Golf cart vs. electric car: running cost
A golf cart is cheaper to run: about $99 a year versus $802 for an electric car at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $704 difference.
| Golf cart | Electric car | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 900 W | 7,200 W |
| Watt range | 500–1,500 W | 1,440–11,500 W |
| Typical use | 10 miles a day | 37 miles a day |
| Energy per year | 548 kWh | 4,460 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | $1.30 |
| Cost per day | 27¢ | $2.20 |
| Cost per month | $8.21 | $66.86 |
| Cost per year | $99 | $802 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $238 | $1,940 |
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What drives the difference
- Golf cart: Electric golf carts use about 0.12-0.18 kWh per mile at the wall, roughly 1-2 kWh a day for neighborhood use.
- Electric car: An average EV uses about 0.30 kWh per mile from the battery, about 0.33 kWh at the wall with charging losses; 37 miles a day is about 4,500 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
More efficient charging and lighter weight than lead-acid.
See options on AmazonMore efficient than a 120 V cord and charges overnight on off-peak hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a golf cart or an electric car?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric car costs about $802 a year versus $99 for a golf cart. That's $704 more, or 8.1× as much.
How many watts do golf cart and electric car use?
A golf cart typically draws 900 W (range 500–1,500 W). An electric car draws 7,200 W (range 1,440–11,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.