April 2019 April 2019 | Page 30

E lectric C arts O perating C osts | P ros | C ons Gas or electric? That’s one of the first choices you’ll need to make when choosing a golf cart. There are pros and cons to each - the type that’s right for you depends on your personal preference and how you plan to use the cart. Electric Golf Cart OVERVIEW Electric Golf Cart PROS Electric golf carts run on batteries and require regular charging. They can be plugged into a standard outlet or you can purchase a portable charger. Typically, an electric golf cart gets about two hours of continuous running time on a single charge. Most electric golf carts have 3 to 5 horse- power. • • • COST of Electric Golf Carts Electric golf carts are very similar in price to gas golf carts. In fact, many manufacturers produce identical models in both gas and electric versions. Prices range from about $4,000 to more than $15,000. But standard models with features such as headlights, windshields and zip covers usually fall in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Replacement batteries are expensive - they run about $600. But if you take good care of the golf cart, the batteries should only need replacing every five or six years. 30 WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM Quieter - Electric golf carts are much quieter than gas golf carts, producing almost no sound. Because of this, some golf courses and residential communities require them. Eco-Friendly - Electric golf carts are friendlier to the environment because they do not produce harmful emissions. Cheaper To Operate - They’re less expensive to operate on a day-to-day basis because you don’t have to buy fuel. Operating an electric golf cart costs just $.02 to $.04 per mile. Electric Golf Cart CONS • • • Less Convenient - Electric golf carts need to be plugged in to charge, usually overnight. And if you run out of battery power in the middle of the golf course or the middle of the woods, you’re out of luck. Not As Powerful - Electric golf carts have far less horsepower than their gas cousins. They’re not ideal for rough terrain or steep inclines. Shorter Running Time - A fully-charged electric golf cart won’t operate as long as a gas golf cart with a full tank.