Golf Carts

Golf carts have evolved from simple course vehicles into versatile transportation solutions serving diverse communities and a variety of applications. And as their uses have changed, so too has the underlying technology powering these vehicles. Carbon reduction, performance and cost considerations have resulted in a long-term shift away from combustion engines and towards battery power.

A dramatic market shift away from golf courses and towards many forms of low-speed transportation is driving the latest battery developments, as newer personal vehicles require more power and benefit from longer range across more applications.

This evolution of the personal vehicle marketplace reflects broader technological trends in transportation, as customers have more choices than ever before. In fact, even among battery-powered golf carts there is an array of options – chief among them being what kind of battery chemistry to use.

Lead batteries are the oldest and most-proven solution for many applications. This legacy  battery chemistry has been the foundation of electric vehicles for over a century and represents a mature, well-understood and reliable technology. There are many reasons as lead batteries have been so successful for so long, including:

• Lower initial costs vs. alternatives like lithium-ion batteries
• Established domestic supply chains
• A circular economy, powered by a 99% recycling rate

More modern lithium-ion battery technology provides additional features, but with some trade offs. Lithium batteries have a higher energy density than lead batteries, allowing for bigger spikes in power output to power performance-driven applications as well as a smaller physical footprint. Some advantages to this newer battery chemistry includes:

• Higher discharge rates to power energy-intensive applications
• Faster recharging times
• Smaller weight and volume requirements

The next generation of battery technology promises to further improve golf cart performance and economics. Solid-state batteries, which replace liquid electrolytes with solid materials, are approaching commercial viability. Battery management systems are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize charging patterns.

Modular and swappable battery designs also provide a great platform for growth and improvement. If depleted battery packs can be quickly swapped for charged units, eliminating charging downtime entirely and simply requiring more batteries for a fleet instead of more overall vehicles.

And of course, the digital revolution continues to push the boundaries of what we define as a “golf cart.” Newer models blur the line between golf carts and low-speed vehicles, with some reaching speeds of 35-40 mph while maintaining street-legal low-speed vehicle status.  Modern battery-powered personal vehicles can include up to eight seats, Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity, entertainment consoles, and much more. Beyond creature comforts, there are also facility management concerns such as sensors to monitor battery health and brake wear along with telematics to optimize routes and performance. In short, the features of tomorrow’s golf carts are limited only by the imagination of manufacturers and customers.