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Choosing a Golf Cart: Petrol versus Electric Power



If you're new and confused in the world of golf carts, consider this your comprehensive guide to petrol versus electric power.


How do they work?



Strength and durability of each golf cart

This too also depends on make and model. The common thought with most first time buyers is that petrol carts are more powerful than electrics. This can be true when looking at the older 36v carts, however the newer 48v carts, specifically the Drake 5.0kW AC Electric carts have a ton of power and will actually pull hills just as well, or even better than many gas carts. 

Pollution from golf carts

Petrol-powered golf carts run on traditional fuel and produce carbon monoxide emissions. They do have a “gas smell” especially in confined area like a garage or shed. A lot of the newer petrol models do a better job of routing exhaust and minimizing the gas smell.



Noise level of each golf cart




Golf cart maintenance


Petrol-powered golf carts need things like oil changes and replacement parts. You might need to repair anything from a spark plug to a starter belt, and if you aren't able to DIY it, you'll be on the hook for both labour and material costs. Petrol carts also require a steady stream of fuel, and that will cost you every time that you're at the pump.

Electric golf carts require charging. Golf Carts need to be charged after every single use. If the cart is not being used regularly then they should be charged every few weeks. We normally don’t like going over a month without a good charge on the batteries. All current production Drake 48 volt electric vehicles are built with a new solid state on-board, fully automatic Delta Q Battery Charger as standard equipment. A common misconception is Deep Cycle Batteries develop a memory, lose capacity, or must be discharged until the BDI warning flashes and then recharged. Deep Cycle Wet Lead Acid Batteries are not like cell phone NiCad Batteries. Deep Cycle Batteries benefit from frequent charging and being maintained at as close as possible to a 100% state of charge. Plugging in the Delta Q Charger overnight or when the vehicle is not in use for 3-5 or more days is encouraged. Batteries maintained at an 80% or better state of charge will eliminate high amperage 12-14 hour long duration multiple charging cycles. The Delta Q Charger can be left plugged in as it has a 30 day self test and battery temperature monitor.


All electric carts do come with a charger. However, batteries will need replacing at some point. Again, this varies on usage and maintenance. Finally the most important thing for maintenance on an electric cart is checking the water on the batteries. It’s a good habit to check the water level in the batteries once per month. Ensure that lead plates are covered, and add only distilled water. Do this year around if possible! Doing this will significantly increase the life on the battery pack! 


Miscellaneous considerations



Finding the right golf cart for you


Tel: +27 11 397 1191
a/h +27 82 896 3727/+27 82 788 5089

Email: info@drakegolfcarts.co.za

Physical: Unit 2 Pelican Park,
552 Malcolm Moodie Crescent,
Jet Park, 1459, Johannesburg

Tel: +27 82 809 2727

Email: arny@ergonlogistics.co.za
Physical: 2 Alheit Street, SW2,
Vanderbijlpark, 1900

Tel: +27 82 394 1085

Email: drake.troysconcepts@gmail.com
Physical: 30 Die Ouwa Pad,
Ifafi, Hartbeespoort, 0260

Tel: +27 21 853 1811
Email: info@hgcarts.co.za
Physical: 197 Main Rd,
Winston Estate, Strand,
Western Cape, 7139

Tel: +260 955 885 101/+260 966 805 101
Email: sannets.info@gmail.com
Physical: Plot No 15 Enock Kavu Rd, Longacres, Lusaka, Zambia
Plot. No. 4869 John F Kennedy Lane, Chingola, Zambia