How Much Range is Honestly Needed?
 

Trying to decide on new cart. Really like the electric but have range anxiety! lol…. Not moved in yet so new and not sure how many miles people really go. Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?

How far/how long do you consider a "long ride" in your car?

75 miles in your golf cart, will likely take you 5 hours. All the while, exposed to the elements ... heat, humidity, cold, rain, traffic, noise, etc.

When is enough? You decide.

I live between 466A and 44. I don't golf. The 50-60 mile range of my cart works well for me.

I took a four hour trip one time to put 42 miles on the cart. This included stopping at Savannah center, crossing the Spanish Springs Bridge, and having a drink at Sawgrass and Ednas. Even with a couple of stops for refreshment it was clear to me that I don't want to drive that far in a single day.

I don't know if I would have enough range to drive up to First Responders and then down to Lake Denham and back home. I don't know why I would ever want to do that. But, I expect your 75 miles would be enough.

If I lived at one of the extreme ends of the Villages and planned to regularly drive to the other end then I would want to calculate the distance to make sure I had enough range. On the other hand, if I lived at one of the extreme ends of the Villages and planned to regularly drive to the other end then I would consider moving closer to where I planned to spend my time.

One end to the other, take a car.

Try renting a cart for 2 weeks. That will help you decide on how far you really want to drive your cart. I have an electric cart and from Osceola Hills, I have no trouble getting anywhere, play 18 holes of golf and get home. Also, by renting, you can see what added features you might want on a golf cart.

I'm afraid you opened this can of worms again---gas vs electric.

Gas is reliable, you'll get 250+ miles on a tank and if you ever run out and get stuck, cart aide can bring you a gallon

Electric is quiet and the range is improving. Electric enthusiasts will deny that the range decreases with battery age, others disagree. Eventually batteries need to be replaced---the enthusiasts claim 10-15 years, others 5-8 years. But if you plan poorly and get stuck you will get towed.

I currently own a Yamaha gas cart. I will change to electric when they attain about 90% of the reliability of gas.

Full disclosure: I will NEVER change to electric anything to "save the planet" from global warming---utter nonsense.

As this is the first post in this thread to mention gas, just WHO is it that "opened this can of worms again?"

But if you want to take this thread there, what data do you have that indicates electric carts are less reliable than gas? I can find threads about voltage regulator problems, starter brush problems, 12V battery problems (in gas carts), jerky start problems, and gas carts catching fire. From the actual problems reported on this forum (not speculation, actual problems) it would seem the reliability of electric carts exceeds that of gas carts.

We currently own both a gas and an electric golf cart (lithium-ion battery pack with LFP chemistry). In 10 years, we have never gone more than 30 miles in a day. Our electric has a range of about 60 miles and running out of charge is never an issue. Just plug it in every evening. While I don't know how much you are likely to drive in a day, keep in mind that 75 miles is a long time to be in golf cart. Most people would just take a car for those infrequent occasions. I believe you are more likely to be stopped with a flat tire than run out of electric charge or gas. Sign up for one of the golf cart rescue services such as Kart Aide. We have had two flats in 10 years. When it comes time, we will undoubted replace the gas cart with another electric.

Posted like a true believer in electric. But to address reader comprehension, the OP was considering electric but has range anxiety. Not very hard to infer the option is gas, unless one thinks he was considering a skateboard

Yep, immerse yourself in this website and its search function as anything and everything that I want to know before and after I got here has been discussed at some point and I have found very informative. Once you get your answer, gas or electric then what about 4 vs 2 seater….see below.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...=electric+cart
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...f-cart-351814/

Lithium electric works fine for me - more range than I need in a typical day. But if you run out of charge in an electric cart or gasoline in a gas cart, consider yourself to be just plain stupid. Both have gages to tell you how far you can go. Yes, subscribe to Kart Aide or one of the other services. They can pick up your electric cart and bring it back to your garage, or put some gas in your tank. But save yourself the embarrassment and get into the habit of checking your gage before you leave.

True believer? Perhaps, but that belief comes from actual personal experience and situational awareness, not irrational skepticism.

Might just be me, but it didn't take much to comprehend what is being asked with the question, "Is 75 or so miles on the STAR enough do you think?"

He wasn't considering Solar, Hydrogen or the myriad of other possibilities?

It's always gas vs electric. We need a new player. :a20:

Or, having range anxiety. As opposed to what? Parasailing? Yes, it doesn’t take much to comprehend

Although you weren’t addressing me, I will chime in on that question. I prefer to rely on empirical evidence. I’ve been driving around the Villages for 9 years in a golf cart and I always carry a tow strap. I even have a trailer hitch on the back of my Quiet Tech that provides a quick, easy, and safe point to attach the strap. Over the years, I have towed at least 6 dead carts that I can easily recall. I have never had to tow a gas cart. Granted, electric cart technology has definitely improved over the years, and the carts I have towed were most likely not newer lithium technology.

Electric is great. Quiet, smooth, don't stink (except while charging lead batts).
Lead ones are heavier. Electric costs more up front (not talking about the imported ones from you know where - you get what you pay for - maybe?)

Butt, look at the replacement costs for replacing the batteries.
Warranty? Pro-rated?
(pro-rated means you have to go back to the guys that over-charged you the first time).

And don't say they last forever. And definitely don't say the cheaper replacement batteries are worth a flyin'#$%^%.

Good information.

I don't believe that zero gas carts have had problems in the past nine years but perhaps getting a can of gas was a simpler solution for them.

I have owned electric golf carts since day one in the Villages some 9 years ago and have never run out of juice. However, I was a private pilot for over 50 years and never ran out of gas so I do pay attention to fuel/electric status. And, some day I hope to own a Tesla to charge up at home like I do with electric golf carts.

P.S. - my current electric cart with a 1 1/2 year old battery still gives me over 45 plus miles of range which is enough for me

Here's your new player...HYBRID SUV..

One vehicle using gas and battery.
Has AC.
Better ride.
Comfortable seating.
Seats more people.
Carry's more groceries.
One insurance policy.
No worry's on range limit.
Store one vehicle.
Maintenace one vehicle.

You get the idea.

I did have one neighbor, a few years ago, who ran out of gas when he switched from battery to gas. His wife still talks about it to his embarrassment. Of course, I never mention it to him when I see him. In the almost 18 years in TV, I’ve probably seen at least 9 or 10 electric carts “broke down” (out of power) along the side of trails. That’s not many and I’m on the go a lot so it happens and that is mostly the fault of the golf cart driver who was too cheap to replace his batteries. But to each his own.

Yes, for most people. My range about 20 miles if that. If you’re not jumping all over villages daily more than enough. Villages from one end to other around 20 miles or maybe more?

I’m waiting for steam power to make comeback!

Arguing just like in court of law. No one really right, just have to convince jury. But just make sure the jury don’t have all electric carts or gas carts. :icon_bored:

I was behind cart when it when through roundabout exiting tunnel the driver forgot to straighten front wheels and slammed into medium roundabout curve. Bent front tie rod, I don’t blame the golf cart.

To directly answer your question, yes. 75 mile range is more than sufficient for anything you want to do in TV. 50 mile range is too.

Wow lots of emotion around this one ! lol. Sorry everyone. But I do very much appreciate the dialogue and the information. Hesitate to ask but what the hell, lol. Can you “tune up” an electric cart like a gas cart to attain a higher speed then the speed set by the dealer ? Again thanks to all.

That must be dumb luck. I have 2 late model Yamaha gas carts (1 in each rental). Kart aid has been called many times in 10 years- several broken belts, dead battery (left the lights on golfing, even though told not to), Dead battery(really needed replacing), and 3 or 4 flat tires. Don't tell me gas carts don't have problems - and they are serviced yearly.

Besides that OP, if you have a wife, they WILL complain about the gas smell, even if you don't (just guessing you are a guy).

One last thing - why would you spend 20 grand on a star cart when you can get a fully loaded Evolution D5 for about $12 grand. Go drive one at Hidden Creek Golf carts - across the highway from Brownwood behind the emergency center and McDonalds. The villages golf carts has a very high opinion of themselves based on their prices..... Full disclosure, we just got a D5 after a long search. Make sure you get the large battery. I wouldn't worry about anything over 50 miles, thats a lot of time in a golf cart, and I LOVE riding in Golf carts..

Hummmm let me ponder. Need to plug the cart in every freakin evening. Hope the electronics don’t get fried in a lightening strike. Or just pump a lil gas every so often. Tough choice!

Wow! Calling your need of having gas cart issues over the last 10 years. You can just drive them till failure. Or, hear me out, do a lil preventative maintenance on them.
If you are blowing belts on a Yamaha, you are doing something seriously wrong.
During my years overseeing a fleet of 70 gas carts that run 36 holes, 7 days a week for 5 years, a blown belt is not in my vocabulary.

Throw into the mix the following.

Gas carts can have failures from blown Clutch or drive belt as well as a dead battery. Gas carts also have maintenance for the gas engine. There are more points of possible failure on a gas cart than an electric.

I have both types of carts. The Gas cart has failed twice, blown Clutch and dead battery. Electric has not had any failures.

Yes. 75 miles is a lot of driving for a day in a golf cart.

I'm with you, no freaking way I'm plugging in a drop cord every time I park my cart! That's just too much to ask!

I have a 2023 Star 2+2 Sirius cart and would suggest you do a bit more research before purchasing. I have the 210mH battery (largest) and am skeptical about their mileage claims. I have driven it about 2K so far and have mixed feelings. I live North of Spanish Springs and have wanted to go to Brownwood many times but don't trust the battery to get me there and back despite being well under the milage that the battery is supposed to give you. I do run a sound bar and additional lighting but question just how much power those drawn. The Star also has a very poor and inadequate braking system (only rear drum) as well as a multitude of creaks, squeaks and rattles. While it is very comfortable (I have the overly priced upgraded bucket seats) and looks very stylish, it lacks in quality regarding fit and finish. I do however like the lack of noise, gas smell and off the line responsiveness it has as well as the smooth ride while cruising. Personally, if I could do it over, I would buy the Evolution D5 Ranger. If after reading this, you still want a Star Sirius and like the color red, shoot me a message and I'll sell it to you. Not looking to give it away but I can save you a lot of money over a new one which I'm sure you have already priced out. Good luck.

Good Greif! Its about as hard as cracking a beer open.

I hereby swear off beer, those caps/pop tops are too difficult to navigate!

We do take a long trip (50 to 55 miles) about once a month with a group of people in our neighborhood. We enjoy the long drive and exploring. We had one cart that was electric and ran out of juice about 1/2 mile from home and we towed it back. They ended up selling it and getting gas. The other 5 to 6 carts that go with us are all gas. A lot of people do not enjoy this type of trip, but we like to explore the villages this way

Hi Vinscalese.

I have a lithium battery cart. The key is the size. I always suggest on these posts getting a lithium cart with a 210 battery. Plenty of range. I live in the deep South of TV, Enclave of Dabney. I have had my cart since March of this year and have 2800 miles already. I do a minimum of 45 miles per day and have plenty to spare. I have gone from my house to the Polo Club, Nancy Lopez and Spanish Springs and back. Have plenty to spare.

To answer your question, the Star does have the 205/210 battery so you will get the 75 miles and be totally fine. Don't have range anxiety. Just plug in everytime you get home. Start the day with a full charge.

Hope this helps.

Reach out if you have any other questions.

Have a blessed day
Thanks
Serge

I don’t have a golf cart, but I drive a four year old Prius Prime that can drive 26 miles on electric only before the gas motor kicks in. I live three miles from the intersection of 466a and Buena Vista. I can drive to Sam’s Club and back or the Historic Villages and back, or to the edge of The Villages southeast of Sawgrass and back without using any gas. That means around an hour of driving for me round trip. So I think you are okay.

Oh, my! It takes me a whole 5 seconds to do that. I start to cry every time I’m faced with having to do that burdensome chore.

I just love it when people who have never owned an electric tell people who do own electrics what it is like. SMH.

I agree, the process of plugging in is only slightly harder than shifting into park and hitting the off button. On top of that it's habit, you grab your hat and wallet when you leave - you plug in your car when you get off.

I wrongly hoped yous could see I was making fun of rocksnap.