Electric or petrol golf cart: how the two compare

Running cost, noise, range, refuelling and servicing compared in plain terms.

Both types do the same job. They differ in how you power them, how they sound and what you need to maintain.

Electric

• Quiet and free of exhaust fumes, which suits estates, resorts and courses with noise rules.
• Charged from a standard supply. Range depends on battery chemistry, battery age, load and terrain.
• Fewer moving parts to service, but the battery pack is the main long-term cost.

Petrol

• Refuelled in minutes, so range is limited mostly by the size of the tank.
• Louder, and needs routine engine servicing: oil, filters, plugs and belts.
• Often chosen for heavy utility work or sites without convenient charging.

If you are undecided, think about where the cart will be parked at night. If there is a plug nearby, electric is usually the simpler life.