Alternative to an Atomic?
 

Hello, we will be moving in the middle of June. We will be buying 2 carts, I have decided that one will be a Yamaha for my wife to use for golfing. I really like the idea and the looks of the Atomic. With a base price of almost $19k with lithium batteries, I was wondering if there is an alternative that can be bought locally. I see an internet company that sells a similar looking car for almost half the price (not lithium). Anyone with experience? Thanks

I have used my cart for over 2 years without any issues and normally go 45~50 miles between a charge. A model very similar to mine is sold by the firm behind Russell Stover on SR44.

Star Golf Carts | Crown Carts | United States

I would not consider an electric cart unless it has lithium phosphate batteries. There are various types of lithium ion batteries. Lithium phosphate batteries are much safer in the line up of lithium types. Other pluses are extremely long life, < half the weight of lead acid, hold their charge at peak voltage for 80% + of discharge, and no maintenance. Disadvantage cost is 4x lead acid but if you weigh out the life it is a wash with lots more advantages.

Lithium iron phosphate vs lithium-ion: differences and advantages

It is not the easiest to understand new battery technology in a two minute course. Above is a link that will help start you.

Again I would not buy a brand new electric cart today without understanding battery technologies on the market available today. That is going to take a little effort.

We have an Evolution, we bought at The Villages Discount Golf cart on 466 near Morse. We bought a 4 seater with an 180ah battery and I can go up to 80 miles according to them. I've driven it 60 and still had about 30% of the battery left. You can probably get a 2 seater for about $11k I would guess.....

If by alternative you mean meets all the specs including legal on golf courses, then I think Atomic is it for now, but there are a lot of Chinese models starting to show up - maybe someone knows those. But, I would recommend the Atomic - AC, windows, can be street legal, etc. Lots of features for not much more than that custom golf cart.

There appears to be a dealer in Wildwood which part of The Villages is in.

Atomic Cool Kartz

So there is at least one alternative, and thanks rustyp for the heads up on battery types.

Thanks, the A/C and windows is the attraction. I have talked to them on the phone, they are also made in China.

Icon makes a nice EV; unfortunately they are not yet available with lithium batteries. The owner of Icon also currently also owns a lithium battery company.

Yes, they are. My comment was meant to say, there are OTHER EVs coming in from China - a lot. Personally, I have no problem with Chinese products. I purchase based on the product quality and not the country of original. But then, everyone here hates me anyway, so what one more reason - LOL!

I searched Icon EV and found a golf cart company from Tampa. It appears they only make open carts, I want an enclosed with A/C. Thanks

Our alternative is when we want doors, A/C, heat, windshield wipers, etc…., we take the car.

Good for you.

I certainly can not disagree with that. I am debating which to buy still, and the attraction to me is the AC on a golf cart - so, I can take it on the course. But, you can get a really nice little compact car for almost the same price and take it to the Keys or Atlanta or where ever, so it is not clear to me where we will end up. I was kind of hoping Tesla would make golf cart - LOL!

Another use I have for a golf cart is photography. There are MANY awesome places to shoot photo's around TV and most of them are either a mile walk or a short dive on a golf cart. Real cars have no where to park close to so many.

In regard to a Yamaha , do they have a new body style ? Seems the current one is very old style , I think I would like a newer look .

This is a little off your requested information, but if I were you, I'd move here, buy the Yahama cart, drive it awhile and decide if you really want a cart that had AC and doors you have to open and close each time you get in and out. Driving a cart that you can just pop in and out of, get the wind in your face, and enjoy the current weather is a joy to behold IMHO. Sure, it's hot in the summer here, but after you're here a year you acclimate to the warmer temps and just learn to deal with them. You may find you don't want to be in AC all the time while you're out and about. A Yamaha with a solid enclosure gives you all the freedom of being in the breezes and also closing it up in an instant when the weather changes. That's a huge plus over the Sunbrella canvas enclosures. Wait and decide on the Atomic Cart after living here is my reccomendation...

Nothing like buying Made in China, right? Go help the communists. Give them your hard earned cash so they can strengthen their military. Your grandchildren and their children will thank you for it. :boom:
Yamaha, Easy Go, and Club Car golf carts aren't Chinese. It's your choice.
Do right.

Don’t buy a cart from The Villages as they are the most expensive!!

Crown Carts in Wildwood has the View

But aren't most the parts on these carts from China? We don't make much anymore.

Ac in cart
 

I agree, also an electric ac unit will deplete the battery much faster, and in a small cabin when you open the door, say on the golf course all cool air will be out and the short hop from tee to ball or green to tee will not be enough to cool it down again. If being cool on the golf course is a main motive you will have to limit your golfing to winter months. Personally I have never used the rain curtains , if it's raining or really cold I use the car. I'm too old to be uncomfortable just to save fifty cents on gas. Also too frugal to spend $15,000 for a second cart to accomplish same.

Atomic Kool Kartz just south of 44 & Powell Road. We had a Yamaha and switched to the ION. Love it. Range is about 60 miles without ac, 50 with.

Just get used to the “Karens” that will give you dirty looks and a few choice comments about having a car on their paths!

Absolutely, IF you want electric then Lithium is the only way to go. Really the only downside is up front cost but they tend to last 2x longer than lead acid so in the end the cost is similar.

Another suggestion:
 

If you are looking for something that you are not going to use on the golf course, consider looking at what ETrike co. offers. ( Electric Tricycles for Sale - Electric Trikes for Adults & Seniors - eTrikeCo ). They are based over in St.Pete with a showroom there that you can visit. Although we have not purchased one as yet, we are seriously considering their model ETR300. It's a two passenger lithium battery powered trike that is fun to drive around ( we test drove it )--and you can purchase one for $4K,

So what are the "big advantages" to lithium? Yes, you don't have to water them, but I don't find that to be a big issue. They are lighter, but electric carts are all pretty quick off the line, and are limited in speed anyway. They don't lose their charge over extended storage, but this can be mitigated with a battery minder. If lithium were the same price as lead acid it would be a no-brainer. But right now, the advantages are minimal IMHO.

I'm sure that is the case, we got the same reaction when we first got E-bikes. Oh, and my wife's name is Karen, I get it!

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) vs Lead Acid Batteries - Grepow Blog

Given cost justification within reason my vote goes with safety and less harm to the environment.

Compared to lead-acid batteries, the advantages of lithium iron phosphate battery packs are a lot more. In general, it has the following advantages: small size, lightweight, high energy density, long life, safe use, fast charging with high current, high and low-temperature resistance, large depth of discharge, environmental protection, and no memory effect.

-

I bought from The Villages and am very satisfied, especially with their maintenance and repairs. I especially like the Spanish Springs service garage.

Comparing apples to apples how much more?

Are Lithium phosphate batteries for golf carts available today?
 

Looks very interesting.

Stay with Yamaha, parts are easily available and easy to repair. There are no issues with Yamaha. Other brands yes.

2X longer?
Truth is, it could be 10X longer we just don't know yet.
But it's a lot more than double.

Golf cart questions middle of June
 

We bought two electrics in the last two years. We hate the smell and noise of the gas. The tunnels reek.
They were Star cart and EVolution. They are both awesome and around $12,000. They have different features for your personality. I'm getting over 75-90 miles on a charge. Lithium so no smelly gas and oil etc. No maintenance. Don't believe the crap you will hear about electric not being long-legged or able to climb hills. Those people must not have tried an electric in years.

Please believe me when I say thanks for all the replies, but this isn’t an electric vs gas thread. I really want to find out more about the Atomic Kart and others like it. Thanks

GEM is a street legal cart available at the Chrysler deal on 441.

Second vote for Atomic

The only advice I would offer is to buy one cart first and take your time on deciding on a second cart. You might find that you don't need it. You will have a better idea within a few months. I am assuming you haven't lived here before.

We have an atomic car and we love it. It's also a lot safer than a regular golf cart since it has a roll cage and re-enforced doors. The A/C in the summer is really great. We even used the heat a couple of times last winter.

Which batteries do you have and what’s the range. How long have you owned it. Thanks

If you are hell bent on buying an electric golf cart, then EZGO is the choice. Down the road all golf carts will need repairs. With EZGO Lithium, they are all made in the USA and parts are readily available. They have been building electric carts in the USA since 1954. When you buy the off brands that have popped up in TV you are heavily risking brain damage when it comes to repairs. Furthermore, all the repair techs in and around The Villages will tell you the same. Finally, you can resell a EZGO much much faster than those off brand carts and for a lot more money. No, I do not work for EZGO, I was in the cart business for years and know all to be true.

Maybe because you are not a Villages resident and shouldn't be on the MMP's which we pay to maintain.