Electric cart range

[kbace6]

I'm wondering with all the advantages and disadvantages of gas vs. electric carts if this question tells us anything.

I would add to this poll. Don't be restricted in your thinking about today's current electric cart performance with respect to range, just what it would take in range to get you out of your gas cart and into an electric one considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both competing technologies.

[Sable99]

I don't know but I would be interested in this answer too!

We rented a home that came with a 4 person electric golf cart when we were in TV for our closing in May. I was a little intimidated when I saw all of those batteries. I think there were 6!! Maybe it was overwhelming to me as I am a gal that knows where the gas goes in my van and I occasionally look at my tires! The dealer does the rest!

[pfhannan]

Gas carts smell so bad, and they are noisy, I prefer Electric.

[dkrhardy]

Gas carts smell so bad, and they are noisy, I prefer Electric.

Here is a thought ... if you are driving an electric cart and you are following a gas cart, YOU smell his exhaust, he doesn't! The gas carts shoot the exhaust out the side and away from the passengers.

Don

[jimbo2012]

One thing to consider is next time you need tires use narrow rather than wide, less resistance = more miles.

[kbace6]

One thing to consider is next time you need tires use narrow rather than wide, less resistance = more miles.
I have looked online and can not find any (LRR) Low Rolling Resistance tires for golf carts. I guess they're not mainstream enough yet.

[kbace6]

Here is a thought ... if you are driving an electric cart and you are following a gas cart, YOU smell his exhaust, he doesn't! The gas carts shoot the exhaust out the side and away from the passengers.

Don
That is kind of where I'm headed with all this. I'm less "anti-gas carts" and more "pro-electric carts". For me I'm more interested in the technology of electric vehicles, gas carts are ok too, but I really don't care for the stink that comes from a gas powered cart, especially in the tunnels. But at the same time in a place as large as TV range is very, very important and you can not beat the power density of a gallon of gas...... YET.

[jimbo2012]

These type of tires R not rated like that, I think, but just try and find what you can based on dimensions.

[jimbo2012]

a place as large as TV range is very, very important

The solar panels due out later this year will get you an estimated 70 miles.

[rubicon]

The solar panels due out later this year will get you an estimated 70 miles.

I have solar panels on my cart. I am told that when the perfect lithium batteries that you will be able to fully charge a cart by solar power onlt.

[jimbo2012]

We're doing right now with 6x8 volts.

Rubicon,

What battery setup do you have and how many watts are your panels?

[Joaniesmom]

When we were down for a LSV in September, we were loaned a brand new golf car. First of all, thanks for the loan of the new car! But it was very loud. Almost impossible to criticize my husbands driving. (Some may find that a plus,) Going through tunnels was an other-worldly experience. So loud! It smelled bad even to us. It must have been awful for people behind us. I'm certain we'll go electric. If the distance is too far I'll use my little Fit.

[asianthree]

nothing like going up to lopez playing 18 grabbing dinner at SS and coming home in the dark only to run out of juice going to ST James. Gas it is 400 miles and counting

[BettyDom]

We drove all over The Villages in an older electric cart. We just plugged it in when we remembered to. haha

But really, in one day we drove from LSL to SS back to LSL and then drove all throughout the construction south of 466A and back again to LSL on a single charge. The power needle still showed plenty of juice when we returned for the night.

[kbace6]

I'm a bit skeptical of a solar panel's ability to charge batteries well enough to be useful. I suppose if the cart is sitting in the sun for long periods of time maybe every little bit helps. But even the best performing solar panels out there today are only 35% efficient. And with the limited surface area to place them on one's cart combined with the flat angle, I'm just not sure about the cost benefit. I would have to do some of my own testing to buy into this.

[dkrhardy]

The new Yamaha gas with EFI is said to be far more efficient, quieter, and not as smelly as the carb versions. And Carts and Clubs adds a package to reduce the sound even more. I was 100% electric minded until I drove one of those new gas carts. We bought the gas cart.
Don & Kaz

[kbace6]

The new Yamaha gas with EFI is said to be far more efficient, quieter, and not as smelly as the carb versions. And Carts and Clubs adds a package to reduce the sound even more. I was 100% electric minded until I drove one of those new gas carts. We bought the gas cart.
Don & Kaz
And how many miles of range electric would it take to get you out of that gas cart? Or do you drive your cart more than 100 miles per day at times and need the gas cart?

[kbace6]

I'm wondering with all the advantages and disadvantages of gas vs. electric carts if this question tells us anything.

I would add to this poll. Don't be restricted in your thinking about today's current electric cart performance with respect to range, just what it would take in range to get you out of your gas cart and into an electric one considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both competing technologies.

Since most have had a full winter driving their carts around, I thought I would resurrect this thread to see if anything has changed.

:gc:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

nothing like going up to lopez playing 18 grabbing dinner at SS and coming home in the dark only to run out of juice going to ST James. Gas it is 400 miles and counting

Really? On a 3-1/2 gallon tank? You're getting over 1 mpg from your gas golf cart?
What kind of cart do you have. From everything I've heard most gas golf carts get about 30 mpg.

[tzangrilli]

Two things I have learned about Villagers.
Everyone's own neighborhood is the best
And
If you have a gas cart it is the best and if you have an electric cart it is the best.
Of coarse I know poinciana and electric are really the best!

[bigallis1]

If I did go with an electric cart, (don't have one yet) I would go with the solar roof option no matter if the cart was new or pre-owned.

[jimbo2012]

If I did go with an electric cart, (don't have one yet) I would go with the solar roof option no matter if the cart was new or pre-owned.

:agree:

Yes, and reduce your carbon foot print.

[Lbmb24101]

We are still struggling w the decision gas vs electric.

But a thought comes to mind:

If one is a bit hard of hearing, a noisy gas cart might be a driving distractor( not fully alert of traffic)
On the other hand, a sales person told us the newer gas carts are not as noisy.
Could someone comment on that, please???

[jimbo2012]

We are still struggling w the decision gas vs electric.

But a thought comes to mind:

If one is a bit hard of hearing, a noisy gas cart might be a driving distractor( not fully alert of traffic)
On the other hand, a sales person told us the newer gas carts are not as noisy.
Could someone comment on that, please???

Baloney, they R noisy hard to talk and I've been in two brand new ones in the past 3 weeks. The new ones don't smell as much but they do smell.

I'll stick with solar powered battery systems.

.

[ilovetv]

How much did your home electric bill increase after getting an electric golf cart?

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for us to switch, but I'd like to know. Thanks.

[The Great Fumar]

:agree:

Yes, and reduce your carbon foot print.

I try not to step in the carbon . It really does make a mess.....


fumar the mess maker :cryin2:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

nothing like going up to lopez playing 18 grabbing dinner at SS and coming home in the dark only to run out of juice going to ST James. Gas it is 400 miles and counting

Really? On a 3-1/2 gallon tank? You're getting over 1 mpg from your gas golf cart?
What kind of cart do you have. From everything I've heard most gas golf carts get about 30 mpg.

Current version of Yamaha carts, for example, have slightly less than 6 gallon gas tanks from the factory (5.8 gal. per Yamaha specs). General fuel mileage estimates are in the 40-45 mpg range for those.

Bill :)

[renrod]

The solar panels due out later this year will get you an estimated 70 miles.

Still waiting for the test results. Like I said, I am rooting for you, but need to see the results.

[jimbo2012]

tks for your support. Need to finish our house first.

[Barefoot]

In my useless opinion, gas carts are smelly and noisy, especially for people in the back seats and people in carts following. Phew.

Our Columbia Par Car has a great range and goes for days and days and days. Since it has an inboard charger, you can charge the battery at a friend's house, tho we've never had to do that.

[dsned]

My gas cart does not smell -- to me or my passengers. All you have to do is extend the tail pipe and baffle the engine to quiet it. Also all those batteries with all that nasty stuff inside them, where do you think they go when they die and the energy to make them and charge them. Where do you think it comes from??? Gas is much more economical and better for the environment than the batteries. You will be changing out those batteries every 2 yr. plus the constant maintenance. Also I worry it will catch on fire and burn down the house.

[kbace6]

As it seems to happen on TOTV from time to time, this thread, like many others has been hi-jacked. In this case, by the Pro-Anti gas/electric crowd. I do understand the passion and logic/reasoning for each. However, I pose a simple question.

How many miles range would it take for you to go with an electric cart over a gas cart?

Please see the poll above and vote if you have not done so already.

[jimbo2012]

My gas cart does not smell -- to me or my passengers. All you have to do is extend the tail pipe and baffle the engine to quiet it. Also all those batteries with all that nasty stuff inside them, where do you think they go when they die and the energy to make them and charge them. Where do you think it comes from??? Gas is much more economical and better for the environment than the batteries. You will be changing out those batteries every 2 yr. plus the constant maintenance.

I believe you are incorrect.

Well perhaps your sense of smell is diminished, it smells without a doubt.

Batteries are the most green metal in the world, it is like 98% re-recyclable.

As far as gas being more economical and better for the environment I'm sorry you are very wrong, in fact 180 degrees wrong.

Do you know what a carbon footprint is?

Can you support that opinion?

Batteries maintained last 3-4 years 5-6 years with solar - fact.

Your cart is whisper quite also?

I guess you're going to say solar is bad next. :1rotfl:

Our solar carts will do over 70 miles without plugging in - fact no noise no pollution. GREEN

[kbace6]

I believe you are incorrect.

Well perhaps your sense of smell is diminished, it smells without a doubt.

Batteries are the most green metal in the world, it is like 98% re-recyclable.

As far as gas being more economical and better for the environment I'm sorry you are very wrong, in fact 180 degrees wrong.

Do you know what a carbon footprint is?

Can you support that opinion?

Batteries maintained last 3-4 years 5-6 years with solar - fact.

Your cart is whisper quite also?

I guess you're going to say solar is bad next. :1rotfl:

Our solar carts will do over 70 miles without plugging in - fact no noise no pollution. GREEN

Jimbo, any progress on the solar cart?

[jimbo2012]

It's running fine, haven't had enough time to really start marketing it, may need to find a partner.

[Rango]

Really? On a 3-1/2 gallon tank? You're getting over 1 mpg from your gas golf cart?
What kind of cart do you have. From everything I've heard most gas golf carts get about 30 mpg.

Yamaha gas carts have between 5 1/2 to 6 gal tank, depending on model. My new gas cart consistently gets 50 MPG.

[Belmont4-150]

Narrow tires may or may not get you better range but they are NOT allowed on the golf courses. Most standard 8" tires are inflated to 22 lbs cold. Higher pressure tires, usually 10" and larger are inflated to 35 lbs cold, definitely have less resistance, and ARE allowed on golf courses.

[Hacker1]

My gas cart does not smell -- to me or my passengers. All you have to do is extend the tail pipe and baffle the engine to quiet it. Also all those batteries with all that nasty stuff inside them, where do you think they go when they die and the energy to make them and charge them. Where do you think it comes from??? Gas is much more economical and better for the environment than the batteries. You will be changing out those batteries every 2 yr. plus the constant maintenance. Also I worry it will catch on fire and burn down the house.

Yours may not smell to you or your passengers, but it does to those beind you, and your smell does linger in the tunnels. I know of NO ONE who has had to replace batteries after 2 years. My batteries are 4 years old and still going strong. I can drive pretty much all day, and charge overnight. If betteries are properly maintained they pose no greater fire danger than a gas cart.
I will add here that I do not have a solar charger, but I do have a Battery Minder, which I believe is helping extend the life of my batteries.

[Hacker1]

How much did your home electric bill increase after getting an electric golf cart?

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for us to switch, but I'd like to know. Thanks.
Our electric bill increase was not noticeable. I'm sure there must have been a small increase, but, as I said, it was not significant. My roughest estimates, based on amperage of charger and time it takes to charge, are an energy cost of about 3 or 4 cents per mile. Cost per mile for gas at 50 mpg & $3.50 per gal would come to about 7 cents.

[jimbo2012]

Yours may not smell to you or your passengers, but it does to those beind you, and your smell does linger in the tunnels. s.

I play golf once a week with friend that has a gas cart, It smells hands down, the noise factor is another issue talking and just enjoying the scenery.

Shall we discuss the difference in the carbon foot print a gas cart leaves in its wake :22yikes:

[philnpat]

I play golf once a week with friend that has a gas cart, It smells hands down, the noise factor is another issue talking and just enjoying the scenery.

Shall we discuss the difference in the carbon foot print a gas cart leaves in its wake :22yikes:

If I felt that strongly about the use of gas carts I'd refuse to ride in one.

[steveblood19]

Id like to try out a solar powered cart that gets 70 miles on a charge. Is that something I could do every day? How long would it have to sit outside? Im ready for an electric if this is true.

[jimbo2012]

It's always out in the sun

[Fourpar]

Id like to try out a solar powered cart that gets 70 miles on a charge. Is that something I could do every day? How long would it have to sit outside? Im ready for an electric if this is true.

..Are you really wanting to spend 3.5 hrs driving a cart in one day? Really? :shrug: