Exactly what I was thinking... Anddd, learn how to post. Don't keep hitting the reply key...
:ohdear::blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

WOW.. that's moving along pretty FAST in a golf cart.
:shocked::shocked::shocked:

Wow. So in order to make your point, you had to post it 3 times? That's the way to poke your finger into the OP's chest. Talk about rude...

In 2020, I played over 1200 rounds of golf on executive and championship courses combined. I usually played about 5 executive courses a day, some days I played as many as 10 or 11 executive courses (ALL were documented). I could NEVER have played that much golf with an electric cart, no matter how many miles it would go on a charge. I know, I had an electric Starr cart and almost had to push it home once. Went down that week and ordered a Yamaha gas cart.

:bigbow::bigbow:

holy cow! that's a lot of golf. 11 executive courses in one day? On the day of the summer solstice you get 14 hours of daylight. That comes to about 1 hour and 15 minutes per round, not counting travel between courses, or meals.
Incredible, and I mean that in the most literal sense of the word.

might have meant mpg, not mph. Call me Captain Obvious.

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

ICE vs Electric
 

I have a similar situation, but the economics provides the answer. There is almost no way one can justify buying any electric vehicle (except maybe a bike) that makes sense, versus just keeping and driving your Lexus. After all, you will still be paying insurance on the Lexus, if you add an electric vehicle. Plus, the cost of the EV, and it’s insurance will buy you a lot of gas for your Lexus. Add up the EV costs and divide by even $7/gallon and see how many gallons you get for your ICE. I am happy to drive my Chrysler 300C and pay for gas. I am safer wherever I go, too. Good luck!

Ohhhhhhhhhh! ICE = Internal Combustion Engine. Why not just say "gas." Far simpler than trying to be on-trend with climate-speak. Besides, for many people and in many industries, ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency."

ICE is a valuable acronym and due to the potential to save life or prevent injury, there should not be common confusion around the acronym. It should not be conflated in the interest of sounding cool, hip, trendy, modern, woke, whatever.

YMMV

I’m surprised you don’t have a cart just to run short errands. You don’t have to play golf to have one, I played golf but I got one just so I didn’t put to many miles on my car. My first cart was a 2012 & in 2018 I bought another one. My 2012 had 26,000 on it & never had an issue with it. Both were Yamaha’s. That saved my car for a couple more yrs. & a lot of gas. Buy one even if you don’t play golf!

Ok… wow. Long post🥴. I’d walk if I were you.

Try test driving and comparing different models. Consider renting what you would like to buy. We test drove the top two sellers of gas and electric golf carts. The Yamaha QuieTech and the E-Z-GO RXV Elite Lithium Ion. Having previously owned a BMW i3 EV, the E-Z-GO was our choice. No fumes at all, much quieter and smoother ride. Very little maintenance and no trips to gas station. We also decided we wouldn't be riding in our golf cart for more than 60 miles a day.

Our decision was not based on being green, but we did consider the Li-Ion batteries are being reused for stationary applications and new recycling processes.

We ordered the E-Z-GO from The Villages Golf Cars in Brownwood and customized with better seats, and the usual Villager upgrades - it was over $20k. Our salesperson said they have started using electric golf carts in the Lifestyle vist homes. He also said the loaner program was discontinued.

E-Z-GO, Yamaha, and Club Car are the top US manufacturers of electric golf carts.

If considering other brands (especially foreign brands) realize that quality control, sourcing parts, obtaining technical support, or finding trained service technicians for these golf carts can be difficult. If it matters to you, consider many use Chinese parts, even if assembled in the USA.

We drove one of these Chinese carts and actually liked it better than the E-Z-GO (quieter and peppier), but decided against it due to the quality type issues. It was less expensive, so there is that.

We were also in the market for a new car. We thought we wanted a plug-in hybrid allowing fair electric range with gas backup. But what we learned was that PEVs are only being sold by Hyundai in some states, the closest being Maryland. We considered the hybrid, but the $6000 above market value added made our decision for us. We're fixing up our old car. $5k is cheaper than $50k during these crazy times.

Good luck!

Many years ago (back in the 70's gas crisis) I sold my very cool 327 Camaro V8 for a Pinto to save on gas. I have always regretted this.

Your mileage may vary!
 

Atomic has several models. I've had a Zipper for 3 years and get about 80 miles per charge. Not running the A/C would probable get me more. I made mine street legal by having it inspected by the state and getting a license plate - easy process. Doing this means your insurance will be about what you pay for your car. Speaking about cars I also have a "22 Toyota RAV4 prime whivh gets a little over 50 miles per charge. Living in TV means you dont have to fill it up with gas as 50 miles will get you anywhere and back home. I I take a trip the engine runs and I can go about 600 miles between fill ups.

That is really funny!! Did your Camaro have a six-pack or dual quads?

We recall the gas crises in 73 and 79. They were pretty bad. I had to drive 20 miles to work and my wife would put both kids in the car and wait in a line for over an hour just to buy gas.

Did your experience losing your Camaro to reward yourself with a Pinto (pause typing until I stop laughing) teach you any lessons that have benefitted you during the rest of your life?

P.S. I still miss my 1968 Triumph TR250. Horrible cars in so many ways, but you couldn't help but love them.

Range of electric
 

There’s probably good reason why perhaps 90+ percent of the golf carts in The Villages are Yamaha gas. I came across an elderly couple two days ago (under a shade tree south of the new golf course on Meggison) with dead batteries- waiting to be towed home. Having said that – of course I have a 2021 Yamaha gas for sale :-).

Exactly, right running short errands and just going out together and exploring the villages. I am an amateur photographer, and there are a lot of places I would like to go on TV that are a long walk or a golf cart. I can’t park a car anywhere near them

Excellent, thank you so much, you answer is right on point and helps.

Thank you. Yes I agree cost is not the driving consideration. EV is competitive, but not in all cases.

One of the driving considerations for the Tesla is self driving. Every year I become more concerned about my ability to drive, and so we are certain we will be buying a Tesla, we are just not sure now is that time.

However, I have a problem driving a Jag or Lexus 1 mile to get the mail, it seems wrong, but I can’t walk a mile carrying some of the packages we get, and I don’t always know how heavy the packages are before opening the locker, and once open I can’t re-lock it and come back with a car. A bike with a basket would solve that unless it is raining. Lol.

This is a quality of life question for us. We can afford whatever we decide, but we don’t like spending more than we need to, just because we can afford something doesn’t mean we should.

Then to add to the conplications are health, it is healthier to walk or ride a bike.

So, we are just trying to gather other peoples thoughts and figure out which apply to us .

Thank you for you comment, all three of them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Why did you switch to lithium batteries
 

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.

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, your post was very helpful to me!

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

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.

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.

Electric cars/carts
 

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.

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popc orn:

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

Every time there is a subject of electric powered vehicles you seem to want to jump on the bandwagon with your ridiculous claims that somehow having a vehicle that is not powered by fossil fuels is going to destroy the planet… You are aware that the electricity that goes into an electric vehicle is coming from the same power source as the electricity that goes into your house but power is your lights, refrigerator, stove, etc????? Stop being so ignorant

The Club Car Onward lithium is good for about 27 miles...Maybe TV Golf cars meant the Club Car(?). Yamaha states their new lithium cart is good for 38 miles which makes sense at 105ah:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ps6nlxBEg

Here is the new Evolution D3 lithium that Villages Discount golf cart might be selling soon...About $17K:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbWYrxBbvsY

The EZGO Elite lithium has a 8 year battery warranty...watering lead batteries monthly kinda sucks.

Florida electricity is Nuke and Marcellus NatGas now...I think all the coal plants are shut down.

Golf car research
 

We hate the smell and noise of gas cars. A golf friend was low on gas by the time we got to the golf course and had to ride with someone while we played,, then go on a hunt for g a s.
Star cars have very stiff steering and the dash board amenities are not as nice. We ordered a lithium EZ Go from village golf cars in brownwood.
QUOTE=MartinSE;2070520]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.[/QUOTE]

Worried may be an over statement. I think I said we can afford it, but just because we can afford something doesn't mean we SHOULD buy it.

We switched from electric to gas to ensure long-range travel. I'm not one who is convinced that strip mining earth minerals to produce products manufactured in other countries that will need fossil fuels to be recharged is a good idea.

Go with gas. You don't have to keep gas in the garage unless you have a lawn mower for your yard. Carts have fairly reliable gas gauges, plus there are several "AAA"-type cart rescue services. Be prepared to wait a long time for a new cart. You may want to check out local golf cart dealers. You won't have the convenience of cart repair at the Villages Cart Store, but there are also many reputable service companies that will come to your home to service your cart.