E-Z-GO DRIVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE June 2022 Issue 25
jeep?
COVER STORY
It's a
GOLFCARTING.COM
Transformation of a 1993 E-Z-GO Marathon golf cart
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 1121 PARK WEST BLVD B214 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29466
SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES: CARTS AND PARTS HARD TO FIND
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CONTENTS ISSUE 25 JUNE 2022
FEATURES
16 COVER STORY: IT'S A JEEP? 24 DEALER PROFILE: THE GOLF CART COMPANY 32 SUPPLY ISSUES: CARTS AND PARTS HARD TO FIND 34 E-Z-GO DRIVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE 38 RACE OF THE PINES 46 COMPANY PROFILE: EVOLUTION EV DEPARTMENTS
10 EDITORS NOTE 14 INDUSTRY NEWS 34 LET'S GET SOCIAL 42 GOLF CARTING NATION 48 ASK THE MECHANIC 50 READER'S RIDES 8 www.GolfCarting.com
Welcome Evolution Electric Vehicles
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olf Carting Magazine would not exist without our advertisers. They make this publication a reality and we are very grateful for their support. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Evolution Electric Vehicles as one of our newest sponsors. If you are at all familiar with the electric cart industry, it’s likely that you’ve seen an Evolution cart at some point. They’ve been manufacturing high-end NEVs and LSVs for almost 15 years now. Headquartered in Corona, CA with an additional Orlando, FL location, Evolution is a company that, well, is evolving. Take their new D3 for example. This premium personal golf cart is an evolution from their previous vehicles, highly streamlined and in a word, slick. With almost Garia-type styling, the D3 is a thing
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of beauty that encompasses a vast array of features and technology. The dash looks like something out of a Cadillac with a touchscreen control center with media controls, cellular integration, Bluetooth and more. The D3’s standard LED lighting package is complete with high-beam/low-beam and daytime running lights, as well as LED turn signals and brake lights. The D3 is storage-smart too with a pop up hood storage area. They even have an option for a built-in, removable rear refrigerator. And the accessory list goes on, like adjustable seats, electric key fob, wipers, internal microphone and more. Evolution Electric Vehicles has far more to offer in their vehicle product line. Check out their Classic Plus and Classic Pro series as well as their multi-passenger Carrier Series. They also have a commercial line called Turfman Series and their rugged, outdoorsy Forester Series. You can learn more about Evolution in this month’s Company Profile and by visiting their website https:// evolutionelectricvehicle.com/. We hope you enjoy June 2022’s edition of Golf Carting Magazine. Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
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GOLF CARTING // Issue 25 // June 2022 Publisher: Senior Editor: Creative Director: Graphic Designer: Production Director: Staff Writer: Staff Writer: Staff Writer / Social Media:
GC Media Group, LLC Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com Tanner Merrifield Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com Kelly Madden Josh Delsota Tony Benjamin
Golf Carting® is published monthly by GC Media Group, LLC. Reprinting in whole or by any means- electronic, graphic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems is forbidden without written permission from the publisher.
Advertising opportunities and inquiries to: chris@golfcarting.com Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors contact us first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage, and we assume no responsibility for damage or loss of material. Manuscripts must be typewritten, and all photos have to have captions. Photo model releases of all people in photos must accompany manuscript. GOLF CARTING reserves the right to use material, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet publication requirements. E-mail contributions or inquiries to:
trevor@golfcarting.com WARNING: Certain action photographs depicted in this magazine are potentially dangerous. The drivers and vehicle occupants seen in our photos are experienced professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a Golf Cart, and never drive beyond your capabilities. Do not drink and drive while operating a Golf Cart. We also encourage you to “Tread Lightly” while respecting the outdoors and other outdoor enthusiasts. Use your head and enjoy the ride! ©2022 GC Media Group, LLC
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latestindustrynews TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY INTRODUCES AUTHORIZED LITHIUM-ION DEALERSHIP PROGRAM FOR GOLF AND PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE DEALERS The program provides training and an online library of professional marketing materials, manuals, guides, videos, and other documents that help dealers sell Trojan products and educate their employees and customers. Trojan Battery Company, the leading manufacturer of deep-cycle lead-acid batteries used in golf and personal transportation vehicles, has developed a new certification program for dealers in conjunction with the release of its GC2 48V Lithium-Ion Battery. “We launched this program to ensure quick and effective communications with golf and personal transportation vehicle dealers who sell and maintain our products,” says Chief Marketing Officer Fredrik Klaarenbeek. “The program helps them gain exposure to our extensive customer base, market our industry-leading products, and accurately answer customers’ questions.” Upon completion of the certification and with the approval of the Master Distributor who manages the territory, dealers earn the title “Authorized Trojan Lithium-Ion Dealer” and gain access to the Authorized Trojan Dealer Website. It provides: • Professional, downloadable sales materials • Operating, maintenance, and installation guides • Specification and data sheets • Sales and training videos • Warranties • White papers • Much more For more information or to apply for the program, simply complete (https://www.trojanbattery.com/authorized/) the
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application form. ABOUT THE TROJAN GC2 48-V LITHIUM-ION BATTERY Trojan’s new GC2 48-V Lithium-Ion Battery was engineered to deliver the range, off-road durability, and safety features needed by people who use their golf cars or PTVs for daily transportation, making it the ideal choice for residents of retirement, master-planned, and gated communities. Based on a published range of lithium-ion golf car batteries, the Trojan GC2 48-V Lithium-Ion Battery with a three-battery configuration delivers a proven range of 45-60 miles on a single charge. That is up to 15% farther than other batteries in its class. Further, the battery is one of the few in its class that’s certified to vibration standards required for heavyduty off-road vehicles. It also carries one of the highest levels of dust, sand, and water protection in the industry. Actual driving range will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, load, terrain, temperature, and equipment. ABOUT TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY Leading manufacturers of golf, personal transportation and utility vehicles as well as marine equipment, floorcleaning machines, and aerial-work platforms depend on us to power their products. Since 1925 Trojan Battery Company, a part of C&D Technologies, has revolutionized deep-cycle battery technology by introducing generations of deep-cycle flooded, AGM, and gel batteries as well as our new lithiumion battery. Based in Santa Fe Springs, California, we operate four manufacturing facilities and two advanced Research and Development Centers in the United States, offices in Europe and Asia, and a worldwide network of Trojan Master Distributors. Visit Trojan Battery Company.
COVER STORY
jeep?
It's a
Transformation of a 1993 E-Z-GO Marathon golf cart
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hat began as a 1993 E-Z-GO Marathon golf cart was custom crafted into a one-off Jeep in a matter or three short months. Owner Cary Lowery of Meyersdale, PA said “My wife suggested that I should build the golf cart into a Jeep. When I mentioned it to a co-worker (John Harshberger) he thought that we should tackle the project together. He was the mastermind behind the build, after seeing several photos of older-style Jeep Willys. The transformation began in March 2021 and was ready to cruise the campgrounds by Memorial Day weekend 2021.”
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Cary and John stripped the ‘93 E-Z-GO down to the frame, saving only the windshield and roof supports that would later be used to construct the flip-down windshield. Cary purchased a 420 Predator motor from Harbor Freight, a new clutch from Vegas Carts, a new 70-amp alternator, LED Jeep halo fog lights, whip sticks, LED brake/turn signal lights, LED green clearance lights and muffler from different eBay suppliers. To give the Jeep an offroad stance, he purchased a 4-inch lift, HD leaf springs, and wheel and tires from Steeling Golf Carts. “John and I worked 18 hours each a week on top of our full-time jobs at 4-Guys Firetrucks in Meyersdale. My guess from start to finish, this project took around 180 hours per man.” Cary says, “John’s neighbor Charlie Klein graciously gave us a Q-Siren from a 1969 firetruck that we installed under the hood, as well as train horns.” For the metal construction, he used stainless steel that was left over scrap from building firetrucks.
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John would look at the pictures we pulled from internet and draw his ideas on cardboard and give them to Cary to take to work (arriving early) to cut and grind the body of a Jeep. These cuts consisted of using a jigsaw, bandsaw, or cut with a 4-inch grinder with a cutting wheel. After work, the duo would meet at John’s garage and tack parts on the Jeep. They cut out the old pieces where the motor was and fabricated their own motor mounts. This was a time-consuming process to get the motor mounted and braced to line up with the rear end, taking about four days in total to complete. Next on the list, 20 www.GolfCarting.com
they fabricated the supports to reduce motor vibrations. They fabricated a stainless exhaust and welded the muffler to the end of it. Afterwards was the construction of the body fenders, extension of the front end, hood, grill and shifter. We used a real grenade, drilled out the bottom and tapped it to fit on the shifter. Last was the electrical part of the build. Cary customized the dash with switches they use on firetrucks and added a GPS speedometer. They put a key push-button start with a kill switch (secret shut off switch). They installed a red switch for
the Q-Siren and five other black switches that would go to the headlights, green halo lights and whip sticks, leaving the last two as spares for additional lights in the future. “My Jeep has gotten a lot of attention at Big Bear Lake Campground, located in Hazelton, WV, with 2500 camp sites where my wife and I purchased a lot about five years ago. Many campers are military and veterans, and it always brings a smile to my face when I drive by and they salute me. It brings a tear to my eye knowing they served our country to give me and you our freedom. I built it because no one else had one, and it has turned into much more to me. I can’t say how awesome it has been meeting new people at the campground. It is a great conversation starter,” Cary recounts. “I want to thank John for his time and craftsmanship on the design, and 4 Guys for allowing me to utilize the work facility and junk metal. I want to thank John’s son Kyle for doing the body work and spraying the Monster Liner. I think it’s one awesome Jeep that I am very proud of.” We think you would all agree that this build is one true craftsmanship with a lot of heart, blood and sweat. 22 www.GolfCarting.com
dealerprofile
The
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he Golf Cart Company, located in Central Florida, is made up of passionate golf cart enthusiasts whose mission is to help folks experience the fun and adventure that a quality Club Car or Evolution vehicle can bring into their lives! The Golf Cart Company is a dealership serving the Clermont, FL area (not far from Orlando), offering the best in new and pre-owned golf carts. 24 www.GolfCarting.com
DEALER PROFILE: DEALER NAME: The Golf Cart Company DEALER LOCATION: Clermont, FL PHONE NUMBER: (407) 557-2775 EMAIL: mark@thegolfcartcompany.com WEBSITE: http://www.thegolfcartcompany.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/golfcartcompany
According to The Golf Cart Company, they pride themselves on a friendly and knowledgeable staff that includes all departments… sales, financing, service, and parts. They are ready to offer outstanding service at every point, from assisting customers finding the right vehicle to ongoing maintenance and customization. At The Golf Cart Company, they value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with their customers, and do so by making sure to exceed expectations. The Golf Cart Company is a family-owned and operated company. They have a team of Club Car factory trained technicians and have established themselves as Central Florida's premier golf cart provider. They also are the premier rental provider in Orlando through Golf Cart Rentals Orlando. Their Clermont location provides golf cart service and repair and customization, as well as provide parts and accessories. They are the new premier Club Car dealer for the Clermont, FL area supplying the best Club Car golf carts and parts. They claim their team is second to none in customer service and they strive to provide the best possible service all of the time. The Golf Cart Company operates with 3 key principles in mind which they attribute to being the reason for their ongoing growth: Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability. For more information on The Golf Cart Company in Clermont, FL visit their website at www.thegolfcartcompany. com or call (407) 557-2775. GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 25
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SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES: CARTS AND PARTS HARD TO FIND
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icking up some chicken or toilet paper at your local supermarket has become a challenge, with many stores suffering from supply chain issues that are leaving some shelves bare. The same is true in the golf cart industry, and just about every other commercial enterprise. The golf industry is a $49 billion dollar market, and those numbers are from 2016, the most recently reported. New golf carts from the major manufacturers, custom shops creating unique custom carts and even used golf carts – all facets of the industry have been hit hard by the COVID 19 pandemic, and everything related to it. Because of a lack of employees, freak weather conditions in areas where golf carts and golf cart parts are made, shipping delays and an increased demand, the golf cart business is going through what thousands of other businesses around the world are experiencing. Reports show that demand for golf carts has increased more than 100% over each of the last 5 years, and 142% over the 3rd quarter of 2021.
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The carting industry is not unlike the automobile industry – the lack of product is driving up prices, and delivery date promises are stretching longer each week. People are ready to buy, and cart-related businesses are working tirelessly to keep up. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have caused
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golfcartindustry people to stay at home more, and to look for recreational activities and family-friendly opportunities rather than going out to eat or taking the kids to an amusement park. Golf carts, whether used on the golf course or for cruising the neighborhood with the kids at sunset, provide a great way to avoid large crowds and keep your family safe – and many are unable to do that because of the lack of carts and cart parts over the last 18 months. The difficulty in getting new carts from manufacturers and after-market parts has resulted in a noticeable increase in the costs involved. When demand exceeds supply, the end user winds up paying more. Charleston, South Carolina, is well known as a hot bed for the golf cart industry, and everyone from smaller shops that build custom carts to larger companies that provide fleets to businesses across the country is feeling the effect. Local cart dealers are having trouble keeping up with demand and finding carts to sell is increasingly difficult. One dealer relies on buying their carts to upgrade and resell by purchasing from country clubs selling their current fleets, and that is not happening today. Major manufacturers are behind on their production quotas, and fleet managers are not able to buy new carts to upgrade their fleets. The owners of a cart building business in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, said that they have had to travel to Florida to buy carts, hauling back 10 in one trip alone, and have also hired a transporter to bring carts back to their shop. Across
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the country, golf cart businesses are doing whatever it takes to give their customers what they want. Cart parts, especially those made in China or another overseas country, are also difficult to get. Shipping and logistic issues are making dealers buy in bulk, but the delivery time has been adversely affected.
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Matt Smith owns Charleston Custom Golf Carts, with locations in Mount Pleasant and in Daniel Island. He’s been in the business since 2017 and has never seen so many constraints on getting new carts or parts. The business sells new carts in their PTV line, for Personal Transportation Vehicles. These are used by families for recreational purposes and cruising around their neighborhood, not for golf. “Manufacturers like Yamaha, Club Car and others can’t get things like AC controllers, so they can’t supply electric vehicles like they used to,” Smith says. He sees a scaling-up of gas-powered vehicles for 2022. “It can take up to a year to take delivery on a new PTV.” Everything from windshields and batteries to seat foam and backing, even things like wheel bearings are not only hard to find but can take months longer to get once they’re ordered. Smith says, “Distributors and factories won’t even tell you a lead time when you order, because they don’t really know how long things will take to get to the customer. We do everything we can to order as much as we feel we’ll need looking well into the future. I’ve ordered cart bodies that have taken 6 months to get to me.” Smith also points out that the constraints and delays on getting carts and parts is not completely caused by the COVID pandemic. “The Texas freeze last year and all the cargo ships floating offshore, the lack of truck drivers, everything has come together to cause major disruptions to the golf cart business.” He said many materials used in cart manufacturing are petroleum-based, and the devastating Texas weather adversely effected the supply lines of carts and accessories. “Even that ship getting stuck in the Suez Canal caused hundreds of other shipments from overseas to be delayed, a lot of which were related to golf carting.” THE GOOD NEWS The overall demand for golf carts and other LSVs, (low speed vehicles), has not diminished, which gives a ray of hope to companies that make and sell carts. More cities and municipalities are adapting new regulations that allow certain golf carts and LSVs on public streets, and the COVID 19 30 www.GolfCarting.com
pandemic has resulted in consumers investing in things like pools for their homes, boats, motor homes and golf carts. When someone sees their neighbors taking the kids for a cart ride along the beach or making a trip to the local café or grocery store, interest and demand goes up. There are a variety of different laws and local regulations that determine exactly which type of vehicles are legally allowed to operate on public roadways, and smart cart business owners are adjusting to meet the needs of their customers. There is an increase in calls for low speed vehicles that can be used outside a gated community or on the golf course, and cart businesses are responding to that demand. Matt Smith says buyer demand is still strong, and people are mostly understanding that supply chain issues are something his business cannot do much about, as it effects just about every type of business. “Some customers are sort of settling for a new cart that may be in stock but not have all the features they had originally wanted,” Smith said. “Others are willing to wait a little longer, and they are ordering new carts now with the knowledge that they’ll be using them this summer.” Charleston Custom Golf Carts is also experiencing an increase in their service department work, with many people deciding to invest in upgrading and maintaining their current carts instead of buying a newer model. “If I had more, I could sell more, for sure,” says Smith. “But we’re doing everything we can to adjust our ordering process in anticipation of continued difficulty getting product, working with our customers to get what they want and providing all the service work necessary to maintain our expected business levels.” Just as in about all other consumer goods today, those anticipating the purchase or customization of a new golf cart or other type of LSV need to plan far in advance, and rely on patience until they take delivery.
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E-Z-GO DRIVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
What began in a small machine shop in Augusta, Georgia, has evolved into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of golf, utility and other electric and gas-powered specialty vehicles, and the future looks extremely bright for this industry powerhouse. When brothers Billy and Beverly Dolan began their small engine shop and decided to try their hands at building golf carts back in 1954 in Augusta, Georgia, they had no idea that their company would become a division of one of the premier makers of golf carts and UTVs available today. In 1960, their business was acquired by the TEXTRON® company, which already had an impressive and successful history in the transportation and energy industries. TEXTRON is a Fortune 500 conglomerate with over 35,000 employees worldwide and operations in 25 countries. E-Z-GO is a part of TEXTRON’S Specialized Vehicle Division and has skyrocketed to the top of today’s marketplace. In addition to the E-Z-GO brand, TEXTRON’s holdings include Cushman Utility Vehicles, Arctic Cat snowmobiles and sideby-sides and the Jacobsen brand of professional lawn and turf equipment. They also own aircraft brands Cessna, Beechcraft 32 www.GolfCarting.com
and BELL Aviation, plus several companies dedicated to the defense, aerospace, homeland security and infrastructureprotection industries serving the military and industrial sectors.
A HISTORY OF QUALITY CARTS E-Z-GO’s line of golf and utility vehicles have long held a well-respected position as one of the highest-quality and innovative manufacturers on the market, and their advanced technology and specialized expertise continues to keep them at the top of their industry. The company offers vehicles to the consumer through an impressive network of independent dealers, and works with commercial and industrial clients in designing and building entire fleets of top-of-the-line transportation and work vehicles designed specifically for their individual needs. Their highly efficient use of eco-friendly technology and dedication to the needs of their customers have kept them at the top of their field. E-Z-GO’s model lines encompass a wide array of vehicle styles and uses designed to match the needs of virtually any
end-user. Models include the new Liberty line, released in June 2021, along with their popular Freedom RXV and TXT models, the Express S2, S4, L6 and S6 line and the Valor and Valor 4 vehicles. From enjoying a relaxing round of golf to tackling large jobs or transporting people in style and comfort, E-Z-GO makes a vehicle to suit your needs. When it comes to authenticating the company’s dominance in the marketplace, all you need to do is pull up to most any private or public golf facility and notice the branding on the side of their carts. Recognized as the world leader in golf cart sales, TEXTRON’s E-Z-GO brand is an industry dynamo found at many of the world’s most exclusive country clubs and municipal golf courses. You’ll find E-Z-GO on more than 1,750 courses around the world, with about 110,000 carts in service, and their projections for growth are steadily increasing. Their RXV Elite 2.0 is the company’s most popular model and a favorite of those who appreciate the ultimate performance and reliability on the course. When it comes to commercial and industrial use, the company’s multi-passenger personal transportation vehicles lead the way on college campuses, amusement parks, residential and commercial real estate developments and construction project sites, mobile home parks, malls, and other places where people need to cover a lot of ground in the most efficient way. If you’re looking for a cart that won’t break the bank and could be used for everything from a trip to the local supermarket, cruising your neighborhood or exploring the beach front, E-Z-GO’s Valor line is designed to fit the bill. Available in either a 48v DC electric or a EX1 gas-powered model, the Valor cart is available in Party, Family and Neighborhood option packages, and the styling, features and accessories of these carts are the choice for those who use their carts for more than golf. There are 2 and 4-seat models in the Valor line, and features include a variety of custom tires and wheels, tops and front windshields, lighting and sound, mirror styles and more. The Valor line is a proven leader in transporting 2 or 4 passengers in comfort and style at prices beginning well below $10,000. If you need to move people around a large property like a school campus, residential or commercial construction site, new home sales development or someplace similar, the E-Z-GO Express S6 is your vehicle of choice. This 6-passenger cart comes with a smooth, comfortable ride in 72v, lithium or gas-powered models, with a wide variety of seats, lights, enclosures, tops and dash accessory options. You can order your Express cart with options like 5-panel safety mirrors, brush guards, fender flares and even turn signals.
a more compact and lighter battery system than other carts, resulting in improved performance and reduced operational costs. While some competitors have introduced lithium-powered carts into the marketplace, E-Z-GO statistics show their Elite Lithium models outperform and out-last the other brands, and they have conducted studies and real-life testing to make their point. The testing measured things like overall “out-of-wall” energy usage and costs over the lifetime of the vehicle’s battery, the hours of performance after a charge, and the time it takes to recharge the battery. E-Z-GO used parameters like annual energy costs, number of carts in a course’s fleet, number of rounds per year and a specific cost of energy based on the U.S. average of $0.12 per KWhr at the time of the testing. E-Z-GO conducted a real-life test for a 36-hole golf challenge, putting their Elite Lithium cart up against a Club Car Tempo Li-Ion and a Yamaha Drive-2, a lead-based battery model. They tested range, efficiency, and cost of operation, with the Elite Lithium cart clearly coming out on top. The company’s website even has a calculator function where golf course cart fleet personnel can determine just how much money can be added to their bottom line by choosing the Elite Lithium line of vehicles. Another advantage is the much lighter weight of E-Z-GO’s lithium batteries, resulting in less overall vehicle weight and reduced damage to the surface of the golf course turf. The last thing a facility wants is a golfer calling for a lift when their cart stops performing on the 13th hole, whether it’s an upscale private club or a municipal course. E-Z-GO’s stateof-the-art lithium technological advancements ensure years of performance and are setting the industry standard. A TRADITION OF PERFORMANCE Whether you are an individual shopping for a new cart for golf or a facilities manager at a larger golf course or private club researching purchasing an entire fleet of golf carts, specialized utility or transportation vehicles, the E-Z-GO line of premium carts have been developed and built to meet your highest expectations. With the unmatched technological and ecologically-friendly expertise of TEXTRON, this golf cart company is poised to expand and remain a formidable player in the marketplace.
PIONEERING ADVANCED LITHIUM TECHNOLOGY When it comes to utilizing lithium batteries to power golf carts, E-Z-GO was a pioneer in the innovation. Partnering with advanced Samsung SDI Lithium Technology, the company was the first in bringing lithium batteries to golf course fleets and developing the ultimate technology for overall battery life, efficiency, and cost of operation. Their carts are equipped with GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 33
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RACE OF THE PINES 38 www.GolfCarting.com
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e were lucky enough to attend the Race of the Pines (www.raceofthepines.com) this year in Pinehurst North Carolina and it was an amazing event. Golf Carting Magazine had a VIP tent along with about 20 other companies like Navitas, Golf Carts Modified, Golf Cart Mafia, Kart Kings and a bunch of local businesses. The VIP section was setup with the best view of the actual races and had a big 2 story bar with ice old beer. The Race of the Pines is an annual fundraising event that benefits veterans and will feature: Golf Cart Races, Golf Cart Pageant, SBN BBQ Competition, Beer Festival, Parachuters,
Great Live Music, Food Trucks, and Celebrity Judges Phil Ford & Richard Petty. The event was brought you by an amazing charity organization, the VGA (Veterans Golfers Association) www. vgagolf.org/ and they did an amazing job, congrats to Josh and all the event staff that worked and volunteered. As well as the Richard Petty Foundation www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org. The VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf. Annually, the VGA hosts more than 450 local tournaments across the country, culminating in a VGA
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National Championship each fall. The VGA develops programs that allow our members to compete, socialize, and remain physically active through the game of golf. Through local league play, regional tournaments, and national qualifiers, the VGA helps reinforce values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. Additionally, the VGA offers family-oriented activities that help Veterans and their family members increase the amount of quality time spent together, and be more active in their communities. After we arrived and parked we got to enjoy a bunch of custom golf cart builds that were brought in from various builders, some really cool innovative designed and amazing craftsmanship when into all these carts. There was even 2 of our featured cover store carts there on display. Had an amazing time chatting with all the builders and company owners. Then it was time to get some food and man let me tell ya 40 www.GolfCarting.com
the BBQ food trucks they had were great. We all enjoyed some authentic pulled pork sandwiches as we washed them down a few beers and got a table to watch the races. Around 2pm the races started and they had a great setup, huge screen with names and times were displayed so everyone could see them and I’d say there was about 20 carts in the actual races. They did a drag rase style with a max speed of 40mph, had laser starters and time calculators, it was very professional and well done. The crowd was cheering along. Unfortunately we had to leave a little early to drive back to Charleston but I hear the Golf Cart Modified guys won some awards for racing and best of show. All together this was a great event and we hope to work with them more closely in the future to expand this one day even to a whole weekend. For more information visit: www.raceofthepines.com and if you would like to donate to a worthy cause please visit: www.vgagolf.org and www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org
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OWNER: Ian Bock from Lake Wylie, SC YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 1999 E-Z-GO TXT PDS IAN, COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD? This cart has a 48v upgrade with Navitas 600amp controller, 400amp solenoid and 2g wires. Custom seats with center console, 14” MODZ wheels, brand new body, LED lights, underglow, 2014+ dash, voltage reducer with fuse panel. IS THERE ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION, OR CUSTOM-MADE PARTS? Golf Cart Mafia center console plate and front emblem and custom front seat with center console. 1950 Pontiac rear taillights. 42 www.GolfCarting.com
WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE? Navitas controller, Redhawk 400amp solenoid, MODZ wheels. CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ON HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS? Started building a custom cart for myself in September of 2021 and got hooked. This is build is number 3 with no slowing down in sight. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY? Just a hobby at this point. I love building carts and having fun with it.
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OWNER: Cole Brakebill from Amarillo, Texas YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 1997 E-Z-GO TXT COLE, COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD? I bought this ‘97 txt for $1500, and started off by painting the exterior and interior Raptor Liner Olive drab. I didn’t use a bed liner gun to shoot it though, I used an HVLP gun with a 2.0 tip. I bolted on a 6” drop axel lift, added 2” spacers all around and 12” steel wheels on 23” MJFX Raptor mud tires with SS center caps. I used satin black paint on all re-used hardware and windshield frame, installed a MODZ flip 4 rear seat and I used the original front seat, that cleaned up great.
IS THERE ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION, OR CUSTOM-MADE PARTS? Yes, I built all the tread plate parts you see on the cart in my workshop. I also built the refrigerator brackets and a few other holders and miscellaneous items.
CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOUR COMPANY AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BUILDING CARTS? This is my 1st cart build. It’s for personal use around our neighborhood. My wife and 2 daughters love cruising in it.
CHECK OUT HIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR THE VIDEO OF THIS BUILD: https://youtu.be/ovUNJjgUlKk
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WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE? MJFX tires, MODZ flip 4 rear seat, Orion Motor Tech spacers, and lots of 10LOL parts of course.
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EVOLUTION EV
E
volution Electric Vehicles is a rapidly growing electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Corona, CA. For 15 years, Evolution has been “making it personal” by emphasizing the personalization of their electric carts. In this month’s Company Profile let’s learn more about what makes Evolution Electric Vehicles unique. COMPANY NAME: Evolution Electric Vehicles COMPANY WEBSITE: https://evolutionelectricvehicle.com/ COMPANY HEADQUARTERS: Corona, CA GCMAG: Thank you for taking the time to give our readers some information about Evolution Electric Vehicles. Can you tell us about your company?
EVOLUTION: We are the world's leading golf carts and utility vehicles manufacturer. Evolution Electric Vehicle’s 15-year venture has brought a trusted and well-known name to the 46 www.GolfCarting.com
marketplace. Evolution’s unique combination of design, quality and passion is fundamentally different from any and all traditional golf cart OEMs. We represent a paradigm shift in the industry, delivering a personalized experience. Our carts challenge current brands with dynamic looks through body contouring and upgrade options, setting Evolution in a league of our own. GCMAG: When did Evolution start? EVOLUTION: The company was founded in 2007 with offices in Florida and California and began with a commitment to providing innovative and high-quality products and services that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients. GCMAG: So you have two locations? EVOLUTION: Correct. Corona, CA and Orlando, FL.
GCMAG: How many employees do you have? Tell us about your team. EVOLUTION: We currently have around 450 total employees that are a blend of manufacturing, shipping, sales, service and accounting. GCMAG: That is very impressive. Tell us how you market Evolution? EVOLUTION: We generally market through our website, Facebook and Youtube. We also have a presence in golf cart magazines. GCMAG: What does the future hold for Evolution Electric Vehicles? EVOLUTION: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT! Giving meticulous attention to design and detail the innovative USA team consisting of highly skilled engineers and designers have completely redesigned every aspect of the traditional golf car. Dedicated to creating the world’s most exclusive leisure golf car, the result of the Evolution team effort is a vehicle that combines advanced technology with top quality components and luxury coach work. We are excited to continue bringing
innovation and personalization to our products. The essence of our corporate culture hasn’t changed much since 2007. We have always been a business that believes in the importance of ‘caring’. We care about fostering a culture where individuals are encouraged to champion their own ideas and convictions and inspired to take responsibilities for themselves and their teams. And we’re proud of the fact that our diverse mix of people and inclusive attitude has led to some unexpected collaborations and many exciting innovations. We are proud of our 50% growth per year. GCMAG: That’s really exciting. Is there anything you’d like to add? EVOLUTION: We keep our structures lean and our hierarchies flat and flexible. And we strive to be open and honest, sincere and straightforward so everyone knows how and where they fit. We recognize too that everyone deserves a fair workplace and life balance so we work together to create individual solutions. For more information on Evolution Electric Vehicles visit their website at https://evolutionelectricvehicle.com/. You can also give them a call at 909-393-6800.
GOLF CARTING MAGAZINE 47
askthemechanic
ASK THE MECHANIC Q: What's the average lifespan for the batteries in my golf cart? A: With proper maintenance on deep cycle lead acid batteries, the typical lifespan is about 5 years. However, that can vary depending on how the cart is used and how they are charged. If you choose to go with a sealed AGM (advanced glass mat) battery, typical life is about the same; however, you do not have to worry about maintaining them because there is no water to fill in the cells as the batteries are sealed. They do need proper charging for the longest possible lifespan. With lithium batteries, there is no maintenance required and some manufactures offer warranties up to 10 years. These battery packs can withstand more charging cycles and have the ability to be charged quicker and be discharged lower than the lead acid or AGM style. As mentioned before, the key component to longevity is how the batteries are maintained. Q: What's the proper way to change my batteries? A: First, make sure the key is off and the cart is in maintenance mode (if available). Take a picture of the configuration of your batteries including how your wires are run. Before battery removal, I recommend using gloves and eye protection. You will need to start off by removing any battery hold down brackets. Next, disconnect and remove the connection to the main negative terminal first followed by the main positive. You can locate your main positive/negative terminals by following your charger wires to these specific batteries. From there, loosen all your terminal nuts and remove the wires inspecting the condition of each one. Get yourself a battery removal strap from your battery store of choice or auto parts stores also sell a handle for easy removal. Once all the batteries are removed, check the battery tray for any corrosion. Neutralize any battery acid on the tray with a mixture of baking soda and water or there are sprays available. Sand off any corrosion the best you can and apply a corrosion inhibiting paint. If you see your battery tray is damaged from battery acid you should look into replacing it or at least reinforcing it. 48 www.GolfCarting.com
When everything looks nice and clean, start replacing the batteries one by one, making sure they are in the configuration they were in before. When reinstalling the wires, make sure you are connecting each terminal from the previous battery positive to the next battery negative until you have your last connection being the main negative. Take caution not to touch these wires to other terminals which could cause a short. Also make sure you have any other accessory wires hooked up like a fuse panel, voltage reducer or aftermarket headlights to the battery pack. Tighten down the battery nuts (which should also be new) but not too tight to where you may snap off a terminal. I always recommend installing new wires with any new battery install. If you have a multimeter handy, check your main positive and negative to make sure you're getting a full voltage reading. Double check all your connections for tightness and turn back your maintenance mode switch to run and all should be good to go again. Q: How do I break in my new batteries properly? A: This can vary depending on the type of batteries you choose. For lead acid, in regards to having the longest life and range, you want to slowly build up a stable base charge in steps. This happens in about 10-15 cycles. After install, I recommend driving the cart maybe a half a mile, then fully charge it. The next time, drive it for a mile, then charge it, and so on for about 15 cycles getting upwards to 10 miles or so. You don't want to discharge lead acid batteries below 50% especially when they are new as the failure rate increases quite a bit until you build up a stronger level of charge. This gradual cycling process allows the plates inside the battery to absorb the electrolyte the best possible way for the best performance. AGM is recommended to use the same procedure as lead acid, whereas lithium batteries do not require a break in period as they come "primed" from the factory. Lastly, make sure your charger is set up with the correct algorithm for your brand of batteries for the longest possible life. Check with your manufacturer of your charger for information on how to check/change your charging algorithm especially when changing from one type of battery to the next.
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