Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf carts are becoming increasingly popular as a means of transportation around the golf course and in golf cart-friendly communities. With that said, there are two primary sources of power for golf carts: electric or gas. If you’re in the market for a new or used cart, it is essential to know the pros, cons, and costs for each. Here is what you need to know about a gas vs. electric golf cart.
Essential Aspects When Comparing A Gas vs. Electric Golf Cart
Rather than going blindly into purchasing a gas or electric golf cart, it is essential to be informed. Making an informed decision will lead to making a better decision compared to regretting buying one type of a cart compared to another.
I recommend reviewing the chart below to determine if gas or electricity suits you. Take into consideration all of the aspects.
If you’re in a community, ensure that gas carts are acceptable based on Home Owners Association regulations.
| Aspect | Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts |
| Power Source | Gasoline engine | Fitted with Electric batteries and, most often Lithium Ion or Lead Acid |
| Initial Cost | For the most part, they are more expensive than electric carts | Usually less expensive compared to gasoline-powered golf carts |
| Maintenance | Require regular engine maintenance (oil changes, fuel filters, etc.) | Overall less maintenance with the exception of battery care |
| Noise Level | Noisier because of the engine | Very quiet even at top speeds |
| Emissions | Produce emissions | No emissions, therefore, eco-friendly |
| Operating Cost | Higher due to fuel and maintenance costs | The cost is associated with charging the battery bank still less than gas |
| Performance | In most cases, they have better torque and power and great for hilly terrains | More limited range compared to gas but smoother acceleration |
| Convenience | Requires refueling | Requires an outlet and charger specific to the golf cart |
| Lifespan | Extended engine life with proper maintenance | The battery bank will require replacement every 5-7 years with proper care |
| Environmental Impact | Higher due to emissions and fuel usage | Significantly reduced impact on the environment compared to gas carts |
Gas vs. Electric Golf Carts Costs Over Time
One of the important things to consider when purchasing and owning a golf cart is the cost of ownership over time.
Without question, a gas-powered golf cart cost more over time to own versus an electric golf cart. The primary reason that gas carts cost more to own is annual maintenance and fuel costs.
Maintenance Cost Comparison Between Gas And Electric Carts
Importantly, gas carts similar to vehicles require oil and filter changes. Comparatively, electric carts have a significantly less rigorous maintenance schedule. Electric carts, specifically lead acid batteries, demand water level checks, cable inspection, and terminal tightening. With that said, the service associated with electric carts takes minutes.
Operating Cost Comparison Between Gas And Electric Carts
Similar to maintenance costs, electric golf carts are less expensive to operate when compared to gas carts.
Despite gas carts having a longer range on a tank, it costs more money to fill the tank with gas than to charge the electric battery bank.
| Cost Factor | Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts | Remarks |
| Initial Purchase Price | $13,500 | $12,000 | The cost varies by model and features. Averages are based on 2023 models |
| Annual Maintenance | $600 | $350 | The cost is based on annual battery service for electric carts and engine maintenance for gas carts |
| Fuel/Electricity Cost (Annual) | $500 | $150 | Golf and electric are based on average gas prices, average electricity cost, and usage |
| Battery Replacement | N/A | $1,500 (after 5 years) | Average battery replacement cost for electric carts after 5 years of use |
| Resale Value (after 5 years) | $4,500 | $4,000 | Estimated resale value; depends on condition and market. |
As the chart clearly indicates, it costs more money to own a gas powered golf cart compared to an electric golf cart over a 5 year time span. Importantly, the chart factors in replacing the electric carts batteries at the five year mark. However, even with the batteries accounted for it is still less expensive to own an electric powered cart.
Pros and Cons of Gas Golf Carts
I have never owned a gas golf cart but have driven them dozens of times and especially while on beach vacations. If you’re shopping for a cart, here is what you need to know about the pros and cons of gas golf carts.
The Pros Of Gas Golf Carts
- One of the biggest benefits of gas powered carts is the ability to refuel them and be on your way at any moment.
- If you live or golf in a hilly terrain, gas powered golf carts are ideal because of increased torque and high powered motors.
- Gas carts have the ability to travel a much longer distance on a single tank compared to electric carts. You won’t have an issue playing multiple rounds of golf.
- If you’re planning to sell your cart at some point, gas-powered carts better hold resale value.
- Gas carts are not as susceptible to weather, including freezing or hot temperatures.
The Cons Of Gas Golf Carts
- Gasoline will need to be available in order to continue to operate a gas powered cart. Keep extra gas on hand at home.
- A significant number of golf cart communities prohibit the use of gas golf carts compared to electric golf carts.
- Gasoline-powered golf carts are louder than electric golf carts.
- You can expect to pay higher costs in maintaining gas engines versus batteries in electric carts.
- Carbon is produced with the combustion of the gasoline engine. Therefore, they are not eco-friendly.
Pros and Cons of Electric Golf Carts
As a golf cart owner myself, I prefer electric over gas. Importantly, I have had the opportunity to drive both gas and electric. The primary reason that I purchased an electric Club Car (previously, I owned an electric EZ-Go) is because it is quiet. Conversely, gas powered carts are incredibly noisy. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of electric golf carts.
The Pros Of Electric Golf Carts
- Both 48V and 36V electric golf carts are capable of being charged at your home. Furthermore, the chargers are small in size and can be transported to friends or family members when an additional charge is required.
- Electric golf carts are friendly to the environment as they produce zero emissions
- The battery bank requires less maintenance compared to the engine of a gas powered golf cart.
- Purchasing gasoline comes at a higher cost in comparison to charging electric golf carts.
- Electric powered carts produce little to no sound even when operating at full speed.
The Cons Of Electric Golf Carts
- Gasoline carts can be filled quickly however, electric carts require hours of charging.
- The range of an electric cart is substantially lower compared to a gas powered cart. Electric carts will travel 25-40 miles per charge, while a gas cart can exceed 100 miles on a tank.
- Electric-powered carts do not perform equally as well as gas carts on hills or when loaded down.
- Golf carts powered with 36 volt or 48 volt batteries will require replacement in the 5 to 7-year range.
Gas Vs. Electric Golf Cart Battery Upgrades Impact Pricing
Despite gas powered golf carts having a higher sticker price at the dealership versus electric carts, keep in mind that this is not always the case.
One of the determining factors in the purchase price of a new electric golf cart is the type of batteries. Unquestionably, lead-acid batteries come at a lower cost compared to lithium ion batteries.
So, an electric golf cart with lithium-ion batteries will cost approximately $3,000 more than the same model gas golf cart. The cost difference is substantial when upgrading an electric cart from standard lead acid batteries to lithium ion.
Gas vs. Electric Golf Cart: Weigh The Differences
Not only does the purchase price of an electric cart to a gas cart differ, but so do the annual maintenance fees. I highly recommend an electric cart over a gas cart because it offers smoother acceleration and is easier to maintain. Of course, one major drawback is replacing power sources if they are fitted with a set of lead-acid batteries. Additionally, gas carts are incredibly loud; you won’t find it nearly as peaceful while cruising.
