Golf car. Golf cart. NEV. LSV. What’s the difference?

by Eric Cohen

Everyone knows what a golf cart is. But what is it when it’s no longer on the course, but on the street? Some people call these street-legal versions “golf cars.” Others refer to them as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), while still others call them neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). Whatever you call them, though, they are a rapidly growing segment of mobility. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Let’s start with golf carts.

A golf cart is a small, motorized vehicle designed originally to carry two golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course with less effort than walking. It has not less than three wheels in contact with the ground, has an unladen weight of less than 1,300 pounds, is designed to be and is operated at not more than 15 miles per hour. A golf cart on a course usually will not have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other features typical of a vehicle that drives in neighborhoods and streets.

What happens when it hits the street?

When that familiar buggy shape goes onto the regular roads around town, it needs to become street legal. That requires a few changes. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are street-legal four-wheeled motor vehicles, other than a truck type, having a top speed of more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour on paved surfaces and a gross vehicle rating of less than 3,000 lbs. Unlike golf carts (and golf cars), LSVs can travel on roads that are not typically accessible by golf carts. In addition, they have improved brake performance, seat belts, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, reflectors, and other safety items.

What the heck is a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)?

NEV is a federally approved street-legal classification that falls under the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) classification for low-speed vehicles and can be legally driven on most public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph (56kph), or in some states, 45 mph (72kph) or less. An NEV has headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a VIN number. It must be titled, registered, and insured according to local laws and may only be operated by a licensed driver (in most states). NEVs often resemble a golf cart in design. However, they are battery-electric and currently recharge by plugging into a standard outlet.

But these electric vehicles, just like full size EVs, have to be charged. And that’s where WiTricity comes in. Drivers want wireless charging. In fact, 95% of people surveyed said they are interested. Not surprisingly, NEV owners and intenders want wireless charging for the same reasons as people who drive electric vehicles want it – convenience and safety. More than three quarters of survey respondents say that the benefit of wireless charging is ease of use. Nearly the same percentage want it because it’s safe for their family, their vehicle, and the environment.

So, no matter what you call these vehicles, ditch the plug and charge wirelessly.