Electric or Gas Golf Cart

[rnj4983]

My wife and I will be moving to TV in July and will be living in the Village of Sanibel. Which type of Golf Car would be best to have if we want to go to Spanish Springs Square or Lake Sumpter Landing? Will an Electric Cart make the round trip from Sanibel to Spanish Springs?

[Trish Miller]

Gas is the way to go because The Villages is getting bigger by the minute!!

[skip0358]

Another vote for gas GC especially if it's going to be your main source of transport and going to SS. I have one of each although the electric makes it I know when i see 1/4 of a tank of gas or better I can go anywhere without being concerned.

[ajbrown]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/TheKen08/Misc%20Pics/BangingHeadAgainstKeyboardStreetSig.gif

Here are a few recent threads to check out......

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/gas-vs-electric-golf-carts-48643/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/gas-electric-cart-different-question-51108/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/golf-carts-54371/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/how-many-miles-day-do-u-use-your-cart-54519/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/just-wondering-golf-cart-gas-electric-54473/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/do-you-care-about-your-carbon-footprint-52132/

Good luck

[Jullie]

In answer to your question, electric will make it.
BUT, I vote for gas cart. We originally bought electric cart and ended up buying gas.

Gas go faster up the hills and further. $$$ to replace batteries every 3-5 yrs.

Make sure you investigate the different models. A lot of people have problems with Par carts. Good luck.

[Bill & Carolyn]

My wife and I went in several cycles when considering this over the last year between electric and gas.

Electric golf carts are generally more expensive, require more routine maintenance (filling batteries, etc), and I think the environmental benefits are debatable.

We test rode both types extensively and we clearly liked the ride the electric provides and the lower noise of the electric. My wife has osteoporosis in her neck and back and a smooth ride is a must for her. The electrics we rode were clearly smoother (and quieter) in acceleration, braking, and cruising. For those reasons we initially favored the electric, but, at the time (2010-2011) the electrics did not provide any relief from the #1 detractor for them -- range anxiety. Sure they advertize '60 mile' ranges, but those are under ideal conditions not involving a lot of start/stop activity. We finally found an salesman that did tell us that the best we could expect under 'normal' use including driving to/from TC and playing a round of golf was about 35 miles. In December 2011 I was pretty certain that we would be getting a gas model.

During our visit this past March (we bought in Pennecamp in March 2012 and have been coming for two week stays since until I retire in this coming November) that changed because of E-Z-Go's introduction of a new electric with a 'range extender'. They call it a 'hybrid' but it really isn't. They install a small generator where the well for golf bags normally is, which means they have to have a special golf bag carrier attached to the back of the cart. This generator will provide enough charge to the batteries to enable them to last for around 100 miles on a single 'charge', maybe more. It also offers an option for more batteries than the standard and the range on them alone is around 60 miles or more. We test drove one extensively with both straight battery mode and with the generator running and liked it very much. We ordered one to be delivered in November when we become permanent residents (Woot!). It cost around 12K with the extended battery pack, the range extender, the golf bag carrier and a few other extras we wanted. You have to figure that 100 mile range means 5 hours of driving time/day (100 miles / 20mph speed limit) for the Golf cart and I have no intention of driving a golf cart for that period of time. The generator gives us the ability, if we have to, to stop the vehicle and run the generator to give the batteries enough charge to get us home, which was the big fear, getting stuck 5 miles or so from home with a dead battery.

My wife and I are not big golfers and, even when I golf, I intend to drag my clubs around on the course to get the benefit of the exercise as long as I'm able to, so, the drag on the batteries from start/stop on the golf course isn't an issue for us.

If you intend to use the cart extensively on the golf course I would not recommend that you get even this model electric. It meets our needs nicely because we have no range anxiety and it helps my wife's issues. I am taking on the extra cost and maintenance requirements knowingly.

I think they have one at Town And Country Golf Carts.

[tainsley]

We have had both...electric is the way we went. No noise, no smell and we can make it easily up all hills. We get approx. 60 mls/charge. (have never ran out of power, farthest we have gone is approx. 50 mls). It certainly is a personal choice!

[hdh1470]

you can find studies on internet about operating cost of electric vs gas.These have been done by golf courses who have both.They say cost to operate is about the same for both.We have electric but will be getting another cart.We still don't know which, one day I lean elect.the next gas.

[rnj4983]

Thank you all for the information. The Talk of The Villages is an excellent forum for getting answers to questions from the first hand point of view. Looking forward to becoming a Villager pretty soon!!!!!

[jimbo2012]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/TheKen08/Misc%20Pics/BangingHeadAgainstKeyboardStreetSig.gif



Haaa, tks U saved me the trouble.

Electric all the way, and I think you're going to see two solar electric carts driving around with some crazy guy from NY.:1rotfl:

Really they will likely be offered this winter when I move.

[The Villager II]

electric. My butt will wear out before the batteries go dead. My Elec cart gets about 60 miles per charge and if I need that much it is in the CAR for me.

[hedoman]

Gas is the way to go because The Villages is getting bigger by the minute!!

By my count, more people are switching from electric to gas than the other way round. Some are getting a suplemental gas cart for the longer distances

just sayin........................

[Schaumburger]

My wife and I went in several cycles when considering this over the last year between electric and gas.

Electric golf carts are generally more expensive, require more routine maintenance (filling batteries, etc), and I think the environmental benefits are debatable.

We test rode both types extensively and we clearly liked the ride the electric provides and the lower noise of the electric. My wife has osteoporosis in her neck and back and a smooth ride is a must for her. The electrics we rode were clearly smoother (and quieter) in acceleration, braking, and cruising. For those reasons we initially favored the electric, but, at the time (2010-2011) the electrics did not provide any relief from the #1 detractor for them -- range anxiety. Sure they advertize '60 mile' ranges, but those are under ideal conditions not involving a lot of start/stop activity. We finally found an salesman that did tell us that the best we could expect under 'normal' use including driving to/from TC and playing a round of golf was about 35 miles. In December 2011 I was pretty certain that we would be getting a gas model.

During our visit this past March (we bought in Pennecamp in March 2012 and have been coming for two week stays since until I retire in this coming November) that changed because of E-Z-Go's introduction of a new electric with a 'range extender'. They call it a 'hybrid' but it really isn't. They install a small generator where the well for golf bags normally is, which means they have to have a special golf bag carrier attached to the back of the cart. This generator will provide enough charge to the batteries to enable them to last for around 100 miles on a single 'charge', maybe more. It also offers an option for more batteries than the standard and the range on them alone is around 60 miles or more. We test drove one extensively with both straight battery mode and with the generator running and liked it very much. We ordered one to be delivered in November when we become permanent residents (Woot!). It cost around 12K with the extended battery pack, the range extender, the golf bag carrier and a few other extras we wanted. You have to figure that 100 mile range means 5 hours of driving time/day (100 miles / 20mph speed limit) for the Golf cart and I have no intention of driving a golf cart for that period of time. The generator gives us the ability, if we have to, to stop the vehicle and run the generator to give the batteries enough charge to get us home, which was the big fear, getting stuck 5 miles or so from home with a dead battery.

My wife and I are not big golfers and, even when I golf, I intend to drag my clubs around on the course to get the benefit of the exercise as long as I'm able to, so, the drag on the batteries from start/stop on the golf course isn't an issue for us.

If you intend to use the cart extensively on the golf course I would not recommend that you get even this model electric. It meets our needs nicely because we have no range anxiety and it helps my wife's issues. I am taking on the extra cost and maintenance requirements knowingly.

I think they have one at Town And Country Golf Carts.

Bill & Carolyn, Thank you for the interesting and informative post. Last year when I rented in TV I drove gas carts. Earlier this month when I rented in TV I drove an electric cart for the first time. I'm just a wannabee, but if I was buying in TV tomorrow I would get an electric cart. I could hear the birds chirping when driving the electric cart it was so quiet... :)

[CarGuys]

With the new Battery's ,efficient AC motors and optional factory Solar as a accessory that extend your range 5-8 miles Range anxiety is lessened. And more important extend your battery life 2-4 years.

I have been talking with the company that manufactures the panel. They have extensive trials in places like Iraq and Afghanistan for the US military.

http://batteryminders.com/forms/electric_vs_gas.pdf Coutersy of Battery Minder although I have just been told this Battery Minder product will destroy the batteries on a EZGO cart voiding warranty. My expereience in the Automotive industry makes me think this is not true.

Waiting for more tech support from Battery Minder

[Bavarian]

My wife and I went in several cycles when considering this over the last year between electric and gas.

Electric golf carts are generally more expensive, require more routine maintenance (filling batteries, etc), and I think the environmental benefits are debatable.

We test rode both types extensively and we clearly liked the ride the electric provides and the lower noise of the electric. My wife has osteoporosis in her neck and back and a smooth ride is a must for her. The electrics we rode were clearly smoother (and quieter) in acceleration, braking, and cruising. For those reasons we initially favored the electric, but, at the time (2010-2011) the electrics did not provide any relief from the #1 detractor for them -- range anxiety. Sure they advertize '60 mile' ranges, but those are under ideal conditions not involving a lot of start/stop activity. We finally found an salesman that did tell us that the best we could expect under 'normal' use including driving to/from TC and playing a round of golf was about 35 miles. In December 2011 I was pretty certain that we would be getting a gas model.

During our visit this past March (we bought in Pennecamp in March 2012 and have been coming for two week stays since until I retire in this coming November) that changed because of E-Z-Go's introduction of a new electric with a 'range extender'. They call it a 'hybrid' but it really isn't. They install a small generator where the well for golf bags normally is, which means they have to have a special golf bag carrier attached to the back of the cart. This generator will provide enough charge to the batteries to enable them to last for around 100 miles on a single 'charge', maybe more. It also offers an option for more batteries than the standard and the range on them alone is around 60 miles or more. We test drove one extensively with both straight battery mode and with the generator running and liked it very much. We ordered one to be delivered in November when we become permanent residents (Woot!). It cost around 12K with the extended battery pack, the range extender, the golf bag carrier and a few other extras we wanted. You have to figure that 100 mile range means 5 hours of driving time/day (100 miles / 20mph speed limit) for the Golf cart and I have no intention of driving a golf cart for that period of time. The generator gives us the ability, if we have to, to stop the vehicle and run the generator to give the batteries enough charge to get us home, which was the big fear, getting stuck 5 miles or so from home with a dead battery.

My wife and I are not big golfers and, even when I golf, I intend to drag my clubs around on the course to get the benefit of the exercise as long as I'm able to, so, the drag on the batteries from start/stop on the golf course isn't an issue for us.

If you intend to use the cart extensively on the golf course I would not recommend that you get even this model electric. It meets our needs nicely because we have no range anxiety and it helps my wife's issues. I am taking on the extra cost and maintenance requirements knowingly.

I think they have one at Town And Country Golf Carts.

Sounds interesting and a good idea. Electric will get better with time. When my wife and I were down for visit last Summer, we had gas, loud and stinky.

Next there needs to be charging stations in the shopping areas.

Are the batteries not of the new sealed variety? Even so, adding water is no big deal, did it all the time on cars before.

[jimbo2012]

Electric golf carts are generally more expensive, require more routine maintenance (filling batteries, etc), and I think the environmental benefits are debatable.



Not getting into the debate on maintenance or carbon footprint because will not agree.

But PRICE that is very incorrect, they are the same price.

Now if you go a stealer in TV that sells a lot of gas carts like Yamaha they are more.

Shop Club Car, (352) 753-1800 with an aluminum frame not rusting steel.

They go 50-60 miles out of the box.

.Just saying.......

:gc:

[asianthree]

electric for the short drive...gas when you want to go everywhere else

[TomSpasm]

I have yet to ride in anyone's gas cart that I think is better than my electric. The issues of noise, smell, and smoothness of the acceleration both forward and reverse make the electric far superior to me. However, I am located centrally in the Villages at this point (Haciendas of Mission Hills), so the trip is shorter end-to-end than if I was living way north/south/west.

I bought a 2008 Club Car DS with a 4x12 setup and converted to 8x6 for maximum range. I cannot imagine I would ever want to drive more than 35-40 miles in a day anyway, so I'm comfortable that electric is the way to go...for me. Most of my new neighbors have bought gas, and they seem just as comfortable that gas is the way to go...for them!

So far in my weekly golf group, the only person who couldn't use their cart that day was a guy who didn't have enough gas in his cart...so gas is not infallible when it comes to range...

[The Villager II]

My Electric cart with 4 year old batteries will run for over 4 hours averaging more than 15 MPH. Is there anyone out there that would drive around for more than 4 hours. I could go almost 3 hours wide open at 25 miles per hour without letting off the peddle. It is approx 35 miles ROUND TRIP by golf cart from hwy 42 north of the villages by golf cart paths all the way down to Hwy 44 near wildwood on the southernmost part of the villages. Now add in 18 holes of golf on the way down and 18 more holes of golf on the way back and you are still under 50 miles. If you spend more time and miles in a cart in one day than that, then go gas, but the answer is, YOU DO NOT NEED GAS to do everything you do in a day on this compound. Eliminate the stinky smell gas leaves in your garage and the horrible noise they make while driving and you will appreciate Electric.

[jgbama]

Have wrestled this issue a gazillion times. I'm now leaning back to electric. I asked the golf cart expert on this forum about his opinion on the top rated electric. I'm posting below his most informative reply.

"It is the opinion of most in the golf cart trade the CLUB CAR still has the high marks for electric carts.
That being said I must give the reasons for the high marks.

1- The open exposure of the electronic system with the diagnostic capacity that club car allows to most of the trade that has available equipment for field testing.

2-The aftermarket CLUB CAR products are both geared too and cost effective to the dealer and the consumer.

3-Kits available to satisfy all our Villager wants and needs with Club Car
seem to work out best.

Battery Conversions
AC motor & Controller Kits
Custom Body Kits, most mfg start with CLUB CAR models
Disc Brake Kits
Repairable battery chargers
Hydraulic Brake kits
Custom steering wheels
Tilted steering columns with returning signals
Wide choice of custom seats

And last but not least there are over forty independent service dealers that are ready and willing to work on Club Cars. And it is the most popular REMAND CART.

Thank you for asking an such a good question, I hope it helps.
__________________
Sta Rite Golf Cart Accessories and Repairs 352-326-3100"

Whichever way you go, gas or elecric, as you can tell from above that the make and model is another consideration you should consider. If repairs are difficult to perform, parts are expensive, and limited access to a competent are all things that will drive you crazy regardless of gas or electric.

Good luck with your decision.

[jimbo2012]

John, just to add to that list often over looked is the fact that Club Cars use an all aluminum frame the others do not, weight is a significant factor is getting range of of these.

Club Cars are 100lbs lighter than Yamaha according to the mfg websites

I've been working on an older club car doing a complete rebuild, after looking at all the exposed parts it's nice not to deal with rust.

If buying new I'm sure you can shop price like a regular car.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My Electric cart with 4 year old batteries will run for over 4 hours averaging more than 15 MPH. Is there anyone out there that would drive around for more than 4 hours. I could go almost 3 hours wide open at 25 miles per hour without letting off the peddle. It is approx 35 miles ROUND TRIP by golf cart from hwy 42 north of the villages by golf cart paths all the way down to Hwy 44 near wildwood on the southernmost part of the villages. Now add in 18 holes of golf on the way down and 18 more holes of golf on the way back and you are still under 50 miles. If you spend more time and miles in a cart in one day than that, then go gas, but the answer is, YOU DO NOT NEED GAS to do everything you do in a day on this compound. Eliminate the stinky smell gas leaves in your garage and the horrible noise they make while driving and you will appreciate Electric.
What kind of cart do you have? Have you had any customization done to it?

[jimbo2012]

One of the easiest things to do to extend range is change to 10 or 12" wheels with larger tires, just check clearances, most can do 10" but some carts need lift kits for 12".

Lift kits are about $250