Gas vs Electric Golf Cart

[Toms River T&D]

My husband and I have just purchased a home in Duval, we will be arriving in TV in December, and staying through May for now. From personal experience which is preferred, gas or electric? Any specific problems with one over the other? We plan to purchase new or used cart in December. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!:gc:

[jimbo2012]

you may want to do a search, but my choice is Solar electric.

this topic has been debated at length

[wxxhead]

We selected electric over gas, for a couple of reasons, much much quieter, no gas fumes and in my particular cart which is an EZ Go a nice auto breaking system that you do not have to lock down everytime you stop. If you do go electric you should buy one with an automatic fill system. You will get about 50 miles per charge or 36 holes of golf depending on how close the course is. But you should always charge your cart upon return no matter how short of distance you travel.

[Harleyman]

EZ Go service dept will tell you that if you charge the batteries every time you use the cart, it will shorten the life of the batteries. You should drive it at least 13 miles before charging it.

[l2ridehd]

Depends. If you don't mind walking home once or twice, electric. If you do mind, then gas. If you own an electric cart at some point it will die on you and you will walk or be towed. Not if, but when. It could be you forgot to plug it in, or a bad charger, or a corroded connection, or any one of 10 other things. But it will happen.

:laugh:Now this comment will cause a storm of replies of those that claim it will never happen to them and their electric cart.

[jimbo2012]

Depends. If you don't mind walking home once or twice, electric. If you do mind, then gas. If you own an electric cart at some point it will die on you and you will walk or be towed. Not if, but when. It could be you forgot to plug it in, or a bad charger, or a corroded connection, or any one of 10 other things. But it will happen.

The same would happen in gas cart if you didn't check the fuel level or gauge.

In fact the same would happen in your car, don't look at the fuel gauge, If you don't mind walking home once or twice

You will not walk home if you have a battery bank gauge.

Sorry can't agree, just get a gauge on an electric cart, you'll not walk home.

Moreover, you are polluting your village with a gas cart!


Oh with solar it will never happen, period, you couldn't drive that far.

[gerryann]

Depends. If you don't mind walking home once or twice, electric. If you do mind, then gas. If you own an electric cart at some point it will die on you and you will walk or be towed. Not if, but when. It could be you forgot to plug it in, or a bad charger, or a corroded connection, or any one of 10 other things. But it will happen.

:laugh:Now this comment will cause a storm of replies of those that claim it will never happen to them and their electric cart.

WOW....don't have a cart yet, but your response is pretty nasty. Maybe you could just tell the facts without the attitude. :rolleyes:

[Challenger]

WOW....don't have a cart yet, but your response is pretty nasty. Maybe you could just tell the facts without the attitude. :rolleyes:

check the next ten carts you see abandoned along the cart paths- 9 out of ten will be electric. at least this has been my observayion over the last 2.5 years in TV

[asianthree]

with the new land they just bought gas it is

[uujudy]

Electric.

No need to shout to carry on a conversation.
No need to get yourself to a gas station.
No smelly fumes.

Nice and quiet & stink-free.
Just plug it in when you get home & you're good to go tomorrow.

Electric.

[sueandskip]

I have a par car electric with 8 6 volt batteries and I can say one good thing about it, The batteries last for 60 to 80 miles per charge and the odds are you will never run that many miles in the villages by golf cart ....The one bad thing is 1400 dollars to replace the batteries every 3 to 5 years...

[Golfingnut]

Elec is the only way to go. I understand that Yamaha has a new Gas cart that is quiet and less stink, but Gas will smell up your garage and Elec will never leave you stranded if you follow basic maintenance. Gas requires maint as well, so drive them both and you will buy elec. If you are in need of a few dollars in savings, I have read that over a 10 year span, gas is less expensive than elec by several hundred dollars, but if you are not cash poor, I recommend an elec cart for the comfort and health reasons. Breathing gas fumes every day is not good for your lungs.

[bonrich]

We are in TV just part of a year, couple of months in the fall, and about 3 or so in the spring. We bought gas just because of that, storage issues. If we were longer residents I would entertain getting electric, either EZ GO or PAR.

[ajbrown]

EZ Go service dept will tell you that if you charge the batteries every time you use the cart, it will shorten the life of the batteries. You should drive it at least 13 miles before charging it.

Maybe a trainee? He could be getting confused with the online class he took about cell phone batteries? :D

Setting my attempt to be funny aside, I have read discussions about whether or not to charge a cart after driving 5 minutes, but never about driving 10 plus miles. Likely the same person who told another TOTV that battery sulfation is a myth.

If you have a Battery Minder, keep it on the charger.

If you have a bulk charger that came with cart, charge it after 10 minutes of pedal time and even this statement is debatable. If you are not sure, always fall on the side of keeping the batteries fully charged.

Just my opinion based on what I have read.....

[Harleyman]

It was the service manager who told me that, every time I spoke to him. He said the biggest problem they have with electric carts is the batteries because people charge them every time they use the cart and it shortens the life.

[ajbrown]

It was the service manager who told me that, every time I spoke to him. He said the biggest problem they have with electric carts is the batteries because people charge them every time they use the cart and it shortens the life.

Interesting. It goes against everything I have learned about battery maintenance, so I am perplexed by his statement.

[l2ridehd]

Jimbo and gerryann.

My response was not in the least nasty. And I do own already, in fact I own 4 carts. Two gas and two electric. As for pollution, both do exactly the same. Just gas is local and electric is in someone else's back yard. I have given rides home and towed home 7 stranded golf cart owners over the years. And it may be just a coincidence, but they were all electric. I have talked to the business owner that provides a AAA type service and he says he picks up electric 10 to 1 vs gas. I would agree that probably most times it is an owner created problem. I really like my electric carts. However if I could only own one cart or if giving advice to a first time cart buyer, my advice will always be "buy gas".

[jimbo2012]

Two gas and two electric. As for pollution, both do exactly the same. Just gas is local and electric is in someone else's back yard .

That's not in fact correct, the carbon footprint of a gas cart is way more than elec. I detailed that with hard facts in a string of posts a while back.

read some of that here (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/do-you-care-about-your-carbon-footprint-52132/)

Moreover, as a solar proponent it goes against what I want to leave for future generations.

As far as getting stuck a gauge is the answer for $30.

[l2ridehd]

That's not in fact correct, the carbon footprint of a gas cart is way more than elec. I detailed that with hard facts in a string of posts a while back.

read some of that here (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/do-you-care-about-your-carbon-footprint-52132/)

Moreover, as a solar proponent it goes against what I want to leave for future generations.

As far as getting stuck a gauge is the answer for $30.

I have read that post and your "hard facts" are disputed by many. And yes a gauge would help some. And if solar ever becomes a viable solution I will use it. For today we just have to agree to disagree.

[jimbo2012]

I have read that post and your "hard facts" are disputed by many. And yes a gauge would help some. And if solar ever becomes a viable solution I will use it. For today we just have to agree to disagree.

I agree :beer3:

I haven't said much about our solar panel cart add-on becoming available at TV, but the R&D is just about done, my partner & I are going to do it.

So maybe you can be one of our guinea pigs? For testing

[asianthree]

:agree: with i2ridehd if i only had one cart it would be gas, because we can't go up to lopez and straight home, we have to stop here and there before we ever get home and usually in the dark. we will get an electric as a 2nd when we come down full time, just for some out and about things, but this is just what our thoughts are

[keithwand]

2013 Yamaha EFI fuel injected at around 50 miles per gallon X 5 gallons.

[jimbo2012]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/co2.gif

How can 6 pounds (or one gallon) of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide?

It seems impossible that a gallon of gasoline, which weighs about 6.3 pounds, could produce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. However, most of the weight of the CO2 doesn't come from the gasoline itself, but the oxygen in the air.

When gasoline burns, the carbon and hydrogen separate. The hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water (H2O), and carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO2 molecule with one carbon atom (atomic weight 12) and two oxygen atoms (atomic weight of 16 each)A carbon atom has a weight of 12, and each oxygen atom has a weight of 16, giving each single molecule of CO2 an atomic weight of 44 (12 from carbon and 32 from oxygen).

Therefore, to calculate the amount of CO2 produced from a gallon of gasoline, the weight of the carbon in the gasoline is multiplied by 44/12 or 3.7.

Since gasoline is about 87% carbon and 13% hydrogen by weight, the carbon in a gallon of gasoline weighs 5.5 pounds (6.3 lbs. x .87).

We can then multiply the weight of the carbon (5.5 pounds) by 3.7, which equals 20 pounds of CO2!

Source How can 6 pounds of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide? (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/co2.shtml)

[Bruiser1]

What you have stumbled into is the most controversal topics in the Villages.
It is NEVER DISCUSSED IN POLITE COMPANY! You know how those people are driving the $#@%$# GOLF CART.

[Bruiser1]

:agree:http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/co2.gif

How can 6 pounds (or one gallon) of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide?

It seems impossible that a gallon of gasoline, which weighs about 6.3 pounds, could produce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. However, most of the weight of the CO2 doesn't come from the gasoline itself, but the oxygen in the air.

When gasoline burns, the carbon and hydrogen separate. The hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water (H2O), and carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO2 molecule with one carbon atom (atomic weight 12) and two oxygen atoms (atomic weight of 16 each)A carbon atom has a weight of 12, and each oxygen atom has a weight of 16, giving each single molecule of CO2 an atomic weight of 44 (12 from carbon and 32 from oxygen).

Therefore, to calculate the amount of CO2 produced from a gallon of gasoline, the weight of the carbon in the gasoline is multiplied by 44/12 or 3.7.

Since gasoline is about 87% carbon and 13% hydrogen by weight, the carbon in a gallon of gasoline weighs 5.5 pounds (6.3 lbs. x .87).

We can then multiply the weight of the carbon (5.5 pounds) by 3.7, which equals 20 pounds of CO2!

Source How can 6 pounds of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide? (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/co2.shtml):bowdown::eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Halle]

Electric.

No need to shout to carry on a conversation.
No need to get yourself to a gas station.
No smelly fumes.

Nice and quiet & stink-free.
Just plug it in when you get home & you're good to go tomorrow.

Electric.

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

[Bruiser1]

My husband and I have just purchased a home in Duval, we will be arriving in TV in December, and staying through May for now. From personal experience which is preferred, gas or electric? Any specific problems with one over the other? We plan to purchase or used cart in December. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!:gc:

Both types of vehicles have benefits. Both have maintenance responsibilities.
Two weeks ago a Par Car was parked by the Nancy Lopez tunnel by Torri .
I asked the Ambassador why the car was parked there.

He said he heard a BANG so he looked over. The battery had blown up and it lifted the passengers off the seat. Granted that may be a rare instance but obvously it serves to stress the importance of necessary maintenance issues on the vehicle.

[renrod]

Both types of vehicles have benefits. Both have maintenance responsibilities.
Two weeks ago a Par Car was parked by the Nancy Lopez tunnel by Torri .
I asked the Ambassador why the car was parked there.

He said he heard a BANG so he looked over. The battery had blown up and it lifted the passengers off the seat. Granted that may be a rare instance but obvously it serves to stress the importance of necessary maintenance issues on the vehicle.
The thread is Gas v Electric, both types have batteries and any battery can have a failure. Maybe they were lucky it wasn't a gas cart and the battery explode, next the gas tank.:shrug::shrug:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I've got gas.


WAIT!!! That didn't sound right - - - - :shocked:

:pepper2:

Bill :wave:

[jimbo2012]

:eek:

Bill U need to cut back on the popcorn :shrug:


:popcorn:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

:eek:

Bill U need to cut back on the popcorn :shrug:


:popcorn:

I've been trying to but it apparently isn't helping much........ :undecided:

Bill :wave:

[George Bieniaszek]

I agree :beer3:

I haven't said much about our solar panel cart add-on becoming available at TV, but the R&D is just about done, my partner & I are going to do it.

So maybe you can be one of our guinea pigs? For testing

Jimbo - I certianly would be interested in taking a look at your solar panel once you have a final product. Any preliminary stats on your panel VS some of the ones that are currently available from some of the cart manufacturers?

[jimbo2012]

pm sent

[skyguy79]

I've got gas.

Bill :wave:Take two and... DON'T see me in the morning!

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRoHw6_0F_KO7OVcwOf5SP8_XWX_EiFX zXSRDkYTcE5Cq_KEorgsY_n

[2 Oldcrabs]

Gas is the way to go. Your only restriction on distance is the next gas station. The newer Yamaha and Club Car are quieter and little smell. I have never had a cart smell in the garage.:gc:

[cgalloway6]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/co2.gif

How can 6 pounds (or one gallon) of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide?

It seems impossible that a gallon of gasoline, which weighs about 6.3 pounds, could produce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. However, most of the weight of the CO2 doesn't come from the gasoline itself, but the oxygen in the air.

When gasoline burns, the carbon and hydrogen separate. The hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water (H2O), and carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO2 molecule with one carbon atom (atomic weight 12) and two oxygen atoms (atomic weight of 16 each)A carbon atom has a weight of 12, and each oxygen atom has a weight of 16, giving each single molecule of CO2 an atomic weight of 44 (12 from carbon and 32 from oxygen).

Therefore, to calculate the amount of CO2 produced from a gallon of gasoline, the weight of the carbon in the gasoline is multiplied by 44/12 or 3.7.

Since gasoline is about 87% carbon and 13% hydrogen by weight, the carbon in a gallon of gasoline weighs 5.5 pounds (6.3 lbs. x .87).

We can then multiply the weight of the carbon (5.5 pounds) by 3.7, which equals 20 pounds of CO2!

Source How can 6 pounds of gasoline create 19 pounds of Carbon dioxide? (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/co2.shtml)
But your "carbon footprint" doesn't change, carbon in = carbon out. Yours just comes out of a smokestack of a coal-fueled power station located in Northeast Florida in Putnam County, on the St. Johns River, south of Jacksonville.

[jimbo2012]

Not really.

[cgalloway6]

So do you believe carbon is either created or destroyed during combustion or do you not believe the source of your electricity?

[jimbo2012]

This was discussed recently, gas operated carts use 4+ times that of electric carts.

The thread is here (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/do-you-care-about-your-carbon-footprint-52132/#post483038)