How Far Can a Golf Cart Go? Complete Range Guide (2026)

Discover how far golf carts can travel on a single charge or tank of gas. Compare electric vs gas range, learn what affects distance, and find tips to maximize your carts range.

Michael
Michael
Jan 12th, 202614 min read
Electric golf cart driving on a path showing range and distance capabilities

How Far Can a Golf Cart Go? Complete Range Guide

How far can a golf cart go? It depends on the power source, batteries, terrain, and how you drive. Electric carts go 15-80 miles per charge. Gas carts go 100-180 miles per tank. This guide helps you pick the right cart and get the most distance.

15-80 mi
Electric Range
100-180 mi
Gas Range
4-10
Rounds per Charge
+50-100%
Lithium Boost

Electric Golf Cart Range by Battery Type

Electric golf cart range depends primarily on two factors: voltage system and battery chemistry. Understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right setup for your needs.

Electric Golf Cart Range Comparison

Battery Type
36V System
48V System
72V System
Lead-Acid Flooded
15-25 miles
25-35 miles
N/A
AGM (Sealed)
18-28 miles
28-40 miles
N/A
Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4)
25-40 miles
40-55 miles
60-80+ miles

Why Lithium Batteries Provide More Range

Lithium-ion batteries deliver 50-100% more range than lead-acid batteries for several reasons:

  • Higher energy density - More power stored per pound of battery weight
  • Consistent power output - Maintains full voltage until nearly depleted (lead-acid weakens as it discharges)
  • Lighter weight - 200-300 lbs lighter than lead-acid, reducing energy needed to move the cart
  • No voltage sag - Climbs hills without losing power, unlike lead-acid which struggles on inclines
  • Deeper discharge - Can safely use 80-90% of capacity vs. 50% for lead-acid

For a detailed comparison of battery types and their impact on performance, see our complete golf cart batteries guide.

Gas Golf Cart Range

Gas-powered golf carts offer significantly greater range than electric carts, making them ideal for extended use, hilly terrain, or situations where charging isn't convenient.

Gas Golf Cart Range Specs

100-180 miles
Range per Tank
4-6 gallons
Tank Capacity
25-35 MPG
Fuel Efficiency
$15-25
Cost per Tank

Factors Affecting Gas Cart Range

  • Engine type: 4-stroke engines (25-35 MPG) are more efficient than 2-stroke (15-20 MPG)
  • Terrain: Hills reduce efficiency by 20-40%
  • Maintenance: Clogged filters reduce MPG by 10-15%
  • Fuel type: Ethanol blends (E10) reduce range 6-8% vs. pure gasoline
  • Load weight: Heavy loads decrease fuel efficiency

Electric vs Gas Range: Complete Comparison

Choosing between electric and gas comes down to your range needs, usage patterns, and operating costs. Here's how they compare:

Electric Golf Cart

Range15-80 miles
Refuel Time4-10 hours (charge)
Cost per "Fill"$1-3 (electricity)
Annual Fuel Cost$50-150
Hill PerformanceGood (lithium) / Fair (lead)
Best ForDaily use, flat terrain, neighborhoods

Gas Golf Cart

Range100-180 miles
Refuel Time2-3 minutes
Cost per "Fill"$15-25 (gas)
Annual Fuel Cost$300-600
Hill PerformanceExcellent
Best ForLong distances, hilly terrain, all-day use

The Bottom Line: Gas carts go 2-5x farther per fill-up, but electric carts cost 80-90% less to "fuel" per mile. For most golf course and neighborhood use, electric range is more than sufficient. Gas makes sense for all-day commercial use, very hilly areas, or when charging access is limited.

For a deeper comparison of electric and gas golf carts including speed differences, see our golf cart speed guide.

Factors That Affect Golf Cart Range

Understanding what impacts your range helps you maximize distance and set realistic expectations for your specific conditions.

High Impact

Terrain & Hills

Range reduction: 30-50%

Climbing hills requires significant motor power, draining batteries quickly. A cart that travels 40 miles on flat ground may only achieve 20-25 miles in hilly areas. Gas carts handle hills better but still see reduced efficiency.

High Impact

Battery Type & Age

Range difference: 50-100%

Lithium batteries provide roughly double the range of lead-acid. Battery age matters too—old lead-acid batteries may lose 30-50% of original capacity. Replace batteries when range drops significantly.

Medium Impact

Weight & Passengers

Range reduction: 5-15%

Each additional passenger adds 150-250 lbs, making the motor work harder. A cart with four passengers may travel 5-10 fewer miles than with just the driver. Cargo weight has similar effects.

Medium Impact

Temperature

Range reduction: 10-25%

Cold weather slows battery chemical reactions, reducing capacity. At freezing (32°F), expect 15-20% less range. Below freezing, range drops 25% or more. Lead-acid is more affected than lithium.

Medium Impact

Driving Style

Range reduction: 15-30%

Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving drain batteries faster. Frequent stops and starts use more energy than maintaining steady speeds. Gentle acceleration extends range significantly.

Lower Impact

Tire Condition

Range reduction: 10-15%

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, requiring more power to move. Larger or aggressive-tread tires also reduce range slightly. Maintain proper tire pressure for optimal efficiency.

For more information on how weight affects your golf cart, see our golf cart weight guide.

Real-World Range Scenarios

How far you can actually travel depends heavily on how you use your cart. Here are realistic expectations for common use cases:

Golf Course Use

Miles per 18 holes4-6 miles
Rounds per charge (Lead-acid)4-6 rounds
Rounds per charge (Lithium)7-12 rounds

Most golf courses are relatively flat with paved cart paths. Even older lead-acid carts can handle 2-3 rounds without issue. Charge nightly for best battery health.

🏘️

Neighborhood Errands

Typical trip distance1-5 miles
Trips per charge (Lead-acid)5-15 trips
Trips per charge (Lithium)10-25 trips

For quick trips to the store, visiting neighbors, or cruising the neighborhood, even basic carts have plenty of range. Great for reducing car usage on short errands.

🏡

Retirement Community

Daily driving average8-15 miles
Days per charge (Lead-acid)2-3 days
Days per charge (Lithium)4-6 days

Active community residents may drive 10+ miles daily between activities, dining, and visiting. Lithium batteries are popular in these communities for extended range and fast charging.

⛰️

Hilly Terrain

Range reduction30-50%
Lead-acid range (hilly)12-20 miles
Lithium range (hilly)25-40 miles

Hills drain batteries significantly. If you live in hilly terrain, consider lithium batteries (better hill performance) or a gas cart. Plan routes to minimize climbing when possible.

How to Extend Your Golf Cart's Range

Want to maximize your current setup or considering upgrades? These strategies can significantly increase your cart's range.

1

Upgrade to Lithium Batteries

The single most effective upgrade. Lithium batteries provide 50-100% more range, charge 4x faster, and last 3-5x longer than lead-acid. While upfront cost is higher ($2,000-5,000 vs $800-1,500), the long-term value is excellent. See our battery guide for details.

Range boost: +50-100%
2

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the motor to work harder. Check pressure monthly and inflate to manufacturer specs (typically 18-22 PSI). This simple maintenance can recover 10-15% of lost range.

Range boost: +10-15%
3

Reduce Unnecessary Weight

Remove heavy accessories, cargo, or equipment you don't need. Every 100 lbs saved extends range slightly. Consider lighter lithium batteries—they're 200-300 lbs lighter than lead-acid, effectively extending range through weight reduction alone.

Range boost: +5-10%
4

Adopt Efficient Driving Habits

Accelerate gradually rather than flooring it. Maintain steady speeds instead of frequent speeding up and slowing down. Avoid unnecessary high-speed driving. These habits alone can extend range 15-25% with no cost or modifications.

Range boost: +15-25%
5

Charge After Every Use

Don't wait until batteries are depleted. Charging after each use (even short trips) keeps batteries healthy and ensures you always start with full range. Avoid deep discharges—keeping lead-acid above 50% and lithium above 20% extends battery life.

Range boost: Maintains optimal capacity
6

Maintain Your Batteries

For lead-acid: Check water levels monthly, clean terminals, perform equalization charges. For all batteries: Keep connections tight and corrosion-free. Well-maintained batteries can provide 20-30% more range than neglected ones.

Range boost: +20-30%

Range by Golf Cart Brand

While range depends more on battery type than brand, here's how popular manufacturers compare with their standard configurations:

Range by Brand (Standard Configurations)

Brand
Lead-Acid Range
Lithium Range
Gas Range
Club Car
25-35 miles
45-55 miles
120-150 miles
EZGO
25-35 miles
40-50 miles
100-140 miles
Yamaha
20-30 miles
40-50 miles
130-160 miles
Icon/Advanced EV
25-35 miles
50-65 miles
N/A (electric only)
Evolution
N/A
50-70 miles
N/A (electric only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How far can an electric golf cart go on a single charge?

A

Electric golf cart range depends primarily on battery type and voltage. Lead-acid battery carts typically travel 15-40 miles per charge, while lithium-ion battery carts can achieve 35-80+ miles. A standard 48V cart with lead-acid batteries averages 25-35 miles, while the same cart with lithium batteries can reach 40-55 miles. Factors like terrain, passenger weight, and driving style significantly impact actual range.

Q

How far can a gas golf cart go on a full tank?

A

Gas golf carts typically travel 100-180 miles on a full tank, significantly farther than electric carts. With a 4-6 gallon tank and fuel efficiency of 25-35 MPG, most gas carts can run all day without refueling. However, gas carts have higher fuel costs over time, require more maintenance, and produce emissions compared to electric models.

Q

How many rounds of golf can I play on a single charge?

A

Most electric golf carts can handle 4-10 rounds of 18 holes on a single charge, depending on battery type. An average 18-hole round covers 4-6 miles of cart travel. Lead-acid 48V carts typically provide 4-6 rounds per charge, while lithium-ion carts can deliver 7-10+ rounds. Always charge after each use for optimal battery health and range.

Q

Which goes farther - electric or gas golf carts?

A

Gas golf carts go significantly farther per fill-up, averaging 100-180 miles per tank versus 15-80 miles per charge for electric carts. However, electric carts can be recharged overnight at home for just $1-3 per charge, while gas carts require fuel stops and cost $15-25 per tank. For most daily use, electric range is sufficient and more economical.

Q

How far can a 48 volt golf cart go?

A

A 48-volt golf cart travels 25-55 miles on a full charge depending on battery type. With lead-acid batteries, expect 25-40 miles of range. With lithium-ion batteries, the same 48V cart can achieve 40-55 miles or more. The 48V system provides approximately 33% more range than older 36V systems due to improved power efficiency.

Q

What affects golf cart range the most?

A

The biggest factors affecting golf cart range are: battery type (lithium provides 50-100% more range than lead-acid), terrain (hills can reduce range by 30-50%), total weight including passengers (each passenger reduces range 5-10%), temperature (cold weather reduces range 10-25%), driving style (aggressive acceleration reduces range 20-30%), and battery age/condition (old batteries lose significant capacity).

Q

How do I increase my golf cart's range?

A

To maximize golf cart range: upgrade to lithium batteries for 50-100% more distance, maintain proper tire pressure (under-inflation costs 10-15% range), reduce unnecessary weight, drive at steady moderate speeds, avoid aggressive acceleration, charge after every use, keep batteries properly maintained, and plan routes to minimize hills when possible.

Q

How far can a lithium golf cart go?

A

Lithium-powered golf carts typically travel 35-80+ miles per charge, roughly double the range of lead-acid battery carts. A 48V lithium cart averages 40-55 miles, while premium 72V lithium systems can exceed 60-80 miles under optimal conditions. Lithium batteries also maintain consistent power output throughout the discharge cycle, unlike lead-acid which weakens as charge depletes.

Q

Does cold weather affect golf cart range?

A

Yes, cold weather significantly reduces golf cart range. Battery capacity decreases 10-25% in cold temperatures because chemical reactions slow down. Lead-acid batteries are more affected than lithium. At freezing temperatures (32°F/0°C), expect 15-20% less range. Below freezing, range can drop 25% or more. Store and charge your cart in a garage when possible during cold weather.

Q

How far can a golf cart go on hilly terrain?

A

Hills dramatically reduce golf cart range by 30-50% compared to flat terrain. A cart that travels 40 miles on flat ground may only achieve 20-25 miles in hilly areas. Climbing requires significant motor power, draining batteries quickly. Gas carts handle hills better but still see 20-30% reduced fuel efficiency. If you live in a hilly area, consider lithium batteries or a gas cart for adequate range.

Conclusion

Golf cart range varies significantly based on power source, battery type, and driving conditions. Electric carts offer 15-80 miles per charge depending on battery chemistry, while gas carts provide 100-180 miles per tank. For most golf course and neighborhood use, a standard electric cart provides more than enough range at a fraction of the operating cost.

Key Takeaways:

  • Electric carts: 15-40 miles (lead-acid) or 35-80+ miles (lithium) per charge
  • Gas carts: 100-180 miles per tank, but higher fuel costs
  • Lithium upgrade provides 50-100% more range than lead-acid
  • Hills reduce range by 30-50%—factor this into your expectations
  • Proper maintenance and driving habits can extend range 20-30%

For more information on golf cart batteries and their impact on performance, see our comprehensive battery guide. Ready to find a dealer? Use our golf cart dealer finder to locate dealers near you.

Share this post

Find the Best Golf Cart Deal Near You

Compare top-rated golf cart dealers in your area and protect your vehicle with professional repair.

Related posts

Stay in the loop

Stay Updated with Golf Cart News

Get the latest updates on golf cart services, tips, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.