Electric golf carts are becoming a fleet mainstay
by Eric Cohen
From over-the-road to last-mile delivery, fleets – and fleet vehicles – are changing to meet the demands and specific needs and tasks a fleet requires. Vehicles are no longer “one size fits all” but rather designed and customized for a fleet’s specific requirements. Helping transform fleets are golf cars (and golf carts), evolving and quickly becoming a mainstay of many fleets around the world.
Golf carts move off the course
The golf cart market is on a tear!
These Small Task-Oriented Vehicles (STOV) move people and equipment in a variety of industries and settings. Yes, they appear as golf carts on golf courses, but also as 4x4 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) picking up trash, or multi-passenger people movers in airports. They greet guests at resorts and take them to their rooms, transport security personnel at large events, or even help parking enforcement officers on city streets. (Sorry!) You’ll find them at airports moving cargo on the tarmac or helping utilities at the height of a storm. They carry equipment and tools (and people) and go where many larger vehicles can’t.
One of the unique features of STOVs is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of each fleet. Add elongated beds or tools, such as plows or pallet forks, to carry larger equipment. With requisite attachments, STOVs can quickly transform to meet the needs of facilities engineering, security, grounds maintenance, and ambulance services. Whether hauling cargo or transporting crews, these vehicles can tackle many jobs once relegated to the bottom of the list due to fleet size and availability.
Golf carts evolve to electric
As golf carts are transformed for the tasks at hand, they’re also transforming to clean, low-maintenance electric power. As stated by Allied Market Research, on the basis of product type, the electric golf cart segment held the highest market share in 2022 (accounting for half of the global golf cart market revenue) and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. According to Global Market Insights, the electric golf car industry is expected to exhibit more than 6% growth rate through 2032.
One aspect of golf carts in a fleet setting is that, no matter the industry, many of these customized electric vehicles return to a specific location throughout the day or at the end of the day – perfect for getting a charge when needed. But unfortunately, they have to be plugged in. And unplugged when needed again. All this plugging/unplugging leads to winding/unwinding cables, failed connections, and increased safety risks. The biggest headache? Charge Anxiety™. The fear of forgetting to charge the vehicle (or worrying that someone else will).
EV fleets go wireless
Fleets that are going electric can also go wireless. With wireless charging, operators won’t have to think about charge management. When the fleet is parked, it will be charging. There will be no need to worry about whether a vehicle is plugged in after a shift, or before, since charging will start as soon as a vehicle is parked over the charging pad and will stop when it’s fully charged. One less thing to worry about!
Whether a last-mile delivery van or small electric golf cart, wireless charging will reduce workplace injuries as safer working conditions are realized by eliminating trip hazards and the need to wrangle unwieldy cords and cables.
Want to know more? Sign up for WiTricity’s newsletter.