Gas Vs. Electric Golf Carts: What's the Difference?

There are many different types of golf carts on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. So, which is better for you: gas or electric golf carts?

If you're trying to decide between a gas or electric golf cart, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we provide you with all the information you need to know about golf carts and the various methods by which they are powered. 

We want to help you determine whether a gas or electric golf cart is best for you. 

What Is a Golf Cart?

A golf cart is a small motor vehicle used around a golf course to transport golfers and their bags or belongings from one point to another. They are propelled by either an electric motor or a gasoline-powered engine.

Because the golf course is so big, golf carts are needed to get around it. This allows the players to focus on the game as opposed to how to get to other points in the course.

We shall explore two significant types of golf carts in use today: gas and electric.

Gas Golf Carts

These are gasoline engine-powered golf carts. How do they work? When one steps on the acceleration pedal, the cart moves, and once the foot is removed, the cart stops.

Gas-powered golf carts were an innovation to ensure that they save on gas and that the golf course is primarily quiet unless someone moves. Gas carts can also produce carbon monoxide emissions that harm the environment.

Electric Golf Carts

An electric motor is what runs an electric golf cart. Electric carts are charged by plugging the cart into a wall outlet. But it's important to remember that, thanks to innovation, some golf carts now have solar panels that charge their batteries. This is one way to use renewable energy.

Differences Between the Gas Golf Carts and Electric Golf Carts

To further understand the two golf carts in use, we shall compare the different characteristics and features specific to each of these carts.

Buying price

The price of electric and gas golf carts are in the same range. Most manufacturers who manufacture both of them sell them at nearly the same price. But it's important to know that electric golf carts made in China are much cheaper than gas golf carts.

Cost of maintaining and operating the carts

In analyzing both, the cost of maintaining a gas golf cart is higher than that of an electric golf cart. This is because so many parts are involved in running a gas-powered engine; therefore, the wear and tear are significant.

As a result, repairs and replacements are necessary, unlike with an electric golf cart whose motor runs on electricity. Thus, the electric golf cart has very few moving parts and, therefore, little to no repairs or replacements are required.

The gas golf cart also has higher operational costs due to the use of gas. Electricity could be reserved and used over a longer period of time as compared to gas. Further, if you consider the electric golf carts that use solar panels to run them, those practically run at no cost, making them much cheaper to operate.

Speed and performance

Electric golf carts are much faster than gasoline-run golf carts. They can achieve speeds of between 20 and 24 mph, even without modification. With modifications, they quickly attain a speed of up to 30 mph.

A gas golf cart's usual speed ranges between 18 and 20 mph. Manufacturers have had a hard time changing the gas golf cart to make it go faster.

It is also a fact that electric golf carts attain their top speeds faster than gas golf carts. This means that they also perform notably better than gas golf carts.

Noise, ride, and vibration

Gas golf carts make a lot of noise while in transit. They also vibrate while in use, which causes them to produce a lot of heat from under their seats, making them uncomfortable to use in the summer.

On the other hand, electric golf carts are significantly quieter. This makes them preferable on the golf course because it allows the players to focus. They have no vibration.

Reliability

Both golf carts are reliable; however, electric cars are more reliable because the time of service between charges lasts way longer than the time between gas refills. Besides, the number of parts that gas golf carts have, makes them more susceptible to ruined and damaged parts.

Comfort

Due to the silence of electric golf carts, they are comfortable. They are the ideal golf cart to move around with because they do not vibrate much.

Gas golf carts are noisy and, thus, very uncomfortable to be around. Paired with the fact that there is so much vibration involved in the gas golf cart renders them a not-so-good experience.

Which is Better for You—Gas or Electric Golf Carts?

Both golf carts have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on a person's needs and preferences, one can choose which works best for themselves. 

If power and price are most important to you, go with gas. An electric golf cart is a way to go if you're more concerned with the environment and noise levels.

Practice At-home Before You Hit the Links

If you're struggling to determine whether gas or electric golf carts are best for you, then standard golf carts aren't for you. With PrimePutt putting mats, you don't need to worry about the hassle of a golf cart as you can practice putting from the comfort of your living room.

A PrimePutt putting mat gives players a realistic feel as if they were playing on the natural green.

Check out the PrimePutt website today to get the best mats on the market.

Regardless of the choice you make on the course, making the most out of your game involves consistent practice, which can extend beyond the fairways. Practicing at home is a valuable strategy, and incorporating specialized tools like the best indoor putting green can significantly contribute to skill enhancement.