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Electric Carts vs. Automobiles: Navigating the Street Fight
In the realm of suburban sprawls and beachfront boulevards, a new kind of street fight is unfolding. It's not about turf or dominance but about coexistence between the stalwart automobile and the rising star— the electric cart. As these compact electric vehicles (EVs) zip through neighborhood streets, they're sparking conversations and, occasionally, conflicts about road sharing that echo across the country.
Take Peachtree City, Georgia, for example, a place where golf carts rule the roads. Here, carts are the go-to for nearly everything from fetching groceries to dropping kids at school. But even in this cart-friendly oasis, tensions can flare as roads become battlegrounds during rush hours, with carts and cars vying for space and pace. In California, the beach communities see a similar scenario unfold every sunny weekend. With EVs mingling alongside SUVs, the boardwalk becomes a chessboard of movement, each player calculating their next move, hoping not to topple in a checkmate of traffic congestion.
But it’s not just about leisurely drives or beachfront promenades. In retirement communities like those in Florida, where electric carts are nearly as common as sunglasses, the integration challenges are practical, touching on safety and accessibility. Here, the debates
get lively, with residents and local councils grappling with speed limits, road signs, and right-of-way policies to ensure everyone gets along.
These vignettes from across the U.S. highlight a broader narrative unfolding on America's streets and in its legislative chambers. As cities grow denser and the clamor for sustainable transportation options louder, the integration of electric carts into the automotive ecosystem is no longer a quaint possibility but a pressing reality.
This coexistence isn't just about convenience; it's about creating communities that are inclusive of all modes of transport. It's about rethinking our streets as more than conduits for cars but as shared spaces where various vehicles, from the humble electric cart to the family sedan, can navigate safely and efficiently. Yet, achieving this harmony is akin to arranging a delicate truce in an old feud. It requires patience, innovation, and a good dose of humor because, at times, the sight of a golf cart holding its own against a line of cars can be as absurd as it is inspirational.
So, as this street fight unfolds, perhaps the solution isn't to pick a side but to pave a way for peaceful cohabitation. After all, electric carts are not just a passing fad—they are here to stay. And if we can send rovers to Mars, surely, we can figure out how to let electric carts and cars share the road. In the end, they all just need to get along.
Trevor Rose Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
GOLF CARTING // Issue 51 // August 2024
Publisher: GC Media Group, LLC
Senior Editor: Trevor Rose - trevor@golfcarting.com
Creative Director: Troy Merrifield - troy@golfcarting.com
Production Director: Christian Amico - chris@golfcarting.com
Staff Writer: Kelly Madden
Staff Writer: Josh Delsota
Staff Writer / Social Media: 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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AMERICAN CART MANUFACTURERS SUE TO STOP UNFAIR DUMPING AND SUBSIDIES FROM CHINA
AWashington, DC law firm has filed legal petitions on behalf of The American Personal Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Coalition, (APTVMC), against manufacturers of Chinese golf carts, PTVs and LSVs, accusing them of “materially injuring the American manufacturing industry.”
U.S. golf and low speed vehicle giants like Club Car® and Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., which manufactures E-Z-GO® and Cushman® vehicles, have spearheaded the legal action as members of the APTVMC.
The petitions accuse the Chinese government-supported LSV industry of selling vehicles at an unfair value, drastically distorting the U.S. market. The lawsuit also claims that Chinese manufacturers are realizing unjust benefits from things like favorable tax breaks and greatly discounted raw materials which are unfair artificial advantages to the U.S. golf cart and LSV industries.
At the time of the filing in June 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission also filed suit against the Chinese, citing excessive increase in unfairly traded Chinese imports beginning in 2021 and resulting in significant reduction of production, shipping, profits, and employment by U.S. cart companies.
The CEOs of Textron Specialized Vehicles, (E-Z-GO) and Club Car are both quoted in a press release from the DC law firm as saying they feel the unfair trade practices of the Chinese manufacturers make for an unlevel playing field, resulting is severe disadvantages and for U.S. manufacturers that ultimately adversely effect not only the company’s and their employees but American consumers as well.
The APTVMC is seeking both 301 tariff hikes and antidumping relief. The Coalition asked President Biden to assess a 100% tariff on Chinese low speed vehicles and golf carts similar to the existing tariffs place on other Chinese electric automobiles.
U.S. imports of Chinese recreational vehicles has seen a dramatic increase since 2020 because the vehicles’ product classification receives lower tariffs than that of a conventional, larger electric vehicle like a passenger car. Imports of Chinese golf carts and other “specially designated vehicles was valued
at $148 million in 2020 and $916 million in 2023, according to Bloomberg News. The Coalition’s attorneys say that unfair competitive advantages occur because Chinese LSVs and golf carts arrive in the U.S. at reduced tariff rates and then receive extensive modifications once in this country.
As a result, the golf carts and similar vehicles “are able to skirt the proposed increased duties on electric vehicles” announced by the Biden administration in May, according to a letter filed this week with the US Trade Representative, (USTR), in Washington.
According to the USTR Office, there were hundreds of other pleas for tariff protection and relief from the Chinese dumping of unfairly priced carts and other personal transportation vehicles.
This type of litigation will likely take years to reach a resolution, and hundreds of interested cart and LSV manufacturers are paying close attention to the progress.
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
There are dozens of golf cart and LSV companies throughout the United States who manufacture high quality vehicles utilizing components and parts from China. Just like within the automotive sector, Chinese parts are here to stay.
Cart manufacturers that import parts from China assemble their vehicles here in America. These businesses create and sell some of the most luxurious and feature-filled carts available, and their processes allow them to offer them to the consumer at extremely attractive and affordable price points. They also employ thousands of people here in our country.
The U.S. marketplace has responded with enthusiasm to these game-changing vehicles, allowing consumers to get into the carting lifestyle at huge savings when compared to most American manufacturers’ vehicles, with the proof being the incredible increase in low speed vehicles sales here.
Realistically priced golf carts and LSVs are not going away, offering all the high-end, custom features and accessories available while appealing to a whole new world of American cart enthusiasts.
VIKING EV THE FUTURE OF EV GOLF CARTS
During the COVID pandemic, entrepreneur Trey Lewellen was shopping for a high quality, affordable LSV, (low speed vehicle), and wound up discovering there was definitely a void in the marketplace.
“I was disappointed in what was available, and the fact that if I wanted to outfit my cart with the most popular accessories and features, the cost kept increasing,” Lewellen says. That’s when he and company partner Kevin Reichert joined forces to launch Viking-EV.
The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri, with a fabrication and manufacturing facility located in Kansas City. The company is capable of building around 60 carts per month, and has a dealer network that extends to
Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Kansas.
The partners are former college roommates. They each have engineering backgrounds, plus extensive experience founding several businesses, so they carefully envisioned and planned the attributes of the LSV they wanted to offer, and the results have been very encouraging.
“I found that a lot of cart dealers and manufacturers would nickel-and-dime the customer when it comes to features that we thought should come as standard equipment,” said Lewellen. “That just drove up the price. We knew we could make a better cart at an extremely attractive price point.”
These are not your typical “golf carts,” but well designed, meticulously crafted personal transportation electric vehicles that will fit the needs and uses of any customer.
These innovative examples of LSVs come equipped with high-end features like fully street legal accessories and appointments including LED headlights, D.O.T. approved windscreens, seat belts, mirrors and more. They also include dual mirrors, safety hand grab bars for rear passenger safety and comfort, a 10.1-inch dash display screen, high fidelity audio system with 6-inch speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer, USB charging ports, cup holders and a beverage chiller.
Viking -EV are a testament to technology, with Bluetooth® connectivity, touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto® with built-in GPS navigation. With the ability to order Starbucks® directly from the cart,
every ride becomes a seamless blend of convenience and entertainment.
THE ROLLO
The Rollo Model offers impressive visual appeal together with rugged, off-road performance capabilities and the ultimate in comfort and drivability.
This 4-passenger model has a top speed of 25 mph and is equipped with a 5Kw electric motor and 6 maintenance free, AGM batteries. (Customers can upgrade to lithium ion batteries at a slight increase). It rides on 12-inch wheels, has a speedometer, waterproof wiring, LED front and rear lights, 4-wheel disc brakes with electromagnetic braking, large front cargo carrier, oversized storage compartments, fold-down rear seating, and a 30-can cooler.
Other high end standard features include the
golfcartmanufacturer
carbon fiber steering wheel, automotive-style, diamond stitch bucket seats, premium street tires, reverse camera, and everything else you’ll need to legally drive on the street under most authorities’ local street laws and ordinances.
THE ODIN
For those looking to step it up a notch when it comes to performance and creature comforts, Viking-EVs Odin Model is the ideal choice for discerning buyers.
This impressive, 4-passenger LSV offers all of the features of the Rollo model but adds the smooth, comfortable ride of air suspension. There are 4, 6-inch sound speakers and a powerful 8-inch subwoofer. The rugged 14-inch wheels and aggressive off road tires mean easy passage over rough terrain, protected by the well-designed front brush guard and an all-weather
floor mat. Other standard features on the Odin are the cell phone holder, adjustable head rests and a gorgeous carbon fiber dashboard.
This model’s dramatic styling is a study in automotive excellence, with a panoramic daytime LED lighting configuration between the bright headlights. Other luxury appointments include the integrated umbrella holder, wireless phone charger, independent dual-arm suspension, and a hidden, protected back up camera.
“Some customers come in to look at our Rollo model, and after one look at the Odin they’re impressed by what they can get for the money,” said Lewellen.
MANY USES, MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT
Viking-EV owners love the premium quality, smooth ride, and stunning looks of their vehicles, which can be
golfcartmanufacturer
used for a variety of diversified activities.
Families are able to get around their residential community with efficiency and comfort, whether going up to the country club for dinner, running nearby errands or taking the kids to the pool. For uses like hospitality, resorts and hotels, sports venues and more, a Viking-EV is the perfect people mover. Organizers of community events appreciate the agility and smooth, concise turning radius for navigating the grounds and commercial users have found their ideal for job sites like real estate sales developments and construction sites.
The Rollo Model is available at around $8,995.00 and the Odin goes for $15,995.00.
Bob Tieman owns RPT Specialties based in Weldon Spring, Missouri. He is the very first dealer for Viking-EVs and is glad he made the decision to sell the vehicles at his business.
“Trey Lewellen and I were neighbors, and I always saw him driving in our community in a very cool cart,” Tieman says. He spent a lot of time doing research and his due diligence on the company and a potential dealership status before he agreed to come on board. “After I looked into all of the aspects of becoming a Viking-EV dealer, the decision was pretty easy,” Tieman said. “Our area, including Cottleville which is booming
with new home development and several other communities that are cart-friendly and allow cart use on most roads, presented the perfect scenario for offering these high quality low speed vehicles. Not only that, but Viking-EV offers a totally transparent buying experience, and they stand by everything they say in supporting their dealers. Plus, I made two good new friends.”
Viking-EV partner Kevin Reichert has an extensive business background in automation sales and engineering, plus distributing and manufacturing industrial automation equipment to advance the automation processes in the industrial sector. “Trey and I had a vision for our cart business, and we purposefully seek out dealers with a shared mindset,” he said. “We offer all of our dealers our full array of comprehensive marketing and customer support services, creating the ideal partnership for continued growth and success.”
One of the company’s key goals was to build a premium quality LSV at a transparent, attractive price. Lewellen points out that’s what he learned when looking for his own cart. “The customer wants the most value for their money without any added, unanticipated expenses, and we feel we’ve accomplished that with our vehicles.”
For complete details on Viking-EV and their vehicles, www.viking-ev.com
LITHIUM BATTERY INSTALLATION: CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF?
RReplacing your old lead acid batteries was a backbreaking, messy job, but it wasn’t too technical of a task for the average person to accomplish. Replace each battery and hook them up the same way the old ones were, positive to negative all the way around. Lithium golf cart batteries on the other hand can be a little more complicated to install, as there are a few additional steps that need to be taken when initially converting a low-speed electric vehicle from lead acid. So, the question is: Can I convert my golf cart to a lithium battery myself, or should I have a local dealership handle the battery installation?
The obvious and most important factor for anyone taking the DIY route should be that they are physically able to perform heavy lifting, reaching and bending tasks. The most popular size lithium battery is the 105 amp hour battery, which normally comes in at right under 100 lbs. While lighter than all 8 lead acid batteries combined, a 105-amp hour LiFeP04 battery will be heavier individually to install. DIY installers will also normally need to get down underneath the vehicle to run wire or mount hardware, so there will be a good amount of getting up and down. Also, expect to be bent over the battery compartment for extended amounts of time.
The second most important factor is having basic golf cart knowledge. You should know exactly which make, model and year your vehicle is. This information can be normally found in the battery compartment area on the golf cart’s information plate. This will insure you purchase the correct battery that will fit into your golf cart’s battery compartment and able to handle your vehicle’s motor and controller output demand. You should also have a basic understanding that an electric golf cart’s drive system is essentially an energy storage
device(s), controller and motor with a bunch of switches that must close. Please note; recently manufactured golf carts are CAN communication enabled and are a bit more technically involved systems.
Wire management is the third most important factor, but it is the most important factor when considering the safety of a completed DIY lithium conversion. Anyone taking on a lithium battery installation should understand basic wiring techniques and wiring quality control. At minimum a bad wire crimp can cause your golf cart not to operate, at worst a bad connection can cause component failure or even a fire. DIY’ers should know how to properly connect wires, connect wire ends, and secure wires to components to proper torque specifications. A post installation inspection should always be performed to ensure all wire connections are made properly and that there are absolutely no loose connections.
Installing your own lithium golf cart battery is doable if you possess the physical strength, have the required tools, have a good idea how your golf cart works and can perform basic wiring tasks. It is recommended to research the battery you are installing online, there may be step by step instructional videos available on your specific battery and golf cart that can assist you through the process. As always, purchase your lithium golf cart battery from a business that offers support, this will give you another resource should you experience any difficulties. Installing your own lithium battery is typically a fun project that will save you hundreds of dollars in labor fees. If the conversion is done correctly and you purchased a grade A battery, you will enjoy your maintenance free lithium golf cart battery for many years to come.
Revolutionize Your Dealer Profits with ActivEV
CRICKET CARTS small in size, BIG ON FUN
They say good things come in small packages, and that certainly rings true when it comes to the innovative Cricket Golf Cart.
Based out of Melbourne, Florida, and founded in 2018, the team at Cricket Carts USA knew there was a market for smaller, compact vehicles that are collapsable to allow them to easily fit into the back of an SUV, minivan, or pickup truck. Their line of electric vehicles are also very lightweight.
Originally founded by Rick Huff as Rick’s Specialty Vehicles, the company became Cricket Carts USA and now operates from a 12,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility with 12 employees offering direct sales to all 50 states through their 75 authorized dealers. Steve Kellner purchased the company 2018 and has taken Cricket to new heights in quality and manufacturing.
“The whole premise behind the popularity of our vehicles is their ‘take your cart with you’ portability and simplicity,” says Kellner. These mini masterpieces can easily fit in a smaller SUV or crossover vehicle like a Honda CRV, making them easy to take with you wherever you go.
One of the cooler aspects of the Cricket carts is the wireless remote system that allows owners to set up their onboarding ramps, also available from the company, and easily drive their cart up into their vehicle without being in the cart.
“We have many owners who use their Cricket for things like getting around trade shows and other events, horse and
dog shows, car and motorcycle events, camping and other uses where they need to get around but may not be able to have access to a cart at the location,” Kellner said. “With their Cricket, they simply take their cart with them.” The company also offers a cargo rack that attaches to the back of a vehicle to carry their Cricket safely and securely.
Cricket offers 3 different models for 2 or 4 passengers, perfect for not only golf but for getting around a commercial complex like a marina or sports venue, RV campground or vacation property, small farm or ranch, construction site or anyplace you need to get around in eco-friendly comfort, style, and efficiency.
THE CRICKET LINEUP OF COMPACT CARTS
The company was formed based on their Cricket ESV model, which offers seating for up to 2 adults and features a single, center-mounted steering column like a scooter but with 4-wheel stability. The ESV is extremely maneuverable, with a tight turning radius and responsive steering. There is a large cargo storage rack behind the seats for taking camping gear, gardening supplies or equipment, horse feed, boating and marine supplies or anything else you need to transport.
Cricket followed that up with their SX3 model, which weighs in at just 410 pounds and measures only 32-inches wide, and when collapsed the cart is just 28-inches tall.
Cricket developed the technology for collapsable seats and
CRICKET RX5
steering column, plus a foldable center plate in the floorboard that allows owners to easily shorten the length of the cart. This all electric vehicle is the ideal blend of form and function.
Capping off the Cricket line is their RX5 Model, with upgraded, fully integrated front and rear suspension components to create the ultimate in smooth, comfortable personal transportation. The RX5 features a new, rounded body style and, like all Cricket models, comes in 8 gorgeous exterior body colors to suit any consumer. The RX5 is perfect for residential communities and country clubs for taking the kids to the pool or to the clubhouse for a bite to eat.
Cricket electric vehicles are equipped with 3, 12V Gel Batteries, with a 1-year warranty, which offer about a 25-mile range and require no water and minimal maintenance, or an upgraded lithium battery option developed by Cricket which is much lighter and offers an approximate 45-mile range and a 5-year warranty.
The company offers several accessories for customers to add some beneficial features to their Cricket cart, like top options with and without windscreens, rain and wind cart enclosures, larger tire sizes and custom rim colors, color-matched steering wheels, two-tone seating options, and more.
Cricket owners are a loyal group, calling themselves “Cricketeers,” with their Facebook® Group page boasting 2.5 million members and a very popular YouTube® Channel with detailed how-to and general informational videos about the brand. If a Cricket owner ever wants to find an answer to a question or concern about their vehicle, it is likely to be found through those platforms. Of course, Cricket Carts USA has a highly trained staff of cart product and service experts available on their website and by phone to personally address any customer questions.
Owner Steve Kellner says the company is poised to stay ahead of the curve in compact, premier electric personal transportation. “We are very proud of our product line, and the reception from our dealers and end-users tells us we are achieving our goals.”
You can learn more about the vehicles at www.cricketcarts.com
CRICKET ESV
YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 99 E-Z-GO / 2001.5 E-Z-GO and 1923 T-Bucket
OWNER: Shane Martin
golfcartingnation
OWNER: Jesse Dean from Bluefield, Virginia
WHAT IS THE YEAR, BRAND, AND MODEL?
1999 Club Car DS
HI JESSE, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BUILD?
It all started with a plain-Jane Club Car DS fresh off the golf course. What began as a simple neighborhood ride quickly transformed into a head-turning custom build inspired by my beloved 1970 Ford F100. My four-year-old son was the main driving force behind this project. We turned it into an epic father-son adventure, with him helping out in the shop, picking colors, and getting his hands dirty with the paint. We stripped it down to the frame, gave it a killer patina paint job, installed new batteries, added pinstriping, and loaded it with all the bells and whistles.
ANY CUSTOM FABRICATION OR CUSTOM-MADE PARTS?
We got creative with some old signs to enclose the area under the seat, creating slick battery trays and spots for mounting terminal blocks, a transformer, and more.
WHAT AFTERMARKET PARTS DID YOU USE?
We tricked it out with a Performance Plus Carts tinted windshield, Tenmiro rock lights, a Motafar steering wheel and adapter, Spartan Mounts JBL Charge 5 mount, AIX ball joints, HowBow spring bushings, 12-inch Matrix SS wheels, 215/35/12 low-profile GTW Mamba tires, and some gnarly spike lug nuts.
SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN BUILDING CARTS, HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS?
Believe it or not, this was my first cart build. It all started when my son and I were at our local Lowe’s. He went absolutely nuts when he saw they had golf carts for sale. Every visit turned into a mini-adventure as he insisted on playing with them. That sparked my curiosity. I dove into YouTube and TikTok for inspiration, and before I knew it, I was hooked. One thing led to another, and the project snowballed into this amazing build.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY?
I had a blast building this cart, and now my wife is on board and wants one too! I’m looking to start crafting custom carts on the side, bringing some unique and personalized rides to my local area.
CARTS FOR A CAUSE EV-1 CART COMPANY OFFERS HIGHEND VEHICLES WITH A SPECIAL FEATURE
With their facilities and staff headquarters based in Melbourne, Florida, EV-1 Cart Co. established their company to offer customers the ease of buying a topof-the-line low speed vehicle, (LSV), fully equipped at an out-the-door, affordable price point.
Founder Dana Valentino knew he could source the highest quality components and oversee the company’s stringent adherence to the ultimate in quality and workmanship. He started the company in 2023 and has been pleased with their vehicles’ acceptance into the marketplace.
“I understood starting out that we needed to provide the best cart components we could find anywhere in the world in order to compete,” Valentino said. “From the suspension system to the interior design and components, everything is premium quality and assembled with exacting care and precision.”
A former veteran and proud American, Valentino and the EV-1 team are totally focused on providing a high quality LSV without all the hassles of additional
parts or system add-ons, making it a much simpler process for the end user. “All of our vehicles are fully equipped with our complete accessories and features so the customer doesn’t need to haggle or listen to another sales pitch to equip their cart the way they want,” he says.
“My vision was not to build a global empire or brand, but to offer the best quality, finely crafted low speed vehicle available in order to remain strict control over our exacting design and manufacturing processes.”
EV-1 MODELS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
LSV models offered include the GL4 4-passenger and the GL6 6-passenger vehicles. When it comes to outfitting their carts with all the bells and whistles, EV-1 doesn’t hold back.
All models come standard with premium wheels and tires, a large touch display screen, 6.6-inch lift, premium sound and speaker components, folding glass windshield, mirrors, headlamps, and horn, making them street legal in most localities. The GL4 offers a range of around 62 miles, a top speed of 25-mph and takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.
All EV-1 carts come with a fully electric powertrain for maximum efficiency and maintenance-free
enjoyment. The lithium-ion batteries come with a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind, and the vehicles come with a full, 1-year warranty. The GL4 weighs in at around 1,300-pounds curb weight.
The cart is offered on the EV-1 website at a special clearance price of just $8,999.00.
The GL6 is an eye-popping, 6-passenger LSV that features room to comfortably transport 6 adults with 4, front-facing seats and 2, rear-facing seats and a convenient rear grab bar for added safety. The elongated, lifted stance creates the cart’s stunning visual appeal, and the extended roof keeps everyone onboard cool and comfortable. Usually priced at around $15,000.00, the company is offering close out pricing on this model at $9,999.00 as of the writing of this article.
All EV-1 carts come standard with front brush guards, seat belts for all passengers, heavy duty suspension parts, large LED interior display screen and even lighted speakers. The carts also come equipped with additional electronic connection ports under the seat which are completely plug-and-play capable for those who choose to add any additional cart accessories or components.
EV-1 Cart Co. also features a full service department
golfcartmanufacturer
offering pick-up and delivery along Florida’s Space Coast, and in many cases, same-day cart servicing. They will perform all routine maintenance services at their facility in Palm Bay, Florida.
PURPOSE OVER PROFIT
EV-1 is a non-profit organization, and Valentino is a huge proponent of giving back to the local Space Coast community.
“100% of the proceeds from the sale of all carts goes to the Kids First Charity, Inc., which helps young people in need of life-building and practical vocational skills and development,” Valentino said. He serves as a consultant to the organization. From wilderness camps to creative activities like bands and even vocational training, Kids First is leading the Space Coast’s charge to empower the next generation.
EV-1 conducts a hands-on, vocational training program for young people to learn what is involved in the manufacturing and production processes of their carts, training them to understand the exacting standards and quality control that goes into every vehicle.
Valentino also operates his own youth-based organization, founding the Camp E-Hitch-Itah nonprofit based out of the Ocala National Forest which operates a summer adventure camp for teens. As a
self-funded organization, he decided to put all of the sales proceeds from his EV business towards funding the program and their scholarships. Under the Kids First organization, Valentino also helps fund a vocational program that restores and sells military vehicles called the Alpha HMMWV School. (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). He is also closely involved with and supports other friends and business partners who share his passion for youth development and providing opportunities within their local community.
Valentino points out that he is driven by a bigger purpose than building a giant cart brand, and his company’s partnership with Kids First Charity and others is the ideal arrangement. “I’m proud of our company and the fact that we build a truly high-end LSV with all the options someone may want at a very affordable price point, and even prouder of how my team has stepped up to be a critical player in helping our local youth find their direction in life.”
You can learn more about EV-1 Cart Co. at https:// ev-1carts.com/ and Kids First Charity at https:// kidsfirstcharity.org/about/
Information on Camp E-Hitch-Itah can be found on their Facebook Page, https://www. facebook.com/campehitchitah/?paipv=0&ea v=AfaOKISBuIUWMzQ0W_DsJXZJifGG2Yadp_ XY5dGPRZz28VmVXCQidWlAksF8Ryzim6g&_rdr
ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC
Q: I have a 36-volt electric cart. What would I have to do to upgrade the cart to 48 or 72-volts?
A: You would have to add as many batteries as you would need, and add a supporting charger, a solenoid and a controller. Certain controllers are compatible with different voltage ranges, so be sure to check what controller you are running first. Most motors can withstand a voltage increase but with a shorter lifespan. It is best to upgrade everything new if you can to avoid any issues in the future.
Q: What is a good motor controller combo?
A: There are many selections on the market, many with advanced controllers and even DC to AC conversion kits. Factors depend on driving terrain and type of usage you wish to use the cart for. Higher amp controllers help with torque but not necessarily any more top speed. There are speed-oriented motors that add a higher top speed by increasing the magnetic field, causing the motor to spin faster. Top names such as Navitas, Alltrax and Plum Quick are industry specialists on getting the top performance out of your cart.
Q: Should I go with an AC cart over a DC based setup?
A: DC (direct current) carts have been around since the creation of the very first carts so they have a tried and true history. AC (alternating current) carts are more efficient by design and will give you better performance and runtime. I equate it to carburetors vs fuel injection. They both do the same thing, but fuel injection is just that much better. If money is no object, usually the better bet is always going AC; however, that may not be in everyone's budget so a DC cart is just as good for having fun in the sun. Happy Carting everyone!
Q: Will updating my cart from 36-volt to 48-volt make a difference in my speed or range?
A: The answer is both! When you increase the voltage in the battery pack you effectively raise the power the cart needs for the controller to go faster and have more miles of driving. Newer Sepex controllers series use a speed sensor so your cart would be limited to how much the controller is monitoring the speed as there are limits programmed to control the maximum speed.
