Are electric golf carts good? These carts are popular now-a-days because they are convenient to use. However, you should know how to properly maintain them. There are multiple factors that affect the performance of your vehicle and controlling them can lead to improved performance. Let us find out how long electric golf carts last and how to make them faster.
How Long Do Electric Golf Carts Last?
Are you curious to know how long do electric golf carts last, if yes, then you are in the right place. These carts usually have an average lifespan of around 10-20 years. However, this time span is variable due to the amount of maintenance and upkeep it gets and due to several other factors. If properly maintained, they can last anywhere from 20-40 years as well. Keep in mind, these figures can be much higher as well.
There are many factors that determine how long can an electric golf cart run. They are mentioned here.
1. Maintenance
Maintenance is always important when estimating how long can an electric golf cart run. In this instance, substantial maintenance is required for golf carts, and higher maintenance increases longevity. The lifespan of the golf cart will be impacted by normal wear and tear or damage. Damage can occur to the cart’s structure and construction materials or to the machinery needed for proper operation, such as the engine or battery.
2. Durability
How long a golf cart lasts mostly depends on how durable it is. The cart’s materials and frame must be strong and durable enough to withstand any outside influences. These can include adverse weather conditions or common road bumps. The frames of many golf carts are made of stainless steel, which is a reliable material. This increases toughness and should help your golf cart survive longer, but steel is susceptible to rust.
3. Battery Lifespan
The durability of the battery is equally significant to the exterior durability of the golf cart. The battery may only last 4 to 7 years, whereas a well-maintained golf cart can last up to 30 years. The frequency of golf cart use can also affect this figure. On golf courses, people often use private carts considerably less frequently than public, commercial carts.
4. Environmental Conditions
The lifespan of the golf cart is also influenced by the surface it is driven on. The golf cart can sustain long-term damage from rocky or improperly paved paths. Driving the cart in extremely slick weather can damage the tires or result in electrical shorts if a battery is involved. The battery may also be harmed by the high temperatures of the summer. The exterior of the cart also suffers over time from the relentlessly destructive rays of the sun, leading to general wear and tear. With good care, you can increase the longevity of the electric golf cart that can run.
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How Far Can an Electric Golf Cart Go on a Charge?
Since, now you are aware of how long do electric golf carts last, let us have a look at how far can they go on a charge. So, an electric golf cart that has new batteries will usually cover a distance of anywhere between 25 to 40 miles. However, this is based on the battery configuration, the voltage of the cart, and the model overall. These vehicles are powered by a 36V or 48v electric AC or DC motor or a 4-stroke internal combustion engine.
However, how far can an electric golf cart go on a charge is influenced by several factors as well. They are listed below: –
- If the capacity of the battery is higher, it will cover a greater range.
- Moreover, if the terrain is hilly or uneven, the range of the cart will be impacted and will ultimately be reduced because it will work harder to climb the slopes.
- The load or the number of passengers the cart is carrying will also determine its range. If the load is more, the range will be reduced.
- The driving speed of the golf cart will also impact its range. Higher speeds will drain the battery faster than at slower or more efficient speeds.
- Similarly, if the cart is stopping and starting frequently, it will also impact its range because the motor will have to work harder to accelerate from stoppages.
- The internal conditions of the cart also play a huge role in determining its range apart from the external factors. The condition and the age of the battery will impact its range and performance. If the battery is older, it might lose its capacity to hold a charge which will ultimately reduce its range.
- Weather conditions also play a huge role in affecting the range of the cart. If the temperatures are extreme, whether hot or cold, the performance of the motor and the battery will be impacted, resulting in reduced range.
The next question that follows up is how fast electric golf carts charge. Read on to discover the answer.
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How Fast Do Electric Golf Carts Charge?
If you are planning to own a golf cart, you might also wonder how fast electric golf carts charge due to their big size. Depending on how much battery life is left in the golf cart, it can take anywhere between 3 to 14 hours to charge it fully. However, the charge time of the battery will depend upon the type of battery and how many volts there are in it.
These are some factors that determine the charging time of electric golf cart batteries:
- Battery type
- Charger type
- Temperature
- Discharge level
- Age of the battery
Once you are aware of the charging time and factors that affect it, you should now read about whether you can make an electric golf cart faster or not.
Also Read: How Long Does a Golf Cart Take to Charge?
Can You Make Electric Golf Carts Faster?
How long electric golf carts last is something you know by now. So, let us have a look at whether you can make electric golf carts faster or not.
Yes, you can make the electric golf carts faster. There might be instances when you feel that your golf cart has become slower. However, there are a few ways using which you can increase the speed of your golf cart.
1. Check the Battery
Make sure to check the battery and ensure that it is in good condition. If the battery is not charged fully or is having some issues, there is a high chance that it will slow down your golf cart.
2. Check the Tires
The tires in your golf cart also affect its performance. Hence, make sure that they are inflated to help the cart move more easily over uneven terrain.
3. Clean the Filters
If the air filters are clogged in your golf cart, they will restrict the flow of air to the motor and hence, make the cart run slower.
4. Adjust the Gears
Adjusting the gears will improve the performance of your cart. If there are adjustable gears, make sure that they are set for maximum speed to the best output.
5. Add Weight to the Back
If there is weight at the back of the cart, your cart will move forward easier. This happens due to the increase in traction that the vehicle starts moving faster and easier.
Also See: Exploring the Costs: How Much Are Electric Bikes for Adults?
Are Electric Golf Carts Good?
Now you know how fast electric golf carts charge. So, let us see are electric golf carts good or not. Electric golf carts are used by people because they are smaller compared to other vehicles and can navigate easily through narrow spaces. They carry people and load easily in confined areas. Since they are electric, they are eco-friendly as well. These carts are becoming highly popular for multiple reasons.
But are electric golf carts good? Since you have read how long electric golf carts last, it is safe to say yes, it is good. Read further to know why.
1. Lower Initial Cost
The final price of your electric golf cart will vary depending on the brand and type, and there are many that are more expensive than average. However, in general, electric golf carts are considerably less expensive than gas-powered ones. This is due to the fact that their internal makeup is simpler than that of a petrol model and that they need fewer components to operate.
2. Lower Operational Cost
The same factor that makes electric golf carts less expensive to purchase also makes them less expensive to run. Over time, a gas-powered vehicle will need oil changes and component replacements, adding to the labor and component costs. A battery check and occasional battery replacement are all that are required for an electric buggy. You can get about five years out of your battery if you take good care of it.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Since gas golf carts emit dangerous pollutants, you might occasionally annoy the golfers nearby if you use one. Electric golf carts do not emit any emissions, making them environmentally beneficial. They are greener than their gas-powered equivalents simply because they don’t need to replace parts as frequently.
4. No Noise Pollution
Although you can equip your gas golf cart with a silencer to reduce engine noise, it cannot be entirely silenced. The tranquility of the golf greens may be disturbed as a result. Because they don’t scare away wildlife, electric golf carts were built to be as quiet as possible and are even used for hunting. Electric buggies are the best option if noise pollution is prohibited in your neighborhood.
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5. Less Depreciation
In contrast to their gas-powered counterparts, electric golf carts have less than fifty moving components. This indicates that electric buggies are worth more when sold or traded in than gas-powered ones. In fact, you won’t find many well-maintained petrol models in used golf cart inventories since they just don’t hold their value well.
6. Great Performance
Early electric buggies performed worse than their gas-powered equivalents, but current models have improved performance and faster acceleration, and they can easily match gas versions’ performance capabilities. You can even recharge the batteries when the automobile slows down or descends a hill with features like regenerative braking.
7. Ease of Use
Owning an electric golf cart is undoubtedly less expensive and easier on the wallet than a gas one. You won’t have to continually spend money on fuel, and maintenance will take significantly less time and money. Electric buggies allow access to areas where gasoline-powered carts are not permitted due to pollutants. Additionally, you can charge them using any regular power outlet.
Let us now look at how long electric golf carts last on one charge to understand their charging requirements in a better way.
Also Read: Can You Use a Portable Solar Charger for Electric Car?
How Long Do Electric Golf Carts Last on One Charge?
We saw how long electric golf carts last, but do you know how long they last on one charge? Well, electric golf carts will last anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run-time on a single charge. This means that it can approximately cover a distance of 25 and 40 miles.
How many hours will an electric golf cart last also depends upon the age of the battery as newer batteries have longer run times? The load on the cart, the terrain it is navigating, the weather, and the condition of the motor also have an effect on the amount of time a full charge lasts.
To conclude, how long electric golf carts last mainly depends upon their usage and maintenance. They are a good vehicle and prove to be useful in many ways. This article also covered how far can an electric golf cart go on a charge and what factors affect it. So yes, they are not just restricted to golf greens but are purposeful for other things as well.
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