Gas or Electric? What Every Golfer Should Know About Cart Choices

Golf is more than just a game of skill and patience; it's also about the experience. From the feel of the fairway under your shoes to the ease of cruising from hole to hole, your golf cart plays a big role in shaping your day on the course. One of the most frequently asked questions among golfers today is: Should I go with a gas-powered or an electric golf cart?

As someone who writes about the intersection of clean energy and mobility, and who happens to enjoy a Saturday game of golf as much as anyone in Pebble Beach or Hilton Head, I've taken a deep dive into the "gas vs. electric golf carts" debate. Here's what every golfer needs to know.

1. Performance on the Green (and Beyond)

Gas-powered golf carts have long been the go-to for power and endurance. They are equipped with combustion engines similar to those in lawnmowers, and this means:

Longer range: Most gas carts can travel 90 to 120 miles on a full tank.

More torque: Ideal for hilly terrain or when towing a utility trailer.

Better for extended use: If you're using your cart beyond the course (like on large properties or at campgrounds), gas may be better.

Electric carts, on the other hand, have made incredible strides thanks to advances in lithium-ion battery technology:

Quieter ride: Perfect for serene mornings on the course.

Quick acceleration: Newer models offer responsive handling.

No fumes or emissions: Making them great for indoor or enclosed areas as well.

That said, electric carts typically offer 15 to 25 miles per charge unless upgraded with high-capacity batteries.

2. Maintenance Demands: Which Cart Is Easier to Care For?

Gas carts require routine maintenance, including:

Oil and filter changes

Air filter replacements

Spark plug inspection

Belt replacements

Fuel system cleaning

Electric carts are relatively low-maintenance:

Battery water checks (for lead-acid batteries)

Terminal cleaning

Occasional brake and tire inspection

The primary cost with electric carts is battery replacement, which can range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the battery type. Lithium-ion batteries last up to 10 years, whereas lead-acid versions typically need replacing every 4 to 6 years.

3. Environmental Impact: Where Do You Stand?

This is where electric carts shine. They emit zero tailpipe emissions and contribute to quieter, cleaner golf courses. When charged with renewable energy sources like solar, their footprint drops even further.

Gas carts, though improving in fuel efficiency and emissions with newer models, still contribute to local air pollution and generate noise. A single gas cart can emit as much pollution annually as a modern car.

If your course or community values sustainability (as many in Arizona and California increasingly do), electric is the logical choice.

4. Cost Breakdown: What Will You Really Spend?

Upfront Cost

Gas Carts: $7,000 to $10,000

Electric Carts: $6,000 to $9,000

Operating Cost

Gas Carts: About $0.15 to $0.30 per mile (based on gas prices)

Electric Carts: Roughly $0.01 to $0.03 per mile

Maintenance Over 5 Years

Gas Carts: $1,000 to $1,500

Electric Carts: $500 to $1,200 (mostly batteries)

Electric carts may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you're charging at home during off-peak hours.

5. Charging and Fueling: Convenience Matters

Electric carts require a standard 110-volt outlet. Charging times vary:

Lead-acid batteries: 6 to 8 hours for a full charge

Lithium-ion batteries: 2 to 4 hours

If your cart doesn’t make it through an 18-hole round, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Some courses offer charging stations, but it's not yet universal.

Gas carts can be refueled in minutes. But storing fuel safely is a concern, especially in residential garages. And let's not forget the gasoline smell that tends to linger.

6. Course Regulations and Local Laws

More golf courses across the U.S. are encouraging or mandating the use of electric carts. Places like Palm Springs, CA and Asheville, NC have introduced eco-friendly policies for public courses.

Homeowners' associations (HOAs), especially in retirement communities like The Villages in Florida, often have rules favoring electric carts due to noise and emissions.

Before purchasing, check local laws and your course’s rules. You don’t want to invest in a gas cart only to find it's restricted.

7. Resale and Longevity

Gas carts tend to hold their value longer due to their rugged durability and high demand for non-golf uses (e.g., farms, hunting camps, industrial settings).

Electric carts, particularly those with lithium batteries, also fare well on the resale market. However, if the battery needs replacement, it could lower resale value.

8. Customization and Accessories

Both types can be tricked out with:

Lift kits

Bluetooth speakers

Custom wheels

Windshields and enclosures

Electric carts may offer more flexibility with solar panel roofs and GPS integrations. Some upscale communities even host annual "cart parades" where customization is king.

9. Use Case Examples

Weekend Golfer in Scottsdale: Prefers a quiet, emission-free ride and charges the cart at home. Electric wins.

Groundskeeper in South Carolina: Needs hauling power and long daily usage. Gas is the go-to.

Eco-conscious community in Oregon: Has charging stations and noise regulations. Electric fits best.

Recreational family in Texas: Uses the cart on ranch land and camps. Gas provides the range and power.

Conclusion: Which Cart Fits Your Fairway Life?

At the end of the day, choosing between a gas and electric golf cart depends on how you play, where you live, and what values you prioritize. If clean energy and low maintenance align with your lifestyle, electric carts make a lot of sense. But if you're after power, range, and rugged reliability, a gas cart may still be the better match.

For those exploring the ins and outs of cart ownership, particularly how models compare in terms of environmental and performance features, diving into a detailed guide on electric vs gas carts can offer clarity.

As someone who values both innovation and tradition, I see beauty in both choices. The key is understanding what drives you—on and off the course.

So, the next time you tee off, ask yourself: What's powering your game?