Golf carts are a staple on not just golf courses around the world, but also vacation destinations. However did you know they can also have a big impact on the environment? For a long time, golf carts were only powered by gas, which contributed to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. But now, there’s a new kid on the block: electric golf carts. These carts are not only better for the environment, but also for your wallet and overall experience. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the environmental impact of gas-powered golf carts, the advantages of electric golf carts and the challenges and limitations of electric golf carts.
Environmental Impact of Gas-Powered Golf Carts
Gas-Powered Golf Carts Increase Greenhouse Gases
Have you ever considered the environmental impact of your gas powered golf cart? If not, it’s time to take a closer look. Gas powered golf carts (the traditional type of golf cart) run on gasoline just like cars. Also similar to cars, they emit pollutants into the air and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Multiple studies have shown that gas-powered golf carts emit almost the same amount of pollution as a car driving the same distance. You may be thinking, “I only use my golf cart on the course, whats the big deal?”. The problem is that golf courses and popular destination cities have hundreds, some with thousands of golf carts operating, which adds up to a significant amount of pollution.
Gas-powered Golf Carts Negatively Impact Air/Water Quality
The pollution from gas-powered golf carts doesn’t just stop at the air that we breath, it also affects the water that we drink. Gas-powered golf cart exhaust fumes contain chemicals that can significantly contaminate ground water.
It’s not just golfers and vacationers who suffer from this pollution, but also the wildlife that lives there. Imagine drinking a glass a glass of water with a side of exhaust fumes, not very refreshing right?
Gas-Powered Golf Cart Statistics
If you’re still not convinced, here are some numbers that might change your mind: according to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered golf carts emit about twice as much hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides per mile as a car.
And if that’s not enough, a single gas-powered golf cart can emit as much carbon monoxide in one year as a car driven over 11,000 miles. Yikes! This is one of the main reasons that electric golf carts are becoming so popular. So ditch the gas guzzler, and go electric!
Advantages of Electric Golf Carts
Electric Golf Carts
Electric golf carts, also known as electric vehicles (EVs), are powered by batteries instead of gasoline. These batteries are charged by plugging them into an electric power source (your standard 120V should work, but be sure to double check with your manufacturer), just like you would do with a phone or laptop.
The technology behind electric golf carts is similar to that of electric cars, but on a slightly smaller scale. We will cover a few of the many benefits of electric golf carts in the following sections.
Reduced Emissions and Noise Pollution
One of the biggest benefits of electric golf carts is that they output zero emissions. This means no pollution, exhaust fumes, or green house gases are emitted. Electric golf carts are also much quieter than gas powered golf carts, which means you can hear mother nature, or the stereo if you love to jam!
Imagine finally being able to hear your thoughts on the golf course, or while traveling! Not only that, but electric golf carts are easier on the wallet. They have fewer moving parts, which leads to less maintenance and fewer repairs. Also, you won’t have to spend any money on gas!
Electric vs Gas Powered Golf Cart Cost
The cost of electric golf carts can be higher upfront, but in the long run, they are more cost-effective than gas-powered golf carts. On average, the cost of electricity to charge an electric golf cart is about one-third of the cost of gasoline.
Plus, with fewer moving parts, electric golf carts require less maintenance and fewer repairs, which can save you money in the long run. And let’s not forget, with electric golf carts, you won’t have to stop at the gas station, you can charge them at the golf course or at home.
Who is Switching?
Across the globe, many courses and communities have made the switch to electric golf carts. For example, San Diego maintains a fleet of electric golf carts to get tourists around Balboa Park. As an additional mode of transportation, electric golf carts are available for use by guests at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort.
Some golf courses are even making the move to electric golf carts to lessen their impact on the environment. Electric golf carts are becoming increasingly prevalent, and this phenomenon should not be dismissed as a passing fad.
Making the Switch
Choosing the Right Golf Cart For You
If you’re considering making the switch to an electric golf cart, you should consider the options. Electric golf carts come all different shapes, sizes, and capacities. Some are designed for golfers who want to easily transport their clubs, and others are designed for transporting people and goods.
Somethings to consider include – the amount of people you’d like to ride, the distance you’d be traveling, and whether you’d like it to be a street legal golf cart. As with most vehicles, the more money you are willing to spend, the higher quality cart you will get.
Used electric golf carts can range from $3k-10k, while newer carts can range from 12k-25k after taxes and fees.
Battery Life and Charging Time
Two factors to consider are battery life and charging time. Electric golf carts run on batteries, so you’ll want a battery that has enough power to last for a full day of use. Some electric golf carts can be charged in an hour or two, while others might need to be charged overnight. Lithium golf cart batteries cost an extra $2k but will are worth it in the long run.
Tax Incentives
Did you know that there are incentives and tax credits available for purchasing an electric golf cart? Many governments offer tax credits and rebates for electric vehicles, such as electric golf carts. This can help offset the upfront cost and make electric golf carts more affordable.
You can check with your local government or utility company to see what incentives and tax credits are available in your area.
The Future of Golf Carts: Trends and Innovations
Tech and Advancements
Electric golf cart technology is rapidly advancing leading to each year’s edition being much better than its predecessor. For example, some electric golf carts now come with advanced features such as GPS, digital displays, smartphone connectivity, back up cameras, and more.
There are also golf carts equipped with longer lasting batteries, quicker charging times, and improved motors.
Self-Driving
Another exciting trend in the golf cart community is self-driving golf carts. The autonomous vehicles can drive along predetermined routes and perform specific tasks. Although this technology is still in its infancy, it has the potential to disrupt the golf cart world.
Sustainability and Environmentally Friendly
The future of golf carts is a bright one, and the focus will be on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Manufacturers are working to develop electric golf carts that are more energy efficient. There is also a focus on improving the user-friendliness of golf carts, with features like touch screens, voice activated controls, and advanced safety systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of golf carts is looking good. Through new advanced technology and innovative features, as well as a focus on sustainability, golf carts are set to continue evolving. Whether you want to rent a golf cart in Isle of Palms, or you’re a golf enthusiast or business owner, there’s no denying that there is a golf cart for you! So, strap in and get ready for an exciting ride!
