Pros and Cons of Gas vs. Electric Golf Carts

Golfers use golf carts daily on US and international courses. A lot more people use golf carts as their main mode of transportation. The first step in buying a golf cart is choosing between gas and electric. Understanding the pros and cons of these two main types is crucial to pick one of them. 

What are gas-powered golf carts?

Combustion engines are used to drive golf carts that are gas-powered. This means that gas engine, like automobiles and trucks, is fueled by gasoline.

Different motors have different numbers of strokes. Two strokes are used in previous versions, while four strokes are used in newer models. These golf cars move when gas is burned in a confined, cramped space, releasing energy.

What are electric golf carts?

A battery-powered power source is used to drive an electric golf cart, just like an electric vehicle. Normally, these golf carts utilize 36 or 48-volt batteries and can contain up to eight batteries.

In order to continue operating, these golf carts must be recharged. The number of hours used will determine how frequently you need to replenish your batteries.

Gas vs. Electric Golf Carts Comparison

Aspect	Gas Golf Carts	Electric Golf Carts
Power	Internal combustion engine	Electric motor
Fuel/Power Source	Gasoline	Batteries
Emissions	Produce emissions	Zero emissions
Noise	Can be noisy	Quiet operation
Maintenance	Regular maintenance	Less maintenance
Fuel Efficiency	Lower efficiency	Higher efficiency
Operating Costs	Fuel cost	Electricity cost
Environmental Impact	Pollution	Friendly
Performance	Higher speeds and torque	Smoother acceleration
Range	Longer range	Limited by battery
Charging Time	N/A	Longer charging time
Initial Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher initial cost
Resale Value	Lower resale value	Higher resale value

Gas vs. Electric Golf Carts Pros and Cons

Gas Golf Carts Pros & Cons

Despite the fact that gas carts pollute, the newest models are far more environmentally safe because of recent federal rules. Now, however, states have begun to prohibit the use of gas carts in particular areas. You might notice limited or prohibited use in state parks, RV parks, neighborhoods, and golf courses. Before purchasing a gas-powered cart, please confirm that it can be used in all desired areas.

A gas cart is a better choice if you don't have a dependable supply of power for charging an electric cart. Recharging electric carts with a generator may cause damage to the charger or the cart due to the constant power surges.

If you're worried about battery costs every 5 years, gas carts aren't cheaper. Indeed, a set of batteries is expensive, but when you take into account the cost of tune-ups, maintenance, and repairs each season, you are likely to spend more than the cost of batteries.

The cart will initially cost more in gas than in electricity.

Pros and Cons of Electric Golf Carts

If you haven't driven a modern gas cart or electric golf cart in recent years, you're undoubtedly unaware of the significant changes that have occurred!

Electric carts have undergone the most change lately. Manufacturers are under constant pressure from the EPA to enhance the functionality and performance of electric carts. Programmable 'regen speeds' and maximum speeds can now be set using portable programmers, which is a recent development.

The noise level is lower with electric carts. In many instances, they can outperform gas carts in terms of top speeds, downhill slowing (without the use of brakes), and start-up acceleration. Electric golf carts have surpassed their gasoline counterparts!

With the older varieties of Electric Carts, which were powered by a series of 36-volt electric motors, none of this was true. Since then, manufacturers have adopted a 48-volt system; more volts implies longer ride time. Most electric carts now have computer controllers that are very smart and may modify how an electric motor works.

Gas vs. electric golf carts now provide a much wider variety of options. With their new, efficient engines, electric carts can go up to three rounds of golf. Running in the neighborhood, on farms, and on hunting grounds is adequate for using an electric cart. However, a gas cart is the cart for you if you need a work cart so that you may fix fences, for example, from sunrise until dusk.

Conclusion

There are obviously a variety of circumstances in every instance. You must ask yourself the following questions:

1. What's my budget?
2. What will I do with my cart? 
3. Where do I plan to use my cart? 

For most individuals, the electric cart is the least expensive, reliable, and convenient. Gas may be the best option if you have 100 acres or need a "workhorse" cart or no steady power source.