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-   -   Alternative to an Atomic? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/alternative-atomic-332353/)

ohioshooter 05-27-2022 08:24 AM

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

twoplanekid 05-27-2022 08:57 AM

1 Attachment(s)
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

rustyp 05-27-2022 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099562)
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 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.

GpaVader 05-27-2022 09:25 AM

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.....

MartinSE 05-27-2022 09:29 AM

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

ohioshooter 05-27-2022 09:32 AM

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

ohioshooter 05-27-2022 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2099618)
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

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

Hape2Bhr 05-27-2022 01:56 PM

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.

MartinSE 05-27-2022 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099626)
Thanks, the A/C and windows is the attraction. I have talked to them on the phone, they are also made in China.

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!

ohioshooter 05-27-2022 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hape2Bhr (Post 2099752)
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.

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

tophcfa 05-27-2022 03:42 PM

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

ohioshooter 05-27-2022 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2099798)
Our alternative is when we want doors, A/C, heat, windshield wipers, etc…., we take the car.

Good for you.

MartinSE 05-27-2022 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2099798)
Our alternative is when we want doors, A/C, heat, windshield wipers, etc…., we take the car.

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.

banjobob 05-28-2022 04:18 AM

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 .

sdeikenberry 05-28-2022 05:44 AM

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...

Joe C. 05-28-2022 06:31 AM

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.

mkjelenbaas 05-28-2022 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099562)
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

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

DavidStockhausen 05-28-2022 07:33 AM

Crown Carts in Wildwood has the View

Bay Kid 05-28-2022 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe C. (Post 2099981)
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.

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

Larchap49 05-28-2022 07:43 AM

Ac in cart
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sdeikenberry (Post 2099957)
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...

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.

ChicagoNative 05-28-2022 07:50 AM

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!

Pessemist 05-28-2022 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2099603)
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.


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.

pickleball119 05-28-2022 08:49 AM

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,

UpNorth 05-28-2022 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pessemist (Post 2100058)
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.

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.

ohioshooter 05-28-2022 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicagoNative (Post 2100050)
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!

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!

rustyp 05-28-2022 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpNorth (Post 2100089)
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.


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.

-

Jokomo 05-28-2022 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas (Post 2099994)
Don’t buy a cart from The Villages as they are the most expensive!!

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

ohioshooter 05-28-2022 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas (Post 2099994)
Don’t buy a cart from The Villages as they are the most expensive!!

Comparing apples to apples how much more?

Hacker1 05-28-2022 10:36 AM

Are Lithium phosphate batteries for golf carts available today?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2099603)
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.

Looks very interesting.

Catalina36 05-28-2022 11:12 AM

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

Tyrone Shoelaces 05-28-2022 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pessemist (Post 2100058)
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.

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

Tbrazie 05-28-2022 02:41 PM

Golf cart questions middle of June
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099562)
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

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.

ohioshooter 05-28-2022 03:30 PM

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

nancyre 05-28-2022 05:06 PM

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

Travelhunter123 05-28-2022 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2099618)
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

Second vote for Atomic

biker1 05-28-2022 05:38 PM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohioshooter (Post 2099562)
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


jrref 05-29-2022 06:09 AM

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.

ohioshooter 05-29-2022 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2100402)
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

mrf0151 05-29-2022 06:41 AM

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.

Bilyclub 05-29-2022 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicagoNative (Post 2100050)
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!

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


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