volts (75% SOC) for the first 15-20 trips. Check out the table at the bottom of this link for various voltages and SOC:
http://www.trojanbattery.com/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx

A great test for a 24 hours demo, fully charge cart, take voltage of pack, drive the cart until the pack is at 48.4 volts. Ask the salesman why you only went 31 miles before the pack was at 50% SOC :D

PS. I made 31 miles up, the new RXV may go 40 for all I know....

Thanks to all for the great feedback so far...

Regarding the 8 six volt batteries, only some dealers will install them as an option. Not all are doing it at this time based on my limited research. However, I do know that Advantage Golf Cars will install them for $490.

How long they will last remains a concern for me.

[ajbrown]

Thanks to all for the great feedback so far...

Regarding the 8 six volt batteries, only some dealers will install them as an option. Not all are doing it at this time based on my limited research. However, I do know that Advantage Golf Cars will install them for $490.

How long they will last remains a concern for me.

To avoid confusion on my part, do you mean 6 - 8 volt batteries as mentioned in previous posts? I wonder if they have to change the frame?

How long batteries last is based on:
Quality of battery
Proper breakin
Proper maintenance
Depth of discharge per usage


Being conservative, I budget 3 years for a pack of batteries based on others experiences and packs I own. My Dad's Club Cart has T890s (upgrade from T875) and they are now four years old. They still get about 26 miles. My Club Car which I bought this winter has 6-8 volt T875s and they are almost 3.5 years old and still get 26 miles. This pack is dieing and will need replacing within a year. These carts likely went around 35 miles when pack was new.

If you drive your cart 5 miles a day, I suspect you could make a pack last 8+ years or more. Here is a chart which illustrates the point, albeit optimistic IMO. A cycle is a discharge and recharge. The deeper the discharge, the fewer cycles you can expect.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/batterylifecycle.jpg

Hope that helps.

[Steadfast]

To avoid confusion on my part, do you mean 6 - 8 volt batteries as mentioned in previous posts? I wonder if they have to change the frame?

Thank you, ajbrown...

Sorry for the confusion. The EZ GO dealer does Six 8s... The Yamaha dealer does Eight 6s. I had them confused.

I don't know if they have to do anything to the frame.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have the new EZgo and am very happy with its performance.
I've been told by an EZGo dealer, that the cart was engineered for the 4 12v batteries and to change that configuration could effect performance.

[Steadfast]

I have the new EZgo and am very happy with its performance.
I've been told by an EZGo dealer, that the cart was engineered for the 4 12v batteries and to change that configuration could effect performance.

Yes, I have been told the same thing... in fact one dealer questioned the warranty if the change was made. However, having test driven both the Six 8v and the Four 12v versions both my wife and I seemed to feel that the Six 8v version performed better. Keep in mind this comment is based on two test drives only. I don't know how they would compare long term.

Thanks again for the many great replies so far...

[ajbrown]

Yes, I have been told the same thing... in fact one dealer questioned the warranty if the change was made. However, having test driven both the Six 8v and the Four 12v versions both my wife and I seemed to feel that the Six 8v version performed better. Keep in mind this comment is based on two test drives only. I don't know how they would compare long term.

Thanks again for the many great replies so far...

I certainly believe there could be a warranty issue as EZGO can define that, but I would really push back with the dealer on the idea that having 6-8 v batteries would reduce performance. Granted there is about 50 pounds more weight, but me and some of my pals have an extra 50 pounds :mmmm::beer3:.

To me, 48 volts is 48 volts, you have simply increased the amp hours of the pack. Would love to hear the technical details of the dealers claim, as I cannot think of any. Going T1275(12v, 150ah) to T875 (8v, 170ah), you will only get a 10% kick in range, so maybe even investigate the T890 (8v, 190ah) when going through the process.

As to the engineering being done for 4-12 volt batteries? I suspect that engineering was forced to use 4-12 volt batteries for shear cost per unit to manufacture. Also, their target market is a golf course where 3 rounds of golf is the demand (18 miles). I am a bit surprised their LSV does not offer 8-6 volt configuration, like Par Car and Tomberline (I think they offer 8-6v). If the AC is as efficient as they say with the Regen braking that cart may push 70 miles.


Alan has NO inside knowledge on the above, just having fun chatting.....

[starflyte1]

I have had a RXV a year and have had no problems. Like others have said, I like the fact that it does not slow down on hills.

[Steadfast]

I certainly believe there could be a warranty issue as EZGO can define that, but I would really push back with the dealer on the idea that having 6-8 v batteries would reduce performance.

Thanks for the validation... I can't say for sure that the cart having six 8 volt batteries actually performed better as I am simply basing this comment on the perceptions formed by the test drives. It certainly was not less impressive than the four 12s.

Hearing that people have not had any problems is very encouraging... Thanks.

Interestingly, when I asked the various sales associates what they owned upon a return trip today the answer was gas!!!

Along that line, it seems that the Club Car gas generates the least noise base on our unscientific observations today. Decisions... decisions!!!

:gc:

[l2ridehd]

In just my observations, the EZ GO gas 2008 and older is the most quiet gas cart. I believe it is because it is a two cylinder engine where all others are single cylinder. In 09 they changed to a single cylinder model. I would guess a cost savings move.

[FMF Doc]

Interesting, I did not know the RXV has gone to 6-8 v batteries. This is a big step in the right direction IMO. I do not own one, but it would be on my short list if looking at new carts.

FMF Doc - How batteries are broken in greatly affects the life of the batteries. Check out this link:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Battery_Break-in_Methods.html

The suggestion I keep repeating is if you are going to own electric and want to get the most of your batteries, you should understand SOC and when your pack gets to 48.4 volts (50% SOC). That is the max distance you should drive, not what a salesman tells you. For battery break in you should NOT discharge the pack to less than 49.6+ volts (75% SOC) for the first 15-20 trips. Check out the table at the bottom of this link for various voltages and SOC:
http://www.trojanbattery.com/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx

A great test for a 24 hours demo, fully charge cart, take voltage of pack, drive the cart until the pack is at 48.4 volts. Ask the salesman why you only went 31 miles before the pack was at 50% SOC :D

PS. I made 31 miles up, the new RXV may go 40 for all I know....

AJ, thanks for the info. I have read this before in prior postings you have made. Our previous excursions have been no more than 20-25 miles. I will look for the post where you and someone else were discussing a nice looking voltmeter he had installed and get one to mount for my own use.

FWIW - I was told my cart is under warrantly from E-Z-Go and the batteries from the dealer and Trojan. Both for 4 years.

George

[ajbrown]

AJ, thanks for the info. I have read this before in prior postings you have made. Our previous excursions have been no more than 20-25 miles. I will look for the post where you and someone else were discussing a nice looking voltmeter he had installed and get one to mount for my own use.

FWIW - I was told my cart is under warrantly from E-Z-Go and the batteries from the dealer and Trojan. Both for 4 years.

George

I think this is the one:

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Digital_Battery_Meters.html

This one monitors each battery, a bit pricey so it is on my Christmas list :)

http://www.paktrakr.com/index.html


My cheap analog meter in the post below works fine also; the key is knowing where 49 volts on the meter is:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showpost.php?p=349143&postcount=9

[Steadfast]

I am getting the impression that the electric carts (even the EZ GO RXV) require a lot more attention on a regular basis as follows:

1. Making sure the batteries are recharged every day and on a given "battery break in schedule" as well as having concerns about them if you go on vacation.

2. Making sure that they "rest" if you want to get maximum distance when out for a long period of time.

3. Making sure the water level is high and even.

4. Monitoring the battery warning lights (and/or various additional battery monitoring systems) if you drive any distance.

5. Having to replace the batteries after a few years.

6. Dealing with the fact that your range will start out at a given level... then increase... then decrease as the batteries age, creating what I have heard referred to as "range anxiety".

Call me crazy or ignorant, but with all of that said, I am still attracted by the quiet ride!

On the other hand, the smell of the gas cart does not bother me... it's mostly the noise and vibration that is an issue as far as I am concerned.

So the question is (for those of you who have had both) is all that extra effort that must go into an electric cart worth it for the smooth quiet ride?

Thanks again for your input!

:posting:

[FMF Doc]

I am getting the impression that the electric carts (even the EZ GO RXV) require a lot more attention on a regular basis as follows:

1. Making sure the batteries are recharged every day and on a given "battery break in schedule" as well as having concerns about them if you go on vacation.

2. Making sure that they "rest" if you want to get maximum distance when out for a long period of time.

3. Making sure the water level is high and even.

4. Monitoring the battery warning lights (and/or various additional battery monitoring systems) if you drive any distance.

5. Having to replace the batteries after a few years.

6. Dealing with the fact that your range will start out at a given level... then increase... then decrease as the batteries age, creating what I have heard referred to as "range anxiety".

Call me crazy or ignorant, but with all of that said, I am still attracted by the quiet ride!

On the other hand, the smell of the gas cart does not bother me... it's mostly the noise and vibration that is an issue as far as I am concerned.

So the question is (for those of you who have had both) is all that extra effort that must go into an electric cart worth it for the smooth quiet ride?

Thanks again for your input!

:posting:

For me the answer is yes. For others the answer is no. You don't have to fill or check water levels every day. Buy the system that fills all the bateries at once and they also have little floats that you can visually see for your water level. Watching the battery guage is just glacing every once in awhile just like a gas guage. You will get to know how far you can go.

That is what works for me. You may want to consider renting an electric and then a gas cart for a week or month and then deciding. ADV lets you take a demo home for a day too if you want to try that route.

George

[ajbrown]

Steadfast,

I guess it is not a hijack if answering the OP's new question :)

When I post about electric carts, I often mistakenly give the impression that owning one is a major chore. This can be attributed to my weaker writing skills and the enjoyment I get chatting about batteries in detail more than the reality of owning an electric cart. I LOVE driving electric carts. I own two, I have NEVER run out of battery power and I go everywhere I need to. I do not think about my batteries daily. I drive it and I plug it in when I get home.....

Yes, I had to educate myself about batteries for an hour or four before owning.
Yes, I need to keep the water topped off, I do this every couple of weeks and it gets me into the man cave for 15 minutes.
Yes, I pay attention to how far I can go on a charge so as not to discharge the batteries too far. This takes NO time, it is just something I learn using a voltmeter after owning the cart for one day. After that I may check in on that number once a year.
Yes, I have to replace the batteries after 3-4 years, this is the cost of my fuel, do the math, IMO it is a wash with other fuels for the distances I drive.

All of this is a price I am more than willing to pay to own my electric carts, but that is just me. I LOVE driving my electric carts.

If you are worried about the range of an electric cart, buy one with more amp hours, if you do not wish to deal with batteries at all, buy a gas cart. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. Riding around in a golf cart on a lovely evening with your favorite girl is priceless.

[golfnut]

Well said AJ, I too have electric, gas is too noisy and stinky, and that's the bottom line.......gn