These carts have become a popular mode of transportation on golf courses and in many residential communities. When it comes to selecting one, the choice between gas and electric can be a dilemma. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between gas vs electric golf carts’ cost, speed, battery, and specs to make the selection easier for you.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts: An Overview
Gas golf carts, also known as gasoline-powered or petrol-powered golf carts, are vehicles that use internal combustion engines fueled by gasoline. They run on combustion engines. These engines are usually four-stroke, but older models might use two-stroke instead. They’re fueled with regular gas like any car or truck.
On the other hand, electric golf carts, also known as battery-powered golf carts or electric vehicles (EVs), are powered by an electric motor and rely on rechargeable batteries for their energy source. They run on battery cells. Most of them are 36-volt or 48-volt. The batteries need to be regularly recharged to keep the cart going. Now, let’s see gas vs electric golf carts battery.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts Battery
Electric golf carts are powered by battery cells that need to be recharged regularly. They are energy-efficient and require less power to fully charge. On the other hand, gas golf carts use 12V batteries and a fuel tank. They use electricity from the battery to start the engine. Electric carts typically use 36-volt or 48-volt battery systems. It’s important to recharge the batteries of electric carts regularly to ensure they work properly.
One concern with electric golf carts is the battery life. You may worry about running out of power or finding a charging station, which can take away from a relaxing day on the golf course. Gas golf carts, on the other hand, don’t need to be charged but require additional long-term costs such as fuel, repair, and maintenance expenses. Now, let’s learn which is faster gas or electric golf cart.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts Speed
Surprisingly, electric carts can achieve higher top speeds than gas carts. Electric carts can reach speeds of 20-24 mph right out of the box, and with performance upgrades, they can even go up to 30 mph! Gas carts, on the other hand, typically reach speeds of 18-20 mph, and there are limited speed upgrades available for them. Electric carts also accelerate faster to reach their top speeds.
When it comes to power, the newer 48V electric carts have more torque compared to gas carts. However, if you plan to use the cart for heavy-duty tasks and consistently put it under a load, a gas cart might be more suitable as it tends to last longer in such demanding conditions. This explains the gas vs electric golf carts’ speed and which among them is faster.
Also Read: How Do Electric Golf Carts Work?
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts: Noise, Ride, and Vibration
After learning which is faster gas or electric golf cart, let’s also explore gas vs electric golf carts’ noise, ride, and vibration. When it comes to noise, ride, and vibration, electric carts take the lead. Gas golf carts make some noise while driving, have mild vibrations, and can feel hot under the seat in the summer. On the other hand, electric carts are almost silent (ideal for hunters), have no vibrations, run cooler, don’t produce exhaust smells, and you don’t need to worry about using a choke button.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts Maintenance
When comparing maintenance needs, electric golf carts are generally easier to maintain than gas golf carts. Electric carts require basic cleaning and upkeep, along with eventual battery replacement.
In contrast, gas carts require regular maintenance, service checks, and oil changes similar to standard vehicles. They may also require repairs or replacement parts, particularly as they get older. Gas-powered golf carts typically have higher maintenance costs to keep the engine and other components in good condition. Now, let’s see what gas vs electric golf carts cost.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts Cost
Gas-powered golf carts are generally less expensive compared to similar-quality electric models. Gas carts typically range in price from $5,000 to $7,000, while electric carts can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. However, electric golf carts often come with more advanced features like automatic braking systems, headlights, and additional safety features, which can justify their higher price.
a) Fuel Cost
The fuel cost is also a part of the overall gas vs electric golf cart cost. The biggest factor affecting the long-term cost of operating a golf cart is fuel expense. Gas carts typically need 1 gallon of gas per round of golf, costing around $5 per round. Electric carts require approximately $0.05-$0.1 worth of electricity to recharge per round. On average, gas carts cost about $800 per year to operate, while electric carts cost around $300 per year. This means electric golf carts are approximately 63% cheaper to operate than gas carts.
b) Resale Value
Electric golf carts are more popular and retain higher resale value compared to gas carts. This is because electric carts are environmentally friendly and don’t need fuel. Gas carts are seen as outdated, leading to reduced demand. Additionally, electric carts have a longer lifespan, making them a better long-term investment.
Also See: How Long Does a Golf Cart Take to Charge?
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts: Reliability
In terms of reliability, both carts are dependable, but electric carts tend to have a longer lifespan compared to gas carts. Electric carts have fewer parts, which means fewer components that can potentially fail. Gas carts, on the other hand, have more parts such as clutches, carburetors, fuel pumps, belts, valves, and starters, increasing the likelihood of potential issues.
Gas Vs Electric Golf Carts Specs
These gas vs electric golf cart specs will give you a summary of these carts.
| Parameters | Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular gas | Battery cells |
| Power | Higher power | Lower power |
| Upfront Cost | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Power Output | More powerful | Less powerful |
| Work Purposes | Better suited for work purposes | Less effective for heavy loads or higher speeds |
| Environmental Impact | Produce carbon monoxide emissions and fumes | Produce zero emissions and are environmentally friendly |
| Long-term Costs | Higher long-term costs for gas, repair, and maintenance | Lower long-term costs for maintenance and charging |
| Energy Efficiency | Less energy-efficient | More energy-efficient |
| Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance tasks | Requires less maintenance (no oil changes) |
| Battery Life | N/A | Concerns about battery life and charging availability |
Also Read: Debunking the Top 10 Myths About Electric Cars: Separating Fact from Fiction
Pros and Cons of Electric Golf Cart and Gas Golf Cart
These are the pros and cons of these carts respectively.
Pros of Electric Golf Carts
- Electric golf carts are highly energy-efficient, as they do not burn fossil fuels and require less power to reach a full charge.
- They eliminate the need for oil, gasoline, and other lubricants, reducing maintenance and overheating risks.
- Electric carts operate quietly, thanks to the absence of controlled explosions.
Cons of Electric Golf Carts
- Most electric golf carts are not suitable for rough or hilly terrain, lacking sufficient power for uphill and downhill driving.
- They can experience overheating due to the increased strain on the battery.
- Moreover, their mileage per charge is generally limited to around 10 miles, necessitating frequent recharging. However, charging overnight or leaving the cart plugged in solves this issue.
Also See: Tearing Down Misconceptions: Most Common Electric Vehicle Tire Myths Busted
Pros of Gas Golf Carts
- Gas-powered golf carts offer superior power, making them suitable for tackling hills and achieving higher speeds.
- They also have a longer driving range compared to most electric models, thanks to larger fuel tanks.
- Additionally, gas golf carts have a wider availability and familiarity among users.
Cons of Gas Golf Carts
- Gas golf carts tend to be more expensive due to their increased power and longer range.
- They also require more maintenance, including regular service checks, oil changes, and repairs.
- Fueling up a gas cart is more costly as well.
Gas vs. Electric Golf Cart: Which is Better?
In conclusion, the debate between gas and electric golf carts ultimately boils down to personal preference and specific requirements. Gas-powered carts offer greater range and refueling convenience but come with noise, emissions, and maintenance needs. On the other hand, electric carts provide quieter operation, zero emissions, and lower operating costs but may have limited range and require recharging.
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