Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum - View Single Post

shortspark · 10-22-2019, 08:48 AM

I was told yesterday by the CC dealer that my new Onward lithium cart will be shipped out around Nov. 6. Like the op, I had the same questions of lithium vs the 48v systems which I have had on all my previous carts. And like the op I have done lots of reading and research. I concluded that the pros far outweigh the cons, even if money is an issue (assuming you can afford a new cart in the first place). I hate paying such a premium for lithium but in the long run the difference should not be as great as the initial sticker shock suggests.

I consider the longevity and ease of battery maintenance to be nothing more than bonus factors but certainly they are plus points. But the real reason I went with lithium was the performance. The dealer let me have a real good test drive of his display model and they are absolutely correct in saying the torque is awesome and the performance is linear in character. By that I mean it is similar to a supercharged Jaguar vs a V8 twin turbo Mercedes. In the Mercedes there is a lag, very slight but noticeable nonetheless. It is called turbo lag which happens when the turbos are spooling up as you accelerate. I know, I own a CLS550. The Jag does not have this as its supercharger moves like a stone out of a slingshot - immediate movement from the moment of release with the stone showing no sign of hesitation at any point, not even for a split second.

That is the same thing I noticed when I drove the lithium cart. Going up a hill is virtually the same as going on level payment, while driving my CC 48v displays the normal drag. The movement off the line shows the torque difference and it is dramatically different, moving forward like an arrow. Riding the lithium cart, especially when tuned to sport mode, is a different and decidedly better (and fun) driving experience. Just drive one around for about a half hour and you will see what I mean.

Having said all this, performance aside, the new cart will be only slightly different from my Precedent with the Phantom body I installed on it last year. My advice and recommendation (admitting I do not have the cart yet) is to buy the new lithium technology if you can afford the extra cost.

10-22-2019, 08:48 AM	#5
shortspark Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Posts: 53	Re: Onward Lithium vrs Deep Cell I was told yesterday by the CC dealer that my new Onward lithium cart will be shipped out around Nov. 6. Like the op, I had the same questions of lithium vs the 48v systems which I have had on all my previous carts. And like the op I have done lots of reading and research. I concluded that the pros far outweigh the cons, even if money is an issue (assuming you can afford a new cart in the first place). I hate paying such a premium for lithium but in the long run the difference should not be as great as the initial sticker shock suggests. I consider the longevity and ease of battery maintenance to be nothing more than bonus factors but certainly they are plus points. But the real reason I went with lithium was the performance. The dealer let me have a real good test drive of his display model and they are absolutely correct in saying the torque is awesome and the performance is linear in character. By that I mean it is similar to a supercharged Jaguar vs a V8 twin turbo Mercedes. In the Mercedes there is a lag, very slight but noticeable nonetheless. It is called turbo lag which happens when the turbos are spooling up as you accelerate. I know, I own a CLS550. The Jag does not have this as its supercharger moves like a stone out of a slingshot - immediate movement from the moment of release with the stone showing no sign of hesitation at any point, not even for a split second. That is the same thing I noticed when I drove the lithium cart. Going up a hill is virtually the same as going on level payment, while driving my CC 48v displays the normal drag. The movement off the line shows the torque difference and it is dramatically different, moving forward like an arrow. Riding the lithium cart, especially when tuned to sport mode, is a different and decidedly better (and fun) driving experience. Just drive one around for about a half hour and you will see what I mean. Having said all this, performance aside, the new cart will be only slightly different from my Precedent with the Phantom body I installed on it last year. My advice and recommendation (admitting I do not have the cart yet) is to buy the new lithium technology if you can afford the extra cost.