The city of Longmont’s golf cart fleet is going all green.
The City Council this week approved an agreement with The Huntington National Bank to have new lithium powered golf carts available for rent at all three of the city’s golf courses. The move came after getting input from golfers and the city’s Pro Shop staff on the best replacements for older electric and gas-powered carts, according to a staff report to the city council.
“... It decided that the next rental cart fleet should have lithium ion batteries in them due to the numerous benefits they would provide,” the report states.
The total combined lease price for all the 157 new carts at Twin Peaks, Sunset and Ute Creek golf courses costs $792,915.60, according to the staff report.
Jeff Friesner, the city’s recreation manager, said, in an email the city’s old carts are also electric powered but not with lithium batteries. “We have had to rent gas carts for this year until the new carts arrive,” Friesner said.
The new carts could be used at Twin Peaks and Sunset golf courses by as early as April, he said. There is no delivery date yet for Ute Creek.
Lithium ion powered carts provide energy savings due to a 15% greater efficiency, decreased charging time due to the ability to charge two-times faster than a conventional electric battery, longer range on a full charge, and 50% reduction in out-of-the wall energy consumption to charge compared to lead battery powered carts, the report states.
Other benefits from lithium batteries include a 250-pound weight reduction to reduce course compaction, maintenance free sealed battery packs, the ability to charge carts without creating battery memory and no hydrogen gas production while charging, according to the report.
The city opted for the EZ-Go RXV Elite lithium golf carts because of their comfort, build quality, and increased efficiency, the report states.
