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Choosing the Right Electric or Gas Golf Cart, Everything to Consider

Mar. 15 2021 Carts and Accessories By Cart Barn

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Looking For An Electric or Gas Golf Cart? Here’s How To Choose The Perfect One For You


A day on the golf course, a quick drive to the pool with the family, or daily transportation around the work lot--an electric or gas golf cart is all you need to top off these adventures.

When it comes to deciding to add a cart to your lifestyle, that decision is easy. The decision-making becomes more complex when it comes time to choose which cart is going to add the most value to your life, have the features you’re looking for, is compatible with your lifestyle or line of work, and, ultimately, is all you want.


Electric vs. Gas-Powered Golf Carts, What Do You Need?

When put simply, carts can be categorized into two: gas-powered and electric. As electric golf carts have certainly gained popularity in recent years, gas carts are still a common option for cart owners as well. So what’s best for you?


Gas-Powered Carts … 

  • Run on combustion engines

  • Generally cost cart owners more money to operate and maintain

  • Run on traditional fuel and produce carbon monoxide emissions

  • Tend to be noisy and smelly when running

  • Need frequent oil changes and replacement parts

  • You don’t have to charge them, just refuel

  • They have more torque and better for hill climbing


Electric Carts … 

  • Run on lithium or lead-acid battery

  • Tend to be cheaper for cart owners to operate and maintain

  • Are quieter than gas-powered carts

  • Require charging

  • Produce no fumes or emissions … which means going green!


With STAR EV’s battery-powered golf carts, you sure can take a step toward the green movement. Rather than driving gas-powered vehicles that run on traditional fuel and produce carbon monoxide emissions, electric vehicles produce no fumes or emissions. And even better, STAR’s lithium-ion charged golf carts play into the performance and longevity of the cart when compared to more traditional lead acid batteries.

With all the benefits electric carts have to offer, you really can’t go wrong. So you’ve made the decision, electric cart it is! But there are decisions to be made from this point forward too. 

There sure is a range of electric golf carts on the market today, ones that offer different capabilities, distances, uses, and preferences. Here's all you need to know to choose the right electric golf cart for you!


Lithium-ion vs. Lead Acid Golf Cart Batteries

When it comes to electric golf carts, there are two types to choose from: lithium-ion or lead acid battery-powered. Lead acid batteries were used for golf carts for years, but more recently, lithium-ion batteries have made their way into the game and taken over the golf cart game.


Lead Acid

  • Lead acid carts account for approximately 79% of the golf cart market, according to ICON Electric Vehicles. Having been on the market much longer than lithium-ion carts, lead acid has been the go-to for cart-buyers for decades. 


Lithium-ion:

  • There’s no question that when compared to lead-acid, lithium-ion batteries have a higher upfront cost for consumers. That being said, the longevity of lithium-ion is superior to lead acid, making that upfront cost worth it in the long run.

  • These batteries charge quicker meaning less time charging, less energy used which means more money saved, and more time riding!

  • On average, lithium-ion batteries can cycle up to 10 years and generally have a warranty of up to 6-8 years. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries can last roughly 4-5 years with good maintenance.

  • Lithium-ion also requires no maintenance!


We’re thrilled to have recently added STAR to our fleet here at CartBarn. STAR offers lithium-ion battery options in all of their models


Electric Golf Cart Style

From car to home to design, a quality look and eye-catching style is a priority to consider, so what style are you looking for?

Whether you’re a fan of the luxury look, are into bright and exotic, or tend to be attracted to traditional and simplicity, there’s no question you’ll want an electric golf cart that’s you. All of our electric vehicles here at CartBarn can be customized to be just that! 

You’ll have the option to add upgrades to any type of vehicle--wheels, premium seating, color, music, canopy, and more. What style best fits you? The possibilities are endless.


Brand Preference

Here at CartBarn, we carry some of the industries top brands and golf cart models on the market. Between Club Car, EZ-Go, ICON, Cushman, and STAR Electric Vehicles, we have several options to choose from within every brand. So, do you have a brand preference?

Different brands offer different styles and features, so it’s up to you which one fits into your type of lifestyle.


Battery Preference

Between the different styles of battery and gas-powered vehicles on the market, there are a lot of options to choose from. Our carts come with powertrain options so you can choose gas, standard battery, or high performance battery is right for you.


Number of Seats

From two-seaters to vehicles that carry up to six people, the number of seats certainly varies in electric golf carts and it’s something to consider when looking for a vehicle.

Think about what you’ll be using your cart for. If your cart's purpose will be to transport your four person family around the neighborhood, a four-seater is likely what you’ll want to look for in an electric golf cart. The rear seats flip down into a flatbed-like for any groceries or cargo you may need to transport! If golfing is all you’ll be doing with your cart, consider a golf-style two-seater.

No matter what you’ll be using your cart for, keep in mind that the more seats your cart has, the faster your electric battery will lose its charge. Two-seaters have the ability to travel more miles on one charge than carts with four or six seats will.


Space and Moving Capabilities

Will you be moving heavy or large items with your electric golf cart or will your vehicle be used for only stylish transportation? Consider the amount of space and the features you want your cart to have so you’re able to use it as you desire. 

Some cart models can support more weight than others, while Club Car and Cushman brands have a great variety of commercial vehicles to support moving cargo. The abilities of your new electric golf cart are endless if you choose the right model for you!


CartBarn, Northern Nevada’s #1 Electric Golf Cart Dealer

When you know what to look for in an electric golf cart, getting the one perfect for your lifestyle is simple. And when you need an expert to help streamline the process and get you your perfect vehicle, the CartBarn pros are here to help!