[GeeWhiz]

Originally Posted by Travelhunter123

Atomic golf carts are great, all the features of an automobile. Drive one before you buy a Yamaha

I bought an Atomic Coupe in January 2021 (Unit built in 8/20). It was sold as a Golf Cart, not an LSV. Initially had AGM batteries and bouth with the conversion to Lithium later (March 2021). Others have ID the characteristics listed on the Web site so I am listing my likes and dislikes. Always had an electric cart primary due to smell and affecting breathing (I have COPD). I looked at converting the 2015 Club Car but no matter what I did it was still a golf cart. On the Atomic I liked the Tubular frame (safety), A/C and heat, being quiet, wind shield wipers and front end suspension. I hated the rear suspension (very stiff and when entering a MMP from the street if you don't approach it so both rear wheels hit the rise at the same time you get a substantial shock). The AGM batteries got about 44 miles per charge. The replacement Lithium batteries suck...getting at max about 30 miles or so. Even with the minuses identified I enjoy the Atomic as my only means of transportation. I do not own a car so it is my only means of transportation.
By all means take test drives of any vehicles you are interested in and ask questions! Good luck on your choice.

[BobAugustine]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

We have been here 2 1/2 years, and really are not into golf - mainly medical reasons.

But, with inflation and potential gas prices soaring, we are debating buying something electric. Golf Cart, Atomic Car, Tesla. (in that order of most to least likely).

We live in McClure (across the street from Magnolia Plaza).

Our criteria is:

1. Be able to get around the villages (we plan to keep our ICE - Lexus - for road trips to Gainesville). This means maybe as far as Sumter Landing, but more likely Brownwood and where ever the new Square will be North of 44 someday. Shopping, mail and entertainment.

2. Bicycles and trikes would maybe work, if electric. But, we prefer to be able to sit together in something that we can smile and not get bugs smushed on our teeth.

3. We would prefer electric so we can charge them over night and drive them during the day. Gas is a distant possibility, but would require keeping a supply of gas in the garage, and I don't like that.

4. We do not like being rained on when going to the grocery store or postal station - LOL! so it needs to be enclosed - but cool'ish in the summer and warmish in the winter.

5. We understand with golf carts we are restricted to inside the bubble, but can we get pretty much anywhere inside the bubble only limited by battery range? And what is the "real" battery range of lead vs Lithium batteries.

I would appreciate hearing from those that have recently made this decision and what considerations you took into account. Options, dealers, used vs new, lead vs Lithium, maintenance, insurance, etc, etc, etc.

The Atomic Car would have an advantage of being street legal - but a disadvantage of being the second most expensive (just below Tesla):

Yamaha Lithium around $12K, Atomic Car around $18K, Tesla (used Model 3) $45K.

Tesla would have the advantage of point to point self driving - sort of and long road trip ready (we are not in a hurry and stopping every 250 to 300 miles to eat and pee doesn't bother us. If we get the Tesla, we will probably sell both ICE cars (Lexus and Jaguar).

I am leaning right now to keeping the Lexus for road trips (3 or 4 a month to Gainesville) and getting a new Yamaha Electric with Lithium Batteries - looks like new from Yamaha is about $12,000 sort of, but I am not sure of which options I would need to keep dry and safe. And I am not sure of the Yamaha range. I would expect we want at least 50 mile range. I hear the Sirius Star is getting around 80 miles and the EZGO is getting around 60 miles.

I appreciate all discussions, even about how wonderful and better ICE is, but, I can assure you we want Electric, so, if you want to point out ICE advantages, I will thank you but very likely to not go that way. Not 100% yet, but close.

On the other hand if you have a electric golf cart or are considering one, your experience and considerations would be greatly appreciated.

We recently moved here too.

I bought a EZGO Freedom TXT 72V. This thing is wonderful! Instead of LION batteries, it has 6 x 12v lead/acid batteries. We've taken it over 65 miles on a single charge. I was told that it would go 70 miles, but I don't have enough confidence to go the last 5 miles.

That said, this cart is fast and efficient. I'd buy one again.

Two days ago I saw a new one at The Villages Golf Car. It was a little pricey at $16,500, but IMHO worth every penny.

I'd buy the same one again.

[nevjudbaker]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

We have been here 2 1/2 years, and really are not into golf - mainly medical reasons.

But, with inflation and potential gas prices soaring, we are debating buying something electric. Golf Cart, Atomic Car, Tesla. (in that order of most to least likely).

We live in McClure (across the street from Magnolia Plaza).

Our criteria is:

1. Be able to get around the villages (we plan to keep our ICE - Lexus - for road trips to Gainesville). This means maybe as far as Sumter Landing, but more likely Brownwood and where ever the new Square will be North of 44 someday. Shopping, mail and entertainment.

2. Bicycles and trikes would maybe work, if electric. But, we prefer to be able to sit together in something that we can smile and not get bugs smushed on our teeth.

3. We would prefer electric so we can charge them over night and drive them during the day. Gas is a distant possibility, but would require keeping a supply of gas in the garage, and I don't like that.

4. We do not like being rained on when going to the grocery store or postal station - LOL! so it needs to be enclosed - but cool'ish in the summer and warmish in the winter.

5. We understand with golf carts we are restricted to inside the bubble, but can we get pretty much anywhere inside the bubble only limited by battery range? And what is the "real" battery range of lead vs Lithium batteries.

I would appreciate hearing from those that have recently made this decision and what considerations you took into account. Options, dealers, used vs new, lead vs Lithium, maintenance, insurance, etc, etc, etc.

The Atomic Car would have an advantage of being street legal - but a disadvantage of being the second most expensive (just below Tesla):

Yamaha Lithium around $12K, Atomic Car around $18K, Tesla (used Model 3) $45K.

Tesla would have the advantage of point to point self driving - sort of and long road trip ready (we are not in a hurry and stopping every 250 to 300 miles to eat and pee doesn't bother us. If we get the Tesla, we will probably sell both ICE cars (Lexus and Jaguar).

I am leaning right now to keeping the Lexus for road trips (3 or 4 a month to Gainesville) and getting a new Yamaha Electric with Lithium Batteries - looks like new from Yamaha is about $12,000 sort of, but I am not sure of which options I would need to keep dry and safe. And I am not sure of the Yamaha range. I would expect we want at least 50 mile range. I hear the Sirius Star is getting around 80 miles and the EZGO is getting around 60 miles.

I appreciate all discussions, even about how wonderful and better ICE is, but, I can assure you we want Electric, so, if you want to point out ICE advantages, I will thank you but very likely to not go that way. Not 100% yet, but close.

On the other hand if you have a electric golf cart or are considering one, your experience and considerations would be greatly appreciated.

For only $6,000 more the street Atomic with air & heat is well worth it.
They are not as easy to get in and out of for golf but since you don’t play golf the Atomic is the best. Sell your expensive Lexus & buy a Tesla. That you could drive anywhere & not have to pay insurance on both.
Toyota & Honda have electric as well. Some are electric & gas. Only time you use gas is when electric runs out but rest areas are getting electric chargers. My girlfriend had a Toyota in Jacksonville. Driving around town she never used gas. Only on a long trip. I do believe this is Biden’s way to get us to buy electric. I know Pelosi’s husband invested a few million in Tesla stock. Buying electric just helps their investments to get more profitable. No way will Biden open up our pipelines or drill for new oil. Their pocketbooks are their priorities.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by nevjudbaker

For only $6,000 more the street Atomic with air & heat is well worth it.
They are not as easy to get in and out of for golf but since you don’t play golf the Atomic is the best. Sell your expensive Lexus & buy a Tesla. That you could drive anywhere & not have to pay insurance on both.
Toyota & Honda have electric as well. Some are electric & gas. Only time you use gas is when electric runs out but rest areas are getting electric chargers. My girlfriend had a Toyota in Jacksonville. Driving around town she never used gas. Only on a long trip. I do believe this is Biden’s way to get us to buy electric. I know Pelosi’s husband invested a few million in Tesla stock. Buying electric just helps their investments to get more profitable. No way will Biden open up our pipelines or drill for new oil. Their pocketbooks are their priorities.

thank you for making this political. We need more of that around here.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

So you do not want gas even though it's more efficient and the electrical power needed to charge the cart batteries comes from coal, nuke, water, natural gas and oil? Thus the cost of charging your electrical cart will go up with the price of fossil fuels.

Not sure I understand the logic or common sense. But best of luck with the "I'm protecting the environment" point of view.

Sorry, no gas engine has EVER been more efficient than any electrical motor. Pistons go up then reverse and go down and then must use an inefficient transmission to turn that mess into rotary motion of the wheels. People that don't want electric vehicles might as well just say, "I don't like change and don't want to be an early adopter of a future trend". Just like the horse and buggy people resented the change brought about by the ICE automobiles.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye

I’m surprised you don’t have a cart just to run short errands.

Our cars are very enjoyable to drive for both short errands and longer drives.

[golfnut]

I too have an Atomic Coupe and I am thinking about going with lithium because I've been told my range will INCREASE substantially not decrease. I've always understood that the whole reason for switching to lithium's is for better range. Where did you get your lithium's, at the Atomic dealer or somewhere else. Did you go back and tell them your range went from 44 to 30. Lastly if you don't mind saying, how much did the lithium's cost.

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by GeeWhiz

I bought an Atomic Coupe in January 2021 (Unit built in 8/20). It was sold as a Golf Cart, not an LSV. Initially had AGM batteries and bouth with the conversion to Lithium later (March 2021). Others have ID the characteristics listed on the Web site so I am listing my likes and dislikes. Always had an electric cart primary due to smell and affecting breathing (I have COPD). I looked at converting the 2015 Club Car but no matter what I did it was still a golf cart. On the Atomic I liked the Tubular frame (safety), A/C and heat, being quiet, wind shield wipers and front end suspension. I hated the rear suspension (very stiff and when entering a MMP from the street if you don't approach it so both rear wheels hit the rise at the same time you get a substantial shock). The AGM batteries got about 44 miles per charge. The replacement Lithium batteries suck...getting at max about 30 miles or so. Even with the minuses identified I enjoy the Atomic as my only means of transportation. I do not own a car so it is my only means of transportation.
By all means take test drives of any vehicles you are interested in and ask questions! Good luck on your choice.

[GpaVader]

Go to the Villages Discount Golf Car up on 266 and Morse Blvd and look at the Evolution. We have one, a 4 seater and live in the Hammocks at Fenney. They claim you can get 80 miles to a charge, and while I have not tested to that extent, I do feel I could get it. I have driven it to Sumters Landing and back and still had over a 50% charge left on my batteries. The only warning I'd make is have them disconnect the growler before taking delivery, this makes a sound until the car reaches 20mph and also produces a second backup beep. Short of that they are decently priced and equipped.

People kept telling me to get gas but with no gas stations on this side of the turnpike, it just made more sense. 5 year warranty on the batteries....

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by GeeWhiz

I bought an Atomic Coupe in January 2021 (Unit built in 8/20). It was sold as a Golf Cart, not an LSV. Initially had AGM batteries and bouth with the conversion to Lithium later (March 2021). Others have ID the characteristics listed on the Web site so I am listing my likes and dislikes. Always had an electric cart primary due to smell and affecting breathing (I have COPD). I looked at converting the 2015 Club Car but no matter what I did it was still a golf cart. On the Atomic I liked the Tubular frame (safety), A/C and heat, being quiet, wind shield wipers and front end suspension. I hated the rear suspension (very stiff and when entering a MMP from the street if you don't approach it so both rear wheels hit the rise at the same time you get a substantial shock). The AGM batteries got about 44 miles per charge. The replacement Lithium batteries suck...getting at max about 30 miles or so. Even with the minuses identified I enjoy the Atomic as my only means of transportation. I do not own a car so it is my only means of transportation.
By all means take test drives of any vehicles you are interested in and ask questions! Good luck on your choice.

Thank you very much, your post was very helpful to me!

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

Go to the Villages Discount Golf Car up on 266 and Morse Blvd and look at the Evolution. We have one, a 4 seater and live in the Hammocks at Fenney. They claim you can get 80 miles to a charge, and while I have not tested to that extent, I do feel I could get it. I have driven it to Sumters Landing and back and still had over a 50% charge left on my batteries. The only warning I'd make is have them disconnect the growler before taking delivery, this makes a sound until the car reaches 20mph and also produces a second backup beep. Short of that they are decently priced and equipped.

People kept telling me to get gas but with no gas stations on this side of the turnpike, it just made more sense. 5 year warranty on the batteries....

Thank you very much for your reply. I looked at that store and Evolution and it appears to be in the running for sure!

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by Catalina36

MartinSE, you are a RUDE person. When you post a question on TOTV you should be able to take whatever response you get. Your inappropriate response was totally uncalled for. You should have just ignored a response if you did not like what you read. Instead, you chose to lash out at someone. STAY OFF TOTV if you can't handle it.

Are you kidding???? He is absolutely welcome. His comment was right on target.

New definition of irony - Telling someone not to respond to a comment they don't like, while responding to a comment they don't like.

[MartinSE]

I want to thank everyone for the comments. I have found this thread to be very useful. I also want to thank everyone that stayed mostly on topic, something rare on any Internet forum. And I want to thank everyone for the very small number of political and rude comments.

[Dilligas]

One thing to remember in your choice of a possible lithium battery vehicle (or lead battery) versus a gas vehicle. The batteries have a life that is short for lead and a little longer for lithium. The cost of replacement for the batteries for lead will be in the range of $1000 every 3-4 years and in Lithium could be $2000-$3000 every ? years (probably 5-7). Tesla owners from the first offerings are just now running up against replacement of their lithium batteries at $22,000+ in an 8 year old auto. Batteries also consume electricity for charging, which will happen every night in your outline.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

We have been here 2 1/2 years, and really are not into golf - mainly medical reasons.

But, with inflation and potential gas prices soaring, we are debating buying something electric. Golf Cart, Atomic Car, Tesla. (in that order of most to least likely).

We live in McClure (across the street from Magnolia Plaza).

Our criteria is:

1. Be able to get around the villages (we plan to keep our ICE - Lexus - for road trips to Gainesville). This means maybe as far as Sumter Landing, but more likely Brownwood and where ever the new Square will be North of 44 someday. Shopping, mail and entertainment.

2. Bicycles and trikes would maybe work, if electric. But, we prefer to be able to sit together in something that we can smile and not get bugs smushed on our teeth.

3. We would prefer electric so we can charge them over night and drive them during the day. Gas is a distant possibility, but would require keeping a supply of gas in the garage, and I don't like that.

4. We do not like being rained on when going to the grocery store or postal station - LOL! so it needs to be enclosed - but cool'ish in the summer and warmish in the winter.

5. We understand with golf carts we are restricted to inside the bubble, but can we get pretty much anywhere inside the bubble only limited by battery range? And what is the "real" battery range of lead vs Lithium batteries.

I would appreciate hearing from those that have recently made this decision and what considerations you took into account. Options, dealers, used vs new, lead vs Lithium, maintenance, insurance, etc, etc, etc.

The Atomic Car would have an advantage of being street legal - but a disadvantage of being the second most expensive (just below Tesla):

Yamaha Lithium around $12K, Atomic Car around $18K, Tesla (used Model 3) $45K.

Tesla would have the advantage of point to point self driving - sort of and long road trip ready (we are not in a hurry and stopping every 250 to 300 miles to eat and pee doesn't bother us. If we get the Tesla, we will probably sell both ICE cars (Lexus and Jaguar).

I am leaning right now to keeping the Lexus for road trips (3 or 4 a month to Gainesville) and getting a new Yamaha Electric with Lithium Batteries - looks like new from Yamaha is about $12,000 sort of, but I am not sure of which options I would need to keep dry and safe. And I am not sure of the Yamaha range. I would expect we want at least 50 mile range. I hear the Sirius Star is getting around 80 miles and the EZGO is getting around 60 miles.

I appreciate all discussions, even about how wonderful and better ICE is, but, I can assure you we want Electric, so, if you want to point out ICE advantages, I will thank you but very likely to not go that way. Not 100% yet, but close.

On the other hand if you have a electric golf cart or are considering one, your experience and considerations would be greatly appreciated.

opc orn:

[kathy1516]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

We have been here 2 1/2 years, and really are not into golf - mainly medical reasons.

But, with inflation and potential gas prices soaring, we are debating buying something electric. Golf Cart, Atomic Car, Tesla. (in that order of most to least likely).

We live in McClure (across the street from Magnolia Plaza).

Our criteria is:

1. Be able to get around the villages (we plan to keep our ICE - Lexus - for road trips to Gainesville). This means maybe as far as Sumter Landing, but more likely Brownwood and where ever the new Square will be North of 44 someday. Shopping, mail and entertainment.

2. Bicycles and trikes would maybe work, if electric. But, we prefer to be able to sit together in something that we can smile and not get bugs smushed on our teeth.

3. We would prefer electric so we can charge them over night and drive them during the day. Gas is a distant possibility, but would require keeping a supply of gas in the garage, and I don't like that.

4. We do not like being rained on when going to the grocery store or postal station - LOL! so it needs to be enclosed - but cool'ish in the summer and warmish in the winter.

5. We understand with golf carts we are restricted to inside the bubble, but can we get pretty much anywhere inside the bubble only limited by battery range? And what is the "real" battery range of lead vs Lithium batteries.

I would appreciate hearing from those that have recently made this decision and what considerations you took into account. Options, dealers, used vs new, lead vs Lithium, maintenance, insurance, etc, etc, etc.

The Atomic Car would have an advantage of being street legal - but a disadvantage of being the second most expensive (just below Tesla):

Yamaha Lithium around $12K, Atomic Car around $18K, Tesla (used Model 3) $45K.

Tesla would have the advantage of point to point self driving - sort of and long road trip ready (we are not in a hurry and stopping every 250 to 300 miles to eat and pee doesn't bother us. If we get the Tesla, we will probably sell both ICE cars (Lexus and Jaguar).

I am leaning right now to keeping the Lexus for road trips (3 or 4 a month to Gainesville) and getting a new Yamaha Electric with Lithium Batteries - looks like new from Yamaha is about $12,000 sort of, but I am not sure of which options I would need to keep dry and safe. And I am not sure of the Yamaha range. I would expect we want at least 50 mile range. I hear the Sirius Star is getting around 80 miles and the EZGO is getting around 60 miles.

I appreciate all discussions, even about how wonderful and better ICE is, but, I can assure you we want Electric, so, if you want to point out ICE advantages, I will thank you but very likely to not go that way. Not 100% yet, but close.

On the other hand if you have a electric golf cart or are considering one, your experience and considerations would be greatly appreciated.

You can afford Tesla but are worried about gas prices???!!! Now that is funny!