Gas vs. Electric Golf Carts: The Pros and Cons of Each – Jalopnik

Golf carts are incredibly useful modes of transportation, and not just for those who play golf. They can be used to transport people around airports, theme parks, holiday resorts and large estates. They are lightweight, maneuverable and simpler than cars or trucks, making them great solutions for moving groups of people from one place to another – provided, of course, that the movement does not take place on a public highway, as it is illegal to drive your golf cart on the road in many US states.

Given their usefulness, it can be easy to come to the conclusion that you need a golf cart. But which approach is right for you: gas or electric? As you might expect, there are a lot of similarities between the two – after all, they were both designed with the same goal in mind – but there’s also a lot that separates them. Cost, efficiency, simplicity, effectiveness on different terrain types and storage considerations are just some of the ways gas and electric powered golf carts differ.

As a general rule, a new golf cart today costs anywhere from $5,000 to $18,000, while used models can fetch around 50% of those figures, depending on age, condition and manufacturer. Fun fact: Harley-Davidson used to make golf carts, even though they date from the ’60s and ’80s and are now mainly seen as collectibles. So, before you splash out a lot of money, read this carefully and consider whether a gas or electric golf cart is best suited to your needs.

One of the most important things to consider when deciding which type of golf cart to purchase is the cost. There is no hard and fast rule about whether gasoline or electric carts are cheaper; it largely depends on the brand and the exact details of the powertrain.

Take EZGO carts as an example. The company offers a selection of gas and electric carts, such as the Express 6, which is ideal for a wide range of applications. The electric version uses powerful lithium batteries – not something all EVs boast – and is available in Touring trim with an electric powertrain starting at $13,474. For the same car in the same trim with a gas engine you have to spend an extra $200.

However, the opposite is true with the Yamaha Drive2. This entry-level car costs $9,950 with a gas engine or $10,170 with an electric motor. Regardless of your preference, the initial purchase cost is relatively close. However, costs can vary as you delve deeper into the property. However, here too it is not exactly clear. Some outlets claim that although gas cart maintenance is more complicated, it is also significantly cheaper. Others suggest electric carts will become cheaper over time, due to lower maintenance and fuel bills.

The truth is that the pros and cons in terms of cost largely depend on the model you buy. Sometimes the gas model is cheaper, and sometimes it costs more. Buying gas and performing maintenance services are disadvantages for gas models, but electric carts also require maintenance over time.

Here’s where things become a little clearer, although again there are points that favor each type of powertrain when it comes to efficiency and range. Naturally, the electric carts are cleaner and more efficient than gas-powered carts because they do not burn gas and pollute the environment. However, when it comes to reach, victory quickly turns the other way.

The distance an electric car can travel on a full charge varies, largely depending on the battery it uses. Those with regular 48-volt batteries can typically expect a range of between 25 and 40 miles, while carts equipped with lithium batteries can expect a range of around 50 miles per charge – more than enough to roam a golf course, for sure.

However, for applications that require longer reach, gas-powered carts are the clear winner. A typical gas cart can expect a speed of up to 30 miles per gallon, which on average translates to a rough usable range of about 125 miles. The bigger the tank, the greater the range. So if the expected use of your golf cart is driving around a hospital or navigating a simple golf course, chances are a zero-emissions electric cart will work just fine. On the other hand, if the intention is to traverse an estate day in and day out, electric power will likely leave you with range anxiety. Instead, opt for a gas cart and leave the charging stations alone.

You might immediately assume that electric golf carts are the easier option when it comes to maintenance, and in many ways you’re right. Electric models do not require oil changes, fuel filters, spark plugs or fuel pumps. Sure, that’s all true, but those gas-related bills are small compared to the costs an electric cart owner might face. Instead, electric carts come with bills for replacement motors and batteries. Replacement batteries can run owners between $800 and $2,000 every four to six years, while replacing motors can incur a similar expense.

On the other hand, maintaining a gas golf cart is likely to be cheaper because routine maintenance mainly includes things like oil changes and filter replacements. However, this work is more common: an electric car may run for years before reaching any of the above bills, while a petrol car may require annual mechanical attention.

Whichever approach you choose, the good news is that both electric and gas carts generally prove to be reliable, which largely comes down to their simplicity. These are light machines (don’t try to pick one up, relatively speaking), and they’re also not performance-oriented, meaning the drivetrains aren’t usually put under much strain. Regardless of which fuel type you prefer, your vehicle of choice should run for years without any major problems, as long as you stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance program.

When it comes to actually driving golf carts, there are clear pros and cons for both types of drivetrains. The main performance advantage of an electric car is similar to that of an electric car: power and torque are available almost immediately, often leading to spirited acceleration. Since golf carts are typically used for short distances, this is ideal for getting up and going quickly. In general, electric carts also have higher top speeds than gas models, which again is ideal for quickly darting from location to location.

However, there are disadvantages to using electric carts. For example, suppose you are traversing particularly uneven or steep terrain. Electric carts will struggle due to a lack of overall power. Of course, different tires and larger batteries can help here, but out of the box a gas car will generally do better in such conditions. With that extra grunt, gas carts are of course also better suited for transporting heavy loads. Whether it’s people or cargo, if you plan to load your cart regularly, gasoline may be the better choice.

In addition, extreme weather conditions are not good for electrical performance. So if you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, a gas-powered model may be the best way to ensure predictable performance. When mild weather and smooth, paved surfaces are the order of the day, an electric car is probably the best choice. However, uneven terrain, harsh weather conditions and steep climbs require throttle power.

If you’re looking for a cart for short and easy trips, you might think something electric is the best choice. Electric carts are easy to maintain and cost-effective. Plus, you don’t have to buy gas, they don’t smell or sound as mechanical, and they’re more environmentally friendly. However, you also need to consider storage, and if you plan to only use the cart occasionally, a gas model may be the best option.

Electric carts do not like sitting for long periods of time. If stored for long periods of time, their overall performance may decrease, leading to expensive motor or battery replacement if restoring lost performance is necessary.

On the other hand, by simply adding a touch of fuel stabilizer to the tank, a gas-powered car can run happily for months and still start fine when you get back to it, with no drop in performance. Some fuel stabilizers are better than others, so make sure you do your homework before using one. That said, other than leaving it on a trickle charge or simply disconnecting the battery, there’s really little else you need to do before putting away a gas golf cart.