[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by CarGuys

To many fumes!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sounds like too many "left-handed cigarettes" to me............

Bill

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by CarGuys

If a electric Cart can get the range you need. If it is faster off the line than a Gas cart. Can have the same top end and is quite and clean why not have one. No one is talking about banning ... Contractors vehicles . Were talking about fun simple clean village transportation.

How much range does the average user want or currently use?

A well maintained cart was documented by one of your residents

Originally Posted by ajbrown

My 6 volt T105 batteries turned two years old and I wanted to share some range testing
My test runs:
Test run one: 42+ miles, ending voltage was 48.6 volts (~55% SOC)
Test run two: 63+ miles, ending voltage was 47.6 volts (~37% SOC) (last run of 9.5 miles had lights on)

Or about 50 miles

There are ways to increase the range but what would be a target mileage or drive time to get folks to consider changing when the time comes and phase out some of these polluting carts.

.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

How much range does the average user want or currently use? ........... what would be a target mileage or drive time to get folks to consider changing when the time comes and phase out some of these polluting carts.

.

200+ miles, reliably and consistently - similar to what a gas cart can do today between fill-ups.

A specific concern I personally have, given our current snowflake status, is that we're away from TV for months at a time. I simply wouldn't feel comfortable leaving an electric cart for that length of time. Yes, I know you can get a neighbor or home watch person to help out with charging intervals, maintaining the batteries, keeping an eye on it, etc. But for us, though, a gas cart seemed to make more sense.

Bill

[jimbo2012]

Bill at 200 miles even if you averaged 20 mph means your driving 10 hours a day??

Can you explain that please?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

200+ miles, reliably and consistently - similar to what a gas cart can do today between fill-ups. ............

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Bill at 200 miles even if you averaged 20 mph means your driving 10 hours a day??

Can you explain that please?

Jimbo, it's not 200+ miles in a day - it's 200+ miles between fill-ups.

Bill

[jimbo2012]

Bill an elec cart as you know recharges every nite, the question I was looking for feedback on was how much range in day, not between fillups or recharges.

So how far on average might one go in a day?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

So you're looking for daily range..........sorry.

Personally, I know there are many days we go a good bit more than 50 miles. ("Adventures in Golf Carting" - it's fun and addictive!!) I'd say a consistent, reliable range of 100 miles (to no less than 50% pack depletion) would be a target.

Bill

[BostonCelt]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

FOCUS CarGuys... I think your drifting off topic....

On topic, do I care about my carbon footprint?? Two words:

Al Gore

[cappyjon431]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Bill an elec cart as you know recharges every nite, the question I was looking for feedback on was how much range in day, not between fillups or recharges.

So how far on average might one go in a day?

We have a GEM and it has one of the lower ranges for an electric vehicle (30 miles). It has worked out fine for us. There have been a number of times where we'll take it out all morning, put 20-25 miles on it, bring it home and charge it for a couple of hours, and then take it back out to got to the squares or out to dinner. We have yet to need to be towed. It works fine for our needs, but I could certainly see how some folks would want a range of 100 miles+.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

So you're looking for daily range..........sorry.

Personally, I know there are many days we go a good bit more than 50 miles. ("Adventures in Golf Carting" - it's fun and addictive!!) I'd say a consistent, reliable range of 100 miles (to no less than 50% pack depletion) would be a target.

Bill

Bill, 100 miles per day? You doing community watch by golf cart?

I would not hold your breath for that, but since you will be driving gas I guess....... oh never mind

[jimbo2012]

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

You mentioned on another thread that you were working with a friend in New York that was creating a new concept in solar powered golf carts. How many miles does a solar boost add?

Is he far enough along to know the approximate cost of this kind of golf cart? Does he know who he would have manufacture it? I am sure all the people interested in saving our planet will be looking to buy something that is so energy saving.

The reliability is important too. It is scary to run out of charge in the awful summer heat and have to wait for a tow. I think many people who do care about green issues are torn because gas carts are more reliable and can be left in the garage for snowbirds with fewer untoward events.

Many would like to take the higher road but we must, as we age, be practical and safe too.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

You mentioned on another thread that you were working with a friend in New York that was creating a new concept in solar powered golf carts. How many miles does a solar boost add.

Funny you ask that ?, spoke to him last nite, he just ordered 10 panels they should be here end of next week.

I'm building a 48volt cart as a testing platform with him, oh fun!

It will be a Club Car with larger wheels and a two seater standard length roof.

The panels he found will work, but the other specs (the controller) or requirements is where the engineering comes into play.

As far as boost we'll know after a month or so I suppose, but hope to see about 50%, or 50-75 miles perhaps, remember the solar is charging all day even though the batteries are being used (depleted).


I was asking these questions to see what folks desired in an elec cart.

It's unfortunate that I have yet to get serious feedback.

If the demand isn't found here than it goes on the back burner I suppose.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

AJ, having quoted your tests earlier in this thread do you think that the average is about 50 miles with elec here?

Thanks for dragging me in Jimbo, I am prepared

The following is based on my experiences and my friends. Prior to each statement please include IMO. These are my opinions based on my experience as a cart owner and some reading, nothing more.

Jimbo, I have no idea the average usage; each person needs to understand their own personal requirements. I live in Mallory, 50 miles in one heck of an unusual day for us:

23 miles, Mallory to Lopez, golf 18 holes, back home
10 miles, Mallory to Spanish Springs, back home
// That was a pretty good day, you want to what?
12 miles, Mallory to Bonefish for dinner, back home
// Can't we go in the morning??
5 miles, Mallory to Publix at 466A to pick up milk.

I have not posted to the OP question as NO seemed too short an answer, but I do not choose my golf carts based on Carbon footprint. It does not even show up as one of my top … umm I do not even think it is on my list. The thread has now morphed into something I do have thoughts on, so I will throw my hat in to enjoy the banter. I hope I do not offend anyone along the way .

Working in Internet security for years I learned much about FUD . There is a lot of FUD with regards to facts about electric golf carts.

IMO, if you need to drive a golf cart 45 plus miles almost every day, you are crossing a line where gas may be the only option. With 8-6v batteries and a more efficient AC motor, you may be able to move that number to 55 miles from my reading. IMO, driving a cart that far every day is very unusual for most of us (I can only go by the folks I know). If your usage is like mine (daily average around 15- 20 miles with the potential to push to 60 miles) there are some very good electric options for you so you have a choice between gas and electric. It truly is up to you. Note: The type of electric cart you buy MATTERS, not all have the same range.

In addition, issues created by leaving the battery pack unattended and discharging have been mitigated by products like the Battery Minder. I am in the process of ordering some for my carts.

Originally Posted by Some guy named Alan standing on his soap box

Electric has one major difference. It does not adversely affect other people around you. If you own a gas cart you will have an effect on the experience of the people in the carts behind you. Their experience will be diminished by the fact you are in front of them. This is not the buyers fault, but when you buy gas, you have to also acknowledge this.

I need to word smith my new golf cart bumper sticker below before printing, but you get the idea.

Breath Away, Its Electric