The brand name is an acronym for Electronic Lithium Technology, which the manufacturer is touting as a “game-changer” for introducing lighter weight and significant energy and cost efficiencies to the golf car market. The ELiTE series will include six models, each of which will come with a five-year, unlimited-amp-hour warranty.
E-Z-GO®, a Textron Specialized Vehicles company, introduced its new line of ELiTE Series golf cars to customers on January 22 at the Pinehurst (N.C.). Resort. The new models will also be featured in E-Z-GO’s exhibits at the upcoming PGA Merchandise Show, Golf Industry Show and Club Managers Association of America World Conference.
ELiTE is an acronym for Electronic Lithium Technology, to highlight the primary features of the new models, which E-Z-GO will begin manufacturing at its Augusta, Ga., facility on January 23. Production will begin immediately for three models in the ELiTE Series—the RXV® ELiTE, the Freedom RXV ELiTE and the Freedom RXV 2+2 ELiTE. Production of the remaining three models in the ELiTE Series—the TXT® ELiTE, the Freedom TXT ELiTE and the Freedom TXT 2+2 ELiTE—will begin by the second quarter of 2017, according to E-Z-GO.
All models in the ELiTE Series will be powered by lithium battery packs developed through a partnership with Samsung ® SDI. With batteries that are half the size and a fraction of the weight of lead-acid batteries, the ELiTE Series cars weigh hundreds of pounds less than other fleet vehicles, according to E-Z-GO. The lighter weight will result in much less stress on golf-course turf when the ELiTE cars are used off cart paths, according to E-Z-GO.
Other features and benefits of the ELiTE Series cars, as promoted by E-Z-GO, include:
• Cost-saving efficiency. The ELiTE Series vehicles are powered by Samsung SDI lithium cells loaded into a single battery pack that use less energy and require less out-of-wall power to charge than leading lead-acid competitors. The cells also charge in half the time, to help further cut energy consumption and cost, and keep cars productive in generating revenue through all-day uptime.
• Consistent performance. For many courses, according to E-Z-GO, the most noticeable difference of lithium technology is a reliable power source that doesn’t fade over time.
• Five-year warranty. Every model in the ELITE Series will come with a five-year, unlimited-amp-hour warranty—coverage that will eliminate costly out-of-warranty repairs, according to E-Z-GO.
• Zero-maintenance batteries. Samsung SDI lithium batteries do not require the labor involved with watering, terminal post checkups and cleaning that are required by lead-acid batteries.
• Proven technology. The Samsung SDI lithium batteries are controlled by an advanced Battery Management System that monitors efficiency, temperature, state of charge and the health of the batteries. The batteries have been safely used, according to E-Z-GO, to power electric cars, e-scooters, power tools and other vehicles and devices.
“I’ve been going to the PGA Show and other industry shows for 25 years, and this is the most exciting new product introduction I’ve been a part of,” said Michael Parkhurst, E-Z-GO’s Vice President, Golf, at the Pinehurst introduction. “[The ELiTE Series] is a complete game-changer that shows how we’re once again ready to be the ‘first penguin’ to dive into new waters and have others follow our lead. And we’re ready to put into writing just how much more efficient [the ELiTE] cars are than the competition.”
Kevin Holleran, President & CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles, said that the introduction of the ELiTE Series represented the culmination of a development process that began in 2013. “There’s nothing impulsive about [the new models’ introduction,” Holleran said. “These aren’t just science projects for us; they are the result of how we continue to look for and adapt new technology and innovation that can help us provide better cars that can help golf course operators make more money.
“The golf market has grown beyond our expectations in the last five years,” Holleran added. “The [ELiTE Series] will continue that growth as a product for the entire market that will introduce the dominant drive-train technology for years to come.”
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