If any of you have ever flown into the LA basin on a clear morning, you probably noticed the low hanging clouds surrounding Downtown. You also probably realized that was not a natural phenomenon. That brownish red haze is pollution. Burning fossil fuels in major cities, for a short trip, is not sustainable. More and more research is illustrating that at least for short trips, a hybrid, or EV (Electric Vehicle) is the future. Perhaps a customized Golf Car?
Some economists are forecasting $200B global market for electric vehicles by 2020. We involved in the Golf Car Industry have been in the middle of this expansion. While some areas of the US seem to be growing every year in regards to Golf Car sales, others are just joining the revolution, like Emerald Isle in South Carolina. One thing is for sure, Golf Cars, and electric vehicles are not just for golf. Nor is there only job to be spiriting your clubs around. These purpose designed and built vehicles are the perfect solution for a city plagued with smog and small streets.
I have been on the side streets of Paris, and the beautiful cobblestone roads of Stockholm.
The passageways were wide enough for 2 horses to pass each other. Too narrow for a traditional delivery vehicle, but wide enough for a Golf Car. Even pulling a small trailer will not affect the vehicles ability to navigate the slim streets. Future improvements in battery technology will really increase the appeal for small businesses to invest in a Golf Car, or some derivative. In fact space age technology is going to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can consistently perform at into areas we are not able to even estimate.
Researchers at Stanford this year think they found a way to keep Lithium-Ion batteries cool. More importantly to help prevent explosions. Plastic polymers containing nickel particles swell and sever the link between the nickel deposits when the battery becomes too hot. The polymer then contracts when the battery cools This allows the flow of energy to resume through the nickel particles. Other breakthroughs involve using inspiration from organisms to improve the energy cells. The most innovative breakthroughs, in my opinion, are in charging capabilities. Electric vehicles can be charged by solar panels on the roof of your business quickly and virtually free, after the initial investment of course. This is a great time to be involved in the Golf Car Industry, and I can’t wait to see what is unveiled at the trade shows this year.
Perhaps a battery manufacturer will unveil an innovative battery, like those Stanford researchers were working on. Maybe one of the cart companies will roll out a new charging system that will make a quick charge a reality. There might even be a real innovation in reasonably priced disc brakes. With more and more carts becoming street machines, disc brakes are almost a must. I can tell you one thing it is an exciting time to be working in the Golf Cart Industry.
