Do you care about your carbon footprint?

[jimbo2012]

In researching TV and deciding to move here later this year I was bit surprised to see what in my opinion is the disregard of folks driving gas powered golf carts around town.

Of the 50,000+ carts there are approximately half gas/elec.

I researched a bit as what the exhaust gases are contributing to the air you breathe.

In 2004 Princeton University reported on the possibility of reducing the amount of gas emissions from the University fleet. A total of 92 golf carts. on campus provided the largest amount of harmful emissions - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Not to post a bunch of calculations and bore you with numbers but 1 gas cart produces about the same emissions as 6 Ford Taurus'

In 2010 Go Green College, calculated based on their 100 carts half gas half elec the following;

50 gas carts generates 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year!
50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!

So about 4 times the about.

So here 25,000 gas carts produce 500 times that amount or 80 million pounds of CO2 a year!

Did I do that math right? 80 million lbs

[John_W]

One of the first things I did after moving into our home was to remove the 3 incandescent 40 watt light bulbs from the driveway lampost and replace them with 3 flourescent 40 watt bulbs that use 9 watts each. That's 120 watts versus 27 watts that burn everynight in front of every home in TV, just imagine if the builder had done that to the over 40,000 homes in TV, how much electricity could be saved in a single evening.

[jimbo2012]

Great,

Go a step further LED bulbs, now you're really saving.

[cappyjon431]

We care very much. Our cart is electric. We recycle about three times the volume of what we put out as trash. We compost. We bought all new energy efficient appliances.

My one regret is that I still have my SUV. We try to use it as little as possible and mainly use the cart. I eventually will replace it with something more fuel efficient. In the mean time, I need something that size to haul all of my dive gear and my paddleboards.

[l2ridehd]

And as usual in this argument not all the facts are presented. How much CO2 does the coal fired power plant produce to generate the electricity to charge the batteries in 25000 golf carts every night? How is the disposal of the 6 batteries average per cart replaced on average every 3.5 years or 2,142,857 pounds of batteries disposal every year contribute to the environment?

Each type of cart has problems. If it bothers you that much, go find a place to live where you can walk everywhere. All of us chose The Villages because of the lifestyle. And that lifestyle is sold, advertised and branded as a golf cart community. So don't now try to tell me the type of cart I have to drive.

This very dumb argument will continue forever. Everyone has an opinion on one side of this or the other and they will never give it up. We should all try to minimize our use of resources. Use lower wattage bulbs where it makes sense, walk when possible, recycle as much as possible and many other things. But the gas vs electric cart just seems to go on forever. I personally own one of each. Love them both and they both have a place in The Villages use requirements.

[jimbo2012]

And as usual in this argument not all the facts are presented. How much CO2 does the coal fired power plant produce to generate the electricity to charge the batteries in 25000 golf carts every night?

The figures above included that energy
"50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!"

Even at that, the elec uses 1/4 that of gas carts, agree?

How is the disposal of the 6 batteries average per cart replaced on average every 3.5 years or 2,142,857 pounds of batteries disposal every year contribute to the environment?

According to battery council international
Environmental Benefits
Lead-acid batteries are the environmental success story of our time. More than 97 percent of all battery lead is recycled. lead-acid batteries top the list of the most highly recycled consumer product.

http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/battery_recycling_process.jpg

So don't now try to tell me the type of cart I have to drive.

I didn't think I was telling anyone that ?
Drive what you wish it's your carbon footprint

.

[sandybill2]

We have an electric cart----one of the reasons is that our grown son is asthmatic---he was here for a week recently and actually had a problem with his breathing due to driving through the golf cart tunnels and the gas fume odors that seem to linger there. We recycle everything that is allowed. We also drive a Prius.

[lovesports]

We care very much about our carbon footprint.
We drive an electric golf cart and hate to be behind a gas cart.
Our cart holds its charge for so long, we go from one end of the Villages to the other and still have tons of charge left.
We have a young grandchild and we want her to have a healthy Earth as her home.
Jimbo, Thanks for posting this on Earth Day.

[CMANN]

The religion I hate most: Greenism!:pray:

[ilovetv]

Ah, yes. The "wonderful" COAL-FIRED golf cart.

I'd like an electric one in addition to our gas one, and maybe we'll just do that one of these days.

And yes, CMann.....it IS a "religion".

[CarGuys]

In researching TV and deciding to move here later this year I was bit surprised to see what in my opinion is the disregard of folks driving gas powered golf carts around town.

Of the 50,000+ carts there are approximately half gas/elec.

I researched a bit as what the exhaust gases are contributing to the air you breathe.

In 2004 Princeton University reported on the possibility of reducing the amount of gas emissions from the University fleet. A total of 92 golf carts. on campus provided the largest amount of harmful emissions - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Not to post a bunch of calculations and bore you with numbers but 1 gas cart produces about the same emissions as 6 Ford Taurus'

In 2010 Go Green College, calculated based on their 100 carts half gas half elec the following;

50 gas carts generates 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year!
50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!

So about 4 times the about.

So here 25,000 gas carts produce 500 times that amount or 80 million pounds of CO2 a year!

Did I do that math right? 80 million lbs

Yes you did well. And you are right! However you and I are a minority on alternative fuel transportation.

I agree with you on the Carts. You make valid points but as I2RdHD has commented the debate will go on forever!

Just available if anyone is interested my local talkshow. CarGuys www.cnytalkradio.com Saturdays 8-9 1390 WFBL Syracuse NY - streaming on the web

Hey you can go green and still be macho. check out the Green Grand Prix. Welcome To The Official Green Grand Prix Web Site (http://www.greengrandprix.com/)

A Clean sities associate of mine took second place at Watkins Glen in a Compressed Natural Gas Ford F250. :thumbup: I should have Barry Carr on this Saturday from Clean Cities and I will be calling to do my show from TV.

[jimbo2012]

our grown son is asthmatic---he was here for a week recently and actually had a problem with his breathing due to driving through the golf cart tunnels and the gas fume odors that seem to linger there.

Interesting point, unfortunately.

We care very much about our carbon footprint.
We drive an electric golf cart and hate to be behind a gas cart.

Glad you care and I guess it's like being behind a bus.

We have a young grandchild and we want her to have a healthy Earth as her home.
Jimbo, Thanks for posting this on Earth Day.

:BigApplause:

[jimbo2012]

However you and I are a minority on alternative fuel transportation.
I agree with you on the Carts. You make valid points but as I2RdHD has commented the debate will go on forever

not sure yet how much of a minority we may be yet, I'll know more when I move there in few months.

I saw the same naysayers posting the same arguments before however they can't support those positions with facts.

I just impeached the lead waste argument.
biggest advantage is that elec carts don't release harmful toxins into the air and R quieter.

I think anyone can make their own choice, but I hope they make the right choice for what they may be leaving for their children & grandchildren.

We don't really have much choice for somethings that affect the carbon footprint,
but we sure have a choice in a golf cart that does the same function if it's gas or elec.

Not sure if the local dealers are pushing gas over elec based on profit.



.

[thekeithfan]

In researching TV and deciding to move here later this year I was bit surprised to see what in my opinion is the disregard of folks driving gas powered golf carts around town.

Of the 50,000+ carts there are approximately half gas/elec.

I researched a bit as what the exhaust gases are contributing to the air you breathe.

In 2004 Princeton University reported on the possibility of reducing the amount of gas emissions from the University fleet. A total of 92 golf carts. on campus provided the largest amount of harmful emissions - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Not to post a bunch of calculations and bore you with numbers but 1 gas cart produces about the same emissions as 6 Ford Taurus'

In 2010 Go Green College, calculated based on their 100 carts half gas half elec the following;

50 gas carts generates 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year!
50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!

So about 4 times the about.

So here 25,000 gas carts produce 500 times that amount or 80 million pounds of CO2 a year!

Did I do that math right? 80 million lbs

I guess it won't be long now before the environmental wackos will legislate "cleaner" golf carts and that will beat the carts mpg down and the cost up. Me? gas cart when i'm not in that I'm in a 450 horsepower diesel truck hauling a fifth wheel reacreational vehicle spewing carbon all over the USA. I have a gas mower too.

[Barefoot]

We care very much about our carbon footprint.
We drive an electric golf cart and hate to be behind a gas cart.
Our cart holds its charge for so long, we go from one end of the Villages to the other and still have tons of charge left.

We also have an electric cart which seems to hold a charge forever, even with golfing and driving all over TV. I personally find gas carts to be noisy and smelly, but it is a personal choice, and many people I respect choose gas carts. On a positive note, I've learned to hold my breath for a really long time! Before I enter a tunnel, I take a deep breath, and I don't take another breath until I clear the tunnel. That takes care of my allergy problem.

[JoeC1947]

One of the first things I did after moving into our home was to remove the 3 incandescent 40 watt light bulbs from the driveway lampost and replace them with 3 flourescent 40 watt bulbs that use 9 watts each. That's 120 watts versus 27 watts that burn everynight in front of every home in TV, just imagine if the builder had done that to the over 40,000 homes in TV, how much electricity could be saved in a single evening.

One of the first things I did was to unscrew two of the bulbs a little and just use one at a time. When that one burns out I just reach in and screw the next "spare bulb" in. When all three are burnt out I replace them all and start over.

[salpal]

On another note, I am surprised at the number of refrigerators I see in garages. Do two people in one home really need two refrigerators? I understand about the convenience of keeping one's beverages cold, but refrigerators are big energy wasters. Okay, let the attacks begin. :sigh:

[JoeC1947]

We also have an electric cart which seems to hold a charge forever, even with golfing and driving all over TV. I personally find gas carts to be noisy and smelly, but it is a personal choice, and many people I respect choose gas carts. On a positive note, I've learned to hold my breath for a really long time! Before I enter a tunnel, I take a deep breath, and I don't take another breath until I clear the tunnel. That takes care of my allergy problem.

The fumes also attract love bugs.

[jimbo2012]

On another note, I am surprised at the number of refrigerators I see in garages. Do two people in one home really need two refrigerators? I understand about the convenience of keeping one's beverages cold, but refrigerators are big energy wasters.

Perhaps the space is needed by their lifestyle but there's no alternative to powering a fridge.

There R alternatives in carts, either one accomplishes the same task and the costs to buy - about the same.

[senior citizen]

...

[senior citizen]

...

[Dirigo]

In researching TV and deciding to move here later this year I was bit surprised to see what in my opinion is the disregard of folks driving gas powered golf carts around town.

Of the 50,000+ carts there are approximately half gas/elec.

I researched a bit as what the exhaust gases are contributing to the air you breathe.

In 2004 Princeton University reported on the possibility of reducing the amount of gas emissions from the University fleet. A total of 92 golf carts. on campus provided the largest amount of harmful emissions - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Not to post a bunch of calculations and bore you with numbers but 1 gas cart produces about the same emissions as 6 Ford Taurus'

In 2010 Go Green College, calculated based on their 100 carts half gas half elec the following;

50 gas carts generates 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year!
50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!

So about 4 times the about.

So here 25,000 gas carts produce 500 times that amount or 80 million pounds of CO2 a year!

Did I do that math right? 80 million lbs

What about all the exhaust from the lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers used in TV? Aren't they worse polluters than gas golf carts?

Pehaps a new business start-up could cut lawns with an old fashioned people-powered reel mower and rake lawns and sweep driveways and walkways? They could also compost the clippings and leaves.

Of course the price for all that manual labor would be quite high compared to the way it is being done now, but there may be a business opportunity catrering to those who are concerned about their carbon footprint.

[graciegirl]

What about all the exhaust from the lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers used in TV? Aren't they worse polluters than gas golf carts?

Pehaps a new business start-up could cut lawns with an old fashioned people-powered reel mower and rake lawns and sweep driveways and walkways? They could also compost the clippings and leaves.

Of course the price for all that manual labor would be quite high compared to the way it is being done now, but there may be a business opportunity catrering to those who are concerned about their carbon footprint.


We eat leftovers. Every little bit helps the old lady said as she pees in the sea.

[jimbo2012]

What about all the exhaust from the lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers used in TV? Aren't they worse polluters than gas golf carts?

I would think they are just as bad, any gas engine with or without emission controls is bad for our environment.

However, there aren't 25,000 + of them running around day and night.

[looneycat]

it is approx 16 miles from rt42 to rt 44 on Buena Vista
the average electric golf cart can make that round trip once.
the 'new' 60 mile range carts can make that trip maybe 1.5 times since I've yet to hear of anyone getting much more than 45 miles a charge.
So, with a standard electric cart you can get around pretty good but not drive around all day and must always keep your range in mind (we have all seen the carts being towed in because the batteries died).
In a gas cart you do not need to think about range as long as you have a full tank you can drive for days. I have electric now, when I replace it I will get gas!

[billethkid]

NO!

btk

[looneycat]

What about all the exhaust from the lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers used in TV? Aren't they worse polluters than gas golf carts?

Pehaps a new business start-up could cut lawns with an old fashioned people-powered reel mower and rake lawns and sweep driveways and walkways? They could also compost the clippings and leaves.

Of course the price for all that manual labor would be quite high compared to the way it is being done now, but there may be a business opportunity catrering to those who are concerned about their carbon footprint.

and you have to give up eating beef since cows arguably have the worst carbon footprint of food animals.....oh no not my burgers!!

[skyguy79]

and you have to give up eating beef since cows arguably have the worst carbon footprint of food animals.....oh no not my burgers!!It would seem to me that if we stopped eating beef that the cattle population would increase and it would therefore be a reasonable conclusion that the if the cattle population increases, so would the carbon footprint. Smile looney, your Whimpy burgers are safe!
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiNe1edBgISsDrqRqj-L9_IJ3j3omWInJ1R39KBavMI4MGG52eGu5mZQ

[looneycat]

It would seem to me that if we stopped eating beef that the cattle population would increase and it would therefore be a reasonable conclusion that the if the cattle population increases, so would the carbon footprint. Smile looney, your Whimpy burgers are safe!
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiNe1edBgISsDrqRqj-L9_IJ3j3omWInJ1R39KBavMI4MGG52eGu5mZQ

burgers, burgers, yum...I would gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger you give me today...:mmmm:

I was speaking to the car'boners' that want to reduce the herds as well...all in the name of carbon footprint!
:oops:

[skyguy79]

burgers, burgers, yum...I would gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger you give me today...:mmmm:

I was speaking to the car'boners' that want to reduce the herds as well...all in the name of carbon footprint!
:oops:That wouldn't surprise me as there are some who would want to do similarily to the human population for whatever their motivation might be! 60 Plus Association (http://list.60plus.org/subscriber/newsletter.php?sid=175221&c=176&h=160&t=0)

[Golfer in Sanibel]

I don't care. I think it's all BS. Bad science based on wrong assumptions. Just saying because you asked. :confused:

[angiefox10]

It would seem to me that if we stopped eating beef that the cattle population would increase and it would therefore be a reasonable conclusion that the if the cattle population increases, so would the carbon footprint. Smile looney, your Whimpy burgers are safe!
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiNe1edBgISsDrqRqj-L9_IJ3j3omWInJ1R39KBavMI4MGG52eGu5mZQ

That's why I say... Spay and neuter your cow!

[looneycat]

That's why I say... Spay and neuter your cow!

and that's no bull!

[jimbo2012]

it is approx 16 miles from rt42 to rt 44 on Buena Vista
the average electric golf cart can make that round trip once.
the 'new' 60 mile range carts can make that trip maybe 1.5 times since I've yet to hear of anyone getting much more than 45 miles a charge.

I saw this posted here

My 6 volt T105 batteries turned two years old and I wanted to share some range testing

My test runs:

Front window was down as it was hot, but this would decrease wind resistance and increase range.
Only weight in cart was a husky man, lab assistant Caly, and possibly a couple of beverages with enough ice to keep them cold.
All driving was on tar paths or roads.
All mileage was not continuous. I stopped for periods of 15-30 minutes at various places to visit and take voltages of the pack.
Voltages were measured after the pack rested for 15-30 minutes post arrival at a destination. (Future post will have details of voltages for the truly curious)
The distance was measured with the cart speedometer and a GPS app on my Blackberry, I used the lower number.


Test run one: 42+ miles, ending voltage was 48.6 volts (~55% SOC)
Test run two: 63+ miles, ending voltage was 47.6 volts (~37% SOC) (last run of 9.5 miles had lights on)

I was extremely pleased with these numbers.

Now with solar just over the horizon, we should see 75+ mile ranges soon.


.

[looneycat]

I would think they are just as bad, any gas engine with or without emission controls is bad for our environment.

However, there aren't 25,000 + of them running around day and night.

actually I would bet that the total of all the gas run lawn implements used daily would probably be in the 8,000-10,000 range between the private homes, golf courses and public land in the 100+ square miles of the villages.

[Wing-nut2]

No.

[looneycat]

I saw this posted here



Now with solar just over the horizon, we should see 75+ mile ranges soon.


.

atypical but thanks for pointing this post out. If you had good practical experience, i.e. lived here, you'd know. sorry.

[thekeithfan]

Our adult children and grandchildren are HUGE into the green movement.

Ditto for other relatives in California who keep sending us circulating emails about not having the pipeline come down from Alaska, etc., etc., etc.

For those who live in a colder climate who must use home heating oil and have seen the prices escalate to as much as their yearly property taxes, gasoline isn't really the big deal in a small walkable town that has all the services one needs, meaning not a lot of driving unless heading off to visit or on vacation. We use very little gasoline but a lot of home heating oil.

But there are folks in New England who go CRAZY trying to avoid purchasing heating oil........so yank out their baseboard hot water heating system to put in pellet stoves and regular wood stoves, plus wood furnaces all over the house.......then have to chop and split **wood all year long to keep the fires going (and the smoke does contribute to breathing issues).........I find it a lot easier to turn one of the four themostats either up or down. **not killing the trees.

We have kids who have taught their kids "not to flush" if it is yellow.

So, we've lived in both these worlds. They recycle. It's all admirable.

We have switched from paper cards to electronic ecards ........that saves paper and postage.

We've always bought smaller sized cars, but brand new. After this last visit to The Villages, my husband so admired the SMOOTH ROADS down there that he immediately purchased a full sized new gas guzzler car similar to the one he rented at Orlando International Airport. It was retired man's one luxury.

Upon returning and picking up our one year old car at the long term parking, he realized how bad our pot holed roads are up here.........so he's going the opposite way from "being into saving of the planet."

The planet doesn't need saving when it is done with us it will shudder and like the dinasoars we will be gone and 200 years after that there will be little trace that humans were ever here.
Being from New England I did cut wood and burned wood to keep warm not to mention saving a little on a $750.00 per month oil bill. It kept me in shape as well. Burning wood is not killing trees firewood is basically wood from trees that are dying or trees that need to be removed so that other trees grow more healthy and to make room for new seedlings. Not to mention the fact that most of the wood comes from the great N'oreasters blowing the trees down and we need to cut them up and dispose of them.

[jimbo2012]

actually I would bet that the total of all the gas run lawn implements used daily would probably be in the 8,000-10,000 range between the private homes, golf courses and public land in the 100+ square miles of the villages.

Not sure how you figured that?

50,000 homes once a month for 15Min I guess more like 75 landscapers working a day.

It's more like 50 square miles I think.

[jimbo2012]

atypical but thanks for pointing this post out. If you had good practical experience, i.e. lived here, you'd know. sorry.

I spent the last 5 winters south of TV, where there were golf carts.

[njbchbum]

Not sure how you figured that?

50,000 homes once a month for 15Min I guess more like 75 landscapers working a day.

It's more like 50 square miles I think.

jimbo - how do you figure once a month landscape? effective in april my lawn is being tended to once a week and will remain on that sched 'til next 'winter' when it switches to once a month for a few weeks. my neighborhood seems to be on the same schedule, too. and we have 4 different crews working the street.

[jsw14]

atypical but thanks for pointing this post out. If you had good practical experience, i.e. lived here, you'd know. sorry.

I spent the last 5 winters south of TV, where there were golf carts.

OK, If thats the case, WHY do u want to move too TV where there are more golf carts runnin around??:confused:

[jimbo2012]

jimbo - how do you figure once a month landscape? effective in april my lawn is being tended to once a week and will remain on that sched 'til next 'winter' when it switches to once a month for a few weeks. my neighborhood seems to be on the same schedule, too. and we have 4 different crews working the street.

ok instead of 75 make it 300, but it's not 10,000.

[senior citizen]

...

[looneycat]

ok instead of 75 make it 300, but it's not 10,000.

again, just shows that you don't live here. on my block right now there are 3 landscaping crews and a power washer. multiply that by 5000 streets ...maybe the number should be more like 20,000. Sumter county has the lowest unemployment in central florida and a lot of that is due to the thousands (no exaggeration) of service people serving the villages on a daily basis. The Villages has a complete school system that ONLY serves the children of people who work here...so no, I was not kidding, and no if anything my figure was low! you may have spent the last 5 years south of here but that is just not the same thing as being here and seeing the level of maintenance performed in the villages. the villages is now roughly 15 miles by 7 simple math says 105 sq miles, but you are free to dispute the map with rand mcnally.

[rubicon]

I care about littering. I care about what goes in our landfills. I care about neighbors who do not care about caring for their property. I don't care if people smoke but i do care about being in a position of smoking by proxy. etc etc

But environmentalism in itself exists for one main reason....it makes money.
So no I am not that overly concerned about my carbon footprint bcause most of it is hocus pocus

[jimbo2012]

LoneyCat, I'm not going to get into a math match with you the point is there aren't that many running gas powered equipment.

That's my opinion.
You're entitled to yours.

The topic of this thread is golf carts NOT lawnmowers anyway.

Can we please stay on point or start your your own thread on that topic.


ps: a few facts it's 32' miles, 1,915 residential streets , total (not only lawn care )12,000 people work in The Villages, unemploy rate 8.1%. see (************************************/blog/101-interesting-facts-about-the-villages-fl)

[jsw14]

Sheeesh....I thought it was all about carbon footprint!!!!!! Now I'm realy:confused::confused::confused:

[senior citizen]

...

[graciegirl]

Bill? I'm out of popcorn.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Roger............

:popcorn:

..........pass it along! :jester:

Bill :wave:

[duffysmom]

My dream is to be allowed by the Grand PU Pa to replace my lawn with beautiful rocks and ground cover as well as drought resistant plants. I'm tired of feeding the lawn, pouring tons of water and pestisides into the ground only to find out that I'm providing a very expensive bathoom for my neighbors' dogs.:p Seriously if allowed I'm sure that we would have some beautiful, creative yards like they have in Arizona.

[janmcn]

My dream is to be allowed by the Grand PU Pa to replace my lawn with beautiful rocks and ground cover as well as drought resistant plants. I'm tired of feeding the lawn, pouring tons of water and pestisides into the ground only to find out that I'm providing a very expensive bathoom for my neighbors' dogs.:p Seriously if allowed I'm sure that we would have some beautiful, creative yards like they have in Arizona.

If everyone did that, the developer couldn't make tons of money selling water.

[graciegirl]

If everyone did that, the developer couldn't make tons of money selling water.

Howdy boy.

[Skybo]

My dream is to be allowed by the Grand PU Pa to replace my lawn with beautiful rocks and ground cover as well as drought resistant plants. I'm tired of feeding the lawn, pouring tons of water and pestisides into the ground only to find out that I'm providing a very expensive bathoom for my neighbors' dogs.:p Seriously if allowed I'm sure that we would have some beautiful, creative yards like they have in Arizona.

I agree that Arizona has some creative and beautiful yards. But ... it’s Arizona ...it’s a dry, hot desert. They landscape that way because they have to, not because they want to. Do you want The Villages to look like a desert town? I have stone in some of my flower beds and they are hot, hot, hot. I would replace the stone with mulch if I could, but my dogs would eat the mulch. :doh: I could fill in my entire CYV yard with stone, but I never will. I love the feel and smell and green of grass. If you fill in your entire lawn with stone, where would Duffy walk?


If everyone did that, the developer couldn't make tons of money selling water.

The developer makes tons of money selling water to us? How? Please explain.

[CarGuys]

I guess it won't be long now before the environmental wackos will legislate "cleaner" golf carts and that will beat the carts mpg down and the cost up. Me? gas cart when i'm not in that I'm in a 450 horsepower diesel truck hauling a fifth wheel reacreational vehicle spewing carbon all over the USA. I have a gas mower too.


Wow I have a Diesel mower! And I think like a bazillion people have a gas lawn mowers.

A modern Diesel Truck produces less emissions on its ideal torque curve pulling a fifth wheel than a single single Gas cart does off the line coming out of a tunnel .

New CNG Diesel's with Hybrid Transmissions. The Electric Motor Boost is impressive for towing. Maybe the next gen Corvette might sport a combinatuin hybrid electric motor transmission'automatic. Something like over 700 HP and over 30 mpg.

If a Gas cart is fuel injected and cat equipped then MPG can increase and emissions can decrease. No one says you can't have one. I Love my classic cars. The looks chrome mass sound. However they are no where near the horsepower nor fuel economy of today's stock vehicles? If everyone in TV had a 60's car you could not breath! Look at old NYC movies from the model t days. GAG!

If a electric Cart can get the range you need. If it is faster off the line than a Gas cart. Can have the same top end and is quite and clean why not have one. No one is talking about banning Trucks or Cars or Farm vehicles or Contractors vehicles . Were talking about fun simple clean village transportation. But wait GE just developed a new generation total electric freight train. Pulls its own batter pack, Changes out at stops.

Welcome to Plasma Boy Racing, home of White Zombie, the world's quickest street legal electric door slammer in the 1/4 mile drag. (http://www.plasmaboyracing.com/videos.php)

[Skybo]

Plant more trees! :wave:

:thumbup:

AND keep as much grass as you can...

[CarGuys]

Movie Cars! Hey You gotta respect the classics Man!

[angiefox10]

Movie Cars! Hey You gotta respect the classics Man!

FOCUS CarGuys... I think your drifting off topic.... :loco:

[CarGuys]

FOCUS CarGuys... I think your drifting off topic.... :loco:

To many fumes!

[angiefox10]

To many fumes!


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sounds like too many "left-handed cigarettes" to me............ :shocked:

Bill :)

[jimbo2012]

If a electric Cart can get the range you need. If it is faster off the line than a Gas cart. Can have the same top end and is quite and clean why not have one. No one is talking about banning ... Contractors vehicles . Were talking about fun simple clean village transportation.

How much range does the average user want or currently use?

A well maintained cart was documented by one of your residents

My 6 volt T105 batteries turned two years old and I wanted to share some range testing
My test runs:
Test run one: 42+ miles, ending voltage was 48.6 volts (~55% SOC)
Test run two: 63+ miles, ending voltage was 47.6 volts (~37% SOC) (last run of 9.5 miles had lights on)


Or about 50 miles

There are ways to increase the range but what would be a target mileage or drive time to get folks to consider changing when the time comes and phase out some of these polluting carts.

.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

How much range does the average user want or currently use? ........... what would be a target mileage or drive time to get folks to consider changing when the time comes and phase out some of these polluting carts.

.

200+ miles, reliably and consistently - similar to what a gas cart can do today between fill-ups.

A specific concern I personally have, given our current snowflake status, is that we're away from TV for months at a time. I simply wouldn't feel comfortable leaving an electric cart for that length of time. Yes, I know you can get a neighbor or home watch person to help out with charging intervals, maintaining the batteries, keeping an eye on it, etc. But for us, though, a gas cart seemed to make more sense.

Bill :)

[jimbo2012]

Bill at 200 miles even if you averaged 20 mph means your driving 10 hours a day??

Can you explain that please?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

200+ miles, reliably and consistently - similar to what a gas cart can do today between fill-ups. ............

Bill at 200 miles even if you averaged 20 mph means your driving 10 hours a day??

Can you explain that please?

Jimbo, it's not 200+ miles in a day - it's 200+ miles between fill-ups. :thumbup:

Bill :)

[jimbo2012]

Bill an elec cart as you know recharges every nite, the question I was looking for feedback on was how much range in day, not between fillups or recharges.

So how far on average might one go in a day?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

So you're looking for daily range..........sorry.

Personally, I know there are many days we go a good bit more than 50 miles. ("Adventures in Golf Carting" - it's fun and addictive!!) I'd say a consistent, reliable range of 100 miles (to no less than 50% pack depletion) would be a target.

Bill :)

[BostonCelt]

FOCUS CarGuys... I think your drifting off topic.... :loco:

On topic, do I care about my carbon footprint?? Two words:

Al Gore

[cappyjon431]

Bill an elec cart as you know recharges every nite, the question I was looking for feedback on was how much range in day, not between fillups or recharges.

So how far on average might one go in a day?

We have a GEM and it has one of the lower ranges for an electric vehicle (30 miles). It has worked out fine for us. There have been a number of times where we'll take it out all morning, put 20-25 miles on it, bring it home and charge it for a couple of hours, and then take it back out to got to the squares or out to dinner. We have yet to need to be towed. It works fine for our needs, but I could certainly see how some folks would want a range of 100 miles+.

[ajbrown]

So you're looking for daily range..........sorry.

Personally, I know there are many days we go a good bit more than 50 miles. ("Adventures in Golf Carting" - it's fun and addictive!!) I'd say a consistent, reliable range of 100 miles (to no less than 50% pack depletion) would be a target.

Bill :)

Bill, 100 miles per day? You doing community watch by golf cart? :1rotfl:

I would not hold your breath for that, but since you will be driving gas I guess....... oh never mind :duck:

[jimbo2012]

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

[graciegirl]

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

You mentioned on another thread that you were working with a friend in New York that was creating a new concept in solar powered golf carts. How many miles does a solar boost add?

Is he far enough along to know the approximate cost of this kind of golf cart? Does he know who he would have manufacture it? I am sure all the people interested in saving our planet will be looking to buy something that is so energy saving.

The reliability is important too. It is scary to run out of charge in the awful summer heat and have to wait for a tow. I think many people who do care about green issues are torn because gas carts are more reliable and can be left in the garage for snowbirds with fewer untoward events.

Many would like to take the higher road but we must, as we age, be practical and safe too.

[jimbo2012]

You mentioned on another thread that you were working with a friend in New York that was creating a new concept in solar powered golf carts. How many miles does a solar boost add.

Funny you ask that ?, spoke to him last nite, he just ordered 10 panels they should be here end of next week.

I'm building a 48volt cart as a testing platform with him, oh fun! :coolsmiley:

It will be a Club Car with larger wheels and a two seater standard length roof.

The panels he found will work, but the other specs (the controller) or requirements is where the engineering comes into play.

As far as boost we'll know after a month or so I suppose, but hope to see about 50%, or 50-75 miles perhaps, remember the solar is charging all day even though the batteries are being used (depleted).


I was asking these questions to see what folks desired in an elec cart.

It's unfortunate that I have yet to get serious feedback.

If the demand isn't found here than it goes on the back burner I suppose.

[ajbrown]

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

Thanks for dragging me in Jimbo, I am prepared :throwtomatoes:

The following is based on my experiences and my friends. Prior to each statement please include IMO. These are my opinions based on my experience as a cart owner and some reading, nothing more.

Jimbo, I have no idea the average usage; each person needs to understand their own personal requirements. I live in Mallory, 50 miles in one heck of an unusual day for us:

23 miles, Mallory to Lopez, golf 18 holes, back home
10 miles, Mallory to Spanish Springs, back home
// That was a pretty good day, you want to what?
12 miles, Mallory to Bonefish for dinner, back home
// Can't we go in the morning??
5 miles, Mallory to Publix at 466A to pick up milk.


I have not posted to the OP question as NO seemed too short an answer, but I do not choose my golf carts based on Carbon footprint. It does not even show up as one of my top … umm I do not even think it is on my list. The thread has now morphed into something I do have thoughts on, so I will throw my hat in to enjoy the banter. I hope I do not offend anyone along the way :ho:.

Working in Internet security for years I learned much about FUD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt) . There is a lot of FUD with regards to facts about electric golf carts.

IMO, if you need to drive a golf cart 45 plus miles almost every day, you are crossing a line where gas may be the only option. With 8-6v batteries and a more efficient AC motor, you may be able to move that number to 55 miles from my reading. IMO, driving a cart that far every day is very unusual for most of us (I can only go by the folks I know). If your usage is like mine (daily average around 15- 20 miles with the potential to push to 60 miles) there are some very good electric options for you so you have a choice between gas and electric. It truly is up to you. Note: The type of electric cart you buy MATTERS, not all have the same range.

In addition, issues created by leaving the battery pack unattended and discharging have been mitigated by products like the Battery Minder. I am in the process of ordering some for my carts.



Electric has one major difference. It does not adversely affect other people around you. If you own a gas cart you will have an effect on the experience of the people in the carts behind you. Their experience will be diminished by the fact you are in front of them. This is not the buyers fault, but when you buy gas, you have to also acknowledge this.

I need to word smith my new golf cart bumper sticker below before printing, but you get the idea.

Breath Away, Its Electric

[Villages PL]

What I care about is saving money and that usually coincides with using less energy. So I don't stay up nights worring about my carbon footprint.

I'm a big believer in free markets. So if there are people promoting energy saving products or products that polute less, that's fine with me. I just don't want to pay more taxes to subsidize someone's purchase.

[looneycat]

Funny you ask that ?, spoke to him last nite, he just ordered 10 panels they should be here end of next week.

I'm building a 48volt cart as a testing platform with him, oh fun! :coolsmiley:

It will be a Club Car with larger wheels and a two seater standard length roof.

The panels he found will work, but the other specs (the controller) or requirements is where the engineering comes into play.

As far as boost we'll know after a month or so I suppose, but hope to see about 50%, or 50-75 miles perhaps, remember the solar is charging all day even though the batteries are being used (depleted).


I was asking these questions to see what folks desired in an elec cart.

It's unfortunate that I have yet to get serious feedback.

If the demand isn't found here than it goes on the back burner I suppose.

why not check with one of the many companies that already make them, you can see if they sell parts and learn about the controllers and such that are out there
Solar Golf Cart Upgrades | SolarCarts, LLC (http://solarcarts.com/)

[Harry Gilbert]

Funny you ask that ?, spoke to him last nite, he just ordered 10 panels they should be here end of next week.

I'm building a 48volt cart as a testing platform with him, oh fun! :coolsmiley:

It will be a Club Car with larger wheels and a two seater standard length roof.

The panels he found will work, but the other specs (the controller) or requirements is where the engineering comes into play.

As far as boost we'll know after a month or so I suppose, but hope to see about 50%, or 50-75 miles perhaps, remember the solar is charging all day even though the batteries are being used (depleted).


I was asking these questions to see what folks desired in an elec cart.

It's unfortunate that I have yet to get serious feedback.

If the demand isn't found here than it goes on the back burner I suppose.

Ok I'm confused. Is this thread about those "dirty nasty smoggy gas carts" or is it a request for info to research a "new improved electric cart"?

[jimbo2012]

My focus is on the use of gas operated carts and how they increase the carbon footprint with some documentation to substantiate its negative affect on our environment.

That is to those that care about it and as you have seen some stated they don't care-WOW!!

If any gas carts can be phased out by folks switching to elec when they need to upgrade, buy new or change. Great

As far as research no, I already have been working on it for a while.

My friend built his first one two years ago, its never been plugged in but it can't really be put to the test because the community he's in is small and the runs are 2-3 miles not like here at all.

But since I'm buying & living here at TV later this year it would be a great place for me to test out the use of solar.

[sandybill2]

I know that people love their carts---either electric or gas---my problem with gas is the exhaust they leave behind----we have neighbors who have gas carts and when we talk about the "smell" they leave behind--they tell us---well---we don't smell it---we are in front of our exhaust--- I posted on this "thread" before----my asthmatic son had breathing problems---DUE TO THE GAS EXHAUST--and the residue---or odor they leave behind in the tunnels---- I have been in my yard when the "yard men" come to cut grass, trim and clean up--I can honestly say I have never "smelled" the exhaust that I smell when I go through a golf cart tunnel---the gas smell----do whatever you are going to do---just think about the ones with the breathing problems----and what you are leaving behind.