Gas vs Electric Golf Carts
One of the most heated golf cart debates is whether to choose a gas-powered golf cart or an electric golf cart. There are pros and cons to each type of cart, but it would be hard to decide until you know more about them.
Let's be fair! Both have their places in the world. But it's up to you to figure out which is the best for you.
Gas or Electric Golf Cart: Which Is Better?
Understanding the difference between gas and electric golf carts is not enough to make your final decision. You need to compare all the features and functions of each type. For example, how many passengers can each carry? What is the storage size?
To make things a little bit easier, we've prepared a quick list that sums up the essential factors you should consider.
Comparison of a Gas Golf Cart vs Electric Golf Cart
The Pros
Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts |
Faster speed | Produce zero emissions |
Can carry heavy loads | Produce less or no noise |
Easy to refill | Cost much less |
More powerful to climb up hills | Requires less maintenance |
Best for long distances | Cheaper to operate |
They’re a safer option |
The Cons
Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts |
Use fuel which produces more pollution | Can be challenging to estimate battery life |
Produce emissions which is a health threat | Usually cannot recharge onsite if the battery runs out of power |
Can be noisy | |
Requires consistent maintenance | |
High operating cost | |
Can get messy |
How to Decide Which Golf Cart is Right For You?
If you plan to add a golf cart to your collection, you need to make some decisions first. One of the important decisions is to choose either a gas or electric golf cart. In this article, we've broken down the essential factors of gas vs. electric golf carts.
Energy and Operation
The very first thing that makes the two types different is how they work. Gas carts get energy from gasoline. These carts are run by regular gas, just like standard cars, and petrol is the most used fuel type for new gas-powered models. Also, new gas-powered carts are lighter and more powerful.
The process is a bit different with electric golf carts. Instead of running on gas, electric carts depend on battery cells. Most of the electric carts are 36-volt or 48-volt. It is best to recharge an electric cart’s batteries regularly to keep them working properly.
Price of the Cart
Price is a factor that represents them on another level. But it isn't easy to compare both types of carts based on price as so many factors are figured into their cost. Generally, used gas golf carts are more expensive than electric carts. On the other hand, electric carts are cheaper based on condition and batteries. When you compare the gas pricing with the electric, the gas golf cart is always going to cost more.
You will want to be sure about your budget before you decide on your golf cart. Your decision may have a big impact on your future expenses.
Strength And Durability
Strength and durability depend on the model. Usually, people think gas carts are more powerful and durable than electric. This can be true if you consider older 36v golf carts. However, the new 48v carts, especially the Yamaha and EZGO AC electric carts, are more powerful and better than many gas carts.
Air Pollution of the Golf Cart
Gas golf carts run on traditional fuel and produce carbon monoxide emissions. These carts do have a 'gas smell,' especially in the garage or shed. Some new gas-powered models do a much better job at minimizing this.
Electric golf carts give off no fumes, and no emissions are being released into the air. Being environment friendly is one of the main advantages of owning an electric golf cart.
Golf Cart Maintenance
Every golf cart requires regular maintenance to keep them healthy and running smoothly, but the type and time spent on care will vary based on the cart's model, brand, size, and power source. The maintenance of an electric cart is relatively easy. All you need to do is focus on the batteries and clean them once in a while.
These golf carts need to be charged after every use. Apart from this, you need to check water and electrolyte levels in the cart's batteries and keep them at the proper charge level. Learn more about golf cart battery charging tips here(Link to our blog, which is not published yet).
Gas-powered golf carts require things like oil and filter changes, and often require replacement parts, including anything from a spark plug to a starter belt, and more. Gas carts also need a steady stream of fuel, and that will cost you every time you're at the fuel pump.
Noise Level
One of the best things about the electric golf cart is they are quiet and make very little noise. On the other end, gas-powered golf carts are a bit noisy. However, new models are better and less noisy than older ones. If the noise level is a big concern for you, you probably will want to go for an electric golf cart.
Mess
Gas golf carts are quite messy as you need to fill them with gas, watch for any leaks, etc. In general, dealing with gasoline compared to dealing with electric is a bit more of a mess.
Final Words
Now that you know the general difference between gas and electric golf carts, it's time to start finalizing which one is for you. Which kind of golf cart matches your unique needs best?
Gas or electric, browse through our collection for gas and electric golf cart accessories.