Which is better, a gas golf cart or an electric golf cart? If you are looking to purchase a golf cart, this is a debate you will have to engage in to make an informed decision. While both golf carts will take you from a to b, there are some factors you need to consider before spending your money.
You need to consider the benefits and drawbacks that both golf carts present. In this article, we take a look at these factors in detail to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive right in.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Gas or Electric Golf Cart
Forget all the theories you have heard and try to be open-minded of both the carts. Your considerations may not be the same as those of another person. For instance, your golf course may not be as large as that of the other party.
Purchasing Cost
The purchasing price of gas and electric golf carts are quite similar. Manufacturers tend to produce the same design for both types; however, the price changes depending on specifications. For instance, basic models of gas carts are cheaper compared to customized models with luxury features.
High-end gas golf carts for industrial use are highly-priced due to their performance. The same applies to electric golf carts with slight differences in prices based on different manufacturers.
Golf Cart Usage
Golf carts powered by gasoline cover more distance than electric carts. Depending on the battery, you will cover about 25 miles before recharging the battery. On the other hand, a gas cart can cover up to 180 miles when filled with six gallons of gasoline.
If you are planning on customization, a gas cart is ideal for you. The efficiency of electric carts reduces with an increase in weight as a result of the add-ons. It is also more efficient to use a gas cart if you are operating on a large golf course.
Gasoline carts are best suited for running maintenance and other heavy tasks because of their high horsepower averaging between 10 to 14 hp. On the other hand, electric carts are less powerful, with their horsepower averaging between 4 to 6 hp.
Golf Cart Maintenance
Both carts require regular maintenance. However, gas carts are more demanding than electric carts. For instance, you only need to check the electrolyte levels in the electric cart batteries and ensure the charge is at the required level.
On the other hand, gas carts require regular and routine maintenance, such as replacing oil filters. The spark plugs should also be functioning correctly, or else the cart won’t start. All in all, it is easier to maintain an electric cart than you would a gas golf cart.
Operational Costs
With the cost of petroleum increasing day by day, an electric cart’s operational cost is slightly cheaper than that of a gas cart. However, one will argue on the number of times you have to recharge an electric cart before refilling a gas cart.
You are likely to replace more parts in a gas golf cart than you would an electric cart. A gas cart has many moving parts, which once in a while will require replacement. The only main part that warrants replacement in an electric cart is the battery.
The life span of a standard battery is about five years. It will even be cheaper to replace the parts of an electric cart because companies are now producing fewer gasoline carts.
Speed and Comfort
Speed of the cart is not a big deal on the golf course. However, there is a need to put it under consideration because once in a while, you will need speed. Electric carts are currently the fastest in the market, with up to 30 mph for some models. Gasoline carts, on the other hand, have top speeds of 20 mph.
Would you prefer a noisy ride or a smooth ride? If silence is your take, then an electric cart is the best option. Once a gas cart starts getting old, it produces more noise. Also, the vibrations make it quite an uncomfortable ride.
However, there are some models of gas carts in the market that barely make any noise. An electric cart is a more comfortable ride than a gas cart.
Environmental Pollution
This consideration is entirely dependent on how you view the environment. Is your surrounding environment of any concern to you as an individual? If yes, then you need to go for the electric golf cart. Gasoline-powered carts produce carbon emissions due to the burning of fuel which, as we all know, is not good for the environment.
Electric carts are eco-friendly and produce zero gases. Check this out, you could be refilling your gas tank and the fuel spills on the ground. That spillage affects the microorganisms around that area.
Resale Prices of Golf Carts
Most people don’t put this factor under consideration. There may come a time you will need to resell your cart, and this is what you will have to look up to. While purchasing the cart, the prices between an electric and a gas cart are quite similar.
However, when reselling people prefer the gas carts more mainly because replacing batteries is relatively expensive compared to replacing other parts of a gas cart.
What Should I choose, Electric Golf Cart or Gas Golf Cart?
Before you make your choice consider the above factors, ask yourself if either of the carts meets your needs. Will the cart be meant for business or maintenance purposes? Once you can align these factors with your expectations, then you are good to make your choice. Ensure that you consider the usage of your cart and the terrain of your golf course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will a gas golf cart last?
The average lifespan of a gas golf cart is about 30 to 40 years. It is, however, dependent on the manufacturer and the model of the cart.
Q: Should I leave my electric golf cart plugged in all the time?
No. Leaving the cart plugged in all the time will damage the battery. Some charging systems are automatic, and they will stop charging once the battery is full. It takes about 10 hours to charge the batteries. Therefore you can leave it plugged in for that while until it is fully charged, then you can plug out.
Q: Why are gas golf carts more expensive than electric?
It is not true that gas carts are more expensive than electric carts, and neither is the opposite. The truth is that different manufacturers produce different models. These models are priced differently. If you are keen, the prices are quite similar, and the only thing that throws them off is customization and specialized features.
Conclusion
Gas golf carts are powerful, and you can easily resell them. You can cover a long distance before you think of refueling. Unlike the electric cart, you don’t have to worry about it running out of fuel while on the course because you can carry a gallon along and have a refill. The gas golf carts perform better in harsh terrains and can even go off-road.
Electric carts are eco-friendly and produce less noise. This feature makes them suitable for use even in residential areas. They are faster and reasonably cheaper to operate. Moving from one place to another is more comfortable on an electric cart.
Whether you chose an electric golf cart or a gas golf cart is entirely up to you. Hopefully, you have understood the dynamics of both carts and the benefits they have over each other. You can now make an informed decision based on your requirements.
Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Tom Fiore
Hey ! I'm Tom. I have been playing Golf for most of my adulthood and have an experience of about 10+ Years. I love to guide people on their golf journey and share my experience of playing Golf, using products and all the tips I have for people out there ! Thanks for reading my blog.