GAS VS. ELECTRIC: WHAT’S THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU?

What’s The Best Choice for You?

Whether you’re a weekend golfer or the person charged with buying an entire fleet of golf carts, the decision of choosing gas or electric powered vehicles deserves serious consideration before pulling the trigger.

The recent advancement of lithium-ion battery technology has caused a debate as to whether that is the future of power supply for golf, personal transportation, and commercial utility vehicles, or are gas powered vehicles still a viable option in today’s marketplace.

Today’s current gas prices may make you think twice about which type of vehicle you choose, but there are many other factors that you may want to consider before deciding.

POWER TO THE WHEELS – HOW YOUR USE YOUR CART

The primary consideration for choosing a gas or electric cart is how you intend to use it. If you play 18 holes a couple times a week or need a vehicle that can tow heavy loads or transport people on a large property, these are keys to selecting the right power supply for you.

If noise is a factor, clearly an electric vehicle will be your choice. Gas-powered engines create more sound than an electric cart, so you should be prepared to learn the differences between the two options. The environmental ramifications of a gas cart are also more serious than with an electric cart, with emissions that adversely affect the earth’s ecology. If you care about the planet and how gas-powered vehicles can harm the environment, an electric cart makes more sense.

On the plus side, gas-powered carts have a reputation for sending more raw power to the wheels, and don’t present the problem of losing power over the course of their use. If you’re buying a cart for a commercial or industrial application, farming, or ranching, hunting or other heavy-duty use, gas may be your best choice.

When it comes to maintaining your cart, gas and electric vehicles each have items to keep in mind for hassle-free enjoyment and efficiency. A gas cart, just like a car, requires regular maintenance like oil and filter servicing, and of course adding gas when the tank runs low. Savvy cart buyers will factor in the projected cost of gas over the lifetime of their vehicle and compare them with costs related to charging and

replacing a battery system, either lithium ion or the traditional, lead acid-based type.

BIG BUSINESS, BIG DECISION

Golf carts and personal transportation vehicles of all types represent a rapidly growing market that is once again seeing solid gains.

Because of the COVID19 pandemic, golf courses were closed for an extended period, causing a decline in the demand for golf carts, either gas or electric. Yet the North American market alone is a $1.3 billion dollar industry as of 2020, with approximate unit sales of 120,000. Worldwide, that number is considerably higher. The market is anticipating a CAGR, (Compound Annual Growth Rate), of over 4% between now and 2027.

Today, the price that suppliers, refineries, and consumers pay for gas is of great concern for people around the world. Many feel that the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine is the cause, or some other politically based hypothesis. But the Chief Economic Strategist for Gas Buddy points out that the real cause of paying more at the pump is COVID19, when the country and economy were shut down. There was a huge decrease in the number of people buying gas, so suppliers reduced their production. Then the country began to demand more gas once they were allowed out of the house and to get to work, and supply could not keep up with the increase in demand.

That’s why gas prices are so volatile right now. What that uncertainty will do to the market for gas-powered carts is unclear at this time.

Whether you run the fleet purchasing operation at a major high-end golf club or are considering getting a personal cart to either play golf or cruise through your community or neighborhood, choosing gas or electric can be a little confusing.

IS THERE A FUTURE FOR GAS CARTS?

There are notable and significant industry experts who feel the future of gas-powered golf and utility vehicles is in jeopardy of extinction.

Global Market Insights, (GMI), publishes detailed statistics covering a wide range of industries that include trends, projections, and summaries on just about every aspect of a specific business market. Their recent report on the Golf Cart Market is based on historical data from 2017 to 2027. The authors say there is an increased demand for electric-

powered carts and personal transportation vehicles, projecting a 3.5% market growth rate by 2027. Things like an increased awareness of environmental and pollution issues, quieter motors, an uptick in the advancement of batteries and charging capabilities, less maintenance and operational costs all add up to a preference in EVs.

Of course, the current uncertainty in the price of gasoline also plays a factor in individual decisions by consumers and fleet managers as to choosing gas or electric vehicles. Coupled with the decreasing costs associated with new lithium-ion battery technology and manufacturing, electric vehicles are quickly becoming more affordable than when first introduced.

The GMI report also states that many leading cart manufacturers are focusing on innovations and advancements in the EV sector, citing the 2021 release of Polaris Industries’ GEM premium electric golf cart. Polaris is among the majority of top cart brands that is seeing an increased demand in high-end, street legal electric vehicles for use in residential golf and country club communities, at a beachfront resort or exploring the great outdoors. The trend is leading away from gas-powered vehicles.

According to GMI, the revenue generated by the sale of gas-powered golf carts in 2020 was 38.3%, and for electric carts it was 61.4%. The statistics point to a strong trending for the future of electric powered golf carts and other vehicles. There is a small sector of the market focused on solar powered golf carts, but the numbers are under 1.5% as of 2020. This segment of the market is also projected to expand in the future.

An unofficial phone survey of 11 upscale golf clubs in Florida found the statistics were relatively accurate. 7 of the clubs reported their fleet of carts were electric, citing less maintenance, lower operational costs, noise level and environmental concerns. 2 clubs were using gas carts but indicated they would be looking closely at both options when their fleet next needed updating. 1 club said they were not anticipating a change to electric carts in the near future but were closely monitoring the evolution of the lithium-ion battery advancements and costs.

IT'S ALL IN HOW YOU USE IT

While electric powered carts and UTVs are showing more popularity, a gas-powered cart still may be the best choice for some uses.

If you need a longer range, can’t rely on a charging system where you’re going, need to haul large loads or tow a trailer over rough terrain and uphill trails, a gas vehicle may be the better choice, especially if noise is not a factor. A gas cart will usually cost a bit more than an electric version of the same model, not to mention the cost of gas.

Electric battery power is making big strides in areas like top speed, battery run time, charging capabilities and overall life expectancy, all of which is driving the costs down in the high-tech lithium-ion battery market.

Based on your plans for how you’ll be using your cart, doing your research on the pros and cons of each power type is the best way to make sure you make the right choice for your specific needs.