Electric power

With noise ordinances, the fluctuating cost of gasoline and concerns about the environment, some superintendents are choosing to use electric-powered utility vehicles instead of gas-powered ones. However, power and range have been a concern with electric vehicles. But Club Car is working to eliminate those concerns with its IQ Plus System.

Club Car's IQ Plus enables electric utility vehicles to handle many of the same jobs that once required the strength of gasoline-powered vehicles.

“Electric technology is an opportunity for superintendents to be a little more green,” says Mike Packer, vice president of utility and international sales. “In the past, electric technology has been limited in scope. Now we can give an electric vehicle to a superintendent that can give him a full day of work.”

The IQ Plus system is an enhanced version of the IQ System found in the company’s fleet of golf cars. The high-performance power source will be put into more of its turf utility and multipassenger transportation vehicles for the 2006 model year. The powertrain enables the electric utility vehicles to handle many of the same jobs that once required the strength of gasoline-powered vehicles.

“IQ Plus combines the established reliability of our 48-volt platform with the IQ System’s advanced drive-train technology to give superintendents and their crews a vehicle that works long, hard and fast,” Packer says.

The speed of vehicles equipped with the IQ Plus System is programmable between 5 and 17 mph. The system’s high-output charger and eight 6-volt battery configuration (replaces the six 8-volt system) gives vehicles a range as long as 80 miles on one charge. The battery is coupled to a motor, which is coupled to a computer that maximizes and balances the power that needs to be provided.

“Until a few years ago, electric vehicles had their limitations when it came to some of the tougher jobs around the course, but by better managing the power coming from and being restored to the batteries, our IQ Plus vehicles are just as capable as gas vehicles in this class,” Packer says.

An added benefit of electric utility vehicles is their comparative silence. Workers can get more done without disturbing the golfers.

“These vehicles are far superior to what we were working with just three years ago – they definitely give gas vehicles a run for their money,” says Mark Langner, director of agronomy and applied research at FarmLinks in Sylacauga, Ala. “We can send a four-person bunker crew out with their blowers and rakes in one vehicle instead of two. Since the electric vehicle is so quiet, the crew can get more done in less time because they’re not having to wait for such long periods while golfers clear the area they’re working. That translates to capital, labor and fuel savings.”

The IQ Plus System, which is now available in the Turf 2, Transporter 4, Transporter 6, Villager 6 and Villager 8 models, also provides energy management and service capabilities. The system’s IQ controller continually monitors vehicle performance and provides testing and diagnostic feedback through the IQ Display Module. The programmer version of the IQDM can be used to adjust performance settings based on user needs.

The IQ Plus vehicles give superintendents a real choice when it comes to gas- vs. electric-powered utility vehicles, Packer says.

“These electric vehicles will surprise you,” says Jerry Broughton, golf course superintendent at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City, Okla. “We’re using them to pull trailers and walk-behind mowers. We’ve loaded them up with sod, sand and compost mix. When you mash the pedal to the floor, even gong up a hill, the vehicle maintains the same speed.

“We have some pretty abrupt hills around here, and if the crew is hauling a greens mower down a hill, for example, it can get bounced around pretty good if the vehicle gets up a head of steam,” Broughton adds. “The braking system in these vehicles controls the downhill speed, so I don’t have to worry about damage to the equipment.”

Additional features and benefits include:
· Programmable speed, acceleration and motor braking to match course conditions and preferences;
· Audible warning for unmanned operation; and
· Available performance selection key switch, which allows settings to be changed without additional tools.

Vehicles with the IQ Plus System are quieter than gas-powered vehicles, which can contribute to better efficiency on the course.

“Electric vehicles are not as loud and as noticeable, so they’re especially good for working early in the morning in a residential community like ours,” says Bryan Barrington, golf course superintendent at The Golf Club at Oxford Green in Oxford, Conn.

Bill Hodge, category manager at Club Car, says the cost of an electric vehicle with a IQ Plus System is comparable to a gas-powered vehicle; but the cost to operate will be less that gas because you don’t have to change the oil or buy gas.

“It’s one less internal combustion engine the mechanic has to work on,” Packer says.

However, Packer admits there are a couple of hurdles to the widespread use of electric utility vehicles. He says some superintendents have probably used an electric vehicle at one point but it didn’t do what he needed it to do. There also are other superintendents who haven’t tried them at all.

“We have our work cut out for us,” he says. “It’s going to take time.” GCN

Bill Bryant of Bryant Marketing Communications contributed to this article.