What type or electric cart should I consider?
 

We are relatively new Villagers and have a great Yamaha quiet-tech. Plan to get a second cart and want an electric one. Am not as familiar with brands and options as we were when we looked for the Yamaha gas cart. Would appreciate suggestions from your experiences. Thanks.

IMO you’re just going have to go look and compare options. I would especially compare batteries types and range and seat comfort.

Some of antique shops may still have some gas carts around. There are still some legacy units around, but dying out quickly.

Star and Evolution seem to be the Lithium of chose these days. Club Car may also have a Lithium powered cart by now, that can give you a reasonable range.

Expect to save about 20%-25% if you buy off campus. Sunshine Carts of Ocala would be a good starting point.

EZ Go, Evolution, or Star.

I like my 2022 EZ Go. It has the "standard," shorter height and is pretty basic but has been very reliable. With the 160Ah batter (I believe) I have been able to go anywhere I want. I have traveled 45 miles with charge to spare but that was in the summer and cold weather definitely reduces range.

Others have had very good luck with Evolution and it has more bells and whistles and a larger battery than mine.

My one concern was height. I go through one of the low tunnels and have seen a taller cart stuck in there once. It may be possible to lower the tall carts, riding down the center of the tunnel should work, and it's possible to avoid this tunnel but for me, the shorter cart was preferable. However, if that is going to be a deciding factor, make sure the EZ Go is still on the short side - I heard that more recent models might be taller.

Thanks all for the feedback.

I bought a new 2016 Star Car with Trojan batteries, and never have I had an issue with distance for the day. I finally purchased a new set of Trojans this year, so 9 years of traveling here in the villages. No other issues with the Star Car during this time. When I am looking to buy a new cart, I will buy one with a lithium battery so I don't have to keep checking on the water levels.

i love my ezgo cart, no noise, very quiet. i do have the lead batterys and can get 30 miles.

Our friends recently bought a 2024 Star Sirius. They love it and get over 70 miles range and have never had any range issues. I know the gas vs lithium seems to draw some very strong emotions, but they love theirs.

OP, talk to some actual owners, in person. Don’t waste your time here. All you will get is bunch of BS.

I have a Club cart that is electric. It came with an eight year warranty and it goes for sixty miles. We paid for upgraded seats, have locking glove compartments, grocery bag, and seat belts. I don’t know what we could have gotten more that would’ve upped the comfort level. I LOVE going for a drive/ride in it!

Probably more like 50 miles which would be consistent with 38 miles round trip from Laurel Manor plus some side trips and consistent with using less than 1.5 gals of gas. Still a respectable drive.

Not sure I would commit to a traveling 19 miles one way, 12 miles is far enough for me. Seems like an electric cart may not be the right choice for you but I wonder how many others make a habit of traveling anything near that far.

I went with an EZGO primarily because of the Samsung LiFePO4 battery. Battery has an 8 year warranty, 50+ mile range.
Evolution is made in China.

Yes, you can still purchase a gas cart at The Villages Golf Car Museum.

EZGO 2.2 = 60ah = 30 miles.
EZGO 4.2 = 120ah = 60 miles.
EZGO 6.2 = 180ah = 90 miles.

Take a look at Atlas (210ah) carts. Made in USA by former EZGO execs and 90 miles of range. $13K when on sale.

OP is looking for advice on electric cart, to purchase. Please stay on topic, off topic will be deleted

If you like the Yamaha Quiet Tech golf cart, and want an electric cart, then why not buy a Yamaha Lithium Golf Cart? Yes, Yamaha does make them and has been making them since 2022. They also make "regular" lead-acid battery golf carts. Yamaha electric carts have independent rear suspension and are essentially the same golf cart as the new, gas-powered Yamaha carts you see everywhere. Primary difference is that it has a factory-installed lithium battery. I got mine at County Village Power Equipment in Webster, FL (Rt. 471 near the fair grounds and Webster Flea Market) and I am extremely happy with this purchase. To my knowledge The Villages golf cart stores don't sell them - don't know why not. But by going to County Village Power Equip., you will not only save money, but also get home service AND you can have all the benefits of the Yamaha build quality, smooth ride AND you can get the electric cart you are looking for. Check them out!