Brand Spotlight: E-Z-GO Golf Carts
May 16th 2017
Although E-Z-GO builds utility vehicles and personal transportation vehicles, it began as a maker of golf carts. Beginning in 1954, two brothers set out to make a better golf cart than any currently on the market. They succeeded!
Headquartered in Augusta, Georgia, E-Z-GO makes tens of thousands of vehicles every year and is on the cutting edge of technology that improves vehicle efficiency and driver experience. In addition to award-winning products, E-Z-GO is also known for its business and operational acumen. In 2009, E-Z-GO won the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence. It was also recognized as one of Industry Week’s top ten manufacturing plants in North America.
In 1960, E-Z-GO was acquired by Textron Inc., a global multi-industry company and a Fortune 500 company with more than 35,000 employees worldwide and operations in 25 countries.
E-Z-GO Commitment to Green
E-Z-GO is committed to the environment. Built around a sport that respects the beauty of the environment, E-Z-GO strives to reduce energy costs in its manufacturing and to produce energy efficient products with minimal environmental impact.
By installing high-efficiency lighting in its factories and offices, energy usage has been reduced by about 7% per year. Its plants operate on a four-day week, further reducing energy and water use. Closed-loop oil/water separators have been implemented to lessen the amount of water needed to wash its vehicles.
Through research and development, E-Z-GO has made both the electric and the gas-powered models of its RXV line more efficient. The electric model uses an ultra-efficient alternating current drive that makes it more cost effective to operate and drive, increasing efficiency by up to 30%. In the gas-powered model, a single cylinder Kawasaki engine improves fuel efficiency by up to 52% and meets the strict emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board.
Not only does E-Z-GO recycle cardboard, paper, plastics, metals and wooden pallets to reduce the company’s landfill waste, but it also uses some parts made of 100% recycled content in its products.
Community Involvement
Textron Specialized Vehicles, the parent company of E-Z-GO, has a strong commitment to helping the communities they serve. Its resources are tightly focused on organizations that promote community health and wellness, educational initiatives (particularly in STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math), cultural programs, and workforce and economic development.
E-Z-GO Products
With a full range of models to choose from, it won’t be difficult to find a golf cart that suits your needs.
RXV
The E-Z-GO RXV electric model features an AC drive. It uses an alternating-current motor and electrical powertrain to deliver power over any terrain as well as energy efficiency. The gas-powered model runs on a Kawasaki 13 horsepower engine. It also incorporates safety features like an automatic parking brake that engages whenever the vehicle stops.
TXT
The TXT features TruCourse Technology, which enables golf course operators to customize the vehicle’s performance characteristics to match the terrain of their golf course, providing a smoother ride for their clients. The 48-volt DC drivetrain allows for longer range and enhanced battery life.
Safety features include downhill speed control, offering a smooth, comfortable ride over challenging terrain. Other features include slip-resistant floor mats, cup, ball, and tee holders, a double-walled canopy and handle, and a walk-away braking alarm.
ELiTE Lithium Series
In January 2017, E-Z-GO announced the introduction of the ELiTE Series lithium golf cars. The vehicles offer zero-maintenance batteries with a five-year unlimited amp-hour warranty and increased energy efficiency. Having partnered with Samsung SDI, E-Z-GO has once again advanced golf cart technology. The new ELiTE series vehicles are powered by hundreds of Samsung SDI lithium cells that are packaged into a single battery pack. The pack is controlled by an advanced Battery Management System which both monitors and controls battery efficiency.
The new batteries do not require watering, terminal post checkups, or cleaning like traditional lead acid batteries. This translates to less time in the shop and more time out on the golf course. Charging time is significantly reduced, and the vehicles can be “opportunity charged” or charged for short periods between rounds. Gone are the days of long recharge cycles required by lead acid batteries.
As a boon to golf course managers, less power is required to charge the ELiTE series, so not only will they cut energy costs, but the golf carts will have little or no downtime. The batteries are smaller and much lighter than traditional lead acid batteries, reducing the weight of the golf carts and minimizing soil compaction and turf damage due to the vehicle’s weight.
E-Z-GO Goals
Whether for its golf carts, hospitality carts, maintenance vehicles, or personal vehicles, E-Z-GO is committed to improving the safety of its customers and the energy efficiency of its products. Since 1954, the goal has been to improve golf cart technology and to offer the most technologically advanced products on the market.