UNRIVALED DEALER PROFITS
Be a part of Bintelli’s authorized dealer network and capitalize on the strength of a premium brand built on 24 years of industry leadership.
Introducing the new Bintelli Nexus, where luxury meets innovation.
Featuring a state-of-the-art touchscreen, integrated cooling fans, a premium sound system, dynamic color-changing LED accent lights, a convenient beach chair holder, two secure locking storage areas, and more.
The Nexus raises the bar with luxury, functionality and more standard features than any other model on the market.
Get Golf Cart insurance from Progressive
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Powering Your Home with an Electric Golf Cart
MGolfCartingTV, this event was a smashing success. A big shoutout to Denago EV® for their stellar sponsorship! Nick DiStasio of Carts Inc. brought his A-game, showcasing everything from stock rides to supermodified speed demons. The crowd was treated to a fantastic display of creativity and engineering prowess. Kudos to Sonny and Billy at Mountain View Motorsports for their top-notch track prep!
Safety was a priority, with emergency crews on standby. Even a crash couldn't dampen spirits, thanks to sturdy safety gear keeping drivers unharmed.
With classes for both gas and electric carts, everyone had a chance to shine. From Bonestock to Unlimited, it was a cart lover’s dream. To read more about this super-fun event, please read the full article by Kelly Madden in this month’s edition.
We hope you enjoy this September 2024 edition of Golf Carting Magazine.
Senior Editor Trevor@golfcarting.com
y family and I have contemplated living off-grid using solar power and a rain-catchment system as our sole means for power and water. As I was editing this edition’s “Ask the Mechanic” by our supersmart Tony Benjamin, I was surprised to hear that you can use a golf cart as a temporary back-up power solution. Imagine this: the power goes out, and you're left in the dark, pondering your next move. While the traditional solutions like candles, flashlights and gas-powered generators are handy, there's a fun and practical alternative sitting right in your garage – your trusty electric golf cart. Yes, that humble vehicle can be a lifeline in an emergency. If you are interested in how to use your cart for back-up power, read this month’s edition of “Ask the Mechanic”. Thanks Tony!
DIRT DRAGS EVENT DRIVEN BY DENAGO IN VIRGINIA WAS A BIG SUCCESS!
Who knew golf carts could be so thrilling? On August 3rd, the Second Annual Golf Cart Dirt Drags took Fredericksburg, Virginia, by storm. Held at the historic fairgrounds, this event saw golf carts go from mild to wild, racing down the dragstrip to prove who’s boss.
Thanks to the efforts of GolfCarting.com, and
GOLF CARTING // Issue 52 // September 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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DRIVING INNOVATION
A CONVERSATION WITH JASON PERSKE, VICE PRESIDENT OF BINTELLI
We were excited to catch up with Jason Perske, VP of Bintelli, to delve into their latest release, the 2025 Bintelli Beyond. Jason shared insights into the enhancements that set this model apart in the competitive electric vehicle market.
So we hear the 2025 Beyond has some new features that come standard. Can you tell us about them?
That's right, for 2025 we took the feedback we’ve received from our incredible dealer network and their customers and refreshed our number one selling Beyond. The big thing you'll notice immediately is the upgraded high-back seats, now wider and with adjustable armrests. They are incredibly comfortable and have a more modern look that people have been looking for. A lot of time went into the new seats to ensure a better riding experience for more of our customers. You'll also notice the integrated ECOXGEAR soundbar, which is tied directly into
Beyond's touchscreen display and sound system. Now you can use Bluetooth on your phone to enjoy premium sound throughout the cart. My personal favorite is one you can't see, the all-new power steering. Low-speed maneuvers are a breeze, they transform the feel of the cart to a much more automotive experience.
both humbling and inspiring.
Wow, that's a lot of upgrades for one model-year change! With the recent addition of the Nexus model, what are your thoughts on your lineup now?
Absolutely, but we’re committed to always offering the best value on the market. Our lineup is stronger than ever, with even more built-in value. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see dealerships across the country receive the brand-new Nexus model and sell it so quickly. Witnessing our hard work pay off with satisfied customers is truly fulfilling. Everything we do is centered around our customers, and their positive feedback is
I’m also proud that we’re leading the industry by providing our dealerships with the highest profits, helping them maintain and grow their market positions. This is crucial to us. While other OEMs may cut dealer profits for short-term gains, that strategy doesn’t align with our values. We prefer to create more value for our dealers and customers, ensuring they have the most sustainable and successful dealerships in the industry. You just celebrated your 24th year in business, which is truly a big deal and something to be proud of!
What do you think led to you being one of the longesttenured companies in the EV industry?
Thank you! I get asked this a lot and my answer is always the same. If you treat your employees and customers right, everything else falls into place. We've been extremely fortunate to have some long-tenured
employees who have put in countless hours and been incredible people to share the journey with. It takes the focus and commitment of everyone to do what we do each day. Every role and every position contributes to putting out our incredible carts while providing the high level of service our dealerships know they can count on. Our incredible people are truly the Bintelli Difference.
What can your dealers look forward to from Bintelli in the second half of the year?
We always have exciting projects in the pipeline. While I can’t share all the details just yet, I can say there are some fantastic developments on the horizon. Stay tuned, as we’ll be announcing more soon!
What makes your line unique in the industry, and how can a dealer contact you if interested?
We are always looking for great fits in open markets. I'd welcome anyone to reach out who is interested in providing an incredible product that is backed by the best program in the industry. We make things simple. The more peace of mind we
can provide our dealers, the more time they can spend focusing on delivering a memorable experience to their customers. We always ask more of our dealerships and in return, give them something truly special. If you'd like to learn more about what we have to offer, you can apply online through our website to be put in contact directly with our team. We'd love to hear from you and discuss whether Bintelli is right for your dealership.
SHOULD YOU UPGRADE TO A 72V SYSTEM FOR YOUR GOLF CART?
TThis is a common question from golf cart owners looking to improve their vehicle’s performance. Whether converting their existing vehicle to an AC drive system or purchasing a new golf cart, the option to upgrade to a 72v lithium battery is tempting. In this article, we will discuss the performance advantages, compare pricing, and address possible safety concerns to shed some light on this oftenasked question.
The most important thing to know when comparing 51v to 72v drive systems is that the 72v systems are far more efficient in every category when powering a small electric vehicle. Speed is ultimately determined by the motor and controller’s output capabilities, but an increase of 42.5% voltage in a 72v battery will result in higher top end speeds compared to the 51v. Even though the batteries being compared are both 105 amp-hour capacity rated, a 72v system will be far more efficient due to a 43.75% increase in Watt hours and therefore achieve much greater range per charge cycle. A 72v lithium battery in a four-seater golf cart under normal load can expect 60+ miles of range, compared to 40 miles from a 51v battery. However, as my good buddy Brandon Hudson says, “No one goes 73v for the range.” The increase in overall power and torque is what really stands out. Accelerating from 20 mph to however fast you feel comfortable going is exhilarating in a 72v system.
Regarding lithium battery pricing, a 72v - 105ah lithium golf cart battery will typically come to market about $1000 more than the 51v - 105ah battery. As the old saying goes, you must pay to play. If you want the baddest golf cart in your area of operation, then you need to pony up and get the 72v battery. The 72v lithium battery can also be a little more expensive to ship due to the total battery weight coming in just over the ground shipping to LTL threshold of 150 lbs., so
make sure to ask about and factor in additional shipping costs.
Is it safe to upgrade my golf cart to a 72v system or purchase a new 72v vehicle? New 72v vehicles, normally 6+ seater passenger carts, small low-speed vehicles, or utility vehicles, are designed to safely operate at the power generated by a 72v motor and controller. For golf cart owners upgrading their existing 48v vehicles, the safety factors should be more of a concern. Obviously, the vehicle was designed for much lower power output, and there will be a considerable amount of additional force on parts and welds, which can easily compromise older parts. More importantly, the two rear drum brakes that come stock on most 48v golf carts will not be able to properly stop a vehicle traveling 25 mph or more. Also consider, the additional power paired with the lighter weight of the lithium battery can also add to the instability of the vehicle at higher-than-average speeds. Lastly, the craftsmanship and routine maintenance of an upgraded vehicle must be made a top priority. It is highly recommended to identify failing or loose parts during an inspection rather than experiencing a component failure at high speeds.
In summary, I have had both 51v and 72v lithium batteries in my personal cart paired with an AC drive system, and I must say both will blow your hair back. The 51v lithium battery and AC drive system can achieve great ranges, speeds, and generate enough torque to lift a golf cart’s front tires in the air. A 72v drive system is going to operate much more efficiently and can achieve 30% higher performance, depending on the motor and controller’s output. Safety should be a top concern for anyone interested in upgrading their existing 48v system to 73v. As Uncle Ben in Marvel’s Spider-Man said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” There isn’t a better quote that sums up whether you should upgrade to 72v or not. Stay safe out there.
ALLIED BATTERY LITHIUM POWER WITH DROP-IN SIMPLICITY
ALLIED LITHIUM BATTERIES PROVIDE THE IDEAL CART SOLUTION
Versatility and voltage all come together when you equip your golf cart or other low speed vehicle with power from Allied Lithium Battery.
The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, has a large facility to service their Southeast US dealers in Tampa and a network of around 500 authorized dealers throughout the country.
Whether looking for a larger, commercial lithium battery pack or smaller, individual batteries, Allied offers any option to match your needs. It’s never been simpler to upgrade your cart’s power from standard, lead acid batteries to a much more efficient, lighter lithium power supply. They offer lithium solutions for any cart manufacturer or model.
Lithium batteries offered by Allied are LiFePO4 lithium
batteries, which provide the ultimate in high-energy density, safety from things like over charging and excessive heat, increased range, and improved overall life cycle. Plus, you’ll experience much faster charging time when your cart is fitted with Allied Lithium Batteries than with lead acid batteries.
The greatly reduced weight of Allied Batteries will result in a much lighter vehicle, meaning increased performance and throttle response. Plus, the absence of toxic materials in their LiFePO4 batteries reduces the environmental impact associated with their production, use, and disposal.
To show how confident Allied is in their products, their batteries come with an 8-year warranty.
Brett Clayton is Allied’s National Sales Manager and says their engineers have recently developed many new upgrades
to the company’s products, increasing range and overall life service of their batteries.
“We offer a wide variety of lithium power options from commercial, larger sized battery packs to individual, drop-in batteries in 36v, 48v and 72v sizes to accommodate the needs of every golf cart or LSV owner,” he says.
DROP IN FOR MAXIMUM BATTERY CONVERSION
Allied Lithium offers high performance batteries designed to drop in to almost every cart brand or model, and the installation process is simple.
Cart owners can add the appropriate number or sizes of batteries depending on their cart and how they use it. A smaller, 2-seat cart used for golf has different power needs than a 6-passenger neighborhood LSV, and Allied and their dealers will guide you in the perfect configuration to meet your needs.
Many carts originally come with either 6, 6v or 3, 12v lead acid batteries, but Allied’s drop in installation and custom fitting allows you to upgrade your vehicle to from between 2 to 6, 36v / 36Ah lithium replacements, depending on your vehicle’s use and needs. The reduced weight along with the increased power efficiency will offer much more enjoyment and usefulness from your cart, including longer range and time of operation. The company also offers lithium batteries in 48V 30Ah and 72V 18Ah capacities.
For those needing a larger battery application, Allied offers their premium commercial battery packs available in 65Ah, 105Ah, 160Ah and 210Ah power options. These power-packed
components can even be installed on their side if your vehicle has limited battery space.
Allied Lithium Batteries also include their comprehensive, real-time Bluetooth® phone app that includes precise monitoring of overall battery health, state-of-the-art charging meter, error alerts for things like over or under-charging or overheating, and more. You can opt to check and monitor all of your batteries simultaneously or pinpoint any issues on each individual battery. The company also offers a complete line of both on-board and stationary chargers, charger ports, power converters and all connecting cables and hardware.
One of the best features of the Allied Lithium phone app is if you ever do encounter a problem, you have the ability to alert a service expert who may be able to diagnose and immediately correct the issue remotely.
As an Allied Lithium Battery current or potential owner, you’ll find dozens of useful data sheets with full battery specs for every size, how-to installation videos and much more under their website’s Resource tab. And with a long, successful history in the golf cart and lithium battery industries, Allied holds safety certificates from the most respected consumer and industrial safety organizations in the world.
“Whether you have a smaller golf cart or a multi-passenger people transporter, we’re confident that our extensive line of lithium batteries will add years of peak performance and enjoyment to your carting experience,” Clayton said.
To learn more about Allied Lithium Batteries and their full product line, visit alliedlithium.com
with ActivEV
ActivEV is looking to award one dealership in your city exclusive rights to sell The Pulse. Boasting premium quality, top value, and a nationwide dealership program, ActiveEV is the premier golf cart company to showcase in your dealership. Backed by over 24 years of industry experience, we know what it takes to be a market leader.
Showcase this premier golf cart brand in your dealership, and receive:
Strong Dealer Profits
Turnkey, Ready-to-Sell Inventory
Low First-Time Order Requirement
Standard Cutting Edge Lithium Battery
4-Year Warranty with Stress-Free Support
Nationwide Advertising To Drive Traffic To Your Dealership
Nationwide Dealership Support Network For Your Customers
Showroom Materials Free with First Order + Premade Marketing Materials
Powered by Bintelli TM , Driven by Innovation
For more information, visit activegolfcarts.com
NEW SOFTWARE MAKES CART RENTALS AND SALES EASIER
If you operate a golf cart / LSV sales or rental business or are considering stating one, you realize how challenging it can be to acquire new customers and complete all of your accompanying sales or rental transactions so that your client receives a rewarding, professional experience.
That’s why entrepreneur Brandt Vojcek developed RidesRentalSoftware as a division of his business operational software company known as virtualbusiness360.com.
The overwhelming majority of today’s cart consumers
begin their research online, and Vojcek realized that many people looking to buy or rent a golf cart or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, (NEV), were not receiving the quality of customer service or personal attention they deserved.
If you have ever sent an inquiry or filled out a website reply form to gather more information about a specific company’s products or services and were disappointed in the response, you understand the drive that propels Vojcek and his team.
Shaffer American Custom Carts is a dedicated client of RidesRental and VirtualDealer360 business operations and marketing support systems. (Left to Right): Danny Shaffer, Raquel Gallo, Devin Gallo, and Anthony Gallo
“Our proprietary software and website development services take the day-today concerns of running a golf cart sales or rental business off the shoulders of the owner, and ensures that responsive, accurate and professional customer contact and fulfillment is always in place,” Vojcek said.
When you enlist the services of RidesRentalSoftware, developed for cart rental businesses, or VirtualDealer360.com for cart and LSV sales businesses, you can stop worrying about a lot of the basic functions that can become a burden for your business’s operational managers and personnel, freeing them up to focus on real interactions with their potential customers. The company has been providing sales and rental software and consulting for over 10 years.
The company, which also offers the same services for businesses in the car, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, party, event, and dumpster rental sector, among others, has perfected the process to ensure the end user receives the ultimate customer experience.
They begin by building their clients a state-of-the-art website, engineered with the SEO and customer acquisition elements that drive traffic. One of the key components is the ease with which prospects can reserve a cart rental, or further inquire about the purchase of a specific vehicle from a dealer. As Vojcek points out, “Nothing turns a potential customer off more than not hearing back about their inquiry, which results in a huge percentage of lost opportunities.”
Their system offers simple, secure document signing and acceptance including required insurance and licensing information, prior to the reservation date, enabling customers to lock in their rental reservation or sales agreement instantly. RidesRentalSoftware and their web tech engineers have perfected the art of anticipating what the customer is looking for and delivering it in the most efficient way.
Other services offered through the company’s software include customer contact management to track appointments and keep the prospect informed, comprehensive reporting via tracking meta data and other online interactions to monitor exactly what is happening in the business, real-time scheduling so that every employee involved in any transaction is continually aware of what is expected in delivering the final product, inventory management, automated billing and membership services and lead collection that enables businesses to act immediately on a potential rental or sale.
“The first interaction with a potential customer is the key to further business, and our software ensures that those opportunities are not lost,” said Vojcek. The company has many new developments on the horizon involving the new world of AI, developed to make the cart rental and sales businesses even more efficient and productive.
A BETTER PROCESS FOR CUSTOMER ACQUISITION, RETENTION AND SERVICE
Anthony Gallo is a Partner in Shaffer’s American Custom Golf Carts, which operates locations in the Tampa Bay area, covering Clearwater, St. Petersburg, North Port, Sarasota, and the surrounding region of Florida. This golf cart and LSV
business was founded by Danny and Margaret Shaffer in 2016, with Gallo coming onboard as one of the partners a few years later.
The company sells Tomberlin®, Atlas®, Icon®, Breezy® and HONOR LSV® vehicles, plus operates a successful rental business that serves the local Air BnB® market and residential communities in their area.
“We have been very pleased and impressed by the hard work and dedication provided by RidesRental and VirtualDealer360, and their extensive systems and services related to our business,” Gallo says.
Shaffer’s American Custom Golf Carts started with a website provider that they subsequently realized was not providing the services they needed to compete. Gallo says, “RidesRental came in around a year ago and showed us how they can seamlessly manage all of the customer acquisition, document processing, scheduling, customer notifications, and customer tracking processes our business needed.”
“When a person contacts us about a cart sale or rental, we can immediately see how that customer came to us, whether it’s from a social media post, online marketing promotion or other source. This allows our entire team in every location to learn what they were initially searching for and respond instantly to capture their business and provide exactly what they need.”
Gallo points out that RidesRental’s software gives his company the ability to identify a potential customer’s needs before the transaction, and then automate the execution of that transaction in the most efficient way possible.
For more information, visit www.ridesrentalsoftware.com
OWNER: Bud Evans from Hudson, Kentucky
YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: 1985 Club Car DS
HEY BUD, THIS CUSTOM BUILD IS AN ABSOLUTE BEAST! COULD YOU GIVE US THE RUNDOWN ON WHAT MAKES IT SO UNIQUE?
You bet! This is an all-custom 1985 Club Car DS, but it’s not your ordinary golf cart. I’ve taken it to the next level with a tube chassis, slapped on some 1985 Toyota axles, and powered it up with a legendary 22R Toyota engine. To top it all off, it’s got an automatic transmission and a 4x4 setup. This bad boy is ready to tackle anything!
THAT’S SOME SERIOUS ENGINEERING! TELL US, HOW DID YOU GET INTO BUILDING CARTS LIKE THIS?
I’ve always been into monster trucks and mud trucks, so when I stumbled upon this beat-up old cart, I saw potential. It’s been a labor of love for the past year and a half. I’ve rebuilt it from the ground up and made tons of changes along the way. It’s been a wild ride, but worth every minute.
YOU’VE REALLY BROUGHT THIS CART BACK TO LIFE. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU OR YOUR COMPANY?
I’m not done yet! The plan is to finish this build and then go even bigger. I’ve got some ideas that are going to blow people’s minds.
SOUNDS EXCITING! ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US?
Actually, yeah! My wife and I, along with the cart, are going to be in a movie called "The Town Without Halloween," set to release in October 2024. And who knows, there might be more movies in the pipeline. Keep an eye out!
SECOND ANNUAL SECOND ANNUAL
DRIVEN BY
ELECTRIFIESFREDERICKSBURG ELECTRIFIESFREDERICKSBURG
Saturday, August 3rd, was the date of the Second Annual Golf Carting Dirt Drags, held at the country’s oldest fairgrounds in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Thanks to the dedication and hard work from sponsors, partners, vendors and volunteers, this event was a big success for cart lovers. From the mild to the wild, carts faced off to prove their dominance on the dragstrip. Participants brought some of the most creatively modified, engineered, and manufactured custom carts from a wide area, exhibiting the true core of
the custom cart world. The event was a joint effort by Golf Carting Magazine and golfcarting.com, and our YouTube® channel, GolfCartingTV. We’d like to say a huge thank you to our name sponsor, Denago EV®, for their generous support and participation.
Nick DiStasio owns Carts Inc., with 2 locations in Fredericksburg and Urbanna, Virginia. He and his team are the creators of this unique golf cart event, and he is very pleased with everything about this year’s show.
golfcartevent
“We had a huge variety of carts this year, from stock to super-modifieds with a lot of speed and power,” he said. “This was a great showcase for cart people to show what they built and the extent of performance mods that create a really impressive machine.”
He also offered a special shout out to Sonny and Billy at Mountain View Motorsports for their dedication in laying out and preparing the drag strip and countless other services they provided.
In addition to the actual cart races, there were plenty of other events and activities to make this a true family-friendly carting experience.
Kids were invited to participate in a foot race on the track for awards and cash, and the Show & Shine event, with Best In Show awarded to Eric Shadoan in his radical, lifted teal, colored limo-styled beauty. The crowd was thrilled with the performance of our National Anthem, a beautiful rendition by Miss Fredericksburg Fair, Nayjah Mickens.
Another crowd pleaser was the appearance of Bud Evans, a former monster truck driver out of Kentucky, and his custom behemoth named Family Tradition. The motor is from a 1985 Toyota pickup, 185-horsepower, centermounted engine and drivetrain on a totally custom
chassis, capped off with 2 Club Car bodies. This totally street legal car-crusher weighs an impressive 3,500 pounds. Evans is planning more engine mods to bring the vehicle up to around 300+ horsepower.
There was a crash in one of the races, but thanks to the 5-point harness, custom safety rollbars and other equipment installed on the cart, driver Travis Bradby walked away unharmed. His highly modified cart boasts a Hayabusa 1,300 cc engine and was one of several carts participating that are capable of top speeds of 55 miles per hour. Event organizers also made sure to have a full staff of emergency medical personnel, firefighters, and other safety officials onsite to manage any emergencies. There were several classes in the races, allowing a lot of participants to take part in the event. For gas carts, the classes were Stock, Modified, and Unlimited. Electric cart classes were Bonestock, Electric and Modified. Full rules and participant regulations can be found at https://golfcarting.com/dirtdrags/ Matt White is the creative genius behind Golf Carting TV and was instrumental in planning and covering the event. “This community of golf cart racers and golf cart owners is so awesome, and to see a bunch of people from all over the country come together, compete, have fun, and help each other out was just so
cool to see and be a part of,” he said.
"This was the first-ever, full-on live broadcast of a golf cart race like this. It's literally never been done before, and it might sound over-the-top, but I truly believe we are revolutionizing this industry.”
SUPPORT THOSE WHO POWER THE PASSION
In the world of custom golf carts, it’s not just the thrill of competition or the roar of engines that makes these events special—it’s the sense of community, camaraderie, and shared passion that brings us all together. Our sponsors play a crucial role in making these gatherings possible, providing the resources and support that turn dreams into reality.
So, as you bask in the memories of another unforgettable event, remember to show your appreciation by supporting the sponsors who make it all happen. These are the brands and businesses that believe in the power of bringing golf cart enthusiasts together with their families and friends for a day of fun, excitement, and bonding with like-minded individuals. By choosing to support them, you’re not just investing in a product—you’re investing in the future of the community that we all cherish.
ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC
Q: Can I charge my cart with solar power?
A: The answer is absolutely! And, there are several ways to do it. In fact, adding a solar charging system would not only extend the life of your batteries, but it would provide a constant trickle charge rather than a continuous discharge situation. To start, mount a solar panel or a special solar film on your roof to capture the sun’s rays. Proper sizing of the solar panels is crucial for this project. Solar panel voltage should match the battery bank voltage for regular charging. Most golf cart batteries are 36V or 48V, so this will help you know the size and number of solar panels you need. For example, if the available solar panels are 12V, you’ll need 3 for a 36V and 4 for a 48 V solar golf cart battery. From there, you would need to source a solar charge controller to maintain the proper voltage necessary to correctly and safely charge your batteries.
HERE SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO CHARGE YOUR CART WITH SOLAR:
1. Put the solar panels on the roof of your golf cart, ensuring that they fit perfectly. Also, make sure to use an extension cable to make the panel cable reach the rear of the cart.
2. Use mounting brackets or screws to tie the panel.
3. Fix the charge controller on the base floor with tape.
4. Connect the battery bank to the controller’s battery port with a suitable connector.
5. Wire the solar panel extension cable to the controller’s PV port to complete the whole installation.
CAUTION: Avoid connecting your golf cart’s battery directly to the solar panel, as doing so may put it at the risk of overcharging and possibly cause damage. Using the sun’s free energy can provide many more miles of range and faster charging times however, it does not
take place of using a conventional charger to properly charge your batteries. Utilizing solar energy conversion would be referred to as more of a "maintenance" charge and not a high amp bulk, absorption and balancing phase charges needed to cycle the batteries properly.
Q: Can I use my golf cart to power my house?
A: Yes, you can! To power your house in an emergency, you would need to purchase a properly sized inverter matching your carts battery pack voltage to convert DC power into 120v AC power for your home appliances to run on. It's good to note that the average 48V golf cart has between 5 and 13kwh of stored energy. Interestingly, the type of battery does make a difference, as most lead acid batteries will outperform their lithium counterparts for one simple reason: capacity. A cart using (8) Trojan T-125 batteries has almost the same capacity as a Tesla Powerwall – 12.8kwh vs 13.5kwh.
The inverter assembly includes a circuit breaker, polarized connectors, heavy duty cable and other safety and convenience features. To use it, you simply connect the inverter to your cart with a polarized Anderson connector. Simply turn the switch and pure sine wave power would be available. No installation is required, though ring terminals are recommended. A recommended size would be no less than 3000 watts to handle most light to medium duty appliances. Larger wattage models are available at a higher price tag to handle heavier loads.
It should be noted that battery backup systems are now preferred over conventional gas generators, as they are safer, quiet, non-polluting and can be used indoors. Make sure to use high quality extension cords and double check that all battery connections are clean and secure.
