Golf carts won’t just help you navigate around your local golf course better; it will also keep you comfortable and make you look posh while swinging your trusty blade putter. So if you don’t have one yet, now’s the time to consider investing in a good golf cart.
Now you have two choices when it comes to golf carts: gas or electric. Which is better, you might be asking? We’re glad you asked! Below is a simple guide that will help you know the differences between gas vs electric golf carts. Also included are some of their respective pros and cons. Let’s get started!
Gas vs Electric Golf Carts: What Makes Them Different
Gas and electric golf carts are very different in so many ways. For one thing, gas carts run on combustion engines, while its electric counterpart relies more on batteries. Most available gas-powered carts these days come with 4-stroke engines, which can be powered up with gas or diesel. Meanwhile, standard electric carts have 36- or 48-volt rechargeable battery cells, as well as a power regulation system.
Another difference between gas vs electric golf carts is their pollution and noise levels. Most people consider electric carts to be “greener” since they emit no carbon monoxide. Additionally, they also tend to perform less noisily than their gas-powered cousins. However, it should be noted that newer gas cart models come with features that help minimize these pollutants as well as enable it to perform quietly.
Other differences between the two include its maintenance, its overall durability, and its price in the market, among many things. You’ll have to take all these factors into consideration before deciding which cart to buy. That way, you can make sure you end up with the best golfing cart to drive at the course.
Pros and Cons of Gas Golf Carts
Aside from the differences between gas vs electric golf carts, you need to check out their pros and cons before buying one. That way, you can gain more insights about the products you’re considering, allowing you to make a better-informed decision. With that in mind, let’s check out the strengths and weaknesses of gas carts.
The Pros
They’re Faster
Combustion engines produce more power than batteries, thus allowing gas golf carts to run at faster speeds.
They Can Carry Heavier Loads
Its larger power output also enables gas carts to carry bigger loads, making it perfect for heavy set golfers and for storing most of your clubs, gear, and equipment.
They Can Handle Slopes Better
And since they can bring more horsepower, they’re better equipped to deal with upward slopes. This makes gas carts better for courses with uneven ground.
They Can Handle Longer Distances
With its combustion engine and higher power output, gas golf carts will help you pass through longer distances. This makes it perfect if you’re playing at a particularly spacey golf course.
They’re Easier to Power Up
The best part is, it’s easy to power up a gas golf cart. All you need to do is take it to your nearest gas station and fill its tank with its required fuel.
The Cons
They’re Less Environment Friendly
Unfortunately, the same combustion engine that gives gas carts such a high power output also makes the vehicle less environment-friendly.
They Pose More Threat to Your Health
Since it tends to produce carbon monoxide and other pollutants while running, gas golf carts can be hazardous to your health. If you have a history of respiratory problems, you’d be better off choosing electric carts instead.
They Perform More Noisily
Another complaint golfers have about gas carts is its noisy performance, which is mainly due to the engine’s many components.
They Come With Higher Operating Cost
Moreover, due to the fuel needed to run them, gas carts tend to have a higher operating cost. Wth gas prices constantly rising, this may put you off from buying one.
They Require More Maintenance
And like your car, gas carts require regular maintenance, tune-ups, and occasional part replacements.
Pros and Cons of Electric Golf Carts
Now that you know the pros and cons of using gas carts, time to learn the strengths and weaknesses of its electric counterpart. So without further ado:
The Pros
They Have Zero Emissions
Since they rely on batteries rather than engines, electric golf carts produce zero emissions. This makes them more environment friendly than their gas-powered counterparts.
They Produce Little Noise
Aside from producing less pollutants, electric carts perform less noisily. If you want to navigate through the course without disturbing other players, then this cart is for you.
They Require Less Maintenance
Compared to gas carts, electric golf vehicles require virtually less maintenance. Aside from replacing broken parts occasionally, all you need to worry about is making sure your battery is in tip-top shape.
They’re Generally Cheaper
With more and more people choosing electric carts over gas ones, manufacturers nass-produce these electric vehicles to meet the demand. And to make sure their products get bought, most of them come with lower price tags.
They’re Somewhat Safer
Lastly, electric carts are relatively safer to use. With no combustion engine, there’s less chance for the vehicle to suffer leaks and fires.
The Cons
Their Battery Life is Hard to Monitor
Because most of a battery’s components are inside it, it’s hard for you to monitor them. This makes it more challenging for you to check its useful life.
Their Onsite Charging Centers are Still Limited
Despite electric golf carts and vehicles becoming more popular in recent years, you’ll still have a hard time finding onstire charging centers to replenish your battery’s power.
Their Replacement Parts Are Hard to Find
Also, replacement parts for electric carts are fewer compared to their gas-powered cousins. However, this is slowly changing due to the electric cart’s rising popularity.
They Produce Less Power Output
Finally, electric golf carts produce less power output than gas carts. This makes it more challenging for the vehicle to run faster, carry heavy loads, and climb up slopes.
Gas vs Electric Golf Carts: Which is Better?
So which should you drive? Gas golf carts or electric ones. Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. Since both are great if you want to move around the course more freely, choosing either is no big deal. Just make sure you take the time to know their differences and their respective pros and cons.
