Robby Steen is a man who knows how to break world records.

On Halloween in 2014, he hit the track in his modified 2010 E-Z-GO and reached a speed of 118.76 mph.

How did he achieve such speed?

With a bank of supercharged lithium-ion battery cells.

Reaching such a high speed is significant when the average golf cart only reaches 14-15 mph.

Even more impressive is that Steen only used 80 percent of the battery’s power to achieve this record-breaking speed.

Steen was confident he could have reached a higher speed of 130 mph but wouldn’t recommend it, deeming it too dangerous to push harder.

“It was a scary ride,” he said after breaking his record. “There was nothing around you to protect you.”

Do you want speed in your golf cart?

Are gas or electric golf carts faster?

Electric golf carts are faster and more powerful than gas ones, but they can be more expensive, depending on the features you are looking for.

You can find a model that fits your budget and needs by researching and comparing golf cart prices.

They are also rechargeable, so owning multiple golf cart batteries may be costly.

However, considering all these factors, investing in an electric cart instead of a gas one might be worth it.

You’ll never have to worry about your fuel tank running out of gas or paying for repairs down the road if you choose an electric model, which is why they are the best choice for speed and power.

Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha electric golf cart speeds

When most people think of golf carts, they think of the slow, sluggish vehicles that meander around the golf course.

However, times are changing, and the electric golf cart is becoming a more popular option for those looking for speed and power on and off the green.

Although Yamaha golf carts are electric and gas, they all have a top speed of 19 mph.

Club Car’s top-speed golf cart is the Villager 2+2 LSV, which goes 23 mph.

And the fastest electric golf cart on the market today?

Welcome to E-Z-GO’s 2Five LSV Street Legal Golf Cart with a top speed of 25 mph.

2Five LSV (low-speed vehicle)

The 2Five LSV is a street-legal golf cart powered by a lithium-ion battery with a driving range of up to 18 miles.

The 2Five provides the best balance of performance, speed, and safety. It makes getting around town hassle-free and straightforward while giving the confidence to drive a truly environmentally friendly vehicle.

Its low center of gravity and wide stance provides superior stability and handling.

In addition, this street-legal golf cart suspension gives it a smooth ride, even over the most uneven surfaces.

Note: Indiana golf carts must have a VIN and working headlamps, a reflective slow-moving vehicle emblem, at least one red rear taillight, and a red or amber flashing lamp.

2Five Features

• 48V AC drivetrain
• Four-wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes w/ Full-time Regenerative Braking
• Advanced IntelliBrake™ technology
• Backup Camera & Rearview Mirror w/ Monitor
• Dash-Mounted 12V Accessory Outlet
• Dash-Mounted Speedometer
• Odometer & State of Charge Meter
• Three-point Seat Belts
• 2 Passenger or 4 Passenger
• Turn Signals & Four-way Flashers
• Rear View Mirror and Driver/ Passenger Side Mirrors
• Automotive Safety Glass Windshield (AS1)
• White OPS (Operator Protective Structure) Rated Canopy
• DOT Street Legal 205-50-10 Radial
• Automatic Parking Brake
• Passenger Side Locking Glove Box
• Headlights & Taillights
• Brake Lights, Including Center
• High Mount Light, Floor Board-Mounted Horn
• Deep cup holders
• Comfortable, contoured seats
• DC/DC converter

Speed vs. Power: Why Electric Golf Carts are Faster

Electric golf carts are faster than gas golf carts for various reasons.

Torque

One of the main reasons electric golf carts are faster than gas golf carts is that they have more torque.

Torque is the rotational force that causes an object to rotate. For example, the energy turns the wheels and moves the car forward in electric vehicles.

Torque is critical to electric cars because it determines how fast the vehicle can go. The more torque carts produce, the quicker they can move and accelerate.

Motor

Electric golf cars also have better motors than gasoline ones do.

A motor converts energy from a power source into kinetic energy that propels the car forward or backward as needed.

Electric motors are more efficient than gas motors. They do not have as many parts, so they offer less resistance when spinning or working.

Battery Power

The third reason electric golf carts are faster than gas cars is that they have better batteries.

Batteries are crucial in electric carts since they store energy and electricity for the engine. Likewise, electric cars use powerful batteries to provide more power than gas cars to move their machines.

Lead-Acid batteries like Trojan have been the standard battery in electric golf carts since the 1960s.

However, E-Z-GO introduced lithium batteries in 2017, taking the golf cart industry by storm.

Lithium-ion batteries benefits

• Lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from the same “memory” issues that old-style lead-acid batteries did. In other words, you can recharge them even if they’re only partially drained.
• They have a much longer life expectancy than lead-acid ones (about five times as many charges).
• Lithium-ion batteries weigh up to 30% less than other golf cart batteries.
• 100% no maintenance (no adding water, cleaning corrosion, or checking acid levels)

Weight

Lastly, electric cars are fast because they weigh less than gas ones. For example, the average weight of a four-person golf cart is around 1,500 pounds.

The battery packs on electric carts make them lighter than the typical gasoline-powered golf cart, with about 800 to 900 pounds of additional equipment required to run them.

What does the term “horsepower” mean for golf carts?

Horsepower may refer to the amount of power the motor produces when discussing golf carts.

They are often called ‘traction motors,’ wired directly or via a gearbox into the front or rear wheels and propel the vehicle forward.

It is also used for electric vehicles, including scooters, bicycles, and skateboards.

A low-powered electric vehicle will have an AC motor with 20-30 pounds at peak torque, while higher-powered units can produce up to 200+ pound-feet of torque, much stronger than standard gas-powered units.

Does a bigger engine equal power for a golf cart?

A golf cart with a higher horsepower engine will go faster and carry more weight.

However, it is essential to note that a larger engine in a golf cart does not necessarily equate to greater power.

Even though some high-performing electric carts on the market have massive engines (100+ hp), they still take an extended time before reaching optimal maximum speeds.

Why should I get a powerful electric golf cart?

With today’s technology and innovation, you can get incredible performance out of your golf cart without worrying about emissions or constantly filling up at the pump.

The best part is that these powerful electric carts put a little strain on your wallet.

Electric-powered golf carts can be a great way to save money, and the best part is that they are often more affordable than gas-powered units.

In addition, many of them will come fully equipped with premium features, making owning one feels like a dream.

Is there a difference between how powerful electric golf cars perform and gas ones?

Electric-powered carts have much higher torque rates and tend to accelerate faster.

They also don’t have gears, so once you apply your throttle pedal, only the power from the motor comes through until you run out of battery juice or hit full speed.

This is about 12 miles per hour for a 36-volt system on a flat surface at sea level for most people.

Can I upgrade the motor or batteries on my golf cart?

Most electric golf carts will have a pre-installed motor and battery pack to perform optimally.

However, some high-performing models will allow you to customize these features by upgrading the batteries and motors to increase the power out of your unit.

How do I know if a golf cart is powerful enough for me?

It would be best to consider many factors before purchasing any golf cart, including your weight, desired speed, and how often you plan to use your new golf cart.

Also, make sure that whatever unit you go with can support the weight of everyone riding in it.

How can I make my golf cart go faster?

There are a few things that you can do to make your golf cart go faster.

One option is to install a higher-powered motor or upgrade your batteries.

Additionally, you can remove some weight from the vehicle by removing unnecessary accessories or passengers.

What is the difference between a “traction motor” and a regular motor?

Traction motors are specifically designed for electric vehicles and provide more oomph than gasoline engines.

These motors are typically larger and are wired directly into the front or rear wheels to propel the car forward.

Does a bigger engine mean increased power for a golf cart?

A golf cart with a higher horsepower engine will go faster and carry more weight.

However, it is essential to note that a larger engine in a golf cart does not necessarily equate to more horsepower.

Even though some high-performing electric carts on the market have massive engines (100+ hp), they still take an extended time before reaching optimal maximum speeds.

How do I know what size engine my golf cart has?

The easiest way to determine your golf cart’s size engine is by looking at its model number.

For example, say that you have a Club Car DS; this signifies that your vehicle’s motor is 36 volts and puts out eight hp (horsepower).

While these numbers will vary depending on the brand and model of your car, they should always be stated somewhere near the model number.

It is important to note that not all companies use the same standards when measuring horsepower, so for this reason, it is best to find out how many amps are produced by your electric unit.

Amps will be listed directly next to voltage in the specifications.

What factors determine how fast an electric golf cart goes?

The most common factors towards how fast an electric golf cart goes are the vehicle’s voltage, motor, and weight.

Voltage is vital as it directly affects how high the torque will be for your electric golf car.

The higher the voltage of your unit means you will have increased power to put out with your engine.

The size of your motor is also pivotal when determining how fast an electric golf car can go: a larger engine usually produces greater horsepower and torque, which helps increase speed.

Finally, heavier vehicles tend to weigh down their motors so much that they struggle to produce enough power to drive at top speeds.

This is why it is recommended that you remove unnecessary accessories from your golf cart if you plan on going faster than 8 miles per hour (mph).

What is the difference between a 36V and a 48V golf cart?

A 36-volt system uses 12 serial batteries to create enough voltage for the motor to operate.

In comparison, most 48-volt carts use six additional batteries wired together to produce more power for each charge.

While this usually results in a faster and more powerful vehicle, these golf cars will cost considerably more than their lower-watt counterparts.

Will changing my old lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery increase my mileage or speed?

Yes, if you purchase lithium-ion converters that can be installed into your cart’s electrical system.

In addition, you may also want to consider purchasing upgraded motors.

Whether you purchase aftermarket upgrades or completely change the entire system with lithium-ion batteries, the benefits of upgrading are well worth it.

What is the optimal number of batteries I need for my golf cart?

Using as many batteries as possible would be best, but it all depends on how much you are willing to spend.

Typically, 36-volt carts will have six batteries, while 48-volt units will have eight.

However, we recommend E-Z-Go’s ELiTE Lithium technology which provides extended range, faster charging times, and produces 95% less harmful waste than 72-volt lead-acid batteries.

This superior technology provides more torque and horsepower, providing sustained power and efficiency.

With six 12-volt batteries and a 350-amp controller, the ELiTE batteries provide approximately 30 miles which are 25% more miles than standard lead-acid batteries.

What else do I need for my electric golf cart?

A golf cart charger will recharge your batteries so you can play another 18 holes faster than ever before, but it also helps extend their life by minimizing the stress put on them when completely drained.

However, one thing to remember about chargers is that most have a converter that turns DC into AC, meaning they cannot work on a stand-alone basis.

Instead, most chargers require the cart to be plugged in for at least 8 hours daily to keep it running efficiently.

This also means your car will need an electrical outlet nearby since it cannot recharge without being near a power source.

What is the average cost of a charger?

A golf cart charger will add another high cost to your electric vehicle.

36-volt and 48-volt carts require a certain amount of amps to function optimally, so be mindful when searching for a good deal.

On average, however, most chargers cost around $100 or less, with higher-end models reaching roughly $800.

Would it be better to switch to a new 48V golf cart instead of adding new chargers?

Yes. While charging your vehicle full-time can take up a lot of space and money, there is no doubt that the reward is greater than the cost.

As long as you have an electrical outlet nearby, 48-volt carts will provide all the power you need for endless hours at speeds exceeding 20 mph without sacrificing more money for additional batteries.

When should I replace my old tires?

Since golf car tires offer reduced ground pressure and more shock absorption than standard cars, they tend to wear out much faster.

Also, improper inflation and overloading your cart can make your tires wear down faster than usual.

Generally, you should avoid using the same type of tires on both sides of your cart as they tend to wear out more quickly, regardless of inflation levels.

For this reason, finding a good deal on some new golf car tires is best for optimal performance and satisfaction.

Driving habits also significantly affect how long your tires will last, so avoiding things like potholes, curbs, rocks, etc., can help extend their life significantly.

What controls the speed of a golf cart?

Your speed is dictated by your pedal position but can also be influenced by other factors such as wind, terrain incline/decline, and tire traction.

However, focusing more on the pedal position, you should never push your gas to the floor since it will cause excessive strain on both your batteries and the motor.

Typically, your vehicle should only go up to 10-15 mph for a great ride, equating to a relatively long battery life.

How many miles do I get from one charge with my 36V electric golf car?

While 36-volt carts are considered an entry-level choice for most people buying their first electric drive vehicle, they still provide remarkable value.

An average person can travel up to 20-25 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most rounds of golf and will save you time and money compared to using a gas cart.

Wrapping Up

Golf cart technology has come a long way in recent years, allowing drivers to upgrade their current vehicle setup for increased power and speed.

With an array of options, such as 40 mph golf cart motors, electric golf carts factory models, and used golf carts available on the market, you will find something that fits your needs.

Carts & Parts proudly offers its customers full-service authorized EZ-GO dealership support.

Join our Facebook Page. See our Reviews in real time. We have Finance too! You can also trade in your used golf cart.

Visit our Union City showroom today for details and the best golf cart prices. Or call (937) 459-8891.

What do you think? Would you upgrade your current golf cart setup?

Let us know! We love hearing from our readers.