Lithium, Gas & Batteries
How to Charge a Lithium Golf Cart: A Simple Guide for Owners
How to charge a lithium golf cart at home, how often to charge, what outlet you need, and the simple habits that keep the battery healthy.
Lithium, Gas & Batteries
Lithium vs Gas Golf Carts: Which Is Better for Homeowners?
Lithium or gas? How the two compare on price, charging, noise, upkeep and warranty, and which one suits your home, neighborhood or property.
Golf Carts Nation TeamUpdated · 3 min read
If you are buying a golf cart for your neighborhood, your beach town or your property, the power type is the first big decision. Both lithium and gas carts are proven, and we sell both. The right one depends on how far you drive, where you park and how much upkeep you want. Here is how they compare for everyday home use.
Lithium vs gas at a glance
| Lithium (electric) | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Our prices from | $3,800 | $8,595 |
| Typical (median) price | $9,995 | $11,995 |
| Listed now | 166 | 50 |
| Refuel or recharge | Plug in at home, usually overnight | A few minutes at any gas station |
| Noise | Near silent | Engine sound |
| Exhaust | None | Yes |
| Routine upkeep | Tires, brakes, keep it charged | Oil, filters, spark plugs, plus tires and brakes |
| Battery warranty | 8 years on the lithium battery | No traction battery |
| Best for | Neighborhoods, beach towns, daily short trips | Large properties, farms, long days away from power |
Prices update automatically from our current listings. Every new cart, lithium or gas, comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Why most homeowners choose lithium
- No fuel and no oil. You charge at home, so there are no trips to the gas station and no oil changes.
- Quiet and clean. No engine noise and no exhaust, which neighbors and HOAs appreciate.
- Very little upkeep. Lithium batteries need no watering. Keep the cart charged and check tires and brakes.
- Long battery warranty. The lithium carts we sell come with 8 years of coverage on the battery, on top of the 2-year manufacturer warranty.
- Easy to check. Many lithium carts show the charge level on the dash, so you always know where you stand.
Comparing lithium with older lead-acid electric carts? Read lithium vs lead-acid golf carts and how long lithium golf carts last.
Lithium carts you can order todaySee all 166
When a gas golf cart makes more sense
- You drive a lot, every day. A gas cart refuels in minutes, so a long day never ends with a flat battery.
- You live on a large property, farm or ranch. Gas suits big distances, hills and work far from a power outlet. See our carts for farms and ranches.
- You have nowhere to charge. No garage outlet or driveway power? Gas avoids the problem.
- You want a familiar engine. Many gas carts we list, such as the E-Z-GO Express range, use a 13.5 HP fuel-injected engine.
Gas carts you can order todaySee all 50
Charging a lithium cart at home
Most owners plug in overnight in the garage or driveway and start each day with a full battery. Many carts charge from a standard household outlet, while some chargers need a dedicated circuit, so check the listing or ask us before you order. If you drive further than usual, a top-up charge during the day is fine for lithium batteries.
Read how to charge a lithium golf cart and how far a lithium golf cart can go. Want more miles from each charge? See how to increase the range of your electric golf cart.
How to choose: four quick questions
- How far do you drive on a typical day? Short neighborhood trips point to lithium. All-day driving with no break points to gas.
- Where will you park? A garage or driveway with power suits lithium. No power suits gas.
- Who lives nearby? In quiet streets and gated communities, a silent lithium cart fits in. See our carts for gated communities.
- Will you drive on public roads? Both lithium and gas carts can be street legal. Read the street-legal golf cart guide first.
Still comparing budgets? See how much a golf cart costs, or browse all lithium golf carts and gas golf carts.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lithium or gas golf cart better for a homeowner?
For most homeowners, lithium. It is quiet, needs almost no upkeep and charges at home. Gas makes more sense for long daily driving, large properties or places without power.
Is a lithium golf cart more expensive than gas?
It depends on the model. Our lithium carts start at $3,800 and our gas carts start at $8,595. Lithium also saves on fuel and oil changes over time.
How long does the lithium battery last?
The lithium carts we sell come with an 8-year warranty on the battery, plus a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the cart.
Can I charge a lithium golf cart at home?
Yes. Most owners charge overnight in the garage or driveway. Many carts use a standard household outlet; check the listing or ask us about your cart.
What maintenance does a gas golf cart need?
Regular oil changes, air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and the usual checks on tires and brakes. Follow the schedule in the owner's manual.
Are lithium and gas golf carts street legal?
Both can be. A street-legal cart is a low-speed vehicle (LSV) with the required safety equipment and a VIN. See our street-legal guide for details.
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