Gas vs Electric Golf Carts

Introduction About Golf Carts

Golf carts are popular among golfers worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles plying the numerous courses in the United States and across the world on a daily basis. Golf carts are also a popular form of public transportation in the United States. Golf car ownership has exploded in popularity since the mid-2000s, with more than 100,000 golf carts sold every year. The majority of golf cart drivers (66 percent) use their vehicles for everyday transportation. Anyone who’s considered buying a golf cart knows you have to choose between gas and electric models.

Both gas and electric golf carts have their advantages, but the decision of which to buy ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. In this post, we’ll look at the key battle points of the gas vs. electric golf carts debate.

About Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts are the newer alternative to their gas-guzzling counterparts. They have become increasingly popular over the past decade due to being both more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which makes them a great option for those who want an environmentally aware choice that isn’t solely based on price.

About Gas Golf Carts

For individuals who want the flexibility to go wherever they choose on the street or on the golf course, gas golf carts are an excellent choice. Gas carts don’t require any charging, so you can take them out and use them as soon as you please. They also offer more power than electric carts, meaning that hills and other difficult terrains won’t slow you down.

Cost

The general rule is that gas-powered carts cost more than electric ones do. While this is not always the case, it is a good rule of thumb to remember.  The cost of the cart itself, as well as the maintenance and fuel costs, are all factors that contribute to this rule.

Electric carts are also cheaper to maintain because they have fewer parts that can wear down. There is no need for oil changes, tune-ups, or spark plugs with an electric cart.

Gas carts also require more frequent tune-ups, which can cost up to $100 each time. Not to mention the ever-rising cost of fuel.

If you’re buying a golf cart, consider all of the aspects and select the fuel type that works best for you.

Performance Difference Between Gas and Electric Golf Carts

While electric carts are generally cheaper, they do not offer the same performance as gas-powered ones.

Electric carts have smaller wheels and tires than gas carts, and they do not offer the same level of grip.

Additionally, electric carts cannot climb hills as easily as gas-powered carts can. This is because electric motors do not have as much torque as gas engines.

If you’re looking for a cart that can handle more difficult terrain, a gas cart will likely be your best bet.

Noise Level

While gas carts may take the performance crown, electric carts are certainly quieter.

Electric motors are nearly silent, and the only noise you’ll hear is from the wind. This makes electric carts perfect for anyone who wants to play golf in silence or cruise and listen to music.

Gas carts, on the other hand, are quite loud and produce a significant amount of noise while you ride. The sound of a gas engine can be quite irritating, so if you’re looking for a peaceful ride an electric cart is the way to go.

Reliability and Maintenance

Regardless of the golf cart you choose, it will need routine maintenance.

For Gas-powered golf carts, this routine maintenance looks like regular tune-ups and oil changes. Another thing to keep in mind with gas golf carts is how important it is to keep the engine cool. This helps prevent the engines from seizing up and causing more problems down the line.

Electric golf carts, on the other hand, are less complex machines. They do not require tune-ups or oil changes and they will never overheat. However, that does not mean they are maintenance-free. In fact, Electric golf carts are anything but maintenance-free.

To keep your electric cart in tip-top shape it requires regular charging after every use. It is also suggested that even if the cart is not being used regularly it gets charged every few weeks. Setting a date once a month to charge your golf cart is an easy way to keep track of when you’ve last charged it.

In addition to regular charging, checking your battery’s water levels and keeping them clean is a must. If you don’t keep your batteries in good condition, they will not last as long as they should and could result in them dying well before they should. Again it is recommended you check your battery pack water levels on a monthly basis. With proper maintenance and care the typical electric golf cart battery pack can last 4-5 years.

No matter what fuel type golf cart you buy, it is important to keep up with the routine maintenance in order to get the most out of your investment.

Pros and Cons

Electric Golf Carts

Pros:

• Zero Emissions
• Less Noise
• Generally Cheaper
• Less Maintenance
• Cheaper to operate

Cons:

• Can generally only be charged from certain outlets/power volts
• Battery life inconsistencies
• Slower

Gas Golf Carts

Pros:

• Faster and better performance in hilly terrain
• Heavier load capacity
• Better for long distances
• Start and go
• Way easier to refuel

Cons:

• More expensive
• Noisy
• Consistent maintenance
• Higher cost of operation

Conclusion

The decision to purchase an electric golf cart or a gas-powered one is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are many factors that come into play when deciding which type of vehicle you should buy, and we hope the information we provided makes it easier for you to make your own informed decision. If there’s anything else we can help with, or any other questions you may have please let us know. We would be happy to help.