One of the best things about an electric golf cart is how cheap it is to run. There’s no petrol bill, no rego on private property, and servicing is minimal. But what does it actually cost per year in Australia? Here’s a realistic breakdown.
The four running costs
Running an electric golf cart comes down to four things: charging (electricity), the battery, tyres, and light servicing. That’s it — no fuel, no oil changes, no exhaust or gearbox.
1. Charging cost
A typical golf cart battery pack holds around 4–8 kWh of usable energy. At an Australian electricity price of about 30c per kWh, a full charge costs roughly $1.20 to $2.40. If you’re charging from rooftop solar during the day, it can be close to free.
For most private owners doing a few kilometres a day, that’s only a few dollars a week. Even heavy users rarely spend more than $150–$250 a year on charging. See the step-by-step in our guide to charging a golf cart.
2. Batteries
The battery is the single biggest cost over a cart’s life. A quality lead-acid pack lasts around 4–6 years and costs roughly $1,500–$2,500 to replace; lithium costs more upfront but can last 8–12+ years, often making it cheaper per year. We compare them in lithium vs lead-acid batteries and cover lifespan in how long golf cart batteries last.
3. Tyres
Golf cart tyres are inexpensive and long-lived. Most owners replace them only every several years, and a full set is typically a few hundred dollars. All-terrain tyres for acreage wear a little faster.
4. Servicing
Electric carts have very few moving parts, so servicing is minimal — checking brakes, tyres, battery water (lead-acid) and connections. A basic annual service is cheap, and much of it you can do yourself with our maintenance checklist.
Typical annual running cost
| Cost | Typical per year |
|---|---|
| Charging (electricity) | $50 – $250 |
| Battery (amortised) | $250 – $400 |
| Tyres (amortised) | $50 – $100 |
| Servicing / bits | $50 – $200 |
| Rough total | $400 – $950/yr |
Compare that to fuel, rego, insurance and servicing on a car and it’s obvious why owners love electric carts. If you also want to weigh up cover, read golf cart insurance in Australia.
Electric vs petrol running cost
Electric wins on day-to-day cost for most buyers; petrol only pulls ahead for very heavy, hilly or remote use. The full comparison is in electric vs petrol golf carts.
Keep costs low from day one
The cheapest cart to run is a well-cared-for one with a healthy battery. Browse our electric golf carts, check pricing in the price guide, or ask us which model best suits your usage and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge a golf cart in Australia?
A full charge typically uses 4–8 kWh. At around 30c/kWh that is roughly $1.20 to $2.40 per full charge — often just cents per kilometre.
Are electric golf carts cheap to run?
Yes. With no petrol, no registration on private property and minimal servicing, an electric cart is one of the cheapest vehicles you can own to run day to day.
What is the biggest running cost of a golf cart?
The battery. Spread over its life it is the largest cost, which is why battery type and care matter so much for total cost of ownership.